Transformative Faith: Living in Anticipation of Christ
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the transformative power of Jesus Christ in our lives, particularly through the act of baptism. Baptism symbolizes the profound change that occurs when we invite Jesus into our lives, acknowledging our shortcomings and asking for His forgiveness. This act of faith is not about what we do, but about what Jesus has already done for us. It is a declaration of a new life, a new birth through the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This transformation is akin to the restoration of a classic car, once neglected and now made new, reflecting the beauty and purpose it was always meant to have.
We also explored the anticipation of Christ's return and how it should influence our daily lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Thessalonians, emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and diligence in our work, regardless of whether it is paid or voluntary. Our work is not just a means to an end but a form of worship and a testimony to those around us. Paul encourages us to be responsible, to work hard, and to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His love and grace in all we do.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of planning for the future while being generous in the present. Balancing these aspects is crucial as we seek to honor God with our resources and responsibilities. Paul reminds us that our work and how we conduct ourselves in our daily tasks can be a powerful witness to others, showing them the love and integrity of Christ through our actions.
As we move forward, let us remember that our ultimate purpose is to serve and glorify God in all we do. Whether we are students, parents, employees, or volunteers, our work matters to God, and it can make a significant impact on those around us. Let us strive to live each day with the anticipation of Christ's return, doing our best to reflect His love and grace in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism is a powerful symbol of transformation, representing a new life in Christ. It is not about our deeds but about accepting what Jesus has done for us, inviting Him into our lives to make us new. This transformation is a testament to the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. [17:54]
- Anticipating Christ's return should influence our daily lives, encouraging us to live with integrity and diligence. Our work, whether paid or voluntary, is a form of worship and a testimony to others, reflecting God's love and grace. [44:48]
- Planning for the future while being generous in the present is a balance that honors God. Our resources and responsibilities are opportunities to serve Him and make an impact on those around us. [01:01:35]
- Our work and how we conduct ourselves can be a powerful witness to others. By living with integrity and diligence, we reflect the love and grace of Christ, showing others the difference He makes in our lives. [50:39]
- Whatever our assignment, whether for pay or not, it matters to God. Our work is an opportunity to serve and glorify Him, making a significant impact on those around us. Let us strive to live each day with the anticipation of Christ's return, doing our best to reflect His love and grace. [01:08:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:01] - Thanksgiving and Upcoming Events
[17:54] - The Meaning of Baptism
[19:30] - Testimonies of Transformation
[28:23] - Invitation to a Relationship with Jesus
[44:48] - Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
[47:38] - The Importance of Work
[48:59] - Loving Others and Leading a Quiet Life
[50:39] - Winning Respect Through Diligence
[51:57] - Clarifications on Work and Responsibility
[53:33] - Encouragement and Warnings
[56:57] - Honoring God in Our Assignments
[57:51] - Making Changes for Integrity
[59:02] - Laziness and Responsibility
[01:01:35] - Planning for the Future
[01:04:33] - Caring for Family and Community
[01:06:37] - Living for Jesus in All We Do
[01:08:32] - Who Are You Working For?
[01:09:26] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Titus 3:5 - "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 - "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does baptism symbolize according to the sermon, and how is it compared to the restoration of a classic car? [17:54]
2. How does the Apostle Paul suggest we should live in anticipation of Christ's return, according to the sermon? [44:48]
3. What are the two reasons Paul gives for being diligent in our work, as mentioned in the sermon? [50:39]
4. How does the sermon describe the balance between planning for the future and being generous in the present? [01:01:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "new birth and new life" through the Holy Spirit challenge the idea of earning salvation through good deeds? [17:54]
2. In what ways does living with integrity and diligence serve as a form of worship and testimony to others, as discussed in the sermon? [44:48]
3. How might Paul's advice about work and responsibility apply to different life stages, such as being a student, a parent, or retired? [51:57]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our work and our witness to others? [50:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does it symbolize transformation in your life, and what steps can you take to live out this transformation daily? [17:54]
2. Consider your current work or daily responsibilities. How can you approach them with a mindset of worship and integrity, as encouraged by the Apostle Paul? [50:39]
3. How do you balance planning for the future with being generous in the present? Are there specific changes you can make to better honor God with your resources? [01:01:35]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with diligence or integrity. What practical steps can you take to improve in this area and reflect Christ's love and grace? [50:39]
5. Think about someone in your life who may not know Christ. How can your work and daily conduct serve as a testimony to them? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate God's love and grace? [44:48]
6. If Jesus were to return tomorrow, what changes would you make in your life today? How can you start implementing those changes now? [01:06:37]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt your work or efforts were not valued. How can you find encouragement in knowing that your work matters to God, regardless of human recognition? [53:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Symbol of New Life
Baptism is a profound symbol of transformation, representing a new life in Christ. It is not about our deeds but about accepting what Jesus has done for us, inviting Him into our lives to make us new. This transformation is akin to the restoration of a classic car, once neglected and now made new, reflecting the beauty and purpose it was always meant to have. When we undergo baptism, we publicly declare our faith and commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This act of faith is a testament to the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, and signifies a new birth through the Holy Spirit. It is a powerful reminder that our past does not define us, but rather, our identity in Christ does. [17:54]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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: Think about a specific area in your life where you need transformation. How can you invite Jesus into that area today to begin the process of renewal?
Day 2: Living with Integrity in Anticipation of Christ's Return
Anticipating Christ's return should influence our daily lives, encouraging us to live with integrity and diligence. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Thessalonians, emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and diligence in our work, regardless of whether it is paid or voluntary. Our work is not just a means to an end but a form of worship and a testimony to those around us. By living with integrity and diligence, we reflect the love and grace of Christ, showing others the difference He makes in our lives. This anticipation of Christ's return should motivate us to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His love and grace in all we do. [44:48]
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
Reflection: Identify one area in your work or daily routine where you can demonstrate greater integrity. What steps can you take today to align this area with your faith in Christ?
Day 3: Balancing Future Planning with Present Generosity
Planning for the future while being generous in the present is a balance that honors God. Our resources and responsibilities are opportunities to serve Him and make an impact on those around us. Paul reminds us that our work and how we conduct ourselves in our daily tasks can be a powerful witness to others, showing them the love and integrity of Christ through our actions. As we plan for the future, we must also be mindful of the needs of those around us, using our resources to bless others and reflect God's generosity. This balance is crucial as we seek to honor God with our resources and responsibilities. [01:01:35]
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV): "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
Reflection: Consider your current financial or resource management. How can you incorporate generosity into your plans for the future, ensuring that you are honoring God with what you have today?
Day 4: Work as a Witness to Christ's Love
Our work and how we conduct ourselves can be a powerful witness to others. By living with integrity and diligence, we reflect the love and grace of Christ, showing others the difference He makes in our lives. Whether we are students, parents, employees, or volunteers, our work matters to God, and it can make a significant impact on those around us. Paul encourages us to be responsible, to work hard, and to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His love and grace in all we do. Our work is an opportunity to serve and glorify Him, making a significant impact on those around us. [50:39]
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: Reflect on your current work or volunteer activities. How can you intentionally use your work as a platform to demonstrate Christ's love and grace to those around you today?
Day 5: Serving God in All We Do
Whatever our assignment, whether for pay or not, it matters to God. Our work is an opportunity to serve and glorify Him, making a significant impact on those around us. Let us strive to live each day with the anticipation of Christ's return, doing our best to reflect His love and grace. As we move forward, let us remember that our ultimate purpose is to serve and glorify God in all we do. This mindset transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship, allowing us to honor God in every aspect of our lives. [01:08:32]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. What is one specific way you can serve and glorify God in your everyday tasks, turning them into acts of worship?
Quotes
He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us anew. New birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. [00:17:54] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Religion is all about what I do, trying to, like, if I can just earn my way and do enough good stuff, and maybe God will accept me and I'll get into heaven. That's religion. It'll never work. A relationship with Jesus is not what I do, it's what he's already done. [00:18:20] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And you make me new. You take a, you know, a messed up person and you create me to become the person you always intended for me to be. And you get a new start. That's the wonder of what Jesus Christ has done. It's called the gospel, the good news. [00:18:41] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Just great to see him at work. That we have a Redeemer who came into our broken world, lived a perfect life, took my place and your place on the cross, died a cruel death, didn't stay dead, overcame death, ascended to heaven, and he made a promise that one day he's going to come what? Again. Anticipation. [00:44:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Friends, no matter what it is, whether you do it for pay or without pay, here's what Paul says. If you're doing it well, if someone else is doing it well, he says, hold them in the highest regard. [00:56:57] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Whatever you do, do with all your heart is working for the Lord, not for people. It's the Lord Christ you're serving. He says, what you do and how you do it can actually be a gift of worship. [01:00:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Would your choices change today if you knew that Jesus might come tomorrow? Specifically, if Jesus maybe would come tomorrow, what about saving for retirement? What about the kind of job you do? What about your assignment that you have in life? Here's what Paul would say. [01:06:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Lord Jesus, thank you, thank you for the gift of work. It's not part of the curse. It's part of your good plan for us. [01:09:59] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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