Transformative Gospel: Living Out Faith in Relationships

Devotional

Day 1: Confidence in God’s Promises

Description: Confidence in God’s promises is foundational to living a life free from guilt and shame. Through Jesus, we are liberated from the bondage of sin and condemnation, allowing us to live empowered by the Holy Spirit. This freedom is not merely for our personal comfort but is intended to enable us to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives. When we set our hope on God and trust in His promises, we can face life’s challenges with assurance and strength, knowing that He is faithful and His word is true. This confidence transforms our outlook and empowers us to live boldly for Christ. [37:38]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: Think of a promise from God’s Word that you need to hold onto today. How can you remind yourself of this promise throughout your day to strengthen your faith and confidence in Him?

Day 2: Transformative Power of the Gospel

Description: The gospel has the power to disrupt societal norms and economic systems built on unrighteousness. In Acts 19, Paul’s preaching in Ephesus caused a significant disturbance because it challenged the idolatrous practices of the city. This story illustrates that living out the gospel can have far-reaching implications beyond our personal lives. When we commit to following Jesus, we are called to reject idolatry and embrace a transformed life that impacts our communities and society at large. The gospel’s transformative power compels us to live differently, influencing the world around us for God’s glory. [49:02]

Acts 19:23-26 (ESV): "About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, 'Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.'"

Reflection: Consider an area in your life or community where societal norms conflict with the teachings of Jesus. How can you take a stand for the gospel in that area, even if it means disrupting the status quo?

Day 3: Commitment to Biblical Marriage

Description: For men, the call to desire and pursue biblical marriage involves rejecting cultural norms that celebrate sexual immorality and instead embracing the biblical standard of monogamy and commitment. This means leading in a way that honors God and upholds the sanctity of marriage. A commitment to monogamy and godly leadership can transform families and communities, setting a standard for others to follow. By adhering to God’s design for marriage, men can create a foundation of love, respect, and faithfulness that reflects Christ’s relationship with the Church. [51:17]

Ephesians 5:25-28 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."

Reflection: If you are married, reflect on how you can better honor your spouse and uphold the sanctity of your marriage. If you are single, consider how you can prepare yourself to pursue a biblical marriage in the future.

Day 4: Consistency in Faith for Women

Description: Women are challenged to walk consistently with Jesus in every area of life, including relationships. This consistency helps to uphold the standard of godly living and supports other women in their walk with Christ. By living out their faith authentically, women can collectively make a significant impact on their communities. Consistency in faith means aligning one’s actions, words, and decisions with the teachings of Jesus, thereby setting an example for others to follow. This steadfastness in faith not only strengthens personal spiritual growth but also fosters a supportive and encouraging environment for other women. [01:19:53]

Proverbs 31:25-26 (ESV): "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to maintain consistency in your faith. What practical steps can you take today to align this area more closely with the teachings of Jesus?

Day 5: Collective Impact of Godly Living

Description: When believers lock arms and live according to the teachings of Jesus, they can make a tangible difference in their communities. This involves a radical commitment to the gospel and living as citizens of the Kingdom of Light. Our transformed lives can influence societal norms and bring about positive change. By living out our faith authentically and collectively, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate circles, impacting families, communities, and society as a whole. This collective impact of godly living demonstrates the power of unity and the transformative influence of the gospel. [01:36:27]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Think of a way you can join with other believers to make a positive impact in your community. What specific action can you take this week to shine the light of Christ in a collective effort?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's message centers on the transformative power of the gospel and its implications for our lives, particularly in the areas of love, sex, and dating. We began by setting our hope on God, reminding ourselves of His greatness and the confidence we can have in Him. We reflected on the goodness of Jesus and the freedom from sin and condemnation that comes through Him. This freedom is not just a theological concept but a lived reality empowered by the Holy Spirit within us.

We then delved into Acts 19, where Paul’s preaching in Ephesus caused a significant disturbance because it challenged the idolatrous practices of the city. This story illustrates how living out the gospel can disrupt societal norms and economic systems built on unrighteousness. Paul’s message was simple yet profound: if you follow Jesus, you cannot continue in idolatry. This call to a transformed life is not just about personal piety but has far-reaching implications for our communities and society at large.

We discussed the importance of making a difference in our world, starting with our own lives. This involves a radical commitment to the gospel and living as citizens of the Kingdom of Light. Our desires, goals, and ambitions should shift from worldly concerns to godly pursuits. This transformation is evident in how we approach relationships, particularly in the context of love, sex, and dating.

For men, the call is to desire biblical marriage and to lead in a way that honors God. This involves rejecting cultural norms that celebrate sexual immorality and instead embracing the biblical standard of monogamy and commitment. For women, the challenge is to walk consistently with Jesus in every area of life, including relationships. This consistency helps to uphold the standard of godly living and supports other women in their walk with Christ.

Ultimately, the message is a call to action for all of us to live out our faith authentically and to make a tangible difference in our communities by adhering to the teachings of Jesus. This commitment to godly living can transform not just our personal lives but also our families, communities, and society as a whole.

###

Key Takeaways

1. reaching implications beyond our personal lives. [49:02]
3. Commitment to Biblical Marriage: For men, the call is to desire and pursue biblical marriage, rejecting cultural norms that celebrate sexual immorality. This involves leading in a way that honors God and upholds the sanctity of marriage. A commitment to monogamy and godly leadership can transform families and communities.

4. Consistency in Faith for Women: Women are challenged to walk consistently with Jesus in every area of life, including relationships. This consistency helps to uphold the standard of godly living and supports other women in their walk with Christ. By doing so, women can collectively make a significant impact on their communities.

5. Collective Impact of Godly Living: When believers lock arms and live according to the teachings of Jesus, they can make a tangible difference in their communities. This involves a radical commitment to the gospel and living as citizens of the Kingdom of Light. Our transformed lives can influence societal norms and bring about positive change.

### [49:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:46] - Setting Our Hope on God
[35:13] - Reflecting on God's Goodness
[37:38] - Confidence in Christ
[38:59] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[41:06] - Authority of God's Word
[42:23] - Introduction to Acts 19
[43:03] - Real Talk on Love, Sex, and Dating
[44:46] - Disturbance in Ephesus
[45:58] - Making a Difference
[48:13] - Paul's Impact in Ephesus
[49:02] - Transformative Power of the Gospel
[51:17] - Call to Men: Biblical Marriage
[79:53] - Call to Women: Consistency in Faith
[96:27] - Collective Impact of Godly Living
[97:35] - Prayer and Commitment
[102:58] - Communion and Recommitment

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the main cause of the disturbance in Ephesus as described in Acts 19:21-27? [43:51]
According to Colossians 1:13, what has God done for believers, and what does this imply about their new identity?
How does Proverbs 18:22 describe the significance of finding a wife, and what favor does it mention?

Interpretation Questions

In Acts 19:21-27, why did Paul's preaching cause such a significant economic and social disturbance in Ephesus? [49:02]
How does the transformation described in Colossians 1:13 relate to the changes in desires, goals, and ambitions mentioned in the sermon? [53:10]
What does Proverbs 18:22 suggest about the value of marriage, and how does this align with the sermon’s call for men to desire biblical marriage? [51:17]

Application Questions

Reflecting on Acts 19:21-27, how can you live out your faith in a way that challenges societal norms and brings about positive change in your community? [49:02]
Colossians 1:13 speaks of being transferred from darkness to light. What specific areas of your life need to reflect this transformation more clearly? [53:10]
For men: How can you actively pursue and uphold the biblical standard of marriage in your life? What steps can you take to lead in a way that honors God? [51:17]
For women: In what ways can you walk consistently with Jesus in every area of your life, including relationships? How can you support other women in their walk with Christ? [01:19:53]
The sermon emphasized the collective impact of godly living. How can you and your small group lock arms to make a tangible difference in your community? [01:36:27]
How can you cultivate confidence in God’s promises and the work He accomplished through Jesus in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live out this confidence? [37:38]
The sermon called for a radical commitment to the gospel. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this commitment in your personal and community life? [45:58]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Most people. Desire to make a difference. And we have this unique thing in Houston where there's every couple of years a hurricane comes, a storm comes, and wreaks havoc through the city. There's flooding, there's power outages, there's damage, there's all kinds of stuff going on. And we all, we regularly have opportunity to help other people. Regularly have an opportunity to serve other people. Regularly have an opportunity to make a difference in this world." [45:58] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Our hearts break when we see tragedy on TV. Our hearts break when we see problems and people having issues in their family. We see issues in schools, in our community, in our city, in our nation. If a family loses everything in a flood, we feel some type of way, especially if we know them." [46:51] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross to save us of our sins to wipe the sin slate that caused us to be separated from God. The good news is Jesus died to bring us back into relationship with God so we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior we trust his work as the ultimate authority for our lives." [52:58] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When you're a follower of Jesus, you leave the dominion of darkness, the kingdom of darkness, and you're transferred into a new place, a new reality. And as you stay in this reality, over time, your heart changes. Your desires change. Your tastes change. And you want more and more of the new reality. Then you do of the old reality." [56:21] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Communities with high rates of marriage avoid poverty, avoid illness, have kids that perform better in school, have lower crime rates, have community, they have communities that actually work together better. The dollar stays within that community. That community longer. There is emotional support. There is contentment levels higher than other communities." [01:35:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "My prayer for us today is that we would have great confidence in our God. Great confidence in the work that He did through His Son Jesus on Calvary's cross. Great confidence in the fact that if you are in Christ, your sins are forgiven. You are free from the guilt and the shame of your past. If you would be in Christ, there is no condemnation, but you are free from sin and it gets even better because we are then indwelled by the Holy Spirit." [37:38] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We have the power. We have the conviction to be able to live this life as Jesus intended for us to live. There's no excuse not to walk in the power that is available to us and to experience the promises, the blessings, the peace, and the joy that come with it. And all of this cost you nothing. God says, it's yours if you would just come to me. If you would put your trust in me, if you would believe in me, if you would hope in me." [38:59] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you are a follower of Jesus, you cannot worship over here anymore because we don't worship other gods. We worship the one true living God. So what happens? The Christians say, we're not fooling with Artemis anymore. And a disturbance breaks out because all of a sudden, because the Christians tap out of being, of participating in the foolishness, the unrighteousness, the economy begins to crumble." [50:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If we want to make a difference, the first thing we need to do is double down on the reality that we live in the kingdom of light. And if we live in the kingdom of light. No longer. Do we dabble in? the darkness. That's the first place you can bring change, is a conviction of heart, conviction of spirit, conviction of mind, is a conviction that I am not going to live like I'm living in St. Louis. I'm in a whole different city. I'm in a whole different place, whole different value, whole different culture, whole different everything." [57:24] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The easiest way to do this is to just show up. Just show up. Show up to church. Show up to church. Why? Because you're going to hear the Word. You're going to be around other people. Like-minded people. You're going to hear the worship. People are going to pray with you. God may be able to break through our thick skulls when we just show up. You need to show up to life group. You need to know some people. People need to know you. You need to be accountable to people. You need some friends that are in the faith. You need to serve in ministry. Show up." [58:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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