Walking in Light: Embracing the New Covenant
Summary
In today's reflection, we revisited the profound narrative of God's covenant with Israel, tracing its journey from the promise made to Abraham to the fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The covenant, initially established through Moses, was a divine agreement that promised blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. However, the law given to Israel was not the ultimate solution to humanity's sinfulness; it merely exposed the sinful nature of the human heart. Jesus Christ, the promised Savior, came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, offering a new covenant through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death. This new covenant is not based on human effort but on faith in Jesus, who took upon Himself the penalty of sin and offered eternal life to those who believe.
The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continued Jesus' mission, calling people to repentance and faith. Stephen, a man full of grace and power, exemplified this mission. Despite facing opposition and false accusations, Stephen's unwavering faith and wisdom, given by the Spirit, shone brightly. His story reminds us that the Spirit of God empowers believers to speak truth and reflect God's light, even in the face of adversity.
As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the light, allowing the Spirit to transform us and produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This transformation is not about perfection but about repentance and faith, trusting in Jesus rather than our own efforts. Our lives, like Stephen's, should reflect God's light, drawing others to Him. We are encouraged to be bold in sharing the gospel, knowing that the outcome is in God's hands, not ours. The Spirit will guide us, providing the words and wisdom needed to share the message of salvation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, offering a new covenant based on faith rather than human effort. This fulfillment means that we are made right with God through faith in Jesus, not by following the law. This shift from law to grace is central to understanding our relationship with God. [33:29]
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The same Spirit that empowered Jesus now dwells in every believer, equipping us to speak truth and reflect God's light. This empowerment is not about our own abilities but about the Spirit working through us, providing the words and wisdom needed to share the gospel. [29:35]
- Reflecting God's Light: Walking in the light of God transforms us, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This transformation is a testament to our faith and a reflection of God's presence in us. It challenges us to evaluate our lives and ensure that we are truly following Jesus. [40:31]
- Boldness in Evangelism: We are called to be bold in sharing the gospel, trusting that the Spirit will guide us. The outcome of our evangelism is not dependent on our eloquence but on God's work in the hearts of those who hear. This understanding frees us from fear and encourages us to speak boldly. [46:33]
- The Role of Community: Being part of a godly community helps us see our own sin and growth, as others can speak truth into our lives. This community is essential for our spiritual development and for reflecting God's light to the world. [42:41]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[21:50] - God's Covenant with Israel
[23:47] - Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law
[24:44] - The Great Trade: Life for Death
[26:00] - Opposition to Jesus
[27:43] - The Early Church's Mission
[29:35] - Stephen's Bold Witness
[30:50] - Truth and Lies
[32:20] - Accusations of Blasphemy
[33:29] - Fulfillment of the Law in Jesus
[35:12] - Stephen's Shining Face
[37:19] - Reflecting God's Light
[38:14] - Walking in the Light
[40:31] - Fruit of the Spirit
[42:41] - The Role of Community
[43:54] - Letting Your Light Shine
[46:33] - Boldness in Evangelism
[48:31] - Trusting God's Judgment
[50:05] - Prayer for Boldness
[53:24] - The Greatest Commandment
[54:24] - Alive in Christ
[56:42] - Communion: Remembering Jesus
[58:43] - Invitation to Communion
[01:00:45] - Prayer for Repentance and Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 6:8-15
- Matthew 5:14-16
- Galatians 5:22-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the role of Stephen in the early church, and how did he exemplify the mission of the church? [27:43]
2. How did the religious leaders respond to Stephen's message and actions, and what tactics did they use against him? [30:50]
3. What was the significance of Stephen's face shining like an angel, and how does it relate to the Old Testament? [35:12]
4. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of the law, and how is it fulfilled in Jesus? [33:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in believers today compare to the empowerment seen in Stephen's life? [29:35]
2. What does it mean to walk in the light of God, and how does this manifest in a believer's life according to the sermon? [38:14]
3. How does the concept of the new covenant through Jesus differ from the old covenant given to Israel, and what implications does this have for believers? [24:44]
4. In what ways does being part of a godly community help believers reflect God's light and grow spiritually? [42:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt challenged to speak boldly about your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [46:33]
2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to walk in the light of God. What steps can you take to address this and allow the Spirit to transform you? [39:37]
3. Think of a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel. How did that experience impact your faith, and how can you seek more opportunities to be led by the Spirit? [29:35]
4. Consider the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you engage more deeply with your church community to help others see their own sin and growth? [42:41]
5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family? [40:31]
6. Reflect on a person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, trusting that the Spirit will guide you? [50:05]
7. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus that you want to change? How can you minimize that distraction this week? [39:37]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The New Covenant of Grace
The covenant God made with Israel through Moses was a divine agreement that highlighted the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. However, it was not the ultimate solution to humanity's sinfulness. The law served to expose the sinful nature of the human heart. Jesus Christ, the promised Savior, came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He established a new covenant based on faith rather than human effort. This new covenant offers eternal life to those who believe, shifting the focus from law to grace. Understanding this shift is central to our relationship with God. [33:29]
Hebrews 8:10-12 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own efforts to be right with God? How can you shift your focus to faith in Jesus today?
Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit, who empowered Jesus, now dwells in every believer, equipping them to speak truth and reflect God's light. This empowerment is not about personal abilities but about the Spirit working through us. The early church, filled with the Holy Spirit, continued Jesus' mission, calling people to repentance and faith. Stephen, a man full of grace and power, exemplified this mission. Despite facing opposition and false accusations, his unwavering faith and wisdom, given by the Spirit, shone brightly. This reminds us that the Spirit of God empowers believers to speak truth and reflect God's light, even in the face of adversity. [29:35]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you today to speak truth and reflect God's light in your interactions with others?
Day 3: Walking in the Light
Walking in the light of God transforms us, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about repentance and faith, trusting in Jesus rather than our own efforts. Our lives should reflect God's light, drawing others to Him. This transformation is a testament to our faith and a reflection of God's presence in us. It challenges us to evaluate our lives and ensure that we are truly following Jesus. [40:31]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to be brought into the light of God today? How can you take a step towards transformation in that area?
Day 4: Boldness in Sharing the Gospel
As followers of Christ, we are called to be bold in sharing the gospel, trusting that the Spirit will guide us. The outcome of our evangelism is not dependent on our eloquence but on God's work in the hearts of those who hear. This understanding frees us from fear and encourages us to speak boldly. Stephen's story is a powerful example of boldness in the face of adversity, as he continued to witness for Christ despite opposition. We are encouraged to be bold in sharing the gospel, knowing that the outcome is in God's hands, not ours. [46:33]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Who is one person you can share the gospel with this week? How can you prepare yourself to speak boldly, trusting in the Spirit's guidance?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Being part of a godly community helps us see our own sin and growth, as others can speak truth into our lives. This community is essential for our spiritual development and for reflecting God's light to the world. The early church exemplified this, as they supported one another and continued Jesus' mission together. A godly community encourages us, holds us accountable, and helps us grow in our faith. It is a vital part of our journey as followers of Christ. [42:41]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community this week to encourage and be encouraged in your walk with Christ?
Quotes
And as part of that covenant, he gave, God also gave Israel the law. This is what it is that I want you to do. And I'm going to give you a covenant. And that law defined the expression of their faith. And if you're familiar with the Old Testament at all, things did not go well for Israel. [00:22:52] (20 seconds)
Jesus came and he perfectly followed the law. He was the one person in all of human history who actually did what God told him to do. And he would give this to his people. He would give to those who believed in him the reward that he earned for that perfect life. Eternal life with God the Father. [00:24:44] (23 seconds)
And later on, he ascended into heaven, telling his disciples that he would come again for them. And while they were waiting for him to go out into all the world, and to make disciples, to tell people about him. In the book of Acts, as we've been following it through, it tells the story of how his disciples, the early church, lived out the calling that he had laid on their lives. [00:26:31] (23 seconds)
And so the same Spirit, the same Spirit that empowered Jesus to do what it was that he did here on earth, now lives in every single one of those who believe in him. And with the Holy Spirit working through them, they began to do things that defied human explanation. [00:26:51] (23 seconds)
And so Stephen's opponents tried to argue with him. They tried the truth. And the truth didn't get them what they wanted. Stephen, sit down and be quiet. The truth didn't work, and so they turned then to lies. And we're going to read that in just a second, but it's important to note here that Stephen's opponents, they weren't seeking the truth. [00:30:50] (26 seconds)
And so now, today, after Jesus, we aren't made right with God by following the law. That's not how we're made right with God. But we are made right with God by faith in Jesus. did follow the law. But for people who had built their lives and their careers around following the law and around teaching other people to do the same, this whole idea of the law having been fulfilled is not something that you want to spread around. [00:34:05] (34 seconds)
And so the signs and the wonders continue. Now, for us today, if we have placed our faith in Jesus in the same way that Stephen did, we will reflect God's light. The apostle John wrote in 1 John 1 that this is the message we have heard from him, that's Jesus, and proclaim to you that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. [00:37:53] (30 seconds)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So we will, when we have known God, we will reflect his light. We will walk in his light. And we walk in the light of God that John is talking about here through repentance and faith. [00:38:30] (28 seconds)
And so it is possible for every single one of us to walk in the light that John is talking about. And when we walk in that light, that light has to have an effect. If you go outside in the summer, if you go outside today, no gloves on, no gloves on, and you stay out there for 10 hours, what's gonna happen? [00:39:25] (29 seconds)
And so we need to be with godly people, and we need those people to see our lives, and to speak into our lives, to help us, because God uses them to reveal his light in us, and to shine his light into the darkness of our lives. And so it's in the context of the church that the majority of that is supposed to be the church. [00:42:49] (25 seconds)
So when we reflect God's light well, people will see us and they'll give glory to God. They'll praise God. They'll say, man, God is good. Look at the way that he has blessed me through this person. And just a few verses prior to that, Jesus also said, blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. [00:44:04] (27 seconds)
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