Rooted in Christ: Restoration Through Love and Humility

Devotional

Day 1: Rooted in Jesus, Not in Leaders

Our faith should be firmly rooted in Jesus Christ, especially during times of confusion and turmoil within our church community. It's easy to become disillusioned when church leaders or members fail us, but we must remember that our foundation is in Jesus, not in human beings. Jesus is unchanging and perfect, unlike any human leader. By keeping our focus on Him, we can navigate through difficult times without losing our faith. This perspective helps us maintain spiritual stability and resilience, even when the church faces challenges. [02:30]

Isaiah 26:4 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: When was the last time you felt disillusioned by a church leader or member? How can you refocus your faith on Jesus today?

Day 2: Gentle Restoration

Galatians 6:1 teaches us to restore those overtaken by faults with a spirit of gentleness. Instead of calling each other out, we should call each other up, encouraging one another to rise above our mistakes. This approach fosters a supportive and loving community. When someone stumbles, our response should be one of compassion and encouragement, helping them to get back on their feet and continue their spiritual journey. This kind of gentle restoration reflects the love and grace of Jesus, who always seeks to lift us up rather than condemn us. [04:47]

James 5:19-20 (ESV): "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has made a mistake. How can you gently encourage them to rise above it today?

Day 3: Love Fulfills the Law of Christ

Love empowers us to fulfill the law of Christ by carrying each other's burdens. We must avoid exalting ourselves over others and remember that Jesus stooped down to help us. Our actions should reflect His love and humility. When we carry each other's burdens, we demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way. This means being there for one another in times of need, offering support, and showing compassion. By doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ, which is centered on love and selflessness. [09:40]

1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: Who in your life is carrying a heavy burden right now? How can you show them the love of Christ through your actions today?

Day 4: Excellence in Service

Whatever God has called us to do, we should do it with excellence. Whether it's teaching, singing, or any other service, our work should reflect our commitment to God. Our joy should come from doing what is right and being ourselves, not from seeking affirmation from others. When we serve with excellence, we honor God and inspire others to do the same. This means putting our best effort into everything we do, knowing that we are ultimately serving the Lord. [11:33]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: In what area of your service to God can you strive for greater excellence? What steps can you take to improve in that area today?

Day 5: Judging by Fruit

We should judge people by their fruit, not their gifts. Being around those who overflow with the Spirit of God helps us in our restoration process. Kind and gentle words are essential in winning over those who are hurting and confused. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be the measure by which we evaluate ourselves and others. By focusing on these qualities, we can create a more loving and supportive community. [17:43]

Matthew 7:16-17 (ESV): "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit."

Reflection: Reflect on the people you spend the most time with. Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? How can you surround yourself with more people who overflow with the Spirit of God?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we focused on the importance of maintaining a firm foundation in Jesus Christ, especially during times of confusion and turmoil within our church community. We acknowledged that everyone has faults and weaknesses, and it's crucial to remember that our faith should be rooted in Jesus, not in the church or its leaders. We explored Galatians 6:1, emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity when restoring someone overtaken by a fault. Instead of calling each other out, we should call each other up, encouraging one another to rise above our mistakes.

We discussed the power of love in fulfilling the law of Christ, urging us to carry each other's burdens with gentleness and humility. We must avoid exalting ourselves over others, recognizing that Jesus Himself stooped down to help us. Excellence in our work for God was highlighted, whether it be in teaching, singing, or any other service. We were reminded that our joy should come from doing what is right and being ourselves, not from seeking affirmation from others.

The sermon also touched on the importance of being around people who overflow with the Spirit of God, as they can help restore us. We were encouraged to judge people by their fruit, not their gifts, and to seek restoration through kind and gentle words. The difference between a lifestyle of sin and a momentary lapse in judgment was clarified, urging us to consider our own faults and seek God's guidance in our lives.

We concluded with a call to prayer, using the Psalms as a guide. We prayed for God to create in us clean hearts, to renew our spirits, and to help us walk in His ways with excellence and humility. We rebuked the spirit of gossip and judgment, asking God to help us focus on our own spiritual growth and to support each other in love and grace.

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Key Takeaways

1. Foundation in Jesus: Our faith should be rooted in Jesus Christ, not in the church or its leaders. When confusion and turmoil arise, it's essential to remember that Jesus is our firm foundation. This perspective helps us navigate through difficult times without losing our faith. [02:30]
2. Restoration with Gentleness: Galatians 6:1 teaches us to restore those overtaken by faults with a spirit of gentleness. Instead of calling each other out, we should call each other up, encouraging one another to rise above our mistakes. This approach fosters a supportive and loving community. [04:47]
3. Power of Love: Love empowers us to fulfill the law of Christ by carrying each other's burdens. We must avoid exalting ourselves over others and remember that Jesus stooped down to help us. Our actions should reflect His love and humility. [09:40]
4. Excellence in Service: Whatever God has called us to do, we should do it with excellence. Whether it's teaching, singing, or any other service, our work should reflect our commitment to God. Our joy should come from doing what is right and being ourselves, not from seeking affirmation from others. [11:33]
5. Judging by Fruit: We should judge people by their fruit, not their gifts. Being around those who overflow with the Spirit of God helps us in our restoration process. Kind and gentle words are essential in winning over those who are hurting and confused. [17:43]
### [17:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Foundation in Jesus
[04:47] - Restoration with Gentleness
[09:40] - Power of Love
[11:33] - Excellence in Service
[17:43] - Judging by Fruit
[19:52] - Difference Between Sin and Lapse in Judgment
[23:04] - Considering Our Own Faults
[25:33] - Praying with the Psalms
[29:18] - Seeking Refuge in God
[31:36] - Guarding Our Words and Thoughts
[32:49] - Examining Ourselves
[35:45] - Refining Our Hearts
[39:24] - Truth in the Inward Parts
[41:22] - God's Church Will Prevail
[43:50] - Praying for Mercy and Cleansing
[47:05] - Creating a Clean Heart
[51:32] - Declaring the Blood of Jesus
[53:30] - Rebuking the Spirit of Gossip
[59:46] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV) — > "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

2. Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
> "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

3. Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV)
> "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

#

Observation Questions

According to Galatians 6:1, who is responsible for restoring someone overtaken by a fault, and how should it be done? [04:47]
What does Psalm 51:10 ask God to create and renew within us?
In Psalm 139:23-24, what does the psalmist ask God to do, and why is this significant for personal growth?
How does the sermon suggest we should respond to seeing faults in others? [20:49]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to restore someone with a spirit of gentleness according to Galatians 6:1? How does this approach affect the church community? [04:47]
What does it mean to have a "clean heart" and a "steadfast spirit" as mentioned in Psalm 51:10? How does this relate to our daily walk with God?
How can asking God to "search" and "know" our hearts, as in Psalm 139:23-24, help us in our spiritual journey? What might be the challenges in this process?
The sermon emphasizes the difference between a lifestyle of sin and a momentary lapse in judgment. How can this understanding change our approach to dealing with our own and others' faults? [21:32]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you were quick to judge someone else's fault. How could you have approached the situation with more gentleness and encouragement? [04:47]
In what ways can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in Jesus rather than in church leaders or the church itself? How can this perspective help you during times of confusion and turmoil? [02:30]
Think of a person in your life who is struggling with a burden. How can you practically help carry their burden this week, showing the love of Christ? [09:40]
Identify an area of service in your life where you can strive for greater excellence. What specific steps can you take to improve in this area, and how can you ensure your motivation is to honor God rather than seek affirmation from others? [11:33]
Consider your own spiritual fruit. Are there areas where you need to grow? How can you surround yourself with people who overflow with the Spirit of God to help in your restoration process? [17:43]
Reflect on your prayer life. How can you incorporate the Psalms into your prayers to seek a clean heart and a renewed spirit? What specific Psalm will you start with this week? [25:33]
How can you actively rebuke the spirit of gossip and judgment in your own life and within your church community? What steps will you take to foster a more supportive and loving environment? [53:30]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "My faith never was in the church. My faith is in Jesus and Him alone, and we have to get our foundation sure. We have to get our foundation firm and have to make sure that what we're doing is for God and God alone. Amen. I'm not here for people's accolades. I'm not here for people to affirm me. God is my affirmation. Come on, y'all. God must be your affirmation." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Love empowers us to fulfill the law of the anointed one as we carry each other's troubles. Sometimes I need you to carry my trouble. Sometimes you need to carry your brother's troubles. Sometimes you need to carry your sister's troubles and not be rude and not be ugly and not be judgmental, but carry them in such a way that relieves them from the weight of the load." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you think you're too important to stoop down and help another, then you're living in deception. Did not Jesus stoop down to help all of us and you think you're too good to stoop down and help a brother? That elevates me above Christ if I'm thinking that way." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Whatever God has given you to do, do it with excellence. If He has called you to sweep floors, let it be the best-swept floor that has ever been. If He called you to wash a window, let it be the best window washing job anybody has ever seen. If He called you to teach, teach with excellence. If He called you to sing, sing with excellence. If He called you to play, play with excellence." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We've got to quit going to the world for our answers. We've got to keep coming back to the word of God for our answers. Got to keep coming back to the holy scripture for your answer. I don't care what little Buford from wherever he may be has to say about this person, that person, or the other person. That really doesn't matter. Because he is not the judge. He is not the corrector of all wrongdoings." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We really love to judge people who don't sin the same way we sin. We've got a correction for everybody who doesn't do it like we do it. But then when we find those who... Like it like we like it. I'm going to leave you all alone in that. Love, verse 2, empowers us. Somebody say love. Love. Not judgment, not hate, not anger, not frustration, but love empowers us to fulfill the law of the anointed one as we carry each other's troubles." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You cannot be restored by someone who has the same kind of spirit that got you into the mess. Come on, y'all. So don't look for agreement, partners. And remember, it's the fruit, not the gift. You win people over who are hurting and confused. You win them over. People that are struggling. By kind and gentle words. That's what the scripture teaches us. So there's got to be a kindness and a gentleness." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There's a difference between living a lifestyle of sin and making a bad judgment. There's a huge difference there, y'all. Somebody that just stays in the sin, just stays in it, and just stays in it. Been doing it for years. Going to stay in it. Going to stay in it. Going to keep doing it. No matter what you say. No matter what anybody thinks. No matter what the word of God says. They just going to keep living that lifestyle. You have to question. And here's what you question. We don't question the person. The Bible says don't. We're not here to judge each other. I'm not here to judge the person. But I'm here to judge the spirit. And see whether it be of God or not." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "David said, God, forgive me for the sins that I don't even know I've committed. I've done some stuff that I didn't even recognize it as being wrong. But will you forgive me? So that I don't keep walking in that transgression. Point it out to me. May I become aware of what I'm doing. Where I'm missing you. Where I'm missing the call." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "He said, search me, O God. It's one of my favorites. We used to sing it when I was a kid. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Put me to the test. Refine me again. There it is. And know my anxious thoughts. God, I'm worried about money. I'm worried about finances. I'm worried about what's going to happen to the church. If all these people are doing this stuff, God, is the whole church going to fall apart? Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Remember, the gates of hell shall not prevail against my church. Upon this rock, I'm going to build my church and the gates of hell. Oh, yeah, there are going to be people that will fail, but there never will the church fail." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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