Sunday service from September 1, 2024 featuring part 4 of Pastor Jon’s series, “Fruit of the Spirit.”
Today, we gathered to partake in communion, reflecting on the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we remember His body broken and His blood shed for us, we are reminded of our role in proclaiming His death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers. This proclamation is not just through words but through our lives, demonstrating His sufficiency and provision in our struggles and victories.
We delved into 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, emphasizing the importance of understanding the things freely given to us by God through His Spirit. This understanding is crucial for living a life that is not just about survival but thriving in the fullness of what God has prepared for us. We are called to live impactful lives, not by our own abilities but through the love of God within us.
The deepest part of God is love. This love is not about miraculous signs or supernatural experiences but about knowing Him intimately. If we feel condemned or unworthy, it indicates that we do not yet fully know His love. To know God more, we must spend time with Him, not just through structured study but through genuine, heartfelt communion.
Galatians 5:22-23 teaches us that the fruit of the Spirit begins with love, which then leads to joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Perfect love casts out fear, including the fear of not measuring up. Even if we have made significant mistakes, God’s love restores us to His perfect plan, not a second-best version.
We also discussed the practical application of love, especially towards those who have wronged us. Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This ultimate act of love sets the standard for how we should love others, even those who seem unlovable. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this love, as illustrated by a personal testimony of forgiving someone who had caused deep hurt.
In conclusion, the only way to truly love others is to experience and understand God’s love for us. This love transforms our hearts, enabling us to extend grace and compassion even to those who have wronged us. As we grow in this love, we fulfill our calling to live lives that reflect the heart of God.
Key Takeaways
1. Proclaiming Christ’s Death and Resurrection: Our role in communion is to proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection, not just through words but through our lives. This involves acknowledging His sufficiency and provision in our struggles and victories, thereby demonstrating His power and love to others.
2. Understanding God’s Gifts Through the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 emphasizes the importance of understanding the things freely given to us by God through His Spirit. This understanding is crucial for living a life that thrives in the fullness of what God has prepared for us, impacting the world through His love.
3. The Deepest Part of God is Love: The deepest part of God is not found in miraculous signs or supernatural experiences but in His love. If we feel condemned or unworthy, it indicates that we do not yet fully know His love. To know God more, we must spend genuine, heartfelt time with Him.
4. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: Galatians 5:22-23 teaches that the fruit of the Spirit begins with love, which leads to other virtues. Perfect love casts out fear, including the fear of not measuring up. Even if we have made significant mistakes, God’s love restores us to His perfect plan.
5. Forgiving and Loving the Unlovable: Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This ultimate act of love sets the standard for how we should love others, even those who seem unlovable. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this love, transforming our hearts to extend grace and compassion.
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