Transforming Lives to Engage Our Community with Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Begins Within

Before we can effectively engage with others, we must first undergo a personal transformation, casting aside our old selves and embracing the new self in Christ. This internal change equips us to relate authentically to those around us. The journey of transformation is not merely about self-improvement but about becoming more like Christ. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we begin to reflect His love, patience, and grace. This transformation is essential because it prepares us to engage with others from a place of authenticity and humility. When we are transformed, our interactions with others are not about imposing our beliefs but about sharing the love and truth of Christ that has changed us. [01:13:24]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What specific area of your life is God calling you to transform today? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you in this process?

Day 2: Intentional Listening and Engagement

Like Paul in Athens, we must be intentional in listening to the stories and backgrounds of those we encounter. By understanding their perspectives, we can find common ground and gently guide them to the truth of the Gospel. This approach requires us to be active listeners, genuinely interested in the lives and experiences of others. It is through this intentional engagement that we can discern the divine opportunities to share the Gospel. By building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, we create a space where the message of Christ can be shared effectively and lovingly. [01:20:02]

James 1:19 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you could have listened more intentionally. How can you practice active listening in your next interaction?

Day 3: Shrewd and Innocent Approach

Jesus calls us to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. This means being wise and discerning in our interactions, yet maintaining a posture of purity and innocence, allowing us to effectively communicate the Gospel. This balance is crucial in a world that can be skeptical or indifferent to the message of Christ. By being shrewd, we navigate conversations with wisdom and insight, while our innocence ensures that our motives remain pure and our message remains untainted. This approach not only protects us but also ensures that the Gospel is presented in a way that is both compelling and authentic. [01:29:10]

Matthew 10:16 (ESV): "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

Reflection: In what ways can you be both wise and innocent in your interactions with others today? How can this balance help you share your faith more effectively?

Day 4: Proclaiming the Light of Christ

As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light in the darkness, revealing the fullness of Jesus to those who are groping in ignorance. By sharing the Gospel, we offer others the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of Christ. This calling is not just about words but about living a life that reflects the light of Christ. Our actions, attitudes, and words should all point to the hope and truth found in Jesus. As we live out this calling, we become beacons of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs both. [01:36:11]

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: How can you be a light in your community today? What specific actions can you take to reflect the love and truth of Christ to those around you?

Day 5: Mission to Restore, Rebuild, and Reflect

Our mission is to restore hope, rebuild lives, and reflect Jesus. This involves proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven, sharing our testimonies, and inviting others to experience the transformative power of God in their lives. This mission is not just about words but about action. It calls us to be active participants in God's work of restoration and redemption in the world. As we share our stories of transformation, we invite others to experience the same hope and healing that we have found in Christ. This mission is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling us to be faithful stewards of the Gospel. [01:44:12]

Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can participate in God's mission to restore and rebuild in your community this week? How can your personal testimony be a part of this mission?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound call to engage with our surrounding community and culture, drawing inspiration from Paul's experience in Athens as described in Acts 17:16-31. We began by reflecting on the necessity of first transforming ourselves in the likeness of Christ before reaching out to others. This transformation empowers us to relate authentically to those around us, just as Paul did when he observed the city of Athens, full of idols, and engaged with its people.

Paul's approach was not one of condemnation but of understanding and dialogue. He recognized the Athenians' religious nature and used it as a bridge to introduce them to the unknown God they were already worshiping in ignorance. This method of finding common ground and then gently guiding others to the truth of the Gospel is a model for us today. It requires us to be intentional listeners, to understand the stories and backgrounds of those we encounter, and to discern the divine opportunities to share the Gospel.

We also discussed the importance of being shrewd and innocent, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 10:16. This means being wise and discerning in our interactions, yet maintaining a posture of innocence and purity. By doing so, we can effectively communicate the Gospel in a way that resonates with others, even in a world that may be skeptical or indifferent.

Our mission is to restore hope, rebuild lives, and reflect Jesus. This mission aligns with the call to engage with our community, to be the light in the darkness, and to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven. As we go forth, let us be bold in sharing our testimonies, showing how God has transformed our lives, and inviting others to experience the same transformative power.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Begins Within: Before we can effectively engage with others, we must first undergo a personal transformation, casting aside our old selves and embracing the new self in Christ. This internal change equips us to relate authentically to those around us. [73:24]
2. Intentional Listening and Engagement: Like Paul in Athens, we must be intentional in listening to the stories and backgrounds of those we encounter. By understanding their perspectives, we can find common ground and gently guide them to the truth of the Gospel. [80:02]
3. Shrewd and Innocent Approach: Jesus calls us to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. This means being wise and discerning in our interactions, yet maintaining a posture of purity and innocence, allowing us to effectively communicate the Gospel. [89:10]
4. Proclaiming the Light of Christ: As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light in the darkness, revealing the fullness of Jesus to those who are groping in ignorance. By sharing the Gospel, we offer others the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of Christ. [96:11]
5. Mission to Restore, Rebuild, and Reflect: Our mission is to restore hope, rebuild lives, and reflect Jesus. This involves proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven, sharing our testimonies, and inviting others to experience the transformative power of God in their lives. [01:44:12]
** [104:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[73:05] - Introduction to the Series
[73:24] - Transforming Ourselves First
[73:39] - Engaging with the Community
[75:01] - Divine Encounter: The Red Shirt
[77:12] - Encouraging Fellow Believers
[79:16] - Paul's Example in Athens
[80:02] - Intentional Listening
[82:03] - Proclaiming the Unknown God
[85:05] - The Tension of Proclaiming Truth
[89:10] - Shrewd and Innocent Approach
[92:52] - Engaging with Philosophers
[96:11] - Proclaiming the Light of Christ
[104:12] - Mission to Restore, Rebuild, Reflect
[106:04] - Closing Prayer and Commissioning

Sermon Clips

We began by reflecting on the necessity of first transforming ourselves in the likeness of Christ before reaching out to others. This transformation empowers us to relate authentically to those around us, just as Paul did when he observed the city of Athens, full of idols, and engaged with its people. [01:13:24]

Paul's approach was not one of condemnation but of understanding and dialogue. He recognized the Athenians' religious nature and used it as a bridge to introduce them to the unknown God they were already worshiping in ignorance. This method of finding common ground and then gently guiding others to the truth of the Gospel is a model for us today. [01:20:02]

We also discussed the importance of being shrewd and innocent, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 10:16. This means being wise and discerning in our interactions, yet maintaining a posture of innocence and purity. By doing so, we can effectively communicate the Gospel in a way that resonates with others, even in a world that may be skeptical or indifferent. [01:29:10]

Our mission is to restore hope, rebuild lives, and reflect Jesus. This mission aligns with the call to engage with our community, to be the light in the darkness, and to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven. As we go forth, let us be bold in sharing our testimonies, showing how God has transformed our lives, and inviting others to experience the same transformative power. [01:44:12]

Paul is able to relate to a surrounding culture now Paul now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens his Spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the City full of Idols so he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the god- freeing Gentiles and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be present. [01:21:00]

Paul stood in the midst of the arop pagus and said men of Athens I observe that you are very religious in all respects for while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship I found an altar with this inscription to an unknown God therefore what you Worship in ignorance this I Proclaim to you. [01:22:47]

Jesus Is Telling to his disciples he says behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves now I don't know about you but I always thought the serpent was like the worst creature to be compared to because if we think about you know the imagery of the serpent. [01:29:10]

We have more power through the holy spirit in us than he has in the entire face of the world yet he thinks he has more power the world has handed that power over to him but we as Christians we get to be Shifty we get to be cunning shrewd like the serpent but we have the power of the line of Judah on our side. [01:30:12]

Paul is a great example of this because he steeped himself in the culture of Athens at the time to understand where they were so then he could find those gaps in their arguments and in their reasoning because he didn't just go straight up to the the arop pagus and be like hey I know everything about you guys. [01:31:00]

Paul wants to take that a step further and he wants to reveal it to them in its entirety because in John Chapter 14 verse verse 6 he says that I am the way and the truth and the light no one comes to the father but through me so even if you're groping in darkness and you can just touch the hym of Jesus. [01:34:18]

When we reveal Jesus to people they get to see the world through the eyes and on the side of Jesus where everything is light you can see clearly and there's a song I can see clearly now the rain is gone Paul had scales fall from his eyes like revealing Jesus to people will do abundant things for their life. [01:36:11]

We have to help people understand you have to Proclaim Jesus and you know we tell kids you know accept Jesus into your heart and believe and then confess the ABCs we have to do the same thing each and every day when we get up we say Lord I accept you into my life because I give you my life and surrender. [01:40:00]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?