From Peace to Praise
Summary of the Message
The key to being a transformational church is having a gospel culture that is grounded in the priority of peace that leads to expressions of praise and gratitude. This requires decisive work, but when the church fruitfully pursues peace and allows the gospel to set the agenda for its fellowship, it will be a light that leads people to Jesus and their trusting in him.
The key to being a transformational church is having a gospel culture that is grounded in the priority of peace that leads to expressions of praise and gratitude. This requires decisive work, but when the church fruitfully pursues peace and allows the gospel to set the agenda for its fellowship, it will be a light that leads people to Jesus and their trusting in him.
Key Sermon Points
1. Let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts
The Lord is exhorting us to let peace be the decisive factor in all of our interactions and relationships within the church. We are tempted to make this a rule we must follow, but Paul explains that the location of peace's rule is in our hearts, so we must have an inclination toward peace and desire it with all of our brothers and sisters in the church.
2. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly
The message of Christ is simply a way of referring to the gospel, so Paul is telling us that the reality of the gospel, its redemptive message and meaning, is to be the cultural heartbeat of our church. What does this mean, you ask? It means that we should be reminded of our own spiritual desperation which helps us to be merciful and patient with others. It also makes us a very hospitable place for those who do not yet know Jesus and are experiencing the destructive force of sin in their lives. We are called to be gospel people!
1. Let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts
The Lord is exhorting us to let peace be the decisive factor in all of our interactions and relationships within the church. We are tempted to make this a rule we must follow, but Paul explains that the location of peace's rule is in our hearts, so we must have an inclination toward peace and desire it with all of our brothers and sisters in the church.
2. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly
The message of Christ is simply a way of referring to the gospel, so Paul is telling us that the reality of the gospel, its redemptive message and meaning, is to be the cultural heartbeat of our church. What does this mean, you ask? It means that we should be reminded of our own spiritual desperation which helps us to be merciful and patient with others. It also makes us a very hospitable place for those who do not yet know Jesus and are experiencing the destructive force of sin in their lives. We are called to be gospel people!
Discussion Questions
- Is your heart broken when you hear about the widespread conflict and division that exists in churches? Why do you think it is important to not give up on the church of Jesus Christ but to instead move toward her with commitment and love?
- Our text says that we are called to peace since we are members of one body. Take a moment to consider other saints you are not in peace with, and ask yourself what steps you are to take to bring reconciliation and peace to those relationships? How does your doing that increase the atmosphere of peace in the church?
- Do you feel you have a good understanding of the gospel? Write down your understanding of the gospel, please find some scriptures that support what you have written, and now identify at least three ways you can live out the gospel truth you have written down.
- What are some ways that, as a church, we can do liturgies or songs of praise, that enrich both our understanding of the gospel and the motivation to live it out?
Posted in Grow & Discern
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