Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Romans 13:8-14

This Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent, the annual season which focuses on the 1^st and 2^nd comings of Jesus. Both readings prescribed (Mat. 24 and Rom. 13) speak of staying awake. This is because the Kingdom of God can easily be overlooked, neglected or ignored. The cares and occupations of this life often choke out faith in our lives. Living in the Kingdom requires effort on the part of the believers. “The gospel of grace is opposed to earning, not effort.” We cannot deserve salvation, but we are called to make changes to live into it. In order to be ready for Christ’s 2^nd coming, we must live into the new life made possible by his 1^st coming.

Christ saves people and frees them to become like him.

In the Romans text, the Apostle Paul mentions Jesus’ summary of the law. If you love your neighbor as yourself, you will fulfill the law of God. Jesus perfectly modeled love for his neighbor. Those who follow him are expected to “put on the Lord Jesus.” This means intentionally pursuing the development of Christ-like character in our lives. To be a follower of Jesus means working to become like him.

In his book, the Great Omission, Dallas Willard mentions a “golden triangle” that helps people learn to observe all that Jesus taught. It includes intentionally embracing these three things: 

1. Patient endurance of trials (See Rom. 5:3).
2. Life in the Holy Spirit (See Rom. 8:10-11).
3. Practicing spiritual disciplines (See Rom. 13:14)

Taking it home: Discuss the “golden triangle” with your family or small group. What trial are you currently experiencing? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to helpful spiritual disciplines that could help you respond as Christ would respond.