Beyond the Moment: The Journey After Salvation
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12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Central Idea:
Salvation begins a lifelong journey of faith, where we work out our salvation with reverence, empowered by God.
2024 Theme: Spiritual Maturity in Truth
2024 Mantra: In Spirit and Truth, We Mature; In His Word, We Stand Secure!
February Theme: The Truth about Salvation (Romans 10:9)
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Morning Sermons in February:
Feb 4, The Cost of Salvation;
Feb 11, Salvation and God's Forgiveness;
Feb 18, Beyond the Moment: The Journey After Salvation
Feb 25, Salvation and the Great Commission
Introduction
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we assemble within the sanctified walls of Brookfield Church of Christ, we stand at the threshold of an enlightening series that embarks upon the essence of our salvation. This February, we delve into the profound depths of Philippians 2:12-13, a scripture that calls us to a reverent sojourn in faith, a journey not solitary but accompanied by the Almighty who works within us. This divine interplay of human endeavor and heavenly grace defines our path beyond the moment of salvation.
Our central idea is a clarion call to each disciple to foster a spiritual maturity that is deeply rooted in truth, resonating with our mantra that in Spirit and Truth, We Mature; In His Word, We Stand Secure. This journey asks us to embrace three transformative objectives that will serve as guideposts in our quest for deeper faith. First, we must Embrace the Disciple's Responsibility, fostering spiritual disciplines that bring us into closer communion with the Lord. Second, we are to Reflect God's Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships, embodying the forgiving nature of Christ in our daily interactions. Lastly, our path compels us to Actively Participate in the Great Commission, to be bearers of God’s message and love across all nations.
Weaving these threads into the fabric of our very being, the sermons of February will inform and inspire us to understand the Truth about Salvation. Pursuing our spiritual maturity, we shall commit to actions and attitudes that manifest our salvation. With humble hearts and a steadfast spirit, let us embark on this journey together, united in our determination to live out the life God has called for us.
Embrace the Disciple's Responsibility
Embrace the Disciple's Responsibility
Cultivate personal spiritual disciplines by delving deeper into Scripture and prayer. This objective aligns with Philippians 2:12-13, urging each believer to actively "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," embodying our 2024 Mantra of maturing in Spirit and Truth.
Reflect God’s Work in Us:
It's critical to understand that spiritual growth stems from God's transformative power within us. The Apostle Paul affirms this in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We're crafted with the purpose of performing acts precipitated by our faith, validating our progression in spiritual maturity.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Manifesting the Fruit of the Spirit:
As disciples, we are to cultivate personal spiritual growth and exhibit this growth through our actions. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the Fruit of the Spirit, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Demonstrating these qualities is a tangible expression of living out our responsibility as followers of Christ and manifests the profound change salvation imparts within us.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection Questions for Embracing the Disciple's Responsibility
Which activity best represents a personal spiritual discipline aligned with Philippians 2:12-13?
A) Attending a weekly social club
B) Participating in occasional charity events
C) Engaging daily in Scripture reading and prayer
D) Watching religious films
Correct Answer: C) Engaging daily in Scripture reading and prayer. This practice is fundamental to cultivating personal spiritual disciplines, as it directly corresponds to "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling" and fosters a deeper understanding and connection with God's Word.
Discuss the importance of cultivating personal spiritual disciplines and how they can impact your daily life as a disciple of Christ.
Answer: Cultivating personal spiritual disciplines is paramount for any disciple of Christ, for it is through these practices that one nurtures a robust spiritual life and discernment. Engaging in daily Scripture reading and devoted prayer allows believers to immerse themselves in the divine wisdom and align their lives more closely with God's will. Such disciplines directly reflect an obedient heart, demonstrating reverence for God as one seeks to grow in understanding and applying biblical principles. Personal spiritual growth is not an isolated journey; it ripples into our daily interactions, decisions, and how we represent Christ in the world. Through disciplined spiritual practice, a believer can become more attuned to God's voice, more resilient in the face of tribulations, and increasingly reflective of the love and grace that is found in Jesus Christ—thereby impacting every aspect of their daily life as a disciple.
Reflect God's Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships:
Reflect God's Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships:
Highlight the transformative power of God's forgiveness as a model for our own practices of repentance and mercy. This theme corresponds with our February theme of understanding the "Truth about Salvation" and complements the sermon on "Salvation and God's Forgiveness."
To fortify the objective of reflecting God's forgiveness in our interpersonal relationships, let us draw upon Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This command is an authoritative reminder that, as recipients of divine grace, we must extend that same clemency to others, thus epitomizing the very essence of Christ-like forgiveness.
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Further amplifying this mandate, Ephesians 4:32 implores, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Here, we are called not merely to a passive forgiveness but to an active, robust kindness and compassion that mirror God's infinite mercy. By living out these directives with unwavering conviction, we foster a community that upholds the transformative truth about salvation, thereby achieving spiritual maturity in harmony with our mantra for the year.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Reflection Questions for Reflecting God's Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships
Which scenario exemplifies the act of reflecting God's forgiveness in interpersonal relationships, as taught in Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:32?
A) Choosing to hold a grudge against a co-worker after a disagreement
B) Ignoring a family member's apology for a past mistake
C) Reconciling with a friend and offering forgiveness following a misunderstanding
D) Keeping distance from someone who has previously wronged you
Correct Answer: C) Reconciling with a friend and offering forgiveness following a misunderstanding. This choice reflects the active forgiveness that is consistent with God's teachings, moving beyond past grievances to restore and heal relationships.
How does practicing forgiveness in interpersonal relationships contribute to spiritual maturity and embody the truth about salvation?
Answer: The practice of forgiveness is a cornerstone of spiritual maturity; it demonstrates a profound understanding of the grace we receive through salvation. To forgive as we have been forgiven is to live out the gospel message, making the love of Christ tangible in our daily lives. It requires humility, patience, and discipline—qualities that underpin spiritual growth. Forgiveness allows us to let go of bitterness and move forward in freedom, aligning our hearts and actions with the will of God. As we extend mercy, we reflect the very character of Christ and affirm the transformative power of salvation not just in words but through our deeds. This alignment with divine forgiveness is critical in embodying the truth about salvation and actively participating in the redemptive work of the Spirit in the world.
Actively Participate in the Great Commission:
Actively Participate in the Great Commission:
Strengthen commitment to evangelism and mentorship within the community, being both recipients and conduits of His Word and love. In conjunction with the sermon on "Salvation and the Great Commission," this objective is a compelling call to action, furthering our 2024 Theme of Spiritual Maturity in Truth.
To underpin our imperative to "Actively Participate in the Great Commission," let us call upon the unequivocal command of Matthew 28:19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This scripture is not merely a directive; it's a global mission entrusted to us, compelling us to reach out, educate, and baptize in His holy name, ensuring His teachings cascade through generations.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In bolstering our commitment to this objective, Acts 1:8 serves as both a reassurance and an invigorating charge: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Here, we are endowed with the Holy Spirit's power to be Christ's emissaries to the world's farthest reaches. Embracing these scriptures, we are to stand unwaveringly in our pursuit of the Great Commission, fortifying the foothold of faith across the globe with unyielding fervor.
8 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 Questions for Actively Participating in the Great Commission
Which of the following actions aligns with our objective to "Actively Participate in the Great Commission" as directed in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8?
A) Limiting our evangelism efforts to our immediate circle of friends and family
B) Only supporting missions without personal engagement in evangelistic work
C) Organizing and leading Bible studies within our local and global communities
D) Assuming that the role of spreading the gospel belongs to church leaders alone
Correct Answer: C) Organizing and leading Bible studies within our local and global communities demonstrates a proactive approach to fulfilling the Great Commission. By directly engaging in discipleship and spreading the word of God, we are heeding the call to be Christ's witnesses in familiar territories and expanding to the unreached, thus embodying the scriptural mandate.
What are the implications of Acts 1:8 for the individual believer regarding participating in the Great Commission, and how can one practically apply this scriptural charge in their daily life?
Answer: Acts 1:8 conveys a powerful implication for believers: that the Holy Spirit empowers them to witness for Christ "to the end of the earth." This empowerment means that every believer carries a personal responsibility in the mission of evangelism and discipleship. Practically, this can be sharing personal testimonies, engaging in mission trips, supporting or mentoring new believers, participating in community outreach programs, and leveraging social platforms to spread the gospel message. By integrating these practices into one's daily routine, the believer actively participates in the Great Commission, embodying the call to be Christ's ambassadors wherever they may be.
Short Illustration
Short Illustration
In the bustling city of Brookfield, there lived a man named Thomas, known for his devout faith and committed service within the church community. One crisp Sunday morning, as the rays of the dawn's light pierced through the stained-glass windows, Thomas reflected deeply on the sermon, "Beyond the Moment: The Journey After Salvation."
Determined to live out this message, he ventured into the community garden, a peaceful haven where he often found solitude and connection with God. Here, Thomas decided to embody the first objective: embracing the disciple’s responsibility. With prayer and scripture in hand, Thomas committed to daily morning devotionals, fervently seeking God's guidance.
One day, a curious onlooker named Sarah approached, intrigued by Thomas's discipline. Thomas seized this providential encounter and gently shared the words of Ephesians 2:10 with her, explaining how God had crafted each life with purpose. Over time, Sarah, moved by the transformation she observed in Thomas, desired to embrace the journey of faith herself.
As Thomas continued cultivating his spiritual disciplines, he faced a personal challenge. An old friend had wronged him, and yet, reminded of the second objective—to reflect God's forgiveness—he reached out to his friend, extending forgiveness and modeling the divine grace described in Colossians 3:13. This act of reconciliation stirred admiration among his peers, encouraging them to pursue peace and forgiveness in their strained relationships.
Emboldened by his growing faith, Thomas turned to the final objective, actively participating in the Great Commission. He began organizing small group sessions in his home, inviting neighbors to discuss scripture and the essence of the gospel, echoing the charge of Matthew 28:19-20. His home became a beacon of spiritual growth and camaraderie, illustrative of the vitality of the church's mission.
Through Thomas's story, the Brookfield Church of Christ congregation is implored to consider: How might this tapestry of discipline, forgiveness, and evangelism manifest in your own life? May we each become a Thomas in our communities, radiating the persistent call to mature in Spirit and Truth, standing secure in His Word, and fervently participating in the wondrous journey mapped out for us beyond the point of our salvation.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have traversed a spiritual odyssey today, underpinned by scripture and personified by the faithful witness of Thomas from Brookfield. Our discourse has revolved around the immutable truth that our salvation is not the terminus but the commencement of a more profound calling. We've unpacked three objectives essential to our faith: embracing the disciple's responsibility, reflecting God's forgiveness, and actively participating in the Great Commission.
Let us be spurred into action by the enduring words found in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8, which call us to step forthwith faith and enthusiasm. Be the hands that hold the scripture firmly and the feet that tread boldly towards those yearning for salvation. By standing on the conviction that we are each crafted for purpose, as stated in Ephesians 2:10, let us aspire to mirror the discipline and grace witnessed in the life of our brother Thomas.
I now extend an earnest invitation to each one of you: Will you commit to daily morning devotionals, seek reconciliation as a reflection of God's boundless grace, and open your homes and hearts to fellow seekers of the Truth? As we aspire to be Thomases in our communities, our lives integrated with discipline, forgiveness, and evangelism, may we leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of this earthly existence.
In the spirit of the Great Commission, I urge you to step into the narrative of God's love and let the message resound in your actions and words. Embrace this charge with stalwart hearts—a clarion call not just for a day but for a lifetime. Let us depart today with a renewed commitment to carry His word to all corners of the globe, starting within our hearts and communities. May we find strength and joy in this divine journey, abiding by His eternal promise. Amen.