Scripture Passage
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Sermon Script
Last week, we began our sermon series on IDENTITY.
We reflected on how we are made in the image of God. The image of God is greater than our broken self-image. We are God’s unique and precious child. Nothing in this world can take that identity away from us. We are created to live boldly, shining this bright light within us.
I would like to delve a little deeper today.
How do we let our light shine onto others?
When does the image of God within us come alive the most?
Do you remember this verse from the retreat morning devotions? It was what Jesus said about being the light of the world.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
When does our light shine, according to Jesus?
It is when we do good deeds. Doing good and reflecting the image of God are connected.
We do what is good not to be morally better than others. Pharisees were like that. But Jesus did not want people to be like the Pharisees. He definitely doesn’t want us to be like the Pharisees.
Often, people try to be good just so that they don’t feel bad or guilty about themselves.
We do what is good because that is who we are. We are created to do good. That is the core of our identity.
Why are we here?
We are here to do what is good. When we do good, we reflect and glorify God who is good. St. Paul also said it clearly in today’s passage:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 4:10)
You are God’s masterpiece, created to do good works. That is the purpose for which you were made.
Doing good doesn’t just mean not lying, not doing drugs, not cheating in school, not doing what we think to be morally ‘bad’ things.
We tend to think of doing good in terms of not doing what is bad. But doing good is ultimately about making a positive difference – in people’s lives, and in the world we live in.
That is our calling. We are meant to be people who make a difference.
That was the responsibility God gave to humans from the very beginning:
Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:28)
God gave them the responsibility to care for his creation. The beautiful world that he had made.
But God didn’t just “tell them” to do it. Scripture tells us, God “blessed them” with the responsibility.
Yet, what is often our attitude towards responsibilities?
We shy away from them. We see them as a burden.
But to be given a responsibility is, in fact, a blessing. It gives you a sense of focus and direction. Even if it is hard, you have a reason to wake up every single day.
That responsibility gets you up and pulls you forward. It fills you with certain energy, drive, and motivation. As human beings, we like to feel needed.
I feel blessed that God called me into the ministry. Yes – it is not easy being a pastor. It isn’t for everyone.
But all those difficulties do not outweigh the joy I experience when I see the difference God is making in people’s lives, through me. That makes everything worthwhile.
I’m sure it is similar for our counsellors, Execs, and the Praise Team. They all have a responsibility. It is not always easy and fun.
But that responsibility, despite the challenges that come with it along the way, proves to be a great blessing from God. They come to see the difference that God makes through them. That is why they continue serving the Hi-C diligently and faithfully.
You don’t have to be in any of these positions to do good. You can make a difference in other ways too.
Some of us here are serving as Kids Church teachers. You can also do good in settings outside of church too.
There are and will always be opportunities to do good. All you have to do is look around you.
Sometimes, those opportunities may present themselves to you. If they do, don’t run away from them. Embrace them. Take them on joyfully, knowing that God wants to make a difference through you.
Do not let the light within you die out. What kills the light within us is a life of rejecting responsibilities.
Believe that God has put you here for a reason.
Believe that God has created you for good works.
That is God’s desire for you.
In Christ, God rescued us from the life of sin for that reason. To restore the image of God within us and make us alive again.
That was St. Paul’s confession:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4)
For much of his life, Paul lived as a Pharisee. But by God’s grace, he became an apostle, sharing the good news of the new life in Christ.
Like Paul, you can also live differently. You can make a difference.
It doesn’t necessarily mean changing the world. It means doing good in small, faithful ways. That will make the world a better place, little by little.
Always think about: “What can I do for others?”
Be a kind and caring presence. Be a vessel of God’s love. Be the blessing that God has made you to be.
Earlier this week, Pope Leo XIV said these words:
For the future of humanity depends on each person’s commitment to collaborate with God and with their brothers and sisters in building a more humane world.
The world may tell you that your efforts will make no difference. You may even tell yourself that.
But God will accomplish great things through you.
Community Prayer
By Lucas Hwang
Dear God,
You are always with us when things are hard and you always care for us. Even when we don’t notice it, you are there and are always there to support us.
We confess that we don’t always believe in your word. Oftentimes we get caught up in school, our friends, or worrying about what other people think about us. We often try to handle everything on our own instead of turning to you for help. Please forgive us for the times we drift apart from you
We thank you for everything you have given us. Thank you for giving us this community where we can come every week. We’re thankful that we have a place where we are able to worship you, learn about you, and grow together.
We pray for people in our community who are going through struggles, whether it be mentally, physically, or faith wise
We also pray for people around the world who are struggling with war, hunger, and other difficult times. Please bring peace and comfort to those who need it
Lastly, we pray for Reverend Dave as he shares your word with us today. Please guide him as he speaks, and help us listen and understand the message you have for us
In Jesus name we pray
Amen
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