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Hope Youth Takeover
Summary
In our Youth Take Over Service, Oliver Mensah, Associate Minister – Youth & Ministry Engagement, shares about what the youth have been learning in the prior term:
In this service we celebrate the vibrant energy of our youth, who are unashamedly sharing the gospel and transforming lives. Levi, one of our young members, has even started his own connect group at school, which is a testament to the amazing work God is doing in our youth ministry.
We've been diving deep into the book of Ephesians this term, exploring the profound teachings of the Apostle Paul. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, had a life-changing encounter with Jesus that transformed him into a fervent advocate for the gospel. His letter to the Ephesians outlines God's grand plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one family through Christ.
In this service, we focus on Ephesians 4, where Paul urges us to live a life worthy of our calling. Our primary calling as Christians is to be in a relationship with God and with each other. This relationship is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without it, our careers, families, and other pursuits can become idols that distract us from our true purpose.
Paul emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and making allowances for each other's faults. These virtues are crucial for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. The Greco-Roman culture of Paul's time viewed humility as weakness, but Jesus demonstrated that true strength lies in knowing who we are in God and not needing to prove ourselves.
Each of us has been given special gifts by Christ to build up the church. Whether you are an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, your gift is essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ. When we use our gifts in service to God and each other, we equip the church to face the challenges of the world.
Our calling is not about chasing fame or comfort but about being transformed by God and living in service to Him. As we seek first the kingdom of God, everything else will be added to us. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and hearts, so we can live out our calling with passion and purpose.
Key Takeaways
1. Primary Calling: Relationship with God and Each Other
Our primary calling as Christians is to be in a relationship with God and with each other. This foundational relationship shapes everything else in our lives. Without it, our careers, families, and other pursuits can become idols that distract us from our true purpose.
2. Virtues for Unity: Humility, Gentleness, Patience
Paul emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and making allowances for each other's faults. These virtues are crucial for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. True strength lies in knowing who we are in God and not needing to prove ourselves.
3. Special Gifts for Building the Church
Each of us has been given special gifts by Christ to build up the church. Whether you are an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, your gift is essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ. When we use our gifts in service to God and each other, we equip the church to face the challenges of the world.
4. Transformation Through Renewed Minds
Our calling is not about chasing fame or comfort but about being transformed by God and living in service to Him. As we seek first the kingdom of God, everything else will be added to us. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and hearts, so we can live out our calling with passion and purpose.
5. Responding to God's Call
Today is an opportunity to respond to God's call. Whether you are returning to Him or accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior for the first time, God is calling you back to Himself. This is a journey of transformation and restoration, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Daily Hope Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Virtues for Unity: Humility, Gentleness, Patience
Scripture:
Colossians 3:12-13
'Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Paul emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and making allowances for each other's faults. These virtues are crucial for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. In a culture that often views humility as weakness, Paul reminds us that true strength lies in knowing who we are in God and not needing to prove ourselves. Humility allows us to put others before ourselves, gentleness helps us to respond with kindness, and patience enables us to endure challenges without losing our composure.
These virtues are not just nice-to-have qualities; they are essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships within the church. When we practice humility, gentleness, and patience, we create an environment where people feel valued and respected. This, in turn, fosters unity and strengthens the body of Christ. As we strive to embody these virtues, we reflect the character of Jesus and contribute to the overall health and growth of the church. [52:02]
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you struggle with humility, gentleness, or patience? How can you intentionally cultivate these virtues in your interactions with others today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I pray that You would grow my humility, gentleness, and patience. May my behaviour with others reflect Your character and bring You glory.
Amen
Day 2: Transformation Through Renewed Minds
Scripture:
Romans 12:2:
'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Our calling is not about chasing fame or comfort but about being transformed by God and living in service to Him. As we seek first the kingdom of God, everything else will be added to us. This transformation begins with the renewal of our minds, allowing the Holy Spirit to change our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours. When our minds are renewed, we begin to see the world through God’s perspective and align our lives with His will.
Living out our calling with passion and purpose requires us to be intentional about our spiritual growth. This means spending time in prayer, studying the Word, and being open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As we allow God to transform our minds and hearts, we become more effective in our service to Him and others. This transformation is a continuous process that requires our commitment and cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
Reflection:
In what ways do you need to allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind? How can you be more intentional about seeking God’s transformation in your life today?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, please work in me to change my thinking, behaviours, and attitudes. I pray You would transform me to be more like You every day.
Amen
Day 3: Responding to God's Call
Scripture:
Isaiah 55:6-7
'Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Today is an opportunity to respond to God's call. Whether you are returning to Him or accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior for the first time, God is calling you back to Himself. This is a journey of transformation and restoration, guided by the Holy Spirit. Responding to God’s call involves surrendering our lives to Him and allowing Him to lead us in His ways.
This response is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His will. It requires us to be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and to trust God’s plan for our lives. As we respond to God’s call, we experience His love, grace, and power in new and profound ways. This journey of transformation and restoration is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His desire to have a relationship with us.
Reflection:
How is God calling you to respond to Him today? What steps can you take to surrender your life to Him and allow Him to lead you on this journey of transformation and restoration?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I give myself to You. I ask for Your forgiveness for all my sins, for Your mercy and grace. I surrender my life to You right now and thank You for my pardon.
Amen
Day 4: Unity in the Spirit
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:3-6
'Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Paul emphasizes that we are all part of one body, and we are meant to be united. We are called to be in relationship with God and with each other. This unity is crucial for the church to function effectively. Just like a body can't function if its parts are scattered, the church can't function if we are not united. This unity is not about uniformity but about being united in purpose and love.
Reflection:
How can you grow your relationship with God and connection to the Spirit? What do you need to change in your attitude to be more focused on unity and peace in the church? Do you need to forgive someone or seek forgiveness for being exclusive in the church?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to Your peace. Please help me to forgive anyone who has made me feel like I am not part of Your body. Forgive me for treating anyone in that same way. Help me to focus on unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ as we serve You.
Amen
Day 5: Using Our Gifts for Unity
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:7,11-13
'However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.’
‘Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Every believer has been given a gift from Jesus. Whether you’re an evangelist, a teacher, or someone who cares deeply for others, your gift is essential to the church. When we don't use our gifts, the church misses out. It's like a body part being disconnected. We need each other to function effectively and to be united in purpose.
Ephesians 4:11 tells us that Christ himself gave us these gifts. These roles are not just titles; they are gifts meant to equip and build up the church and grow us in unity of faith and understanding. Each one of us has a unique role to play in God's plan.
The roles listed in Ephesians 4:11 are not necessarily intended as full-time roles in the church. For example: a pastoral gift might be expressed in counselling or encouraging others (especially in their faith); or caring for their practical needs. Each of us has a unique gift and purpose, you just may not know exactly what it is yet or how God intends for you to use it.
Reflection:
Which of the giftings that Paul lists do you express most in your life? How can you serve the body of Christ using your uniqueness?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You have made me unique and given me gifts through Your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes and heart to the unique ways You want me to use my gifts to grow unity in the church and to grow Your Kingdom.
Amen
Day 6: Humility and Gentleness
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:1-2
'So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/15...
Devotional:
Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and gentleness. In a world that often sees humility as weakness, we are called to follow Jesus' example. Jesus knew who He was and didn't need to prove Himself. Similarly, when we understand our identity in Christ, we can be humble and gentle with others.
Reflection:
Reflect on the characteristics of humility and gentleness. How did Jesus express them in His ministry?
Consider instances where you have been prideful, arrogant, or self-centred instead of humble and gentle.
Open your heart to Jesus for forgiveness. Ask for Him to change you to be gentler and grow in humility.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for my pride, arrogance, and self-centeredness. I ask for You to change my heart and mind to be more like You – to be humble and gentle.
Amen
Day 7: Patience and Forgiveness
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:2-3
'Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/EPH.4.2-3
Devotional:
Ephesians 4:2 also calls us be patient and to make allowances for each other's faults. This means extending grace to others, just as God has extended grace to us. In our relationships (whether at church, school, work, or home) patience and forgiveness are crucial. They help us maintain unity and peace within the body of Christ.
Reflection and Challenge:
How can you be more forgiving and make allowances for others' faults, just as God has done for you?
Remember that your calling is to be in peaceful, united relationship with God and with others. Strive to live a life worthy of this calling, using your gifts to build up the body of Christ.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me into a relationship with You. Help me to live a life worthy of Your calling. Teach me to be patient, and forgiving. Transform my mind and heart to reflect Your love and grace. In Your name, I pray.
Amen.
