Transformative Faith: Living as Instruments of Righteousness
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the birthday of my son, Braden, and reflected on the story of the Israelites and the walls of Jericho. This story is not just a historical account but a spiritual metaphor for how we can bring down the walls in our lives through prayer, declaration, and faith. We explored the concept of abundant life as promised by Jesus, which is not about external circumstances but about living in close relationship with Him, learning to live as He did. This abundant life is about transformation from within, not just knowing the right things but living them out daily.
We delved into Romans 6, discussing the profound spiritual reality of baptism. Baptism is not merely symbolic; it signifies our death to sin and resurrection into new life with Christ. This transformation means we are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live as instruments of righteousness. The Greek word "hoplon," meaning a tool or weapon, illustrates our role as instruments in God's hands, ready to combat the works of the enemy and bring His kingdom to earth.
We also discussed the importance of community and confession, emphasizing that we are not meant to struggle alone. The enemy often attacks through isolation and hopelessness, but by locking shields with one another, we can stand firm. Our lives should be like trees planted by streams of living water, bearing fruit that nourishes those around us. This fruitfulness comes from being rooted in God's Word and living out His love and righteousness.
Finally, we reflected on the reality of our mortality, not as a morbid thought but as a reminder to live purposefully and with hope. Our achievements are for God's glory, and our lives should reflect His love and hope to the world. As we go out into our community, we are called to be instruments of righteousness, bringing light and hope to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Abundant Life in Christ: Abundant life is not defined by external circumstances but by a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus. It involves living as He lived, learning from Him, and allowing His teachings to shape our daily lives. This life is marked by inner peace and joy, regardless of external trials. [01:01:13]
2. Baptism's Spiritual Reality: Baptism signifies our death to sin and resurrection into new life with Christ. It is a profound spiritual transformation, not just a symbolic act. This new life frees us from the bondage of sin, empowering us to live as instruments of righteousness. [01:05:26]
3. Community and Confession: We are not meant to struggle alone. By confessing our struggles and locking shields with one another, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Community provides strength, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to live out our faith authentically. [01:11:25]
4. Living as Instruments of Righteousness: As instruments of righteousness, we are called to be tools or weapons in God's hands, ready to combat the works of the enemy. This involves living out good works, not for our glory, but to reflect God's love and bring His kingdom to earth. [01:19:10]
5. Embracing Mortality with Hope: Recognizing our mortality encourages us to live purposefully and with hope. Our lives should reflect God's glory, and our achievements should point others to Him. We are called to be hope dealers, sharing the abundant love and compassion of Christ with the world. [01:30:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:13] - Celebrating Braden's Birthday
- [00:02:45] - The Walls of Jericho
- [00:05:30] - Abundant Life in Christ
- [00:10:00] - Understanding Baptism
- [00:15:14] - Instruments of Righteousness
- [00:19:10] - Community and Confession
- [00:22:22] - Spiritual Warfare and Hope
- [00:25:12] - Living with Purpose
- [00:30:23] - Embracing Mortality
- [00:33:52] - Bearing Fruit in Righteousness
- [00:37:00] - The Role of Good Works
- [00:42:33] - Invitation to Encounter God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly."
2. Romans 6:1-14 - Discusses the spiritual reality of baptism and our transformation from sin to righteousness.
3. Psalm 1:1-3 - Describes the blessed life of those who delight in the law of the Lord, like trees planted by streams of water.
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Observation Questions:
1. What does John 10:10 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming? How does this relate to the concept of abundant life? [01:01:13]
2. According to Romans 6:1-14, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? [01:05:26]
3. How does Psalm 1 describe the life of a person who delights in the law of the Lord? What imagery is used to convey this? [01:30:23]
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the story of the Israelites and the walls of Jericho? How is this story used as a metaphor for spiritual battles? [01:19:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of abundant life in John 10:10 challenge common perceptions of what it means to live a fulfilled life? [01:01:13]
2. In Romans 6, Paul talks about being "instruments of righteousness." What does this mean in the context of a believer's daily life? [01:15:14]
3. Psalm 1 uses the metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water. How does this metaphor help us understand the importance of being rooted in God's Word? [01:30:23]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of community and confession. How does this align with the biblical call to live in fellowship with one another? [01:11:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of abundant life. How does it align with the biblical perspective shared in the sermon? What changes might you need to make in your life to experience this abundance? [01:01:13]
2. Baptism is described as a profound spiritual transformation. If you have been baptized, how has this transformation manifested in your life? If not, what steps can you take to explore this further? [01:05:26]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of community. How can you actively engage in your church community to support and be supported by others? [01:11:25]
4. Consider the metaphor of being an "instrument of righteousness." What practical steps can you take this week to be a tool in God's hands, combating the works of the enemy? [01:19:10]
5. The sermon discussed embracing mortality with hope. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and long-term goals? [01:30:23]
6. Psalm 1 describes a life rooted in God's Word. What specific practices can you implement to ensure you are consistently nourished by Scripture? [01:33:52]
7. Think of a situation where you feel isolated or hopeless. How can you reach out to your community for support, and how can you offer support to others in similar situations? [01:11:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Abundant Life Through Transformation
Abundant life in Christ is not defined by external circumstances but by a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus. This life involves living as He lived, learning from Him, and allowing His teachings to shape our daily lives. It is marked by inner peace and joy, regardless of external trials. This transformation is not about merely knowing the right things but living them out daily, embodying the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of life. The abundant life promised by Jesus is about a profound inner change that reflects His love and righteousness to the world. [01:01:13]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to invite Jesus to bring transformation? How can you begin to live out His teachings more fully in this area today?
Day 2: Baptism as a Spiritual Reality
Baptism signifies our death to sin and resurrection into new life with Christ. It is a profound spiritual transformation, not just a symbolic act. This new life frees us from the bondage of sin, empowering us to live as instruments of righteousness. The Greek word "hoplon," meaning a tool or weapon, illustrates our role as instruments in God's hands, ready to combat the works of the enemy and bring His kingdom to earth. Baptism is a declaration of our commitment to live a life that reflects the righteousness and love of Christ. [01:05:26]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Reflect on your baptism or the concept of baptism. How does understanding it as a spiritual transformation change the way you view your daily walk with Christ?
Day 3: Strength in Community and Confession
We are not meant to struggle alone. By confessing our struggles and locking shields with one another, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Community provides strength, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to live out our faith authentically. The enemy often attacks through isolation and hopelessness, but by being part of a supportive community, we can find the strength to overcome challenges and grow in our faith. Our lives should be like trees planted by streams of living water, bearing fruit that nourishes those around us. [01:11:25]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support or offer support to today? How can you foster deeper connections within your faith community?
Day 4: Living as Instruments of Righteousness
As instruments of righteousness, we are called to be tools or weapons in God's hands, ready to combat the works of the enemy. This involves living out good works, not for our glory, but to reflect God's love and bring His kingdom to earth. Our lives should be a testament to God's love and righteousness, actively participating in His mission to bring hope and light to the world. By living as instruments of righteousness, we align ourselves with God's purposes and become agents of change in our communities. [01:19:10]
2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."
Reflection: What is one way you can be an instrument of righteousness in your community this week? How can you reflect God's love and hope to those around you?
Day 5: Embracing Mortality with Hope
Recognizing our mortality encourages us to live purposefully and with hope. Our lives should reflect God's glory, and our achievements should point others to Him. Embracing the reality of our mortality is not a morbid thought but a reminder to live with intention and hope. We are called to be hope dealers, sharing the abundant love and compassion of Christ with the world. By living with an eternal perspective, we can focus on what truly matters and make a lasting impact for God's kingdom. [01:30:23]
Psalm 90:12 (ESV): "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Reflection: How does the reality of your mortality influence the way you live your life today? What changes can you make to ensure your life reflects God's glory and hope to others?
Quotes
"Jesus came to give you abundant life, and, you know, for a while, you know, we, we've, we've talked about this so many times, we thought it looked like something that it wasn't, and just found that it doesn't matter your circumstances. He still came to give you abundant life, and it doesn't necessarily mean, like, everything on the outside looks like it's going well, right? Like, it doesn't mean that, you know, all of a sudden, it's just smooth sailing from here, and you're going to be able to just, like, take as many vacations to the Bahamas as you want, and, like, you know, all your relationships are going to be perfect, and, and all that. That's not what he promised. He actually said in this life, you will have trouble, but he says, take heart, for I've overcome the world, right? So abundant life doesn't necessarily look like, you know, smooth sailing, but it looks like living with him, and walking with him, and learning how to live like he lived." [00:57:01] (55 seconds)
"They didn't, they weren't just gaining knowledge. They, yes, they were, but they were learning how to live, so living in his abundant life is walking with him, and learning how to live. That's something we miss. We, in, in, in our kind of modern thinking, it's all about, do I know the right thing? If I know the right thing, I'm good, right? But it's, it's not about knowing the right thing necessarily. It's about, does that knowing that right thing actually play out in the way you live your life day to day? Anyways, John 10 10 says, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly, and I love it in the Amplified. It says, I came that they may have, may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance to the full till it overflows." [00:58:42] (48 seconds)
"Because this is a spiritual reality. When we are baptized, when we die with Christ, our old man dies and we are resurrected into new life. But this is also a picture of a future reality, of a bodily resurrection, where this temporary body dies, and we are raised and glorified. It's crazy to think about, that one day you will be resurrected, just as he. That sounded fancy. Just as he. What's crazy about resurrection is, resurrection is not just like something's died, and you bring it back to the way it was. It's something has died, and it's brought back and glorified." [01:09:41] (55 seconds)
"So if I want to be an instrument of wickedness, I'm saying I'm going to be a tool or a weapon in the hand of the enemy. Because the crazy thing is sin, even when it's done in secret, when we think we're not harming anybody, like I said, it leaves a stain. When we decide to follow the works of the flesh, we become a weapon or a tool in the hand of the enemy. But on the other hand, when we decide to become an instrument of righteousness, we become a tool or a weapon in the hand of God. So I kind of imagine in the spirit, you know, becoming an instrument of righteousness looks a lot less like, I'm going to be over here like a good Christian and sing my praise and worship it looks a lot less like that. And it looks like you're armored up and ready to go. Like that's terrifying." [01:16:55] (64 seconds)
"And you know, what's interesting too, about the hoplites is they didn't necessarily fight on their own. Like, you know, on the battle, obviously like battle lines would break and whatever happens in the battle, you can't predict what's going to happen, but they don't start out that way. Like I'm going to run out here on my own and just start fighting and swinging at guys, you know, they don't start like that. They start with their shields linked. Right? And you have your shield in your left hand and your sword or spear in your right hand and you're linked and you're protecting the person to your left. And something God's clearly been speaking to us, speaking of community, is we need to lock shields. That's what I love it. Like when we're talking to our leadership, I'm always like, let's lock shields. We lock shields. We don't go off on our own. We don't isolate. We don't go suffer in silence." [01:18:03] (50 seconds)
"Galatians 6, 9 through 10, And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Sandy just had a podcast about that. So then as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are in the household of faith. Especially those who are in the household of faith. As a body of Christ, we need to take care of each other. We need to look out for each other. We need to confess to one another. We're not here just as a country club. This is not what this is." [01:30:23] (33 seconds)
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on his law day and night, that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers, not so the wicked. They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction." [01:31:11] (36 seconds)
"If we are walking in righteousness, meditating on his law day and night, what is the law? It doesn't mean like I'm meditating on what I should and shouldn't do. David is talking about the law. The law is not just the rules. The law is the Torah. You guys know that? It's not just the laws, the 10 commandments. No, it's the Torah. It's the whole story. It's all about God creating and putting things into order and how, you know, things started to fall apart, but he still prepared a way for us to go. When we meditate on his word, when we meditate on scripture day and night, it's like that's how we receive living water." [01:32:46] (39 seconds)
"When we stop walking in the ways, the works of the flesh, and start walking in works of righteousness, we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, Paul said, for me to live as Christ, and to die as gain, again, sorry to get all morbid on you guys, but it's the truth, right, that we get to go through this life in absolute joy, in trial, in struggle, in anything that happens, because we have hope, we are hope dealers, you need hope, come to Jesus, because he's the only hope, he's not only the only hope, but he has more hope than you could ever need, more love than you could ever need, more compassion than you could ever need, more healing than you could ever need, he has it all, so as we go out in our community and become instruments of righteousness, just be reminded of that, I want to, we want to leave this space," [01:41:05] (73 seconds)
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