Walking in Love: Embracing Faith and Community
Summary
Today, I began by welcoming everyone and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share God's word, emphasizing the importance of gathering together to worship and seek God's guidance in our lives. I highlighted the significance of standing firm in our faith, especially when we face personal challenges or setbacks, and the power of God's grace to uplift and restore us.
I then transitioned into discussing the essence of our Christian walk, focusing on the concept of walking in love as outlined in Ephesians. This walk requires us to be imitators of God, showing love not just in easy circumstances but also in challenging ones. This part of the sermon was a call to embody the love of Christ in all interactions, recognizing that this is not merely a suggestion but a command from God.
The sermon progressed to address the practical aspects of living out our faith, particularly through evangelism and community involvement. I shared personal stories and biblical principles to illustrate how every believer is called to preach the gospel, regardless of their role within the church. This section underscored the importance of missional living and the impact it can have, as seen in the transformation of individuals within our community who responded to the gospel.
I also spoke on the necessity of Christian community, drawing from Hebrews 10:25, which urges us not to forsake assembling together. I stressed how vital it is for believers to stay connected with one another, supporting and encouraging each other in faith. This community aspect is not just for our benefit but also serves as a witness to the world of the love and unity that can be found in Christ.
Towards the end of the sermon, I emphasized the need for personal and communal holiness and wisdom, referencing Colossians and Proverbs to highlight how our lives should be a fragrant offering to God. This involves making wise choices, avoiding paths that lead to sin, and actively engaging in what God has called us to do—especially in using our gifts and talents for His glory.
In conclusion, I encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith, to not grow weary in doing good, and to continually seek to understand and fulfill God's will for their lives. This was a call to action for everyone to examine their hearts and lives, ensuring they align with God's purposes and commands.
### Key Takeaways
1. Walking in Love: Walking in love is foundational to our Christian identity. It's about more than just avoiding conflict; it's actively seeking to do good to others, even those who may not reciprocate that love. This kind of love is sacrificial and mirrors the love Christ has for us, which compels us to extend grace and forgiveness continually. [01:03:40]
2. Evangelism as a Way of Life: Evangelism shouldn't be seen as a task for the few but a lifestyle for all believers. It's about using our everyday interactions and the platforms we have to share the gospel. This approach to evangelism is inclusive, acknowledging that everyone, regardless of their background or knowledge of theology, can participate in spreading God's word. [01:18:50]
3. The Importance of Christian Community: Staying connected with a Christian community is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience. It provides a support system that helps us withstand the trials of life and fosters spiritual accountability. In community, we find strength and encouragement from fellow believers, which is essential for maintaining our zeal for God. [01:25:26]
4. Living Wisely: Wisdom is not just about knowledge but about applying God's word to our daily decisions. Walking wisely involves discernment and a conscious effort to avoid situations that could lead to sin. It's about making choices that honor God and reflect His will for our lives, which is crucial in a world filled with distractions and temptations. [52:23]
5. Redeeming the Time: Our time on earth is limited and precious. We are called to use it wisely, not just for personal gain but for the kingdom of God. This means actively engaging in what God has called us to do—serving, giving, evangelizing, and loving others. It's about making the most of every opportunity to glorify God in our actions and interactions. [50:03]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:00:00 - The Battlefield of Life
01:09:54 - Walking Worthy and in Love
01:13:20 - The Call to Active Service
01:18:50 - Evangelism for Everyone
01:25:26 - The Strength of Community
01:30:04 - Influences and Inspirations
01:36:29 - Communion and Reflection
01:45:00 - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:1-2: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
2. Hebrews 10:25: "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."
3. Colossians 4:5: "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to "walk in love" according to Ephesians 5:1-2?
2. How does Hebrews 10:25 emphasize the importance of Christian community?
3. What practical advice does Colossians 4:5 give about how we should interact with those outside the faith?
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the challenge of walking in love? ([01:06:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is walking in love considered a command rather than a suggestion in Ephesians 5:1-2? How does this impact our daily interactions? ([01:03:40])
2. How can the concept of "redeeming the time" from Colossians 4:5 be applied to our modern lives filled with distractions? ([50:03])
3. What are the potential consequences of neglecting Christian community as highlighted in Hebrews 10:25? ([01:25:26])
4. How does the pastor's struggle with loving a difficult coworker reflect the broader challenge of living out our faith in everyday situations? ([01:06:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found it difficult to walk in love. How can you apply Ephesians 5:1-2 to handle similar situations in the future? ([01:03:40])
2. Identify one way you can be more intentional about redeeming your time this week. What specific steps will you take to ensure you are making the best use of your time for God's kingdom? ([50:03])
3. How can you strengthen your connection with your Christian community? Are there specific actions you can take to encourage and support fellow believers? ([01:25:26])
4. Think of a person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you walk in wisdom and use your interactions with them to share the gospel? ([01:18:50])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of using our gifts and talents for God's glory. What is one gift or talent you have, and how can you use it to serve others and honor God this week? ([49:17])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt weary in doing good. How can Galatians 6:9 encourage you to persevere in your faith and actions? ([01:30:49])
7. How can you create a "sweet-smelling aroma" in your daily life through your actions and decisions? What specific changes can you make to ensure your life is a pleasing offering to God? ([01:08:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying Sacrificial Love
Walking in love is foundational to our Christian identity, urging us to extend grace and forgiveness continually, much like Christ does for us. This love is not passive; it actively seeks to benefit others, even those who may not return the affection or kindness. It challenges us to look beyond our own needs and desires, focusing instead on how we can serve and uplift those around us. This kind of love is demanding—it requires us to forgive when we are wronged and to continually pour out ourselves for others, even when it is inconvenient or painful. This sacrificial aspect of love is what sets it apart as distinctly Christian, reflecting the very nature of Jesus Christ. [01:03:40]
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you show sacrificial love to someone in your life today, especially someone who may not seem to deserve it?
Day 2: Evangelism as Everyday Engagement
Evangelism should be viewed not as a specialized role for the few but as a natural expression of the Christian life for all believers. It involves using everyday interactions and the platforms available to us to share the gospel. This inclusive approach acknowledges that everyone, regardless of their background or theological knowledge, can participate in spreading God's word. By integrating evangelism into our daily lives, we make it a part of our identity rather than a separate activity. This lifestyle of evangelism allows us to reach people in our natural networks—family, friends, colleagues—and speak into their lives authentically and relationally. [01:18:50]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your daily life could benefit from hearing the gospel, and how can you begin that conversation today?
Day 3: The Vital Role of Christian Community
The Christian community is essential not only for personal spiritual growth but also for corporate resilience against life's challenges. It provides a network of support that fosters spiritual accountability and encouragement. Within this community, believers find the strength to continue in their faith and the encouragement to grow spiritually. This aspect of Christian living is crucial for maintaining zeal for God and for living out the commands of Christ together. The community serves as a living testimony to the unity and love that can be found among God's people. [01:25:26]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to strengthening the bonds within your Christian community this week?
Day 4: Wisdom in Daily Living
Living wisely according to biblical principles involves making discerning choices that reflect God's will. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical, affecting every decision and action. It calls for a deliberate avoidance of paths that lead to sin and a proactive engagement in activities that glorify God. By living wisely, believers make their lives a fragrant offering to God, marked by righteousness and godly decision-making. This pursuit of wisdom is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern life and in making choices that have eternal significance. [52:23]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing today where you can apply biblical wisdom to ensure it honors God?
Day 5: Redeeming Our Time for God's Glory
Our time on earth is limited and precious, and as believers, we are called to use it wisely and purposefully for the kingdom of God. This involves actively engaging in God's work through service, giving, evangelizing, and loving others. By making the most of every opportunity, we not only fulfill God's purposes but also bring glory to Him through our actions. This intentional use of time ensures that our lives contribute to God's greater plan and legacy. [50:03]
"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." (Colossians 4:5 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can better utilize your time this week to serve and glorify God?
Quotes
"Don't be discouraged if you're trying to use your social media to glorify God and to honor God, and you don't have 1.1 million followers. Preach the gospel. I don't care if your clothing line, you ain't making a million dollars a week, and you don't got Lecrae wearing your clothing line. I don't care. Still, honor God with your clothing line. It don't matter if our church, if we don't have three services of 10,000 members each service, we still can honor God and preach the gospel in our buildings." [01:23:22]
"Christians need Christian community. No one will ever convince me that that's not true. I have never seen any good from a believer, no matter how strong they were or they thought they were, disconnect from Christian community and to do anything good for them spiritually. Never seen it. And if someone tells me, I have. We got to talk. I'm going to have to debate you." [01:25:26]
"Biblical waiting is not a passivity. It's not an act of activity. And it's surely not doing nothing. Biblical waiting is demonstrated by active dependence, obedience, and service to God. He doesn't call us to be idle with our time. He hasn't given us everything that he's given us. Every one of you. The gifts and the talents. The creative abilities that you have. He hasn't given that to you. For nothing." [49:17]
"We read in Ephesians 5, 15 to 17. Paul says, See then that you walk carefully. Walk carefully. Not as fools but as wise. Redeeming the time. Why? Well, he tells us. Because the days are evil. We're surrounded by evil in a fallen world. Therefore, do not be unwise. But understand what the will of the Lord is. It's clear to me that scripture calls us to be wise. To walk in wisdom." [50:45]
"I believe, I don't care how strong-willed a person is, you can be influenced. And sometimes it's so subtle you don't even realize it. Again, myself, man, some of y'all in here, man, influenced me to study more, to pray more. We are human beings who have the power to influence and the vulnerability to be influenced. We are." [01:29:13]
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