Beyond Sunday - Good In Tension Week 1
Beyond Sunday, Week of October 13, 2024
“Good in Tension” Week 1
Thoughts: As I listened to Troy’s message on Sunday, I was reminded of this quote by author Carl R. Trueman. “The task of the Christian is not to whine about the moment in which he or she lives but to understand its problems and respond appropriately to
them.” If I am honest, I find it difficult to live up to that message. It is far easier to criticize and complain about the world around me than it is to try to influence it for Jesus. But criticizing and complaining is not the message of Scripture.
Daniel and his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—living as captives in Babylon, are inspiring examples for us. They demonstrate how to live faithful lives while surrounded by a sinful culture. May God grant us the same faith, courage, and endurance to live true to Him despite the pressures we encounter.
Read: Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26-27, 1 John 3:1
Jesus never lost His identity. Although surrounded by non-Christians every day, Jesus did not allow culture or its opinions to alter His identity. Even Satan could not shake Him when tempting Him in the desert. Jesus knew who He was and why He was here.
According to the Bible, our true identity is found in Jesus Christ. Understanding and accepting that truth shifts our focus from self-perception to a God-centered perspective that gives us purpose, joy, and peace.
• The foundation of our true identity is the fact that we are created in the image of God. What things other than Jesus, if any, do you still allow to contribute to your identity? In what ways do you reflect the image of God?
• By trusting in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and living according to His ways, we are forgiven and transformed into a new creation, a new identity. How have you been transformed by faith in Christ? In what ways are you still becoming more like Him?
• When we believe in Christ for salvation, we are adopted into God’s family, which is central to our true identity. What does that truth reveal to you about our Heavenly Father? What, if anything, makes it difficult for you to accept that you are a child of God?
Read: Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 1 Peter 4:3-4
The world does not share our biblical values and is eager to draw us away from devotion to Christ and His ways. While we operate in this world, even enjoying friendships with non-Christians, we must remember that we are citizens of another kingdom. We are “resident aliens,” here as ambassadors for the one true King, and we are to be as Christ-like as possible.
• If we avoid all the things Scripture tells us not to do, but neglect the things it tells us we should do, where does that leave us? Where specifically do you have some room to grow in Christ-likeness?
• In what circumstance, or with what person or people, is it most difficult for you to avoid compromising your standards?
• Why do you think non-believers “are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living”? How might you use that expressed surprise to help influence them?
Read: Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 6:10-12, 1 Peter 3:15-16
Jesus was always kind. He anticipated being misunderstood, so He could have patience and kindness with non-believers as He explained how to have a relationship with God. We need to remember that as His followers we too, will be misunderstood. Jesus always spoke truth, even when His life was at stake. When we are surrounded by non-Christians who do not worship God or hold to our values, it is tempting to remain silent or compromise Scripture in order not to offend.
• Going back a moment to 1 Peter 4:4, what is your natural reaction if non-believers “
... heap abuse on you” because of your beliefs? How can you resist that natural reaction?
• Scripture tells us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” How might remembering that help you respond appropriately when someone, or the culture in general, confronts your faith?
Pray: Praise God for who He is. Thank Him for adopting you into His family. Ask Him to reveal ways in which you can be a better, more faithful and devoted son or daughter. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to influence those with whom you come in contact.
Consider using the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) as a model and ask God to increase your “territory,” your sphere of influence for His Kingdom.
Next Steps:
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior. If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have put your faith in Jesus but have not yet been baptized, Sign up to go public with your faith in Jesus by getting water baptized.
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.
**If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, and find your identity in Him, begin today by placing your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.
“Good in Tension” Week 1
Thoughts: As I listened to Troy’s message on Sunday, I was reminded of this quote by author Carl R. Trueman. “The task of the Christian is not to whine about the moment in which he or she lives but to understand its problems and respond appropriately to
them.” If I am honest, I find it difficult to live up to that message. It is far easier to criticize and complain about the world around me than it is to try to influence it for Jesus. But criticizing and complaining is not the message of Scripture.
Daniel and his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—living as captives in Babylon, are inspiring examples for us. They demonstrate how to live faithful lives while surrounded by a sinful culture. May God grant us the same faith, courage, and endurance to live true to Him despite the pressures we encounter.
Read: Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26-27, 1 John 3:1
Jesus never lost His identity. Although surrounded by non-Christians every day, Jesus did not allow culture or its opinions to alter His identity. Even Satan could not shake Him when tempting Him in the desert. Jesus knew who He was and why He was here.
According to the Bible, our true identity is found in Jesus Christ. Understanding and accepting that truth shifts our focus from self-perception to a God-centered perspective that gives us purpose, joy, and peace.
• The foundation of our true identity is the fact that we are created in the image of God. What things other than Jesus, if any, do you still allow to contribute to your identity? In what ways do you reflect the image of God?
• By trusting in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and living according to His ways, we are forgiven and transformed into a new creation, a new identity. How have you been transformed by faith in Christ? In what ways are you still becoming more like Him?
• When we believe in Christ for salvation, we are adopted into God’s family, which is central to our true identity. What does that truth reveal to you about our Heavenly Father? What, if anything, makes it difficult for you to accept that you are a child of God?
Read: Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 1 Peter 4:3-4
The world does not share our biblical values and is eager to draw us away from devotion to Christ and His ways. While we operate in this world, even enjoying friendships with non-Christians, we must remember that we are citizens of another kingdom. We are “resident aliens,” here as ambassadors for the one true King, and we are to be as Christ-like as possible.
• If we avoid all the things Scripture tells us not to do, but neglect the things it tells us we should do, where does that leave us? Where specifically do you have some room to grow in Christ-likeness?
• In what circumstance, or with what person or people, is it most difficult for you to avoid compromising your standards?
• Why do you think non-believers “are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living”? How might you use that expressed surprise to help influence them?
Read: Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 6:10-12, 1 Peter 3:15-16
Jesus was always kind. He anticipated being misunderstood, so He could have patience and kindness with non-believers as He explained how to have a relationship with God. We need to remember that as His followers we too, will be misunderstood. Jesus always spoke truth, even when His life was at stake. When we are surrounded by non-Christians who do not worship God or hold to our values, it is tempting to remain silent or compromise Scripture in order not to offend.
• Going back a moment to 1 Peter 4:4, what is your natural reaction if non-believers “
... heap abuse on you” because of your beliefs? How can you resist that natural reaction?
• Scripture tells us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” How might remembering that help you respond appropriately when someone, or the culture in general, confronts your faith?
Pray: Praise God for who He is. Thank Him for adopting you into His family. Ask Him to reveal ways in which you can be a better, more faithful and devoted son or daughter. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to influence those with whom you come in contact.
Consider using the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) as a model and ask God to increase your “territory,” your sphere of influence for His Kingdom.
Next Steps:
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior. If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have put your faith in Jesus but have not yet been baptized, Sign up to go public with your faith in Jesus by getting water baptized.
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.
**If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, and find your identity in Him, begin today by placing your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.
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