Thriving Together: Embracing Struggles in Christ
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the concept of thriving in Christ and the inevitable struggles that come with it. I emphasized that as we live more for Christ, we will encounter the powers of darkness, and in these moments, we need each other to be agents of healing and reconciliation. I posed a reflective question to the congregation, asking them to identify the truth they need to cling to or declare as they continue their spiritual journey. I reminded them that they were not meant to sit in a space of interminable suffering forever, but that God can take what is broken and use it for something glorious.
In the second part of the sermon, I delved into the metaphor of the armor of God, emphasizing that the invitation is not individual but communal. I explained that as followers of Jesus, we are bound together in truth, living in righteousness and justice. I also highlighted the importance of finding strength in who Jesus is and who he says we are. I concluded by reminding the congregation that the struggle is real, but it's not against each other, and that we need to be mindful of what God has for us.
Key Takeaways:
- We need each other to be agents of healing and reconciliation in our spiritual journey ([51:38]).
- We are invited to thrive in Christ, and this involves identifying and declaring the truth we need to cling to ([52:11]).
- The armor of God is not an individual invitation but a communal one, emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of Christ ([34:21]).
- We find strength in who Jesus is and who he says we are, not in our circumstances or worldly possessions ([33:41]).
- The struggle in our spiritual journey is real, but it's not against each other ([30:05]).
Study Guide
Takeaways from the sermon:
1. We are invited to hold onto the truth of scripture in community. We need each other to remind us of God's truth when we are feeling down or isolated. This is the power of being part of a body of believers. [48:01]
2. The wounds we receive in community are not healed in isolation. God wants to redeem and restore these wounds in community. It takes risk and vulnerability, but it is part of the healing journey. [49:15]
3. We need to identify and cling to the truth that we need to declare. This truth could be that perfect love casts out fear, that we have a friend who's closer than a brother, or that God is for us and desires fullness of life for us. [52:11]
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:10-18
2. 1 John 4:18
Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 6:10-18, what does it mean to put on the full armor of God?
2. How does 1 John 4:18 relate to the idea that perfect love casts out fear?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the armor of God help us in our struggles according to Ephesians 6:10-18?
2. How can we apply the truth that perfect love casts out fear in our daily lives based on 1 John 4:18?
Application Questions:
1. How can we better support each other in our community, especially when one of us is going through a tough time?
2. When was the last time you felt isolated or wounded? How can you seek healing in community?
3. What is one truth from scripture that you need to cling to or declare this week? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily?
4. How can you show perfect love to someone in your life this week to help cast out fear?
Devotional
Day 1: Thriving in Christ Amidst Darkness
As believers, we are called to thrive in Christ, even when we encounter the powers of darkness. This thriving is not a solitary journey, but one that we undertake as a community, supporting and uplifting each other. We are called to be agents of healing and reconciliation, not just for ourselves, but for the world. This requires us to be bound by truth and to declare it boldly ([51:38]).
Bible passage: 1 Peter 5:8-9 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
Reflection: What truth do you need to cling to or declare today as you strive to thrive in Christ amidst the darkness?
Day 2: Embracing God's Desire for Our Fullness of Life
God desires fullness of life for us. We are not meant to sit in a space of interminable suffering forever, but God can take what is broken and use it for something glorious. This truth is something we need to cling to and declare, especially when we face challenges and struggles ([52:11]).
Bible passage: Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Reflection: How can you embrace God's desire for your fullness of life today?
Day 3: The Victory in Jesus
The struggle is real, but so is the victory that Jesus has already won. This victory is found in Him first. If you've not ever entered into a relationship with Him, you can receive His gift of Life Today by asking Him to be the one who forgives you and leads you ([52:49]).
Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you claim the victory that Jesus has already won in your life today?
Day 4: The Power of Community in Healing
The wounds we receive in community are not healed in isolation. God wants to redeem and restore us in community. It takes risk and vulnerability, but it is part of the healing journey God has for us ([48:39]).
Bible passage: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Reflection: How can you invite others into your journey of healing and allow them to support you?
Day 5: The Internal Wounds and the Journey of Healing
Sometimes, the wounds we carry are not visible to others. They are internal, deeply rooted in our experiences and struggles. It's time to invite others into the journey of healing, to share our burdens and find healing in community ([51:01]).
Bible passage: Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: What internal wounds are you carrying that you need to share with your community for healing?
Quotes
1. "The truth of scripture always outweighs the facts of life. We can't hold on to these things on our own, we're invited instead to hold these things in community. The truth we're invited to hold is truth in community, to be part of a body of believers who can remind us of these things." - 48:01
2. "The wounds we receive in community are not healed in isolation. The wounds of life that we've received in community, we tend to want to retreat off by ourselves to try to get better. But the wounds we've received in community, God actually wants to redeem and restore in community." - 49:15
3. "There are internal wounds that nobody understands because they're so real for us. It's the space of brokenness in us and we wonder, how come life just doesn't seem to be working? How come I feel like I can't enter into that space of thriving? And I wonder if it's because some of those wounds we've experienced, we've internalized them to the point where now it is time to invite others into the journey of healing." - 51:01
4. "The more we live for Christ, the more we will bump up against the powers of darkness and we desperately need each other to be agents of healing and reconciliation. Not just in us but through us, not just for us but for the world." - 51:38
5. "The struggle is real. The scriptures paint a picture for us that there is a very real struggle when it comes to connecting with God, to finding genuine relationship with others, to living into the divine purpose that God has set for us. There is a very real struggle. But it is not against each other." - 24:14
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