Romans 12 | 2 Timothy 2 | Luke 11 | Luke 9 | 1 Thessalonians 5
In today’s sermon we looked at what it means to be truly committed to Christ—both in the big and small aspects of our lives. Through a study of Scripture from Romans 12, 2 Timothy 2, Luke 11, Luke 9, and 1 Thessalonians 5, we are invited to ask ourselves challenging yet important questions that help us examine the depth of our faith.
Are You a Soldier for God?
In 2 Timothy 2, Paul compares the Christian life to being a soldier, someone who must endure hardships, stay disciplined, and remain focused on the mission at hand. As a soldier of Christ, we are called to stand firm in the faith, not distracted by worldly things but committed to the higher calling God has placed in our lives. The question to ask ourselves is: Am I living intentionally for Christ, or have I become distracted by the battles of this world?
What Are You Known For?
Luke 11 reminds us that when people speak of us, do they speak of us as an example of Christ, or are we a distraction from Him? Our actions, words, and attitudes either draw people closer to God or push them further away. It’s crucial to examine how we are representing Christ in our everyday interactions. Are we showing love, kindness, and integrity, or are we caught up in attitudes that pull others away from the message of the Gospel?
Are You a Successful Failure?
Luke 9 asks a tough question: What did you give up spiritually to get what you’ve got? Success in the world’s eyes may not always align with spiritual success. Are we sacrificing our soul for success, recognition, or the approval of people who don’t care about our spiritual well-being? Jesus calls us to seek first His Kingdom, even if it means giving up earthly pursuits. Are we chasing after things that are fleeting, or are we investing in things that have eternal value?
Shameless About the Gospel?
In a world that often seems hostile to the Gospel, it’s easy to be ashamed of our faith. But Paul reminds us in Romans 1:16 that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation, and we should never be ashamed of it. If God is truly BIG in our lives, He will be part of our biggest decisions. We won’t shy away from standing up for our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. Are we speaking boldly about the Gospel, or are we trying to remain spiritually invisible?
Are You Doing Things on Purpose for Christ?
Every action we take as believers should be intentional and purposeful for Christ. Are we living for the mission God has given us, or are we just going through the motions? 1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us to live as children of the light, being watchful and alert, making the most of every opportunity to serve God. Our lives should be marked by a sense of purpose, always seeking to glorify God in everything we do.
Reflect and Act
The Christian life is not one of passivity. We are called to actively live out our faith, to be soldiers of God, to be examples of Christ, to stand firm, and to make decisions that reflect His will. As we reflect on these Scriptures, let’s ask ourselves: Are we living intentionally for Christ, or have we allowed distractions to take root in our lives? Are we making BIG decisions that honor God, or are we neglecting His presence in our choices?
The challenge today is to examine where you stand in your walk with Christ. Don’t let distractions, success, or fear hold you back from living boldly for the Gospel. As you reflect on your life, ask yourself if you are being intentional about your relationship with Christ and whether you are making decisions that align with His will. Live with purpose, live with boldness, and live for His glory.