Sermon Series Blog: Paraclete Pt. 3
Moving Beyond the Checklist
As we journey deeper into our faith this year, God is calling us to embrace spiritual maturity. If you were like me, you might have found comfort in the basics—saying the salvation prayer, asking for forgiveness, attending church semi-regularly, and doing my devotions, albeit occasionally missing a day or two. It's easy to believe that fulfilling these basic requirements is enough to please God, but deep down, we know there has to be more.
The Trap of Tradition vs. The Triumph of Relationship
In many religious practices, including among Christians, there’s a tendency to prioritize tradition over relationship. Our faith, however, is founded on a personal and growing relationship with God. After Jesus ascended to heaven, He left us the Holy Spirit, promising that it was better for us to have the Spirit living within us than to have Him walking beside us. This transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables us to be born again, to live anew, reflecting God's love in every area of our life.
Spiritual Maturity Through Trials
Throughout this sermon series, we've revisited the biblical account of Gideon, whose faith was tested when God asked him to reduce his army against the Midianites, emphasizing reliance not on human strength but on divine intervention. This narrative resonates with our own lives—God doesn't promise a life free from challenges; instead, He offers His strength and presence in our trials.
The Call to Dependency
The essence of spiritual maturity lies in our dependency on God. It involves transforming our trials into testimonies of faith, believing in God’s promises, and understanding that our strength comes from Him. This dependency is not passive; it's an active surrender, a daily decision to let the Holy Spirit guide every aspect of our lives.
Living the Commands: Love God, Love Others
Jesus summarized the law into two commands: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself. “Love God and love others” is our motto!
These aren't just ideals but the very foundation of how we live our lives as Christians. This love is supernatural, beyond human capacity—it requires the Holy Spirit to live out through us.
Committing to God’s Mission
Commitment to Rely on God: Sharing the Gospel becomes a natural outflow of a life transformed by God’s love. The greatest commandments—to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves—guide us in this mission.
Commitment to Share the Gospel: Apostle Paul’s approach, as explained in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, demonstrates the importance of meeting people where they are, without compromising the Gospel message. This method is crucial for effective evangelism.
Commitment to Walking in Power: We are empowered by the Holy Spirit not just to survive our storms but to thrive and share the goodness of God. Our testimonies are powerful tools that God uses to draw others to Himself.
A Call to Action
Today, I challenge each of us to step out in faith. Whether you are facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or feeling skeptical about God’s ability to intervene, I invite you to bring these concerns to God. Let us pray together, raise our concerns, and commit our trials into God’s capable hands.
As we continue to worship and reflect, let us not just seek to build the church but to use the church to build people, equipping them to spread God’s love and Gospel.
This journey towards spiritual maturity is ongoing, and each step we take is powered not by our strength but by the Holy Spirit within us. Let’s embrace this journey together, relying on God’s power and committing to His purpose for our lives.
