Intro: Have you been in the land of in-between?
Big Idea: God wants us to be active as we wait on Him and His promises.
a. Luke 2:1-7 NLT
Scripture: Romans 12:9-18 NLT – 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
What can we do while we wait on God’s promises to be fulfilled?
a. Love People for Real
i. Romans 12:9-10 NLT – 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
ii. Romans 5:8 NLT – 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
iii. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT – 7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
iv. Mark 12:31 NLT – Love your neighbor as yourself.
b. Work Hard & Serve Enthusiastically
i. Luke 2:52 NLT – 52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.
ii. Romans 12:11 NLT - 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
iii. Colossians 3:23-24 HCSB – 23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
c. Be Patient in Trouble & Keep on Praying
i. Romans 12:12 NLT – 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
ii. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT – 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
iii. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT – 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
d. Live ready to Help
i. Romans 12:13 NLT – 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Have you been actively waiting on God and His promises?
Next Steps
- Read: Luke 2:1-7
- Evaluate: How can I activate my faith this Christmas Season?
- Action: Pick one or two action steps from Romans 12:9-18 to focus on this week.