Christians, the Counter-Culture Community, Build on Christ
Summary of a Lesson from Tim Keller
Christianity is the counter-culture (1 Peter 2:11). To the general public, many Christian principles are considered radical, including our views on property, sex, family, life after death, and our priorities during our life on earth.
Some argue such beliefs could lead to terrorism. But Christ when insulted didn’t retaliate, when suffered made no threat. Instead, He served and died for His enemies. Genuine followers of Christ couldn’t become terrorists.
Christ’s disciples didn’t give in to the surrounding culture, nor did they withdraw from it. Holding onto their faith in Christ, they engaged with and served their communities. Though recognizing their good deeds, their society rejected them (1 Peter 2:12).
How did the disciples maintain such a balance?
First, they recognized Christ as their foundation, the cornerstone they built their life on (1 Peter 2:7). Some people build their foundation on sand, whether it be one’s intellect, physical ability, fame, or beauty—sooner or later all of which will fail them.
The disciples built themselves on Christ—the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Following Him, they lived joyful and fruitful lives.
Second, the disciples knew Christ was on their side. They saw the creator of the heavens and earth, being rejected, suffer, and lay down His life for them. Christ persevered to the end because He loved them and considered them precious. With the almighty God on their side, they didn’t need affirmation from people around them. By trusting in Christ, they would not be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6).
Third, the disciples were united with other Christians under Christ, forming a deeply interconnected community that supported each other and built each other up.
In conclusion, God loves us, and we are precious to Him. With Christ as our foundation, Christians are deeply united as a body under Christ. Although we are foreigners or aliens to the current culture, where the general public could attack and malign us, we can still engage with and serve our communities.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon.
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQVhZXBIETo
Some argue such beliefs could lead to terrorism. But Christ when insulted didn’t retaliate, when suffered made no threat. Instead, He served and died for His enemies. Genuine followers of Christ couldn’t become terrorists.
Christ’s disciples didn’t give in to the surrounding culture, nor did they withdraw from it. Holding onto their faith in Christ, they engaged with and served their communities. Though recognizing their good deeds, their society rejected them (1 Peter 2:12).
How did the disciples maintain such a balance?
First, they recognized Christ as their foundation, the cornerstone they built their life on (1 Peter 2:7). Some people build their foundation on sand, whether it be one’s intellect, physical ability, fame, or beauty—sooner or later all of which will fail them.
The disciples built themselves on Christ—the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Following Him, they lived joyful and fruitful lives.
Second, the disciples knew Christ was on their side. They saw the creator of the heavens and earth, being rejected, suffer, and lay down His life for them. Christ persevered to the end because He loved them and considered them precious. With the almighty God on their side, they didn’t need affirmation from people around them. By trusting in Christ, they would not be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6).
Third, the disciples were united with other Christians under Christ, forming a deeply interconnected community that supported each other and built each other up.
In conclusion, God loves us, and we are precious to Him. With Christ as our foundation, Christians are deeply united as a body under Christ. Although we are foreigners or aliens to the current culture, where the general public could attack and malign us, we can still engage with and serve our communities.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon.
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQVhZXBIETo