READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Apostle Paul was writing this letter from prison to a church he had never met. He wanted to guide them in living a life worthy of the Gospel, and we too can learn from 4 key lessons outlined here.
1. Laying the Foundations of Faith, Love & Hope (v3-5) Paul commended the church for its faith (Heb 11:1), love and hope (v3-5). We have faith because Jesus Christ actually lived and was known by the gospel writers. Loving our fellow Christians proves that we are his Disciples. We have a hope of an eternity with Jesus Christ which gives us courage to face our present day challenges.
2. Embracing the Gospel Truth (v5-6, 15-20, 23)
Paul emphasised the supremacy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (v15-20). This was to contradict the false teaching that attempted to deny the relevance of Jesus. Warren Wiersbe writes; “The gospel message does not centre in a philosophy, a doctrine, or a religious system. It centres in Jesus Christ, the Son of God”. The gospel is active, bearing fruit in the lives of believers and has now spread to 2.38 billion Christians worldwide! Let us continue to not only embrace the gospel, but share it with others.
3. Praying to Know God’s will (v9)
Let us strive to be familiar with God’s ways and His will in our lives. by asking God to grant understanding as we read His Word. God can grant us spiritual wisdom beyond our human ability.
4. Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel (v10-11)
We all have a general calling to be disciples. We also have a specific calling into certain areas which the SHAPE course helps us to discover. This course considers our Spiritual gifting, Heart, Ability, Personality and Experience. The Church succeeds when we all serve with the spiritual gifts we have been given by God. Knowing the will of God is only of value when we commit to obey. Apostle James reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:14,17). Ps Edmund Chan says; “Truth doesn’t change lives; it’s truth applied that does!”.
However, we cannot do this alone! God gives us supernatural power and energy to help us to grow in spiritual maturity (v11). Let us permit God to work through us by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we all live a life worthy of the Gospel!
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What is one key takeaway for you from this message?
- Which of these virtues of Faith, Love & Hope do you resonate the most with?
- How are you proclaiming the gospel truth of Jesus Christ with others?
- Have you sought God’s will for your life? In what areas do you sense God’s specific call for you?
- Share how you can practically live out a life worthy of the gospel in your Christian journey.
