Growing in Reflectivity - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) 5:1-2 — John 8:12 — Mt. 5:14-16 (2) “how has Christ brought light to my darkness, and WHO was pivotal in that?” (3) evangelism emphasis (4) read v.7-8 — four ways to reflect the light of Christ

Cultivate Fruit (9): (1) new life intended to produce new fruit — can only be produced by connection to God (cf. John 15:4-6, Gal. 5:19-24) (2) three specific fruits — goodness , righteousness , truth (3) we cultivate these things by choosing wisely who influences us— summer at AL Power (4) importance of being present/active in corporate worship, SS, shep group — glass of water under faucet

Discern truth (10):  (1) discern — “examining/evaluating issues in order to determine right course of action” (2) Romans 12:2 — be alert to the values/priorities of the world (3) Philippians 1:9 — do not detach “love” from truth (4) Hebrews 4:12 — stay consistent and committed to God’s word (5) Hebrews 5:12-14 — refuse to stop growing (6) being noticed for skill at living — need example

Flee darkness (11a): (1) life apart from Christ like a plant that has no light (cf. Ps. 1, Jer. 17:7-10 (2) Mt. 13:22 — worries/anxieties of the world, desire for riches (3) Titus 3:14 — lack of response to help those in need (4) 2 Peter 1:5-9 — building exquisite character not grounded in Christ (5) Jude 12 —being influenced by false teachers posing (5) honesty about our own tendencies toward darkness (cf. communion passage) helps others be honest about theirs (cf. rescue dog chasing cars, Mt. 15:14)

Expose sin (11b-13): (1) “exposing” refers to the works of darkness, not the people — “being tough on an issue while gentle on a person” (2) 1 Peter 3:13-15 — commitment to Christ will bring social trials, but we can be a light not by negative badgering or angry condemnation or winning arguments, but rather by our external fruit earning us an opportunity to share our hope in Christ with gentleness/respect (3) difficult workplaces — what if God has placed you there to be a light?

Conclusion (14b): (1) “awake o sleeper” — application to Christians, non-Christians (2) shep group —what to do if you don’t know any non-Christians