Ps Oscar Muriu – Live Brave, not Safe
"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." — 2 Cor 5:14-20
1. The Central Question
- The sermon begins with the question: "Are the things that you are living for worth Christ's dying for?"
- Modern life is often self-centered, focused on personal goals, careers, and happiness. This self-centeredness has even infected the Christian life, with people focusing on what Christ can do for them (blessings, finances, etc.) rather than living for Him.
2. Living for Christ vs. Living for Self
Biblical Analogy: John 12:24-25
"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
- Only by "dying to self" can we truly live and bear fruit.
The Example of Paul
- Paul considered his former accomplishments "loss" and "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-9).
- His life showed "dying to self" through hardships: imprisonment, flogging, dangers, and deprivation (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
Living Brave vs. Playing it Safe
- Living a safe, comfortable life is contrasted with taking risks for Christ.
- Following God’s will is inherently dangerous. If it doesn’t feel dangerous, we may not be following the real Jesus.
Living Brave means:
- Obedience no matter the cost.
- Stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Surrendering your plans.
- Rejecting a life of ease in favor of a life of impact for God’s kingdom.
3. Christians vs. Disciples
- The speaker argues that there are "too many Christians and not enough disciples."
- Christian: Identifies with the faith culturally/familially but may not be committed.
- Disciple: Willing to give up their life and everything for Christ.
Story from a Persecuted Country
- Soldiers burst into a house church with AK-47s.
- Most fled, but a few stayed.
- The soldiers revealed they were believers: "Now we can worship."
- The Christians left, but the disciples remained.
4. Call to Action
For the Convicted
- An invitation to stand and pray, choosing to live for Christ, not self.
For the Elderly
- The Bible speaks of rest in heaven, not retirement on earth.
- Elderly believers have wisdom, experience, time, and wealth for God’s mission.
- “Don’t just follow your grandkids — serve the Lord in your last years.”
For the Young
- Called to live for God’s plans, not their own.
- Could mean becoming a missionary, pastor, or servant to the broken.
- “Live brave and don’t play safe.”
Discovery
Which of these stood out to you?
- “If following Jesus doesn't feel dangerous right now, you should probably pause and check to see if it's actually Jesus you're following.”
- “There are far too many Christians in church and not enough disciples.”
- “God doesn't want to be involved in your plans for your life; He wants you to be involved in His plans for your life.”
- “God does not retire us from his work and his mission until he calls us home.”
- “It is possible to evade a multitude of sorrows by cultivating an insignificant life.”
Understanding
- What is the difference between a "Christian" and a "disciple"? Which do you identify with most?
- What does "dying to self" really mean? How is it different from simply sacrificing or giving things up?
- What does it mean to "live brave"? What are some modern-day examples?
Application
- Are there things you are living for that are not worth Christ's dying for? How can you re-prioritize?
- How can you continue serving God regardless of age?
- What is one specific step you can take this week to “live for him who died for you” — in your career, finances, time, or relationships?