Scripture References: James 4:13-15; Mark 8:34-38 (or Matt 16:24-27); Hebrews 10:32-39; Genesis 12:1; 2 Samuel 10:12; Daniel 3; Galatians 2:20
Intro: We're continuing to unpack our mission: beholding Jesus and putting His brilliance on display through obedience, surrender, and devotion. Last week focused on authenticity, confessing our struggles. This week, we explore another result of obedience: Risk. Living obediently requires us to risk, moving beyond our comfort zones for God's sake.
Key Points:
- Risk is Inescapable: We crave security, but a risk-free life is a myth. Because we have limited knowledge and control over the future (James 4:13-15), risk is woven into life. Jesus promises His faithful presence, not certainty of circumstances.
- Comfort Culture vs. Kingdom Culture: Our culture prioritizes comfort, security, and control. Jesus's call to deny self, take up a cross, and follow Him flies in the face of this (Mark 8:34). He rebuked Peter for focusing on human comfort over God's purposes (Mark 8:33).
- Our Heritage of Risk: The Bible is filled with stories of people facing chaos and danger yet choosing faith over fear (Abraham, Joab, Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego, Paul). Christianity historically thrives when challenged, not when comfortable. We're called to persevere, not shrink back (Heb 10:32-39).
- The Paradox of Losing and Saving: Jesus promises that trying to save our life (through comfort, self-preservation) leads to losing it. But losing our life for His sake and the gospel's leads to truly finding it (Mark 8:35). Real life is found in following Him into discomfort.
- The Motivation for Risk: Success isn't guaranteed in every risk taken for God (short-term). Our fuel is the eternal perspective: this life is temporary ("a mist"). We live for eternal reward, not earthly accumulation. We run a race, shedding hindrances, knowing "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose" (Jim Elliot).
Conclusion: The call to follow Christ is a call to embrace risk and discomfort, trusting Him over our desire for safety. Our spiritual ancestors modeled this courage. We must decide: Is comfort our king, or is Christ? Choosing Christ means following Him even when it's costly, knowing true life is found in losing ours for His sake.
Call to Action:
- Honestly answer: Is comfort or Christ reigning in your decisions?
- Renounce the voice of the "god of comfort" urging you to play it safe, hold back, save yourself, or remain indifferent.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for boldness and courage to obey God, even when it requires risk.
- Take the next step of faith God is calling you to, trusting Him with the outcome.
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