The Most Excellent Way Part 2
Sermon Notes
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
- 1 Cor 12:31
“Morality binds and blinds. It binds us into ideological teams that fight each other as though the fate of the world depended on our side winning each battle. It blinds us to the fact that each team is composed of good people who have something important to say.”
- Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind
Christianity’s aim is not good morality to achieve.
Christianity aim is a blessed identity to receive.
“Now, however, politics have turned into much more of an “all or nothing” game. If two people can’t agree on one issue, they’ve never been more likely to disagree on all issues.”
- John Anderer
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
- Matthew 3:16-17
Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.
- Mark 5:9
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
- 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Root your identity not in your morality but your destiny.
Table Group Resources
Mixer
What was your favorite band or artist in high school?
Connect
1. What is something causing you anxiety right now?
2. What is something that brought you joy this week?
Sermon Questions
1) What does it look like to believe like Jesus?
2) In what ways is your identity rooted in something other than the love of God?
3) “You are my beloved son (daughter) and in you I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) What changes can you make to root your sense of self in God the Father?
Go Deeper
Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-18
Over the Fourth of July, I came home to visit with family. What was supposed to be a quick trip became a stay without an end due to unforeseen circumstances. I am definitely not upset to be “stuck” in North Carolina with family, but I certainly miss my husband. After having a faith conversation with my mom, I was filled with thanksgiving for what 2020 has brought our family.
2 Corinthians 4:15 says, “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
God is moving. We may not see it if we are blurring our vision with news and social media… but when we truly step back and look in our own hearts and at those around us, He is on the move! This year sure has been keeping us all on our toes, but watching God move in my own family has given me a thankful perspective.
(Jaden Duncan)
Suggestions to Serve
Good Neighbor Day | The Church at RB | July 16 8:30AM-12:30PM
Prayer
Popcorn pray as a group.
Reminder
If you or someone you know is struggling, our counseling ministry is taking new appointments via zoom to help navigate these unusually challenging days.
