AFTER THE SERMON-Add To Your Faith
We hope today’s message was encouraging and helpful. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a Bible/sermon group study. Enjoy!
Main Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-15, James 1:25, Matt 5:14-16, Acts 2:42-47
Other scripture mentioned: John 15:16, James 5:13-16, Eph 5:16-20, Eccles 4:9-12, Prov 4:20-22
(If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read or paraphrase through some of the provided scripture to catch everyone up!)
Overview:
Today Pastor Cornelius reminded us to add spiritual qualities to the faith we have in Christ. We were reminded of the advantages of adding spiritual qualities to our faith and also reminded that failing to add these qualities will hinder our walk in God. We were reminded of common practices that are essential to keep our eyes on Jesus. We also learned that Jesus expects us to bear fruit, and the fruit we produce along with good works done before others will result in people glorifying our Father in Heaven.
Takeaways:
We need reminders of God’s word more than new revelation
We will continue to grow in our faith until Jesus takes us home or returns
We should continually add virtue (goodness), knowledge (from experience), self-control (self-restraint), steadfastness (endurance) godliness (piety or reverence toward God) brotherly affection (love toward believers), and love (Agape love, the kind of love God has toward us, a love that seeks the goodwill of others a benevolent love) to our faith.
If we grow in our faith we will be effective for God’s use
It’s the doer of the Word that will be blessed in what he does.
Practice reminders to keep our eyes on Christ: Pray, read the Bible, worship and fellowship
Discussion:
What was one thing from the message that resonated with you?
Peter gave advantages of adding essential spiritual qualities to our faith and warnings if we do not add those qualities. How does this encourage you to continually grow in your faith?
What are your thoughts on bearing fruit or producing good works for other people to see that God may be glorified?
Practice reminders mentioned: pray, read the Bible, worship, and fellowship. What are some ideas to help implement these practices in your daily life?
Pray:
Lord, we are so grateful for the reminder to add to our faith. It’s truly our desire to do the things that please you, just as Jesus always did when he lived the human life. Father thank you for your grace upon our lives. When we fail to hit the mark you forgive us, correct us, and guide us on the right path as a loving Father. Lord, you tell us to abide in you to bear fruit that will remain. Give us hearts that love you and long to do you will. We acknowledge we can do nothing without you, but know we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. In Jesus name, Amen!
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!