Unity, Prayer, and Mission: Embracing God's Call Today

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound burdens and exhilarating hopes that weigh on our hearts in this current era. We began by acknowledging the division within the church, a reflection of the world's divisiveness, and how this grieves the heart of Christ, who desires unity among His followers. This division often stems from focusing on non-essential matters, leading to unnecessary conflicts and departures from the church community. Another significant burden is the pervasive attachment to electronic devices, which distracts us from deep, meaningful prayer and connection with God. First Peter 4:7 reminds us to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of our prayers, yet many are caught in a cycle of busyness and distraction.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing hunger for something more profound, especially among the younger generation. Many are turning away from the elusive American dream and seeking a life fully committed to biblical principles. This generation is zealous for the Word, eager to engage deeply with Scripture and prayer, and willing to embrace the radical call of the gospel. This hunger for unity and spiritual awakening is evident in the recent movements of renewal and revival across the nation, where people are experiencing the presence of God in transformative ways.

We also discussed the importance of experiencing God's glory, as exemplified by Moses' desire to see more of God in Exodus 33. The ministry of the Spirit, as described in 2 Corinthians 3, offers a glory that surpasses the old covenant, inviting us into a deeper, more glorious experience of God's presence. This hunger for more of God should lead us to action, as James emphasizes, moving us beyond mere discussion to living out our faith in tangible ways.

Finally, we reflected on the call to spread the gospel to all nations, recognizing the unprecedented opportunities we have today to reach every corner of the world. Despite the challenges of our digital age and the increase of lawlessness, we are called to endure and proclaim the gospel with boldness and love. This generation has the potential to be the most prayerful, self-controlled, and mission-focused, if we trust in God's power to work through us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity in the Church: The division within the church mirrors the world's divisiveness, but Christ calls us to unity. We must focus on essential truths and extend grace to one another, fostering a community that reflects His heart for oneness. [01:06]

2. Distraction and Prayer: Our attachment to electronic devices hinders our ability to pray deeply and connect with God. We must cultivate self-control and a sober mind to experience the fullness of prayer and communion with Him. [02:09]

3. Hunger for God's Glory: Like Moses, we should desire more of God's presence and glory. The ministry of the Spirit offers a surpassing glory that invites us into a deeper experience of God, transforming us into His likeness. [09:09]

4. Living Out Our Faith: Our engagement with Scripture should lead to action, not just discussion. We are called to live out our faith through sharing the gospel, caring for others, and pursuing holiness, embodying the teachings of James. [13:25]

5. Global Mission Opportunity: We have unprecedented opportunities to spread the gospel to all nations. Despite challenges, we are called to endure and proclaim the gospel, trusting in God's power to reach every corner of the world. [23:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction and Connection
- [00:37] - Burdens and Excitement
- [01:06] - Division in the Church
- [01:50] - Distraction by Devices
- [02:39] - Pursuit of Silence
- [03:32] - Hope in the Younger Generation
- [04:18] - Zeal for the Word
- [05:17] - Hunger for Unity
- [06:38] - Seeking God's Presence
- [07:53] - Experiencing God's Glory
- [09:09] - Ministry of the Spirit
- [10:46] - Hunger for More of God
- [13:25] - Living Out Scripture
- [23:19] - Global Mission Opportunity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 4:7
2. Exodus 33:11-23
3. 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 1 Peter 4:7 say about the importance of being self-controlled and sober-minded, and how does this relate to our prayer life? [01:50]

2. In Exodus 33, what was Moses' request to God, and how did God respond to him? [08:25]

3. According to 2 Corinthians 3, how does the ministry of the Spirit compare to the old covenant in terms of glory? [09:09]

4. What are some of the burdens and excitements mentioned in the sermon regarding the current state of the church and the world? [00:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the attachment to electronic devices impact our ability to be self-controlled and sober-minded, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:7? [01:50]

2. What does Moses' desire to see God's glory in Exodus 33 teach us about our own spiritual hunger and pursuit of God? [08:25]

3. How does the surpassing glory of the ministry of the Spirit, as described in 2 Corinthians 3, invite us into a deeper experience of God? [09:09]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the potential of the younger generation in seeking a life fully committed to biblical principles? [03:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there non-essential matters causing division in your relationships or church community? How can you focus on essential truths and extend grace to others? [01:06]

2. Identify one specific distraction in your life, such as electronic devices, that hinders your prayer life. What steps can you take this week to minimize this distraction and cultivate a deeper connection with God? [01:50]

3. Like Moses, do you have a desire to experience more of God's presence and glory? What practical steps can you take to pursue this hunger in your daily life? [08:25]

4. How can you move beyond mere discussion of Scripture to living out your faith in tangible ways, such as sharing the gospel or caring for others? [13:25]

5. Considering the unprecedented opportunities to spread the gospel, what is one specific action you can take to participate in global missions, either locally or abroad? [23:19]

6. Reflect on the recent movements of renewal and revival mentioned in the sermon. How can you be part of fostering spiritual awakening in your own community? [06:38]

7. In what ways can you encourage and support the younger generation in their zeal for the Word and commitment to biblical principles? [04:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity Reflects Christ's Heart
In a world marked by division, the church is called to be a beacon of unity, reflecting the heart of Christ. This unity is not about uniformity but about coming together around the essential truths of the faith, extending grace and love to one another. The divisions within the church often arise from focusing on non-essential matters, leading to conflicts and separations that grieve the heart of Christ. By focusing on what truly matters and fostering a spirit of grace, believers can create a community that mirrors the oneness Christ desires for His followers. [01:06]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you have a disagreement? How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity today?


Day 2: Overcoming Distractions for Deeper Prayer
In today's digital age, the pervasive attachment to electronic devices often distracts us from deep, meaningful prayer and connection with God. This distraction can lead to a cycle of busyness that hinders our spiritual growth. First Peter 4:7 calls believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers. By cultivating self-control and setting aside time for focused prayer, believers can experience a fuller communion with God, free from the distractions of the digital world. [02:09]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to minimize digital distractions and create a dedicated time for prayer and reflection?


Day 3: A Hunger for God's Glory
The desire to experience more of God's presence and glory is a profound longing that can lead to spiritual transformation. Like Moses in Exodus 33, believers are invited to seek a deeper experience of God's glory through the ministry of the Spirit, which offers a surpassing glory beyond the old covenant. This hunger for more of God should propel believers into action, moving beyond mere discussion to living out their faith in tangible ways. [09:09]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek more of God's presence in your daily life, and what changes might this require in your current routine?


Day 4: Living Out Our Faith
Engagement with Scripture should lead to action, not just discussion. Believers are called to live out their faith by sharing the gospel, caring for others, and pursuing holiness. The teachings of James emphasize the importance of moving beyond words to deeds, embodying the principles of the gospel in everyday life. This active faith is a testimony to the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit in the lives of believers. [13:25]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can put your faith into action today. What practical steps can you take to live out the teachings of Scripture?


Day 5: Embracing Global Mission Opportunities
The call to spread the gospel to all nations is more urgent than ever, with unprecedented opportunities to reach every corner of the world. Despite the challenges of the digital age and increasing lawlessness, believers are called to endure and proclaim the gospel with boldness and love. This generation has the potential to be the most prayerful, self-controlled, and mission-focused, trusting in God's power to work through them to reach the nations. [23:19]

Matthew 24:14 (ESV): "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can participate in global missions today, whether through prayer, giving, or going? How can you support the spread of the gospel in your local community and beyond?

Quotes


I think uh burden goes to Division and in the church and I was kind of following the pattern of the world or maybe we set the pattern in our devices and just uh just a lot of fighting over things that aren't essential we're not giving each other the benefit of the doubt people are quick to leave churches and slander. [00:01:06]

How attached people are to their phones and electric you know their devices you know first Peter 4 7 the end of all things is at hand therefore be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. We have a generation growing up who they've never known what it was like to not be attached and distracted by their electronic devices. [00:02:09]

I say younger generation that's just going it's almost like with the ugliness of the world and kind of the sad thought of this country doesn't look like it's heading the right direction uh this world doesn't seem like it's heading in the right direction, almost like a losing of that American dream that maybe I had when I was younger. [00:03:32]

I feel like there are more young people ready to just go completely biblical, rather than like a little dance that we've been doing for for decades. I think about the one of the last times you and I were together, hundreds of I mean yeah 18 19 20 21 year olds and zealous for the word like yes. [00:04:18]

There is a hunger for one not the turf wars like yeah just we we love Jesus we love his word yeah and uh and we've got a variety of differences yeah but these things the same and we uh I know we were just having lunch with that other brother uh Andy bird uh who like we all have differences. [00:05:17]

I don't know like I read Exodus 33 this morning and then I saw Moses go into the tent of meeting to be with God and he spoke with him face to face a man speaks with his friend and I was like that sounds like an experience to me that well I'm sitting there like reading it thinking I've got this experience now. [00:07:53]

If the ministry of death carved in letters on Stone came with such Glory that the Israelites could not gaze in Moses's face because of its Glory which was being brought to an end will not the ministry of the spirit have even more Glory, for if there is glory in the ministry of condemnation the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. [00:09:09]

I believe there is hunger among God's people from for more and more of his glory and I'm hungry yes yes I'm hungry in a way yeah yeah in a fresh way I would say yeah I feel like I'm experiencing him more and I want to experience him more. [00:10:46]

We should have this Joy that's inexpressible yes we should experience a joy that is inexpressible a peace that is beyond comprehension. I mean these are all things that we we feel and internalize and come from the depth of Barbie yes the way we've been putting a lot in our church family recently just praying continually. [00:11:19]

We have an opportunity like never before in history here to spread the gospel to all the nations and I know some people might hear that and think I mean every generation has opportunities yes without question but with technology trap like we actually over the well illuminations is doing with Bible translations. [00:23:19]

I just see this connection of so many people because of the increase of lawlessness which we're clearly seeing in our world right now, their I was ashamed of the Gospel ashamed of God's word and their Love is Growing cold but it's seeing the ones who endure at the end will be saved and I think it's all connected. [00:24:37]

There's no way God would say there's no chance for you guys to be the most prayerful generation clear-minded I could make you be the most self-controlled and go no not going to watch every video on Earth and I'm gonna go after this and just because sin is doesn't mean that the spirit is any less weak to make you the most pure generation. [00:25:57]

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Transcript
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