Let's Go! Get to Work

INTRO:

Play Tom Brady Video

Recap: Marks of a True Christian

Evidences of a life changed by the Gospel

Last two weeks dealt with loving God and loving people (namely brothers and sisters)

This week: Putting those loves into action

Christians are called to action - LET’S GO!

James 2:18–20 ESV

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

James 2:18

James 2:26

James 2:26 ESV

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

The Christian faith demands action…you cannot sit on the sidelines

Read

Do Not Be Slothful in Zeal

Do not be slothful

Is being called a sloth good?

Characteristics of a Sloth

Not to be sluggish or slow

Zeal

Definition - Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an object

“Don’t be slow to have a passion for the Gospel of Christ”

What is the Cause of Christ?

The Gospel - The good news for sinners

The cause or object of our enthusiasm

A Mark of a believer - There is passion for the Gospel

Be Fervent in Spirit

Be Fervent

Be fired up

Pep rally, Cheering section of a crowd

in Spirit or in The Spirit - Holy Spirit

“Have a burning desire fueled by the Holy Spirit”

Rocky IV - Training Montage two songs Burning Heart, Hearts on fire

Examples in Scripture

Jeremiah 20:9 ESV

If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Jeremiah 20:

Gospel centered life cannot be contained

Acts 4:18–20 ESV

So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 3:18–20 ESV

But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

Acts 3:

Acts 5:28–29 ESV

saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:28

Regardless of imprisonment or death the apostles could not stop preaching the Gospel

Why do they do this?

Romans 8:18 ESV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:

Looked to Christ, pressed into the truth of the Gospel

Mark of Christian - Burning desire for the Gospel

leads to action

Serve the Lord

How do I serve the Lord? How do I know what He is calling me to?

God has placed the idea in you

Ex. serving, sharing, how you live, etc.

It is Gospel led, not contradicting to God’s word

Go forward until God closes the door

What if....? (too hard, I don’t know what to do/ what to say, etc.)

2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:

Press into the Gospel

Pray

Trust that God is the one who does the work

STOP

Why does the Gospel insight enthusiasm and passion? What does it mean to not be slothful in our zeal for the Gospel? How does that play out in your life? Is it important to have zeal for the Gospel, why or why not?

What does service to the Lord look like? How do you know if God is leading you to do something? How does the Gospel change a believer to want to serve the Lord? How have you changed in your service to the Lord?