2.4.18
"In Christ, Winning"
TEXT: 2 Cor. 2:12-17
TRUTHS:
1. Christians are trophies of God's grace and victory. But our salvation doesn't mark the end of God's work in our lives, it is just the start of it. As we go on serving the Lord, he will use our lives for his glory. A person is truly free when they are captive to Christ and recognize obedience to him as the pathway to joy.
2. Sarcasm, machismo, and sharpness are lousy motivators for spiritual growth. Believers and unbelievers will respond more favorably and be more motivated to grow when gentleness and kindness--like Jesus displayed--are behind the sharing of spiritual truth.
3. Character is just as important as "rightness." It doesn't only matter what you share, it matters how you share it. You can share the right doctrines but do it in a way that is not honorable to Jesus or respectful to people.
4. Real faith is being able to declare that good things are happening even in the midst of trials and pain. Biblical faith trusts God and his plan for you despite any uncomfortable circumstances that may be present in your life.
5. You become a "peddler" of God's Kingdom when you try to use the Lord to serve your own agenda. You can associate yourself with Christ and his Kingdom simply because you desire to get something from him. When someone has this mindset, there is no guarantee of a triumphant life. Believers have been saved to spread the good news, not just receive good news.
6. The Lord is always watching, with us, and paying attention to our lives. This should cause us to examine our hearts to make sure we have not become captive to the cheap, peddler version of Christian faith. This erroneous version of faith can creep into our hearts and minds--even in the most mature believers--easily and is often difficult to discern and be honest with ourselves about.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. Can you think of examples of how someone could become a peddler of God's Kingdom?
2. What truths help a believer exhibit real faith in the midst of pain? What truths need to be in a believer's heart in order for them to display this type of faith?
3. What does it mean to be "captive to Christ"?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following area(s):
That our church would share the right truths in the right way--with the proper tone and in a loving manner.
That you, your family, and your church would be able to display real faith in your moment(s) of pain and suffering.