Extraordinary Biblical Values

Developing Extraordinary Biblical Values

Introduction:

seeking to develop extraordinary biblical values that set us apart from the world.

In a society that constantly bombards us with worldly influences, how can we remain rooted in God's truth and live lives that bring honor to His name?

Let us turn our hearts to the Word of God and discover the path to developing extraordinary biblical values. Amen!

Let's compare worldly values and godly values:

1. Worldly Values:

a) Self-centeredness: The world often promotes a "me-first" mentality, where personal desires, ambitions, and material gain take precedence.

It prioritizes individual success and instant gratification without considering the impact on others.

b) Relativism: Worldly values tend to be subjective and influenced by societal norms.

They change according to popular opinion and trends, lacking a solid foundation or absolute truth.

c) Materialism: The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and worldly comforts is a common focus in the world. Accumulating more material goods is often seen as a measure of success and happiness.

2. Godly Values:

a) Selflessness: Godly values emphasize sacrificial love and concern for others.

They promote humility and a willingness to serve and meet the needs of others before our own.

It is centered on the commandment to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

b) Absolute Truth: Godly values are anchored in the unchanging truth of God's Word.

They are based on principles and standards that do not waver with societal shifts or popular opinion.

God's Word serves as the ultimate authority and guide for moral decision-making.

c) Eternal Perspective: Godly values prioritize spiritual matters and eternal significance over temporary worldly gains.

The focus is on storing up treasures in heaven and seeking a relationship with God rather than pursuing temporary material wealth and possessions.

In summary, worldly values tend to be self-centered, influenced by societal trends, and driven by material gain. On the other hand, godly values emphasize selflessness, absolute truth grounded in God's Word, and an eternal perspective.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reject the worldly values that contradict God's truth and embrace the godly values that reflect His character and bring glory to His name.

Embracing the Extraordinary Call of Holiness

1 Peter 4:1-2, Ephesians 4:22-24

1 Peter 4:1–2 (NIV)

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.

2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Ephesians 4:22–24 (NIV)

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Holiness is a divine calling that sets us apart from the world.

In a culture that often prioritizes self-indulgence and moral relativism, embracing the extraordinary call of holiness is counter-cultural.

It means surrendering our lives to Christ, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.

To develop extraordinary biblical values of holiness, we must first understand how God defines it.

Unlike the world's definition, which often focuses on external appearances, God's definition of holiness emphasizes the condition of our hearts.

It involves purity, righteousness, and a sincere desire to please God in all that we do.

Practical steps towards holiness include renewing our minds daily through the study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we allow His truth to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions.

We seek to align ourselves with His will, embracing His extraordinary call to holiness.

Cultivating the Extraordinary Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The cultivation of the extraordinary fruit of the Spirit is essential in developing biblical values that set us apart.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be conduits of His love, joy, and peace in a world filled with strife and brokenness.

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a transformed life, a life surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

To cultivate these extraordinary fruits, we must first recognize our dependence on God.

We cannot manufacture love, joy, and peace on our own.

It is the Holy Spirit working within us who enables us to bear this fruit.

Therefore, we must daily submit ourselves to His leading, allowing Him to mold us and transform our character.

Practical ways to cultivate these extraordinary fruits include seeking reconciliation and forgiveness in relationships, showing kindness and compassion to those in need, and developing self-control in our thoughts, words, and actions.

As we allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us, we become agents of God's extraordinary love and grace to the world.

Putting on Extraordinary Christ-likeness

Colossians 3:12-14

Colossians 3:12–14 (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Putting on extraordinary Christ-likeness is an ongoing process of transformation.

It involves actively imitating the character of Christ and allowing His values to shape our lives.

Just as a garment covers and identifies a person, Christ-likeness becomes the identifying mark of a believer.

To put on extraordinary Christ-likeness, we must daily choose to put off our old selves with its sinful desires and put on the new self created to be like Christ.

This requires intentional surrender to God's will, allowing Him to transform our attitudes, actions, and responses.

Practical ways to put on extraordinary Christ-likeness include demonstrating compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in our interactions with others.

We are called to bear with one another and to forgive as Christ forgave us.

By actively living out these values, we reflect the extraordinary grace and mercy that God has bestowed upon us.

Conclusion:

Dear congregation, developing extraordinary biblical values is not an easy task, but through the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of God's Word, it is possible.

As Craig Groeschel once said, "God's extraordinary values are not just a set of rules to follow; they are a reflection of His heart and character."

Let us be intentional in seeking God, relying on His strength, and allowing His extraordinary values to shape us from the inside out.

And as Louie Giglio once reminded us, "When we walk in God's extraordinary values, the world takes notice, and the name of Jesus is glorified."

So, let us go forth from this place, transformed by the renewing of our minds, living out extraordinary biblical values, and being a shining beacon of God's extraordinary love and grace. May the Lord bless you and keep you, now and forevermore.

Amen!