Unity, Humility, and Courage in Christ
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of unity and humility within the body of Christ, particularly during the act of communion. I reminded the congregation that when we come to the communion table, we are all in need of the same grace, mercy, forgiveness, and each other. There is no hierarchy or superiority among believers; we all need the same amount of grace. I stressed the importance of recognizing and remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His death, and the power of His blood for our salvation. I encouraged the congregation not to feel lesser, regardless of how long they have been part of the church, and to consider one another in love and unity.
In the second part of the sermon, I addressed the issue of discouragement and the need for courage and determination in our Christian walk. I used the metaphor of the fox, representing the challenges and discouragements we face, and urged the congregation to stand firm in their faith and commitment to God, despite these challenges. I emphasized that we should not let discouragements displace our courage, but rather, we should renew our minds and remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to God.
Key Takeaways:
1. In the body of Christ, there is no hierarchy or superiority among believers; we all need the same amount of grace and mercy. ([42:52])
2. The act of communion is a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His death, and the power of His blood for our salvation. ([45:24])
3. Discouragement can displace our courage, but we should renew our minds and remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to God. ([47:59])
4. We should stand firm in our faith and commitment to God, despite the challenges and discouragements we face. ([01:28:42])
5. We should not lessen our faith, determination, sacrifice, or commitment to God, regardless of the challenges we face. ([02:07:46])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 13:31-33 #!!01:28:42!!#
2. John 14:6 #!!01:31:12!!#
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 #!!45:24!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when he refers to Herod as a "fox" in Luke 13:32?
2. How does Jesus describe his mission in Luke 13:32-33?
3. What does the communion ritual symbolize according to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees in Luke 13:31-33 demonstrate his commitment to his mission?
2. What does John 14:6 reveal about Jesus' understanding of his role in God's plan?
3. How does the communion ritual in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 reflect the significance of Jesus' sacrifice?
Application Questions:
1. How can you demonstrate your commitment to God's mission in your life, even in the face of opposition or discouragement?
2. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life"? How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and actions?
3. How can you more meaningfully participate in the communion ritual, keeping in mind its symbolism of Jesus' sacrifice?
4. Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to "tell the fox", standing firm in your faith despite challenges or threats?
5. How can you encourage and support others in your small group who may be facing their own "foxes"?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Leadership Ministry
God has deposited unique gifts and abilities within each of us, not for our own benefit, but to bless and serve others. Our true ministry is to help others discover their own ministry, to use their God-given gifts to serve and uplift those around them. This is a call to selflessness, to look beyond our own needs and desires and to focus on the needs of others ([02:04:03]).
Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:11-12 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to serve others and help them discover their own ministry?
Day 2: Determination to Finish the Course
Despite the challenges and obstacles we face, we must remain determined to finish the course that God has set for us. This requires a change of mind, a transformation that allows us to speak and act differently, to persevere and remain steadfast in our faith ([02:05:56]).
Bible Passage: Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Reflection: What obstacles are you currently facing and how can you remain steadfast in your faith to overcome them?
Day 3: The Power of the Cross
The power of the cross is not a threat, but a promise of salvation. When we take up our cross, we are not threatened by death or destruction, but are empowered by the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ ([01:59:13]).
Bible Passage: Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: How does the power of the cross empower you in your daily life?
Day 4: The Importance of Unity in the Body of Christ
When we come together as the body of Christ, there is no greater or lesser believer. We all need the same grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We all need each other. This unity is a powerful testament to the love and grace of God ([42:52]).
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in your local church community?
Day 5: The Power of God's Presence
The presence of God is not confined to a building or a specific place. It can go with us wherever we go. When we surrender to Him, His presence can meet us and be with us, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us ([54:40]).
Bible Passage: Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "Let me let you in on a little leadership secret if you'll help other people find their leadership ministry you'll find your ministry now. You don't want to hear that you want to sit in my office and say pastor I need a position pastor I need you to give me a title. But some of you need to wake up and know that what God is deposited in you it's not just for yourself it's for people around you." - 02:04:35
2. "Some of you need to make up your mind that you're not giving in to the first time of pressure in the first sign of trouble and the first issue of discouragement. No, no, no I'm on finish my course. You know what happened to me in that little town when I flipped the car around and started heading back to St. Louis? I had a made up my mind." - 02:05:56
3. "Don't give up praying now you're too close to victory don't give up now turn around and tell that fox get deep behind me. The devil is a sly old fox if I could catch him I'd put him in a box. I'd lock him in the box and throw away the key for all those tricks he's paid on me." - 02:09:34
4. "You can't sit there forever. I'm calling for you. I'm shining a light on you through the word of God today. You can't stay down there forever. You can't sit down there forever because listen to the Holy Ghost this morning. The foxes will destroy your life. The foxes are destructive." - 01:45:00
5. "Upon the authority of your word, I have given and it shall be given to me. Press down, shaken together and running over. I am a tither and I give my offering. I bring them today into your storehouse. Therefore, the enemy is rebuked, the curse is broken. I live under an open heaven. You pour out upon me such a blessing that there is not enough room to receive it." - 01:07:37
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