“Let’s Be A Church That Exalts God”
Part 2 of “Let’s Be The Church God Wants Us To Be” series
September 16, 2007
For the month of September we’re looking how we can be the very best Church we can be – or how we can be the Church God wants us to be.
Last week we began by noting that we can’t just gather our ideas about what we need to be doing as a Church – or our ideas about we can do to make Hopewell the very best Church it can be – without first looking to God to seek what God’s ideas are about what we need to be doing here at Hopewell – and what God thinks we need to be doing to make Hopewell the very best Church it can be.
The point is that we all want to make Hopewell the best Church it can be – and all of us we may have ideas and plans on how to make it that way. That’s a good thing — I count it as a blessing that Hopewell is a Church where the members care about the Church and want to make it the best it can be. But – we need to also take a look at what God may be calling us to be doing – and what God may feel we need to be doing to be the very best Church we can be. It’s great to have ideas and get input from each other about how we can make Hopewell the very best Church it can be. We certainly need to share ideas and plans for actions we can take – as well as participate in the things we are doing. But – first of all – we don’t need to look at our ideas about what we need to be doing as a Church – but we need to – first of all – look at what God feels we need to be doing to be the very best Church we can be.
The questions we need to consider are not:
What do you think we need to be doing as a Church?
Or
What are some things you think we need to do to be the best Church we can be?
But – they are:
What does God want us to be doing as a Church?
What are the things God wants us to do so we can be the Church God wants us to be?
What does God want us to be doing as a Church?
What are the things God wants us to do so we can be the Church God wants us to be?
These are the questions we started considering last week and will continue to consider for the next few weeks.
How can we be the Church God wants us to be?
How can we be the Church God wants us to be?
We’re looking at how the book of Acts describes the early church to find answers to that question. The book of Acts says that there were certain things the members of the early committed themselves to – things like:
1. telling others the Good News of Jesus Christ
2. worshipping and exalting God
3. working together for God’s glory
4. growing in Christ
5. serving God and others
and it says God blessed them and “added to their number” because they were seeking and following His will for their church.
We’re looking at these things that the members of the early church committed themselves to so we cam get a vision for how we can take steps to commit ourselves to these things, and do our part towards making Hopewell the Church God wants Hopewell to be.
Let’s Be The Church God Wants Us To Be.
That’s the theme for our month of September. Last week we looked at the passage from Acts 2 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:26-30 – and saw how a Church with a great commitment to the Great Commission is a great Church. We saw how we need to commit ourselves to being a Church that tells Good News!
Today we’re going to add a second step to the process as we look at Acts 2: 42-47 and Ephesians 5:1-20 – and discover that we need t be a Church that exalts God.
Listen to God’s Word in Acts 2:42-47 and also Ephesians 5:1-20:
Read Scripture
Let’s be the Church God wants us to be!
Let’s be the Church God wants us to be!
1. Let’s Be A Church That Tells Good News
2. Let’s Be A Church That Exalts God
When you look at the description of the early church that Acts 2:42047 gives us, you get the sense that this was not a church people joined just because it would look good on their resume or because they thought it would help them make influential friends or help their standing in the community. No – this was a group of individuals whose lives had been changed by God, and who were committed to living a life that showed others the difference God had made in their lives. This was a group of people who wanted to exalt and glorify God – and reflect the glory of God in their worship and in the way they lived their lives.
This was a church that exalted God.
You could tell that in the way they worshipped:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42)
And you could tell it in the way they lived as they:
gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:45-47)
They were a group of people whose lives had been changed by God, and who were committed to living a life that showed others the difference God had made in their lives. They were a group of people who wanted to exalt and glorify God — and reflect the glory of God in their worship and in the way they lived their lives. And – God blessed them – and
added to their number those who were being saved.
They were a church that exalted God – and God blessed them and used them to bring others to Him.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Why can it be said that the early church was a church that exalted God? Because it’s members exalted God and lived lives that showed the glory of God to the world — they were a group of people who wanted to exalt and glorify God — and reflected the glory of God in their worship and in the way they lived their lives. The church exalted God because it’s members exalted God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
If Hopewell is going to be a Church that exalts God – what do you think is going to have to happen?
It’s members are going to have to be people who live lives that exalt God! And who are it’s members? You are! You are going to have to live a life that exalts God! And – while the Book of Order does not allow me to be a member of Hopewell – I can’t run away from the fact that I represent Hopewell to the community – possibly more so than any of you do – so I’m going to add myself to this list of those who are going to have to live a life that exalts God.
So – here we go – if Hopewell is going to be a Church that exalts God, we are going to have to be live lives that exalt God.
If Hopewell is going to be a Church that exalts God, we are going to have to live lives that exalt God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Ok – but what does that mean – so we have to live lives that exalt God. How do we do that?
In Ephesians 5 Paul calls on us to “be imitators of God” . That’s how we exalt and glorify God — we imitate God. We live lives that help others see God in the way we live – the things we do – the things we say — and the way we worship. Yea – we exalt God by imitating God.
You know – I enjoy good comedy – and one of my favorite genres of comedy is that of impersonation. I love watching people who can do good impersonations of others. I grew up with the likes of Rich Little and his impersonation of Richard Nixon. Dana Carvey’s impersonation of the senior George Bush was one of the best—even the former president loved it. Being a good impersonator requires more that just knowing some things about the person you are imitating – it requires actually learning to talk like that person – it requires taking on some of that person’s characteristics. In the same way, if we are going to be – imitators of God – as Paul calls us to be – we are going to have to learn things about God – and we also are going to have to take on some of God’s characteristics in our own lives.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God, we are going to have to be people who imitate God – who show God to the world – who take on some of God’s characteristics in our lives and show God to others.
But – maybe you’ve tried to imitate God in the past – or maybe you’re trying to imitate God now – and have found it to be difficult. Maybe your plan for being an imitator of God – your plan for exalting God in how you live your life day in and day out is not working.
I’m reminded of the football quarterback whose team was being beaten at the hands of a much more talented and a much larger team. Every time his team would get the ball, his coach would call for running plays – and every time they would lose yardage. The quarterback would complain to the coach about running the ball every time and would point out that it wasn’t working – but the coach would respond “that’s our game plan and we’re going to stick with it.” Finally the coach called some pass plays – and the team started moving down the field – scoring points – until finally with just a few minutes left in the game they only 6 points behind. It came down to one final play. The coach reverted to his original plan – and called a running play – but the quarterback knew better. He called for a pass play – one that was brilliantly executed – and the team scored and kicked the extra point – winning the game. The coach, while excited about winning, was also concerned about why the quarterback had changed the play he had called for. When he asked the quarterback, he replied: “Well, coach, your plan A didn’t work – so I thought I’d try my Plan B.”
A lot of times in our live plan A doesn’t work – so we have to go to plan B. I’m going to recommend something today. I’m going to recommend that – if we want to truly be a Church that exalts God – if we really want to be people who exalt God and are imitators of God – if we really want to be a group of people who exalt and glorify God and reflect the glory of God in our worship and in the way we live our lives – we are going to have to scrap whatever plan A is and go to plan B – or really we have to go with plan B E – Plan Be!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
As we look at Ephesians 5:1-20 I believe that we will find 5 steps to “Plan Be” – 5 things we have to “be” to be people who imitate and exalt God – and a Church that exalts God.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God we have to go with Plan Be.
The first step to “Plan Be” is:
1. Be an imitator of God
Be an imitator of God.
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
One thing we have to do to be an imitator of God – to be a person who exalts God and show God to the world – is to love. Paul’s not talking about a feeling here – he’s referring to actions – actions that show God’s love to others even when we might not feel like showing God’s love to them. When we do such actions, we imitate – and we exalt God.
An example of this type of love is the ability to forgive others. Forgiveness is not easy. Mohandas Gandhi said: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” He may not have been a Christian, but Gandhi understood this aspect of forgiveness: It requires strength. Forgiving others is not easy – but if we are going to be people who imitate and exalt God we have to be people who can forgive. I think that one thing that can make forgiving others easier is to remember what God has forgiven you for. When you have something to forgive someone for, when someone hurts you – your Plan A might be to get revenge. If so, let me suggest you go to Plan Be – Be an Imitator of God. Remember all the things God has forgiven you for, and do what you can to imitate God by forgiving others.
Plan Be starts with: Be an imitator of God.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God we have to go with Plan Be.
The first step to Plan Be is: Be an imitator of God
The second step is:
2. Be different
Paul calls on us to be different from others:
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
Be different.
If we are going to live lives that exalt God – lives that glorify God – lives and show God to the world – we are going to have to lives lives that are different from others. We are going to have to be different. It may be easy to be different from those who are sexually immoral – but what about greed – what about obscenity – what about “foolish talk” – or “coarse joking”? These are not easy things to avoid because we come around those who indulge in these things every day. We come across these things and are exposed to these things in a lot of ways at work or as we go about our daily tasks – and we even invite these things into our homes with the things we watch on TV or the things we download or view on the internet.
If you find that your “Plan A” for your life is to do, think, and say the things everyone else does, thinks, and says – if you find that your “Plan A” for your life makes you look, talk, and do things just like everybody else – if you find your “Plan A” for your how you live your life doesn’t make you a person that is noticeably different for the glory of God from everyone else – then I invite you to try “Plan Be” – Be different.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God we have to go with Plan Be.
The first step to Plan Be is: Be an imitator of God. The second step is: Be different
The third step is:
3. Be careful.
Paul writes:
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Be careful. This word the NIV translates “careful” can also be translated as “cautious.” In his modern translation The Message Eugene Peterson translates it: “Watch your step.” Another paraphrase could be, “Pay attention to how you live.“
Be careful. Be cautious. Watch your step. Pay attention to how you live.
Be careful.
If you’ve ever traveled, then you might know what it’s like to be in a strange city — always watching where you are – not knowing if you’re in a safe neighborhood — carefully reading every street sign so you can find your way around. If you’re like most people, you are much more deliberate, much more careful about your actions when you travel than you are when you are at home.
Be careful – Paul says.
Be careful. Be cautious. Watch your step. Pay attention to how you live.
Have you ever played on a sports team? If so, have you ever played in a big game? A championship game? You realize how important every play is. Every time you step up to the plate, you realize, I could help win this game with a good at-bat. Every time the ball is hit your direction you think, “I could help win this game if I play this ball right.” Every play matters in a championship game.
Be careful. Be cautious. Watch your step. Pay attention to how you live
These are two great metaphors for daily living. They help us live out Paul’s command to “be careful.” We should approach every day with a certain amount of caution, because there is spiritual danger all around us. When the pressure to succeed is mounting and you start to think about cutting some ethical corners, be careful. When that person in the office says something subtly flirtatious, be careful. When you come home on edge and as soon as you walk in the door your spouse says the wrong thing, be careful. Danger lurks at every turn of the day. Be careful. Approach each moment of each day with caution. But – we should also approach every moment of the day with anticipation. We should always remember that we have an opportunity to make a real difference for the glory of God in someone’s life if we will say the right thing or do the right thing. Everything we do might matter to someone else – so we have to be careful – and make sure what we do is the right thing.
If your “Plan A” to life is to just live every day in a haphazard manner and not really think about what you do, think, or say, I invite you to try “Plan Be” – and be careful!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God we have to go with Plan Be.
The first step to Plan Be is: Be an imitator of God. The second step is: Be different. The third step is: Be careful. The 4th step is:
4. Be Filled with the Spirit
Paul writes:
17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Paul’s command to be filled with the Holy Spirit is an indication that when it comes to being Spirit-filled, the ball is in our court. It is up to us to activate it. How do you activate it? It’s very simple. You ask, you yield, you receive. You ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit, to give you as much of Him as you can have. You ask, and then you yield yourself to Him, surrendering your will to His will. And you receive it, because at that moment He fills you with his Spirit. You don’t have to wait for a feeling or any kind of sign, because the proof of his presence is not in your emotions, it’s in the reliability of his word. It is God’s will that you be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you ask him to fill you with a heart yielded to Him, He will fill you—guaranteed. Sometimes you won’t feel like you are filled with the Spirit, but if you ask God to fill you, if you let God work in your life, he’ll do it.
There are a lot of things we can fill our lives with – but if you let God fill you with His Spirit, He’ll do it – and you’ll live a life that exalts God.
If your “Plan A” for your life fills you with anything but the Spirit of God, I invite you to try “Plan Be” – and Be Filled with God’s Spirit.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God, we have to go with Plan Be.
The first step to Plan Be is: Be an imitator of God. The second step is: Be different. The third step is: Be careful. The 4th step is:Be Filled with the Spirit. The 5th step is:
5. Be worshipful
Paul writes:
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Being worshipful is more than just what we do inside this Church – but it involves giving praise to God in everything we do. Being worshipful involves taking joy in whatever we are doing – and doing everything for the glory of God. Being worshipful involves being in communion with God every day – every moment – so God can guide you and direct you in the ways He wants you to go and you can make the difference He wants you to make for His glory in the world.
If your “Plan A” for your life doesn’t lead you to having a joyous, worshipful attitude that puts you in touch with God and lead you to serving God in every way you can, I invite you to try “Plan Be” – and be worshipful.
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
To be a Church that exalts God, we have to follow “Plan Be” –
1. Be an imitator of God
2. Be different
3. Be careful.
4. Be filled with the Spriit
5. Be worshipful
Acts 2:42-47 shows us a church where the members knew the difference God had made in their lives – and committed themselves to showing God to others in the way they lived their lives. They told the world the good news that God had come into the world and had changed their lives – and could change the world. They lived their lives in ways that exalted and glorified God.
Let’s Be The Church God Wants Ws To Be!
Let’s Be The Church God Wants Ws To Be!
Let’s be a Church that tells Good News!
Let’s be a Church that exalts God!
Amen
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