The message today centers on the profound truth that following Jesus and standing up for truth comes with a cost. In recent years, I've realized more than ever that the more we stand for truth, the more it will cost us. If the truth isn't costing you something, it might be time to examine your life. Following Jesus requires counting the cost, as the truth often upsets and offends. However, it's crucial to approach this with love and grace, ensuring that our attitude doesn't become offensive. The truth should humble us, allowing us to present it in a godly manner.
The context of Acts 5, where great miracles were performed in Jesus's name, highlights the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's work is essential in our lives, leading us to maturity, brokenness, and transformation. Despite the miracles, the apostles faced imprisonment, illustrating how the truth can offend and provoke jealousy. The world rarely agrees with God's truth, and standing for integrity often leads to challenges and opposition. Yet, we must remain steadfast, letting our light shine even when it offends others.
The truth will cost us in various ways, including our desire for approval and comfort. People may not like us as much as we want, and standing for truth may lead to losing likes and approval from others. However, we must prioritize God's approval over man's. The truth also challenges us to be gentle, selective, and loving in our approach, allowing God to work through us. It's essential to be targeted, prayed up, sincere, and humble, as not everyone will embrace the truth, but some will be changed.
Living for the truth will cost us an easy life, as following Jesus is not always comfortable. It requires dying to self and embracing a life of holiness and purity. The truth will also cost us our will, as God's will often challenges our comfort and desires. We must be willing to surrender our plans and allow God to guide us. Ultimately, the truth will cost us, but the rewards of living for God far outweigh the costs. We must be desperate for more of God, seeking Him with all our hearts, and allowing His Spirit to fill and guide us.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The Cost of Truth: Standing for truth in a world that often opposes it will cost you. It may lead to losing approval and facing opposition, but it's essential to prioritize God's approval over man's. Embrace the cost, knowing that the truth will humble and transform you. [00:31]
- 2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is vital in our lives, leading us to maturity and transformation. We must be open to the Spirit's work, allowing it to guide and empower us. The Spirit's power is essential for living a life that honors God. [02:41]
- 3. Gentleness and Love in Truth: When proclaiming truth, it's crucial to be gentle, selective, and loving. Let love and grace be the driving force, allowing God to work through you. Not everyone will embrace the truth, but some will be changed. [09:19]
- 4. The Challenge of Comfort: Following Jesus is not always comfortable. It requires dying to self and embracing a life of holiness and purity. Be willing to surrender your plans and allow God to guide you, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. [19:36]
- 5. Surrendering Your Will: God's will often challenges our comfort and desires. We must be willing to surrender our plans and allow God to guide us. Embrace the cost, knowing that the rewards of living for God far outweigh the costs. [39:13]
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