Thesis: The Christian is to cultivate their spirituality in order to unashamedly pronounce and serve the Lord. Why do Christians OFTEN act, live and even talk as if Christ is not their Lord?
The first four of eight guidelines Paul outlines in instructing us to serve God unashamedly:
1. RENEW YOUR GIFT (v.6) * Fan the fire in the gift God has given you * Scripture full of references to using gifts for God's glory and others benefit * All true Christians have a gift to use - are members of the body with a function
2. CONSIDER YOUR RESOURCES (v.7) * God has empowered every believer to serve, we don't have to search for it * Power - unlimited capability to serve Christ and his Kingdom * Love - Give gospel to others without regard to how they view us * Discipline - Bring every area of life under authority of gospel
3. ACCEPT YOUR SUFFERING (v.8) * No suffering = no living for Christ - World hates Christ and will persecute those who
proclaim him and live for him * Ashamed of Christ = content with the world * Suffering gives knowledge of Christ, insight/sharing in his sufferings
4. REMEMBER YOUR CALLING (v.8-10) * God saved the believer for good works and holy living * Saved from eternal death
CONCLUSION * Be what God has called you to be * Serve God and others
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