10.4.26 - Sermon Notes
Discover and Do the Servant in You – Part 2 “Encouragement and Affirmation”
We are on a journey to “Discover and Do the Servant in You!”
Essentials for the Discover and Do Journey into maturity as Servants in the Way of Jesus
1- Simply “meeting the need in front of me” as a Responsible Sibling in God’s family and Kingdom Bringer out in the World.
2- Freely and abundantly giving away “encouragement and affirmation” of any ‘God goodness’ we see in one another (ICNU) creates a family culture where servant self-discovery can happen.
Philippians 4:4-9 “Final Exhortations”
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy
think about such things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1 Timothy 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Encouragement and affirmation validates, gives direction and builds confidence for the next step on the “Discover and Do the Servant in You” journey.
When ICNU is a normal part of life as Responsible Siblings in God’s family. Others are propelled forward in their discovery journey and we are changed from being ‘heroes’ to becoming “hero-makers’.
Other-centered affirmation and encouragement is not normal in our broken sinful world. The enemy hates self-less encouragement, and our sinful nature wants ‘self’ to get attention because the cup of validation is constantly needing to be filled. This wars against authentic expressions of encouragement and affirmation as well as taking the time and effort to practice ICNU.
The culture of celebration radically emulates the life of Jesus in the way he walked in joy, celebrated the value of every individual, and spoke words of life.
Withholding love is an epidemic in humanity. Love is often conditional, based on behavior, and connected to agreeing with one another. Our words and actions are used to promote this culture of withholding, of cynicism, of criticism and negativity dominate our headlines and conversations.
Jesus modeled a different way of life. He operated in a deep joy. Based in his Father's love, spoke words of life and operated in and taught unconditional love towards the lost and His disciples.
Jesus lived a life of celebration, bringing the joy of heaven. To release life into the depravity of humanity.
Imagine being around a community that constantly saw the best in each other and called to life the thoughts of God over a person, even if they weren't currently walking in them. Imagine the amount of self-hatred, body image lies, eating disorders and insecurity that could be shattered if we created a culture of celebration (encouragement and affirmation). Words have the power to give life or give death. With them we can build up or tear down. Our society has normalized outlandish criticism, unfounded accusation, and cynicism towards anything or anybody we don't understand.
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords. But the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18
“The tongue has the power of Life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” Proverbs 18:21
We know the enemy is called the accuser of the brethren. He has never had a positive or life-giving thing to say over any of our lives. His goal is death and destruction. We must honestly ask ourselves whether our words line up more with the thoughts of God. Or with the accuser. Are our words creating life or death.”
Isaiah 62
Because I love Zion, I will not keep still.
Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent.
And you will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth.
The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God.
4 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.”
Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,”
for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.
I will change your name
You shall no longer be called
Wounded, Outcast, Lonely or Afraid
I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, Joyfulness, Overcoming one
Faithfulness, Friend of God, One who seeks my face!