The World

• The idea of The Journey series is to grow as disciples towards spiritual maturity in each of our spheres of life.

1. OUR IDENTITY AND PURPOSE IN CHRIST KEEPS US ____________ .

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT) 4Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.

• In Christ we are forgiven, redeemed, adopted, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

• We have a purpose: the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:11)
• We are to share the gospel. (Romans 1:16)
• We are called to make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
• Our identity and purpose in Christ becomes the firm ground we walk on in a shaky world.

2. _____________ IS VITAL FOR BRINGING JESUS INTO OUR WORLD SPHERE.

John 15:5 (NIV) I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

• We simply can’t be true disciples without abiding in Jesus!
• If you don’t stay connected to your power source, you will not be effective in the world.

Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

• “Therefore go” means, as you go about life where God places you, make disciples.
• God supplies the power to make disciples through our Abiding and Church Spheres.

3. HOW ARE TO ____________ IN OUR WORLD?

We are to bring the sacrificial love of Jesus everywhere we go.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) 1Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 6:5-9 (NIV) 5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

• The example Paul gives is based on God being our master. That is Lordship.
• Workers are to work hard, be respectful, have integrity, and work as though you are serving God.
• Bosses are to lead fairly. Your employees belong to God, so don’t show favoritism.
• God sees how we work and rewards those who obey Him.
• Bosses and workers have the same value in God’s eyes, even though they different roles.

The way we act in the world should glorify God.
1 Peter 2:12 (NIV) Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

• Walk in wisdom towards outsiders (those outside the church).
• We each bear the responsibility of reflecting God to the World.
• We are relational people, called to have conversations in our World Sphere.
• Scripture tells us not to be divisive people but to be full of grace and mercy.
• We are to be known for our love, humility, courage, and service.
• We are known for wisdom, appropriately expressing our convictions.
• We are to be different than the world!

4. WE ARE _____________ CHRIST IN OUR DYING WORLD.
We are to declare the goodness of God for saving us.
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

• Always be ready—not just when you feel like it.
• Pray for an opportunity to share.
• Give a well-reasoned, thought-out response to adequately address your hope. Do with gentleness and respect.

Questions to help you apply this message:
• How will you prioritize time spent in your World Sphere? How will you ensure the world does not consume your time nor you? Hobbies, work?
• Who will help you assess your priority and choices?
• What area in your World Sphere is most challenging? Why? What may God be teaching you through it?

There are many opportunities to share Christ.
• How will you prepare yourself to share Christ?
• Write out who is in your World Sphere. Do you have an acquaintance or friend at work who is lost? Will you pray for the opportunity to share Christ? How will you serve and minister to them?
• Who will you talk to about bringing balance to each of your spheres?

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 4:17- 5:21; 6:5-9
Icebreaker: What is the last thing you remember breaking? Or What is the last thing you remember repairing?
• Most likely, something caught your attention from the sermon. Share what did with the group.
1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 and Matthew 5:13-16. What are some things these passages show us about who we, as Christ-followers, are as we live in the world?
2. What could set Christians apart in the world? A) What are challenges we face as Christ-followers in the World Sphere? B) If you look through the lens of the Abiding Sphere, how does that change your view of the World Sphere?
3. Who is someone who inspires you in how they display Jesus in the places they work, live, and play?
4. How is abiding with Jesus affecting how you see the world and the relationships you have in the world? Maybe even how you see your purpose in the world? A) What can distract or get in the way?
5. How do you share hope with the people around you? A) Who doesn’t know Jesus who you are concerned for?
6. What opportunities do you have to do good for the community you live in, work at, or recreate with?