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The Way of Jesus is a way with purpose and power. His purpose pursued by His power is the MOST exciting and fulfilling way to live.
It takes a lot of Fuel. Earlier this year I traveled to my parent’s home in Tennessee three times in just a few weeks. I flew, then I drove, and then I drove again. The trip is just grueling no matter how you do it. And, when I drive, the fuel costs just kill me. It costs $30 to $50 every 3 to 4 hours.
Galatians 6:8 (NLT) Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
Following Jesus Takes Fuel Too. Sometimes what we think will satisfy us, actually drains us. We try to hoard money, or time, or experiences and they never seem to be enough. When we learn to share money, time, experiences and they seem satisfying and filling.
When we learn to share, we become a conduit of blessing and we are far more satisfied.
Acts 1:7-8 (NLT) He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Fuel Your Journey With Purpose
Make Disciples and Be a Witness. In Acts chapter one, we learn that we have much in common with the Disciples. They were concerned about the end of all things. But Jesus was concerned with a process.
The world has big problems. Jesus has big solutions. So, we are here to tell people about Jesus and God’s goodness. This is the primary function of the Holy Spirit in believers – to share Jesus.
Romans 12:10 (NLT) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Love Each Other. Jesus was really serious about this. How do I know? Read 1st John. John was the disciple “whom Jesus loved”. John got it more than any other disciple. And, John told us to “really love each other.”
And, your “church” has got to get a lot smaller. I’m not trying to run people off. I’m encouraging all of us to get connected. Every person needs a small group. We need a circle of believing friends.
Romans 12:10 (NLT) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Have Fun. The verse above tells us to “take delight”. Does that sound like Paul intends a grueling fulfillment of duty? Take delight. That sounds happy, doesn’t it? It sounds like laughter, looks like smiles, and feels like joy. Delight Is one piece of evidence that indicates the Holy Spirit has arrived. So fuel the journey with purpose and…
Fuel Your Journey With Sacrifice
I know sacrifice doesn’t sound fun, BUT every good time requires sacrifices. The Kingdom is no different. It takes financial resources (also known as money) and service to do good things.
2 Corinthians 8:2-4 (NLT) 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.
Why is Money so Important? Everything is God’s, He supplies His resources THROUGH us. I love the Macedonian Church. I love how they just got all into giving. I have witnessed a group of people who couldn’t give enough. They were very happy and very satisfied.
It costs too much to hold money too tightly. It never gives us the security or joy we think it will. If you want to enjoy your money, use it to make a difference in God’s Kingdom. It’s nice to help people in any context, but to give the hope of eternity is far better.
Galatians 5:13 (NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Why is Serving so Important? I can “push” you farther than I can carry myself. That is an eternal principle. What if I can only go as far as I carry others in this life? Helping others does more for them than they can do for themselves.
“The Church is the only institution that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members.” – William Temple, former Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury
We can’t be about making ourselves more comfortable or providing ourselves more goods and services. We are on an EXCITING mission. We are working hand in hand with God to do marvelous and wonderful things.
A little time as a spectator is fine when you are figuring things out or if you need to reorder some things. However, there are mighty wondrous, miraculous things to accomplish, and, Jesus intends to honor your sacrifices to build a magnificent kingdom reality for our community.
Jesus intends to answer your prayers to comfort the weak and oppressed. It could be your story that encourages the next broken person to come home, or your words may just open blind eyes and restore health to the shattered.
What if your service and your sacrifice. could carry others farther than you can carry yourself?
Talk About It…
- Ask 3 people in your group to read Acts 1:7-8 from different translations of the Bible. Highlight any words or phrases that you find interesting. Discuss your selections.
- Do you have a story about a time that you ran out of fuel that you would share with the group?
- What do you think about the idea of “making a disciple”? What about being a “witness” of Jesus? What about those ideas is challenging? What is exciting?
- What are some FUN ways to LOVE each other? What could your group do that is FUN in the near future?
- Share a time that you were blessed by giving to others. Do you think giving is important in your life? Why or Why not?
- What about serving others? Do you think it is important to serve consistently? How do faithfulness and consistency help others? When is a good time for Short term service? When is Long term service important?
- How could your group serve someone or our community in the upcoming weeks?