This message will explore how our commitment to the gospel and the kingdom leads us to engage with the world around us in a unique way as Christians. It will touch on themes like evangelism, influence, leadership, and engaging with the public square.
Matthew 6:33; Acts 1:8; Jeremiah 29:4-7
Sermon Outline
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
Our Starting Point
- Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33)
- Prioritizing what God is doing, what God cares about, and God’s good intentions for the world
A Faith-Shaped Perspective on Evangelism
- God cares about people experiencing life & salvation, and growing in the abundant life (John 3:16-17)
- God invites us to be witnesses to what has happened in Jesus (Acts 1:8)
- Be ready to share the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15)
A Faith-Shaped Perspective on Influence
- God places us in places (Jeremiah 29:7)
- Where we are is where we live for God in ordinary ways (Jeremiah 29:4-7)
A Faith-Shaped Perspective on Social and Political Engagement
- God made humanity to take care of the earth (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15)
- Seek the peace and prosperity of the city where you are (Jeremiah 29:4-7)
- Remember we are exiled citizens of another kingdom (Jeremiah 29:4; Philippians 3:20)
Practices for Faith-Shaped Engagement
- Bear witness to Jesus through proclaiming the good news found in Him
- Bear witness to Jesus by approaching everything and influencing others in God-directed ways
- Bear witness to Jesus by stepping into the social and political realm in Jesus-shaped ways
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When have you experienced conflict between your faith and the world around you? What happened and how did you respond?
- This week we continue our sermon series entitled “Everyday Ordinary Faith.” This third week we will focus on faith-shaped engagement. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His word.
- Let’s return and read Matthew 6:33. Matt talks about this as “prioritizing what God is doing, what God cares about, and God’s good intentions for the world.” It is one thing to consider this verse in reference to our personal lives. But what do you think it might mean to apply this verse to our relationships or our role in the culture or world around us?
- If we think about the area of evangelism, or sharing our faith, two passages are particularly helpful: Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 3:15. Read those passages aloud. What do they speak to you about sharing your faith?
- Read Jeremiah 29:4-7. How does thinking about God placing us places and the ordinary list of activities mentioned here spark your imagination about how we influence others around us for God?
- Let’s broaden our perspective to the larger society and world. Read Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15. What do you think it means that human beings are made in the image of God so as to rule or have dominion over or take care of the earth?
- Let’s return to Jeremiah 29:7. How does our pursuit of the peace and prosperity of the city where we are related to our creation calling in Genesis 1 & 2?
- What do you think it practically might look like to live this out today?
- What is one thing you sense God calling to your attention personally through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
- As you have explored your faith, what have been some of the good (and bad) ways Christians have interacted with you?
- What will you do this year to intentionally explore what the good news message in Jesus means for you?
- Who are the people you feel you could safely talk with about your questions of faith? Why?
Growing in Faith
- Take more time this week with the verses in Jeremiah 29:4-7. Read through them and consider what it looks like in your life to seek the peace and prosperity of your neighborhood, city, and the broader society as a part of your discipleship to Jesus.
- Perhaps you could memorize Jeremiah 29:7 and recite it to yourself daily this coming week.
Centered in Faith
- What might it look like for you to more intentionally share your faith in your circle of influence?
- Think about one domain of your life—work, family, school, neighborhood, etc.—where you will intentionally seek to be a witness to Jesus in tangible ways.