Brief Summary
This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in the new year by finding a consistent "spiritual rhythm." It highlights that understanding the fundamentals of Christian faith is not enough; believers must actively engage in practices that foster maturity. The sermon introduces the "Rooted" curriculum as a tool to help small groups grow closer to God and each other. Key points include:
- Spiritual rhythms are essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
- These rhythms involve consistent actions that position believers in environments where God can transform them.
- The fear of God is the foundation for both initial salvation and ongoing spiritual growth.
- Prioritizing and sacrificing for spiritual practices are necessary for developing a consistent rhythm.
Introduction
The speaker welcomes everyone to the new year and expresses hope that the message will inspire and encourage listeners to follow Jesus more closely. He encourages viewers to share the message and subscribe to the YouTube channel. He also thanks supporters, whose generosity enables the ministry to reach thousands and invites them to continue supporting the mission of helping others follow Jesus by visiting cfmiami.org.
Christmas Offering Update
The speaker provides an update on the Christmas offering, which was dedicated to children's ministry. The goal was to raise $451,000 for renovating CF kids facilities and expanding Christ Fellowship Academy. The church exceeded the goal, raising over $511,000. The speaker expresses gratitude to God and the congregation for their generosity, noting that their giving will enable future generations to worship God.
Philippians 2:12-13
The speaker introduces the scripture passage for the sermon, Philippians 2:12-13. He reads the passage, which encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you." The speaker explains that the sermon will focus on how to find a spiritual rhythm in the new year to grow and mature in faith.
Snowboarding Analogy
The speaker shares an anecdote about his and his wife's snowboarding experience. He explains that after learning the fundamentals of snowboarding, the key to success is finding one's rhythm. Similarly, in the Christian life, understanding the fundamentals of faith is not enough; one must put them into practice and find a spiritual rhythm to mature and grow.
Spiritual Rhythms are Essential
The first main point is that spiritual rhythms are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. The speaker explains that Paul's encouragement to "work out your own salvation" means that believers should strive to grow and mature in their faith after being saved. He defines spiritual rhythms as consistent actions that enable one to mature in faith.
Personal and Corporate Spiritual Rhythms
The speaker categorizes spiritual rhythms into personal and corporate practices. Personal rhythms include reading and meditating on God's word, prayer, confessing sin, and fasting. Corporate rhythms include gathering for Sunday worship and small group Bible study, serving in a ministry team, sharing the gospel, and giving generously. He emphasizes that these rhythms should be consistent patterns in one's life, not just one-time actions.
Spiritual Rhythms and Transformation
The speaker explains that spiritual rhythms place believers in environments where God transforms them. He cautions against viewing these actions as a way to force oneself to grow through one's own power. Instead, he emphasizes that it is God who works in believers through His Spirit as they engage in these practices.
The Fear of God
The second main point is that spiritual rhythms start with the fear of God. The speaker clarifies that the fear of God is not just a healthy respect but a genuine fear and trembling. He explains that the fear of God initially leads people to Christ by recognizing their sinfulness and need for forgiveness. Once in Christ, the fear of God keeps believers close to Him, preventing them from straying away.
Priority and Sacrifice
The speaker emphasizes that spiritual rhythms require priority and sacrifice. He encourages listeners to prioritize the things of God in their lives, making them a non-negotiable part of their schedule. He also notes that pursuing spiritual rhythms may require sacrificing other things, such as sleep or leisure activities, but that the rewards of being right with God far outweigh the sacrifices.
Introduction to "Rooted" Curriculum
The speaker introduces "Rooted," a new curriculum for small groups designed to help believers grow and mature in their faith. He encourages all small groups to participate in the curriculum, which covers fundamental truths of the Christian faith and helps participants share their stories and connect with one another.
Testimonials and Commitment
The speaker shares testimonials from church staff who have completed the "Rooted" curriculum. He highlights that the study requires a 10-week commitment, honesty and transparency, and a small financial commitment of $15 for the book. He encourages those not in a small group to sign up and participate in the "Rooted" curriculum.
Call to Action and Prayer
The speaker asks everyone to stand and scan a QR code to sign up for a small group and the "Rooted" curriculum. He then leads the congregation in a prayer, asking God to help them grow closer to Him and reflect His son more fully in the coming year.
