Do the Work - Make the Difference

Main Idea: You are a difference Maker

Opening Line:

Introduction

Are you feeling Weary?

It is easy to become tired or weary in life.

Galatians 6:1–10 NIV

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

We have talked about living ALL in and now the Apostle Paul finishes his letter with an encouragement to help those who are struggling with sin and to not grow weary of doing good.

We can get tired or weary of doing good, especially when it seems like our efforts are not helping.

Galatians 6:9–10 NIV

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Main Point

You can be the Difference Maker in your family, Community, and the world

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

When we view everything we do with a desire to glorify God with our actions we realize we can make a difference.

Why does it matter?

If we do not give up we will see a transformation in our lives and around us

The harvest that will come from our good work if we are willing to carry each others burdens and not become wearying when things aren’t as quick as we think they should be.

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Renewing our minds is not simply an act of thought, but of action.

What should we do?

Be Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13–16 NIV

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Becoming salt and light is an illustration to be led by the spirit to restore others, carry other’s burdens, and becoming a transforming force on the world.

Salt helps to preserve or carry food through the waiting

Light reveals and brings clarity and new hope into a dark place

James 2:14–26 NIV

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

How do we do it?

And HOW do we become Salt and Light?

We become Salt and Light through Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us.

We have talked about becoming ALL in in Galatians 5 and how it is not through our strength or ability can we do anything.

Jesus gives Freedom, Jesus gives Family, and Jesus gives Fruit

Only when we rely on God to move through us and to be led by the Holy Spirit can we become all in.

When it comes to making a difference through good works it is not contradiction, but a reaffirmation to be led by the Holy Spirit not just in the faith for Freedom, Family, and the Fruits, but also in your actions.

Becoming salt and light is to follow James teaching about faith and actions working together to produce a life and world transformed for Christ.

It is impossible to live in freedom Jesus gives from sin and death, to be a new creation into His family, or to produce the fruits of the Spirit without faith!

It is also impossible to Restore someone, carry each other’s burdens, avoid temptation, sow seeds of goodness and grace without growing weary without faith infused into your actions.

Jesus said, in Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28–30 NIV

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Living as Salt and Light is living through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

You must start by living all in with Freedom, Family, and the Fruits; then you will be able to do the Good work and make the difference or see the transforming power of God in yourself and those around you!!!

Is the Bottom Line Clear?

You can make a difference in your life and culture, but it will take a full and complete reliance on the Holy Spirit leading and producing in and through you.

Closing Line: Start becoming a difference maker today!

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