Not About Appearances

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that true Christianity is not about external appearances, but about a genuine inner transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are called to stand on the promises of God's Word and the evidence of His work in our lives, rather than relying on human efforts or external help. The question is not "what can I add to my faith" but "is Jesus enough for me?"

Key Scripture References

• Philippians 3:2-3 - In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns against those who would distort the Gospel and bring a different kind of message. He says, "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." This highlights the importance of discerning between true and false messages in our lives.
• 1 John 4:13 - The Apostle John writes, "By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit." This verse emphasizes the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our Christian walk. It is through His power that we are able to live out our faith.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Paul writes about his own experience with the sufficiency of Christ's strength, saying, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." This passage shows us that true Christianity is not about our own strengths or abilities, but about God's power working through our weaknesses.
• Romans 8:1-2 - In this passage, Paul writes, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." This verse highlights the freedom we have in Christ to live a new kind of life, one that is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Psalm 119:9-11 - The Psalmist writes, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you." This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and Word in our lives.
• 1 John 3:18-20 - The Apostle John writes, "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we know that we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before him whenever his heart is condemned." This passage highlights the importance of living out our faith in practical ways.

Key Takeaways

• We must not rely on external appearances or human efforts to live a Christian life, but rather on the power of the Holy Spirit. As we stand before God, we must be honest about our own weaknesses and limitations, and recognize that true transformation comes from within.
• The sufficiency of Christ's strength is what sets us free from the law of sin and death. We are called to boast in our weaknesses, not our strengths, because it is through our weakness that God's power is made perfect.
• We must seek God's guidance and Word in our lives, storing up His truth in our hearts so that we may live a life of obedience and purity.
• True Christianity is not just about what we believe, but about how we live it out. We are called to love in deed and in truth, not just in word or talk.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take time to examine your own heart and ask yourself: "Is Jesus enough for me?" Are you relying on external appearances or human efforts to live a Christian life? Take two specific steps this week:

• Begin to identify areas in your life where you are relying on external help rather than the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to reveal to you the sufficiency of His strength and the power of His Word.
• Take time each day to seek God's guidance and Word, storing up truth in your heart so that you may live a life of obedience and purity.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas in your life where you feel like you're relying on external help rather than the power of the Holy Spirit? How can you begin to trust more deeply in God's sufficiency?
• How do you live out your faith in practical ways? Are there any areas where you feel like you could be doing better? Ask a friend or family member for accountability and support.
• Think about a time when you saw the power of God transform someone's life. How did that experience affect you, and what can we learn from it about the sufficiency of Christ's strength?