Ordinary: Decision making - Just do something

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

We have so many choices today. Food, people to date/meet/marry, where to live, what career/job, etc. But for the Christian there is not just trying to make the best choice, but also trying to glorify God. We are not just about trying to make ourselves happy.

God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect.

Two prerequisites to discerning God's will

Present our bodies as living sacrifices
Be renewed by the renewing of our minds

Practical steps of decision making

1 Believe God's word

Is it sinful? Does it glorify God? Does it damage ourselves, our witness, or those around us?

A. Remember the Gospel (our security is in God, not the consequences of this decision)

B. Remember God's sovereignty (God's purpose will come to fruition/completion)

C. Remember God's mission (we are His witnesses.)

2 Listen to godly counsel (advisors)

A. Those who are around you the most

B. Those who are godly and experienced

C. Your spiritual leaders

Are you already decided before God had chimed in on your life? How do you react to counsel that does not sound pleasing or goes against your inclination?

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 ESV

3 Make a decision, do what you want

God has used His word and godly counsel to supply you with sufficient wisdom to make sounds, biblical decisions that glorify God and fulfill His good purposes for you.

We aren't looking for some sort of sign from God. This is not how we are to discern His will. God normally leads us thorough biblical wisdom and godly counsel.

Follow thorough on your decision. Don't make yourself crazy by asking what-if. Focus on the path that you have chosen.

4 Ask for faith

We are not promised tomorrow. We are not called to an easy life. But rather to take up our cross. Our lives are a mist.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 ESV

The Principle of Love (Romans 14)

The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking... but it is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We should abstain when it becomes a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should seek to love first above our own enjoyment.

Ordinary means of grace: Word and Prayer

“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deut 30:11-14 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord !  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,  who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!  You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.  Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!   Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.  I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.  I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

Psalms 1:1-3,119:1-8 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

The pastors decided to do this series so that we could be changed and impacted. In very ordinary and everyday ways. This is so that we know how to live in the days between Sundays.

Daily spiritual disciplines are vital for spiritually thriving. But it is so mundane, slow, and quiet. But this is how God works in our lives.

Sufficiency and clarity of God's word

God's word provides all that we need for knowledge of salvation and godly living. We do not need more. The word enables us to live out our lives. Jesus is the living embodiment of the Word. He is sufficient for salvation and requires nothing more. It does not speak to everything, but it does speak to everything we need.

The scripture is clear enough for even the uneducated given they make use of the ordinary means of study and prayer. Not everything is completely clear, but enough is clear enough to give saving knowledge of salvation.

What intimate prayer requires

Our day to day prayers are supposed to be intimate. Not to say that our prayers with small group and church service are not real, but that praying privately one on one with Jesus is more intimate. We should be looking Him in the eye. Sharing our lives and asking Him questions.

Here's a list:

   Grace
   Fear (awe & respect)
   Helplessness

Guidelines to meditation

We can't just jump from Bible study to prayer. Meditation is needed for meaningful prayer.

What are some personal examples to emulate or avoid?

What are some commands to obey?

What are

Ordinary: The ordinary church

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

Rev. Dwight Yoo

God works in extraordinary ways through the ordinary ways of the church. He does great things via normal, everyday church activities. We do not have a high view of the church today. We consider it antiquated, inefficient, and useless. But God works through it, it is His chosen method. He loves the church, even though it is made up of sick people. Jesus is the head; the church is the body. You cannot have one without the other.

Devoted to the word

The church is dedicated to apostle's teachings. They are to work via the word. Even after the original disciples die, the church is given offices to feed, grow, and mature the church via the word.

Fellowship, the intimate sharing of lives

The members of the church look out for each other. They are generous to each others. They share good times, bad times, burdens, sins, and joys. If you are struggling with sexual sin, depression, financial trouble, or marriage issues... But no one in the church knows, then something is wrong. We are failing to fellowship. The church is not working in the ordinary way that God meant.

Sacraments

Communion and baptism are the ways that Jesus commanded us to spiritually feed the church. Not miracles, just everyday actions where God brings about spiritual work.

Devotion to ordinary church life brings growth.

The devotion to the ordinary practices of church grows the church both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is not our personal effort, but God working through it. The wind of His spirit working brings about spiritual change.

Ordinary: The Value of Ordinary Work

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

1 Thesis

Rev Dwight Yoo

This sermon series is trying to address our generation's fear of being ordinary. We are trying to create an image of a sustainable, everyday faith. We want to avoid being lazy in our spiritual walk, but also avoid the over-valuing of radical, world-changing lifestyle.

Your ordinary job is an important way of living others.

Paul writes the church during persecution and tells them to continue doing what they do in regards to brotherly love. This is a very generous church. They were not rich, but they were generous. Paul talks about living quiet lives as well as giving to kingdom work in other regions. Working with your hands is another way of showing love. Aspiring to live quietly and working is a way to show love. Why? Many Christians in this church were not working. They were so obsessed with the return of Jesus that they quit working. They were living off of other Christians and welfare. This was hindering the witness of the church there. They were so caught up in the spectacular that they lost sight of the mundane. God works in the everyday. He doesn't always work in miraculous and spectacular ways. God provides. How? Through work, the everyday ordinary work of a baker and a supermarket worker stocking shelves. Work is more than just for your fulfillment. It is also for those we work with, for those who depend on us... That our jobs are not all about us. Not about us being the most impactful or respected by those around us. It is about being a blessing. Whether it is about freeing people from seed trafficking or baking bread for people. The work is equally valued by God. He loves both workers regardless of what work they do. Don't get caught up in big ideas and crazy schemes. Live quiet and peaceful lives. Quiet faithful lives can make an impact.

The power of valuing ordinary work

Be ambitious about being unambitious. We are driven by selfish ambition. But this is not what we are to do, we are to be ambitious to bless others and give glory to God. Don't trample those in the way of your career path. Don't envy those who work the job you want. We do this as a way to follow Christ. To lay down our personal desires for fame or acclaim, due to yourself, take up our cross and do the will of our Father in heaven just as Christ did.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2.3-11 ESV

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Beware of   practicing your righteousness before other people in order   to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.    “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may   be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have   received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Proverbs 29:25, Matthew 6:1-3

Rev. Dan Whang

Fear of man. We often strive for approval and appreciation from others. How often do we check how we look in the mirror? How often do you update your Facebook status or profile picture? Do you suffer from FOMO, fear of missing out? Many of us struggle with this. Do you define yourself by what others think of you? Are you a slave to their opinion of you? Is your identity tied to the approval and acceptance of others?

Addiction to attention or fear of rejection. This sums up what it looks like to be a slave to fear of man. The workaholic looks for validation from his coworkers and superior. Social media addicts look for likes and comments for validation. We might never share or speak up for fear of rejection. We don't want others to judge us or think us stupid or lacking.

Dealing with the fear of man

We can avoid people entirely. But this does not address the issue. We can put on a different attitude, be ourselves and be our own person. But this is ultimately self centered..

How then should we deal with it?

Firstly, we are not the center of the world. No one looks at you that much.

Secondly, there is no judgement. God has taken that away. God rejoices over you. In Christ, we have acceptance and identity.

Fear of man will be replaced by a fear of God. Good tells his prophet, Isaiah, to speak a message that the people will reject. So God dominates his temple with His presence and the prophet is freaked out. God is more fearsome than man. When we are reminded of God's greatness, our other fears are diminished.

The Gospel for the Performance-Driven

11:28-30 ESV

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Rev. Charles Han

This is the beginning of the series on our motivations outside of Christ. Today, we will address those who feel that success and self accomplishment will fulfill.

Crushing burden

This is not just talking about physical/mental exhaustion. Jesus is talking about spiritual exhaustion. What does this mean? It is the tiredness that comes from getting our identity from success whether it is work, parenting, ministry. God is not saying we should not work hard. It is when what you do becomes what you are. You get significance from success and depressed from failure. You are a success or failure depending on your circumstances. This comes from standards both internal and external. What makes us feel significant? Or insignificant? Do more. Do it now. Spiritual legalism is one form of this. Trying to justify ourselves. We are constantly in need of validation of our identity. Always trying to control everything, but we cannot sustain this. We will break down. This is what idols do, they bring us to death. The standards of perfectionists and performance are higher than how we can live or do.

Invitation to ultimate rest

Jesus invites everyone to come to Him and find rest. This is an everlasting, soul fulfilling rest. This is the end of the need for any justification. He took on all our guilt and shame. And He gives His righteousness, his inheritance, his performance, and his victory. You no longer need to measure up. In Christ, you no longer need to become, but rather you already are. You are completely justified in Him, you have nothing left to prove.

Learning to live under Jesus' easy yoke

So what then now that we know? We are free from the yoke of self justification. But we are not yoke free. He says we should be yoked under Jesus. Like an apprentice, we should learn  from Christ... to live in the reality that Christ has done it all.

Define your identity by what Christ did, not by anything else

Living in full obedience to the one who delights in our progression, not our perfection. He works in our imperfection and brokenness. He is easy to please but hard to satisfy. Like a father watching a baby learning to walk. He wants his child to walk, but he also delights in every bit of progress.

Isaiah 42:3 ESV

a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Spiritual warfare

6:10-17 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Rev. Dwight Yoo

Paul starts to close out his letter. Finally, he speaks of spiritual warfare, this is integral. Here's what Christ has done, here's what you should do, and finally, here is what you should keep in mind.

We who are chasing God, you will be fiercely opposed. We have enemies in this work that God has given us. There are two reactions, complete denial and unhealthy obsession.

Reality of the enemy

Our enemies are not of flesh. They are invisible. He is the devil and one of many fallen angels. There is a question of whether this is referring to rankings of demonic forces or evil governments. It is likely both.

We are called to stand firm. This falling is not losing salvation, but rather seasons of spiritually unfruitfulness and inability to minister. Hurting rather helping the cause of Christ. This a call to wake up and realize that we are in a battlefield. This is a call to arms.

Tactics of the enemy

Before you fight your enemy, you need to learn about him. The enemy is stronger than you. Much stronger than we give him credit. This us why we need God's help. He is very shrewd. He deceived Adam and Eve. He will study your weakness and attack those character flaws and weaknesses, old wounds. He will try to reopen old wounds. He will take a lack of self control to sow division and discord. Times of isolation and idleness draw him to attack.

How to overcome

Allow no points of exposure. The armor should be worn, in it's entirety. The enemy is incessant. We are called to be strong in the Lord.

First, we need to know the truth of God. We need to know God both quantifiably as well as qualitatively.

Secondly, we need faith in God. Knowledge of his work and his promises, that he is dependable.

Thirdly, the helmet of salvation. That our salvation is secure in Christ. That our eternal destination is ours.

Finally, the one offensive weapon in the passage. The gates of hell are being assaulted... by the church. We are called to not just defend ourselves, but to take ground! The spirit pushes onward.

The shoes of the gospel give us the desire to take ground. The knowledge of how much God loves and gives us, winds over our hearts and drives us to advance the kingdom of God.

Everything we need for the fight is already ours in Christ. He has secured all these things for us. All this equipment is firmly within our grasp.