SE UN PAYASO | SERIE: VIVIENDO COMO JESUS | RUAKH

Prayer for Wisdom and Obedience

Introduction to the Sermon

• The speaker opens with a prayer, asking for wisdom and capacity to do God's work, emphasizing obedience over emotion and consistency over motivation.

• The congregation responds affirmatively with "Amén," indicating their agreement and participation in the prayer.

Story of the Clown

• The speaker introduces a story related to a favorite song by Marcos Vidal, which serves as a metaphor relevant to the sermon titled "Living Like Jesus."

• The story revolves around a clown who has an extraordinary talent for making children laugh but feels unfulfilled in his role. He desires to be an acrobat instead of just a clown.

The Clown's Ambition and Consequences

Desire for Recognition

• This clown is depicted as restless, wanting applause rather than laughter, showcasing a common human desire for recognition beyond one's given role.

A Dangerous Decision

• After an unsuccessful attempt at balancing on a tightrope without safety nets, he falls and becomes disabled, highlighting the risks of pursuing ambitions outside one's calling.

Realization of Importance

• Upon returning to find that the circus has closed due to lack of attendance (children no longer coming), he realizes his true value was in bringing joy through laughter. His role was more significant than he understood.

Understanding Purpose Through Humility

Later Life Reflection

• In his old age, despite being in a wheelchair, he continues to bring happiness to children who visit him regularly, demonstrating resilience and acceptance of his purpose.

Response to Criticism

• When criticized by neighbors about his antics at an old age, he defends himself by acknowledging that God made him this way; illustrating self-awareness and acceptance of one’s identity in Christ.

Lessons from the Clown's Journey

Comparison with Others

• The speaker draws parallels between the clown's journey and how many people compare themselves with others instead of embracing their unique roles assigned by God. This leads them away from their true purpose.

Misplaced Aspirations

• There are individuals (including some pastors) who pursue roles not intended for them out of desire for attention or power rather than fulfilling God's calling effectively; this can lead to detrimental outcomes in ministry or life overall.

Absurdity vs Wisdom

• The message concludes with reflections on how what seems absurd or foolish in serving God may actually be divine wisdom; encouraging listeners not to underestimate their roles within God's plan despite societal perceptions.

Understanding Purpose in Life

The Role of Entertainment and Control

• The speaker discusses how society often seeks meaning through entertainment and pleasure, suggesting that this makes individuals easier to control.

• Reference to John 7:1-5 highlights the skepticism Jesus faced from his own brothers, who questioned his need for fame and recognition.

Misunderstanding Jesus' Mission

• The speaker emphasizes the sarcasm in the brothers' remarks about Jesus, illustrating their lack of understanding of his divine purpose.

• A recounting of an incident where Jesus redefines familial relationships by stating that those who do God's will are his true family.

Challenges of Living with Purpose

• Peter's reaction to Jesus’ prophecy about his death shows a common human instinct to avoid discomfort; Jesus rebukes him, indicating the necessity of accepting difficult truths.

• The speaker asserts that living a purposeful life is often met with ridicule and misunderstanding from others.

Embracing Vulnerability for God’s Purpose

• Encouragement to be vulnerable in pursuing God's purpose despite societal judgment or disdain.

• A call for audience engagement by repeating the phrase "Be a clown," symbolizing embracing one's unique path regardless of external opinions.

Curiosity as a Pathway to Understanding

• The speaker reflects on personal curiosity developed from childhood experiences, emphasizing its importance in seeking wisdom and understanding life's deeper meanings.

• Acknowledgment that many live without purpose until they encounter Christ, which transforms existence into one filled with meaning.

Choosing Purpose Over Pleasure

• The message concludes with an emphasis on choosing purpose over fleeting pleasures, highlighting the challenges this choice entails but affirming its significance.

The Purpose Over Pleasure

The Cultural Shift Towards Pleasure

• The speaker discusses the cultural tendency to prioritize pleasure over purpose, highlighting the difficulty many face in dedicating time for prayer and spiritual activities.

• A reference is made to Jesus' last night before his betrayal, illustrating how even his disciples struggled to stay awake and pray, emphasizing human weakness against spiritual commitment.

Choosing Purpose Over Pleasure

• The story of Caleb is shared as an example of someone who pursued purpose despite age; he requested a mountain to conquer, demonstrating determination and faith.

• The speaker encourages all ages—youth, adults, and seniors—to seek purpose in life rather than succumbing to fleeting pleasures.

Personal Reflection on Purpose

• A personal anecdote reveals a moment of doubt about life choices while watching a romantic movie; the speaker reflects on feelings of nostalgia for missed youthful experiences.

• The Holy Spirit reassures the speaker that serving God brings fulfillment beyond worldly experiences, contrasting personal sacrifices with meaningful service opportunities.

Joy in Serving God

• Emphasizing that a life dedicated to purpose leads to true joy and satisfaction, the speaker notes that serving God creates deep connections and friendships.

• A quote from Psalms highlights the delight found in being in God's house, which may seem irrational to those focused solely on earthly pleasures.

Understanding True Fulfillment

• The contrast between worldly pursuits (like vacations or material wealth) versus spiritual assignments is discussed; Christians are called to focus on divine purposes instead.

• The importance of accountability before God is stressed; believers should strive towards fulfilling God's plans over their own ambitions for genuine satisfaction.

Time for Everything

• Reference is made to Ecclesiastes regarding the balance of life's seasons—indicating there’s a time for both joy and solemnity.

• This serves as a reminder that while pleasure has its place, it must be balanced with purposeful living.

Marriage and Purpose in Life

The Importance of Seeking Purpose Over Pleasure

• Emphasizes the need for both marriage counseling and honeymoon periods, highlighting that seeking purpose will ultimately lead to pleasure.

• Encourages young people to dedicate their lives to God now, suggesting that their current jobs should glorify God's kingdom rather than just personal financial gain.

• Stresses that the forces of darkness do not fear mere attendance at church or financial contributions; they fear true obedience to God.

Spiritual Warfare and Conformity

• References C.S. Lewis's "Screw Tape Letters" to illustrate how conformity is a spiritual attack prevalent in modern society, particularly in the U.S.

• Warns against complacency in faith practices, such as minimal church attendance or infrequent charitable giving, which can lead individuals away from true connection with God.

Living a Life of Obedience

• Discusses how many are slowly drifting away from faith due to comfort in sin and lack of genuine relationship with God.

• Urges listeners to be a threat to hell by living obediently according to God's word and actively sharing the gospel message.

Vision for Future Ministry

• Calls on youth to spread the gospel beyond church walls into schools and workplaces, challenging them to awaken others who are struggling with depression and anxiety.

• Suggests starting ministries outside traditional settings, emphasizing that conformity is a significant spiritual challenge faced today.

Personal Reflection on Leadership and Legacy

• Encourages complete dedication to God’s purpose this year, urging individuals to seek dreams that inspire fear due to their magnitude.

• Shares personal plans for succession within ministry leadership by age 50, indicating foresight about future responsibilities while expressing concern over potential loss of community members over time.

• Describes a vision for establishing a community center aimed at outreach through daily activities at the church, reflecting on how this goal feels daunting yet necessary.

Dreaming Big in Faith

Embracing Radical Dreams

• The speaker encourages the congregation to dream big and radical, emphasizing that they are not alone in their aspirations. They express gratitude for those who share this vision of faith and purpose.

A Church with Purpose

• The desire is expressed for the church to be recognized as a true Christian community, not just by its charitable actions but by the genuine presence of God among its members. The aim is to instill fear and reverence for God within the community.

Understanding True Salvation

• The speaker reflects on conversations with individuals from large churches who lack understanding of salvation doctrine, highlighting a concerning trend where emotional experiences overshadow theological knowledge. This raises questions about the depth of faith in contemporary worship settings.

Confronting Reality on Judgment Day

• There’s a warning about facing God's reality on judgment day for those who do not serve Him through the church, stressing that everyone has a divine purpose that should be pursued actively. Those without purpose are encouraged to seek it earnestly from God.

Living with Purpose

• The speaker shares personal reflections on living with purpose beyond mere occupations, asserting that every job contributes to fulfilling God's ministry. They emphasize viewing secular work as part-time while dedicating oneself fully to spiritual service and calling.

The Role of Support in Ministry

Realistic Expectations from Family

• A personal anecdote illustrates how family reactions can vary when pursuing a calling; despite initial skepticism from his father regarding becoming a pastor, support was ultimately given after serious consideration was shown by the speaker.

Importance of Assurance in Calling

• The father’s question about certainty reflects an essential aspect of following one's calling—understanding the sacrifices involved in serving God full-time and ensuring one is prepared for such commitments before proceeding into ministry work.

Financial Uncertainty in Service

• Serving God does not guarantee financial stability or material wealth; however, faith is placed in God's provision as promised in scripture, reinforcing trust over worldly concerns amidst potential ridicule from others regarding one's ministry pursuits.

Overcoming Mockery Through Faith

Standing Firm Against Criticism

• Individuals may face mockery for their commitment to ministry or religious practices; however, they are encouraged to embrace their identity as servants created for God's glory regardless of societal perceptions or judgments about their choices or lifestyle choices.

Purpose and Suffering in Faith

Understanding Purpose Through Trials

• The speaker emphasizes that when people witness your success and ask how you achieve it, the answer lies in recognizing one's purpose. This purpose is seen as a divine tool for serving God.

• The crucifixion of Jesus is discussed, highlighting that the cross was not meant for quick death but to send a message to the Roman Empire about suffering and endurance.

• Jesus' intentional death is noted; he chose when to die, demonstrating control over his fate despite being mocked and insulted by onlookers.

Mockery and Recognition

• The speaker draws parallels between Jesus’ suffering and the entertainment of Roman culture, where leaders mocked him while failing to recognize his true identity as the Son of God.

• Religious leaders were blind to Jesus' divinity due to their rigid beliefs, contrasting with a Roman centurion who recognized Him after witnessing supernatural events at His death.

Faith Amidst Persecution

• The absurdity of faith is highlighted: trusting in a humble carpenter without formal credentials yet believing He formed our lives. This faith gives life meaning beyond earthly struggles.

• Early Christians faced brutal persecution in arenas, treated as entertainment for emperors. They died joyfully, echoing Christ's forgiveness towards their executioners.

Endurance Through Challenges

• The speaker encourages listeners facing hardships—financial struggles or health issues—to remain steadfast in faith despite societal mockery or personal trials.

• Believers are reminded that their worth isn't diminished by circumstances; they should respond affirmatively when questioned about their faithfulness to God amidst adversity.

Inspirational Stories of Faith

• A missionary named Jemelie faced opposition from both pagans and fellow believers but remained committed to his calling. His legacy continued through his wife who preached forgiveness even to those who killed him.

• David Livingston’s journey into uncharted Africa illustrates dedication; he created maps while spreading the gospel despite lacking modern navigation tools, showcasing perseverance against all odds.

The Legacy of Dr. Livingston and the Call to Purpose

The Struggles and Death of Dr. Livingston

• Dr. Livingston faced ridicule from his church community during his illness, being labeled a failure for not establishing a church.

• Upon his death, he was found praying to God; villagers honored him by burying his heart in Africa, signifying his deep connection to the land.

• His legacy continued through the publication of "The Life and Exploration of Dr. Livingston," which included maps that aided future missionaries.

• Much of today's evangelism in Africa is attributed to Livingston's efforts and dedication, as he died while praying.

The Impact of Detrich Bonhoeffer

• Detrich Bonhoeffer, who died at 39, was a pastor and spy during Nazi Germany, choosing to stay behind when many fled.

• He confronted false Christianity propagated by Nazis and was executed; his last words reportedly reflected hope beyond death.

A Challenge for Personal Growth

• The speaker challenges listeners to reflect on their lives: Are they living purposefully or merely existing?

• Encouragement is given to pray for God's purpose in life, even if it feels daunting or small compared to grand missions like those of Livingston or Bonhoeffer.

Taking Action Towards Purpose

• Listeners are invited to consider leading groups or engaging more deeply with their faith communities as steps toward fulfilling their purpose.

• Emphasis on personal growth through education (e.g., enrolling in Rúa College), discipleship, and starting ministries at home.

Embracing Service Despite Criticism

• The speaker encourages embracing one's role as a servant despite potential criticism from others about lifestyle choices related to faith service.

• Acknowledgment that leadership roles come with responsibility; aspiring leaders should understand the sacrifices involved but pursue these ambitions for God's glory.

Community Engagement Through Service

• Recognition is given to volunteers at Rua Cares who serve selflessly by distributing food rather than engaging in divisive protests.

• The importance of community service is highlighted; even simple acts contribute significantly towards fulfilling God's purpose within society.

The Role of Faith and Purpose in Daily Life

Embracing Our Roles as Servants

• The speaker emphasizes that everyone has a unique role within the church, likening individuals to "clowns" in their respective areas, suggesting that while the world may view them as foolish for their dedication, it is meaningful to God.

• A prayer is offered for those who have not yet committed their lives to God, asking for divine intervention through the Holy Spirit to draw them closer.

Prioritizing Spiritual Over Material

• The speaker encourages individuals to remember that education and careers should serve as platforms for God's ministry and purpose rather than distractions from spiritual growth.

• A call is made for young people who feel undervalued or distracted by worldly pleasures to aspire towards leadership and service within the church.

Finding Purpose in Everyday Work

• The speaker reassures adults working in various jobs that they can glorify God through their work, regardless of societal perceptions. They are encouraged to live with purpose even if others mock them.

Blessings Through Generosity

• A blessing is pronounced over the congregation, encouraging generosity in giving tithes and offerings. The speaker expresses faith that God can multiply what is given beyond human understanding.