Standing Firm: Embracing the Gospel of Peace
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, Restoration. Tonight, we delve into the theme "Fitted, Standing on My Father's Business," focusing on the shoes of the gospel of peace from Ephesians 6:13-15. This passage instructs us to put on every piece of God's armor to stand firm against the enemy. We have previously discussed the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, and now we turn our attention to the shoes of the gospel of peace.
Jesus provides a profound example of standing on our Father's business in Luke 2:46-49, where He is found in the temple at age 12, engaging with teachers. This example breaks down into five key areas: worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship. These areas align with our church's mission statement: discovering Jesus, transforming lives, and sharing with others.
1. Worship: Jesus was found in the temple, emphasizing that worship is foundational. Worship displaces anxiety and stress, creating a space for thankfulness and praise. Worship should be a continuous act, not confined to church services but integrated into our daily lives.
2. Ministry: Ministry is service, derived from Greek words meaning to serve. It is not limited to pastors or church leaders but is a responsibility for all believers. Ephesians 4:12 highlights that our role is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church.
3. Evangelism: Evangelism involves preaching the word of God and being prepared to share it, whether the time is favorable or not. It is about being Christ's ambassadors, calling people back to God and fulfilling the mission of reconciliation.
4. Fellowship: Fellowship, or koinonia, is about shared participation within a community. It involves more than socializing; it is about building relationships that foster spiritual growth. This can be through connect groups, spiritual parenting, or having accountability partners.
5. Discipleship: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Discipleship is an ongoing process of guiding others in their spiritual journey.
As we equip ourselves with the shoes of the gospel of peace, we must stand firm in these five areas, embodying the mission of reconciliation and drawing others to Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship as a Foundation: Worship is the starting point for standing on our Father's business. It displaces anxiety and stress, creating a space for thankfulness and praise. Worship should be a continuous act, integrated into our daily lives, not just confined to church services. [09:00]
2. Ministry as Service: Ministry is not limited to pastors or church leaders but is a responsibility for all believers. It involves serving others and spreading the message of Jesus. Ephesians 4:12 emphasizes that our role is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church. [13:23]
3. Evangelism as a Mission: Evangelism involves preaching the word of God and being prepared to share it, whether the time is favorable or not. As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to reconcile people to God, fulfilling the mission of reconciliation. [19:39]
4. Fellowship as Community: Fellowship, or koinonia, is about shared participation within a community. It involves building relationships that foster spiritual growth through connect groups, spiritual parenting, and accountability partners. [27:13]
5. Discipleship as a Command: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Discipleship is an ongoing process of guiding others in their spiritual journey, ensuring they grow in their faith. [35:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:31] - Introduction to the Armor of God
[03:57] - Equipping the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
[05:11] - Jesus' Example in the Temple
[06:14] - Worship as the First Step
[12:08] - Ministry as Service
[16:31] - Evangelism and Being Prepared
[26:30] - Fellowship and Community
[34:21] - Discipleship and the Great Commission
[41:33] - Standing on Our Father's Business
[47:48] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:13-15 (NLT): "Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor, so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."
2. Luke 2:46-49 (NLT): "Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn’t know what to think. 'Son,' his mother said to him, 'why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.' 'But why did you need to search?' he asked. 'Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?'"
3. Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT): "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What are the five key areas Jesus exemplified in Luke 2:46-49 that align with standing on our Father's business? ([05:11])
2. According to Ephesians 6:13-15, what is the purpose of putting on every piece of God's armor?
3. How does worship help displace anxiety and stress according to the sermon? ([09:00])
4. What does the term "ministry" mean as explained in the sermon, and who is it for? ([13:23])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example in the temple at age 12 illustrate the importance of worship in our daily lives? ([05:11])
2. In what ways does the concept of ministry as service challenge the traditional view that ministry is only for church leaders? ([13:23])
3. How can the practice of evangelism, as described in 2 Timothy 4:2, be integrated into our daily routines? ([19:39])
4. What role does fellowship play in spiritual growth, and how can it be more than just socializing? ([27:13])
### Application Questions
1. Worship is described as a continuous act that displaces anxiety and stress. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to help manage stress? ([09:00])
2. Ministry is defined as service for all believers. What specific actions can you take this week to serve others in your community or church? ([13:23])
3. Evangelism involves being prepared to share the word of God at any time. Identify one person in your life who you can share the gospel with this week. How will you prepare for that conversation? ([19:39])
4. Fellowship is about building relationships that foster spiritual growth. What steps can you take to deepen your relationships within your church community? ([27:13])
5. Discipleship is an ongoing process of guiding others in their spiritual journey. Who is someone you can mentor or be mentored by in your faith journey? How will you initiate this relationship? ([35:48])
6. Reflect on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. What practical steps can you take to make disciples in your everyday life? ([35:48])
7. The sermon emphasizes standing firm in the mission of reconciliation. How can you actively participate in reconciling others to God in your current context? ([23:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as a Foundation
Worship is the starting point for standing on our Father's business. It displaces anxiety and stress, creating a space for thankfulness and praise. Worship should be a continuous act, integrated into our daily lives, not just confined to church services. Worship is not just about singing songs on Sunday; it is about living a life that honors God every day. When we worship, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness, which helps us to trust Him more deeply and reduces our worries and fears.
In Luke 2:46-49, Jesus is found in the temple, engaging with teachers, showing that worship is foundational. Worship is a lifestyle that involves our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. It is about recognizing God's presence in every aspect of our lives and responding with gratitude and reverence. By making worship a daily practice, we create a habit of focusing on God, which can transform our perspective and bring peace into our lives. [09:00]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond Sunday services? What specific actions can you take to make worship a continuous act in your life?
Day 2: Ministry as Service
Ministry is not limited to pastors or church leaders but is a responsibility for all believers. It involves serving others and spreading the message of Jesus. Ephesians 4:12 emphasizes that our role is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church. Ministry is about using our gifts and talents to serve others and advance God's kingdom. It is about being the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities and beyond.
Service is at the heart of ministry. It is about putting others' needs before our own and showing Christ's love through our actions. Whether it is through volunteering at church, helping a neighbor, or supporting a friend in need, ministry is about making a positive impact in the lives of others. By serving others, we reflect God's love and bring glory to His name. [13:23]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can serve others in your community this week? How can you use your unique gifts and talents to build up the church and advance God's kingdom?
Day 3: Evangelism as a Mission
Evangelism involves preaching the word of God and being prepared to share it, whether the time is favorable or not. As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to reconcile people to God, fulfilling the mission of reconciliation. Evangelism is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others and inviting them into a relationship with Him. It is about being intentional in our conversations and looking for opportunities to share our faith.
Being prepared to share the gospel means knowing the message of salvation and being ready to explain it clearly and confidently. It also means living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus, so that others can see the difference He has made in our lives. Evangelism is not just about words; it is about living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ. [19:39]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you be intentional about sharing your faith with them this week?
Day 4: Fellowship as Community
Fellowship, or koinonia, is about shared participation within a community. It involves building relationships that foster spiritual growth through connect groups, spiritual parenting, and accountability partners. Fellowship is more than just socializing; it is about creating a supportive and nurturing environment where believers can grow in their faith together. It is about being part of a community that encourages and challenges each other to live out their faith.
Building strong relationships within the church community is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a support system where we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and hold each other accountable. Fellowship helps us to stay connected to the body of Christ and reminds us that we are not alone in our journey of faith. [27:13]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationships within your church community? What steps can you take to foster spiritual growth through fellowship?
Day 5: Discipleship as a Command
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Discipleship is an ongoing process of guiding others in their spiritual journey, ensuring they grow in their faith. It involves mentoring, teaching, and walking alongside others as they learn to follow Jesus. Discipleship is about investing in the spiritual growth of others and helping them to become mature followers of Christ.
Making disciples requires intentionality and commitment. It means being willing to invest time and energy into the lives of others, helping them to understand and apply God's Word. Discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about modeling a Christ-centered life and encouraging others to do the same. By making disciples, we fulfill Jesus' command and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. [35:48]
Colossians 1:28 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
Reflection: Who are you currently discipling or mentoring in their faith journey? How can you be more intentional about investing in their spiritual growth this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Anxiety and stress cannot exist in the same area of your mind where there is thankfulness, where there is worship, where there is praise. So, I actually want you to try that out. So during the week, if you find your mind locked on anxiety or stress or worry, it is a proven fact that anxiety, stress, and worry cannot exist in your mind where there's worship, praise, and thankfulness. They can't exist in the same area of your mind at the same time." [08:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Ministry is service. So if we break down what ministry means, ministry is just simply service. Ministry is actually derived from the Greek words Diokena, which means to serve, and doleo, which means to serve as a slave. So in the Bible, ministry is defined as serving others and spreading the message of Jesus. That is what ministry is. Serving others and spreading the message of Jesus." [13:23] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you have your shoes of the gospel on, one, first you're worshiping. Second, you're ministering. Third, you're evangelizing. Now let's take a second to stop for a second and contemplate on this question right here. When was the last time you were evangelizing? Now I just want us to all just pause for one second and take that in. Think of that question. When was the last time I was evangelizing?" [16:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So we are Christ's ambassadors. And God is making his appeal through us. So as we are Christ's ambassadors, God is making his appeal through us. And we speak for Christ when we plead, come back to God. And I'm reading from the NLT version. Now, I actually have to read that one more time. Because that was just speaking right there. I got to read it one more time. So we are Christ's ambassadors. And God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, come back to God." [23:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the age. So Jesus gives us this command. And when you're standing on your father's business, this is what you're doing. You are going. You are going. And you're making disciples of all the nations." [36:34] (135 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So as we start tonight, our title for tonight was standing on my father's business. Now, what does it mean to stand on business? So when you stand on business, according to the Urban Dictionary, this phrase is defined as you take care of business or obligations. You complete the task that needs to be completed. So when you're faced with the situation, you are urged to handle the affairs." [03:57] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So the mission statement of our church is first, we discover Jesus. Second, we transform lives. And third, we share with others. So right here, how this is part of the mission of the church is we share with others. We share. The gospel in Jesus shows this right here. So the first way Jesus shows this is worship. So in verse forty six, it says now it was after three days they found him in the temple. So they found Jesus in the temple. And that's where they should find us." [06:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So Paul says right here that you have to give them good teaching. So if he's stressing that you can give good teaching, we got to be giving good teaching. Let's go a little bit further. What does evangelism look like? Paul gives us another example. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 20. He says, so we are Christ's ambassadors. Again, we have to stop. This is one of my favorite verses. He says, so we are Christ's ambassadors." [22:50] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Fellowshiping is having a spiritual parent. Fellowshiping is being a spiritual parent. We are given this example through Paul and Timothy. We are given this example through Elijah and Elisha. We are given this example through Moses and Joshua. We are given this example between Naomi and Ruth. We are given this example of what a spiritual parent is and what a spiritual parent looks like. And if a believer in Christ. You should. You should be fellowshipping." [31:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So our last command. Our last part. When you're wearing and you're fitted with the gospel of truth, what you're doing is first, worship. Second, ministry. Third, evangelism. Fourth, fellowship. And fifth, discipleship. That's what we're all doing. I just need everybody to do me a favor really quick before we go any further. I want you to put this in the chat. I am standing on my father's business." [39:05] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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