The New Bible Study Method with Generative AI (7) - Devotion on Rom 15:7

 Glorifying God in Harmony - Accept & Build-up One Another

Romans 15:1-7 NIV

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

The Context:

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

My Learning:

I feed the content of the mind map to ChatGPT and ask for its thoughts.

ChatGPT:

Your reflections on Romans 15:1-7 beautifully highlight the transformative process of glorifying God in harmony. Here’s an expansion on your thoughts:

Key Themes and Insights

1. Together for Him and by Him

This passage emphasizes unity as being both a purpose and a work of God. Harmony among believers isn't just for mutual benefit but serves a higher purpose: glorifying God. God is both the enabler and the object of this unity.

2. United in Purpose and Values

Unity begins with shared purpose (to glorify God) and values (faith, love, humility). This alignment fosters a community that operates in harmony, reflecting Christ's example.

3. Accepting and Building One Another

• Acceptance: As Christ welcomed us despite our weaknesses, we are to receive others without judgment or prejudice (v.7). This acceptance is foundational for harmony.
• Building up: Beyond acceptance, believers are called to actively encourage and strengthen each other (v.2), fostering growth in faith and Christlikeness.

4. Strong to Bear with the Weak (v.1-2)

The "strong" have a responsibility to bear with the struggles of the "weak," not out of obligation but as an act of love. This aligns with Christ’s example, who bore our weaknesses and insults for our sake (v.3).

5. Following the Example of Christ

Jesus bore our burdens and endured suffering, setting a model of sacrificial love. When we serve and love one another in the same way, we reflect Christ’s character.

6. The Bible as Instruction and Hope (v.4)

Scripture is given to instruct, encourage, and provide hope. By grounding our lives in the Word, we gain the endurance needed to persevere in harmony, even in challenging times.

7. God Enables Harmony (v.5)

True harmony isn’t achieved through human effort alone but through the work of Christ within us. As we submit to His leading, God aligns our hearts and minds to live in unity.

8. Worshiping in Unity to Glorify God (v.6)

When believers come together with one voice, their unity becomes an act of worship that brings glory to God. This unity in purpose and action demonstrates His greatness to the world.

The Steps

1. Being Accepted by Christ: Recognize the grace we've received.
2. Accepting One Another: Welcome others with Christ’s love.
3. Building-Up One Another: Strengthen each other in faith and love.
4. Following the Bible: Seek instruction, encouragement, and hope from Scripture.
5. With Christ's Love & Suffering: Embrace Christ's example of sacrifice and endurance.
6. Living in Harmony: Allow God to align hearts and minds for unity.
7. Worshiping in Unity: Glorify God together with one voice.
8. Bringing Glory to God: Let every step culminate in glorifying Him.

Reflection and Application

• How do you accept others as Christ accepted you? Reflect on areas where you might struggle with acceptance and seek God's grace to overcome.
• Are you actively building others up? Consider how your words and actions contribute to others' growth in faith.
• Do you seek harmony in your relationships? Let Christ’s love and the Word of God guide your interactions.
• Is unity part of your worship? Recognize that glorifying God is a communal act, not just an individual one.

This passage challenges believers to mirror Christ's love and humility, fostering a unified body that glorifies God through acceptance, encouragement, and harmonious worship.

Prayer for Harmony and Unity

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for accepting us through Christ. Help us to welcome one another with His love, bearing with each other in humility and building each other up in faith. Unite our hearts and minds in harmony so that with one voice, we may glorify You. Teach us to follow Christ’s example of selflessness and to live in the hope and encouragement of Your Word. May our unity bring honor to Your name and reflect Your glory to the world.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The New Bible Study Method with Generative AI (6) - Devotion on Ps 23:6

Live Full & Die Empty with Joy of Living with the Lord Forever

Psalm 23:6 NIV

a. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

b. and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

#11 Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and

It shows that whatever happens in our life has God's good purpose in it

• So give praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! No matter what is happening to us now
• 
  
• Psa 100:5  For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. 
• 
  
• Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
• 
  
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

#12 I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

• When our life on earth is over, we are welcome into His heaven, where we shall be with Him and our brothers and sisters forever.
• Live with the hope that death is starting point for a new and better life.

So Live Full & Die Empty with Joy of Living with the Lord Forever

Additional Thoughts from ChatGPT:

Your reflections beautifully weave together the biblical themes of gratitude, trust in God’s goodness, and hope for eternal life, culminating in the practical application of "live full and die empty." Let’s break down these ideas:

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#11: Gratitude and Trust in God's Goodness

• Psalm 23:6 & Psalm 100:5 emphasize the constancy of God’s goodness and mercy. God’s faithfulness is not only a promise for today but extends to "all generations," creating a foundation of trust that allows us to face life with gratitude and joy.
• Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is working everything for our ultimate good, even in challenges. This truth underpins the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances—not because every situation is pleasant, but because we trust God's greater purpose.

Application: Gratitude becomes a response to God's unchanging character rather than our changing circumstances. When we live with thankfulness, we free ourselves from fear, bitterness, and anxiety, and we align ourselves with His will, which brings peace and joy.

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#12: Hope in Eternal Life

• Psalm 23:6 transitions from the assurance of God’s presence in this life to the promise of eternal life: "I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." This echoes the believer’s ultimate hope—that our time on earth is temporary, and death is not an end but the beginning of a glorious new chapter in heaven.
• This perspective reshapes how we live now. It inspires us to live with purpose and joy, knowing that our trials are temporary, and our ultimate reward is eternal life with God.

Application: Living with hope transforms the way we approach life and death. We can face earthly struggles with courage, knowing heaven awaits us, and prioritize what truly matters—loving God and others, fulfilling our calling, and building an eternal legacy.

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Living Full and Dying Empty

This philosophy is deeply rooted in the Scriptures you’ve shared:

1. Live Full: Embrace every opportunity to glorify God, bless others, and grow in faith. Use your gifts, follow God’s purpose, and be a vessel of His goodness and mercy.
2. Die Empty: Don’t leave behind unfulfilled dreams, unused talents, or unspoken gratitude. Pour yourself out for God’s glory and others’ good, so that when your time on earth ends, you leave with no regrets, knowing you’ve lived a life that honored God.

Biblical Tie-In:

• Ephesians 2:10 calls us to do the "good works" God prepared for us.
• Matthew 25:21 reminds us that faithfulness in our calling leads to eternal joy with the Master.

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Conclusion

Gratitude, trust, hope, and purpose form the foundation of a life well-lived. By giving thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God’s goodness, and living with the hope of eternity, we can live full and die empty. This approach honors God, blesses others, and ensures that our earthly life is a reflection of His glory and preparation for eternal joy.

Prayer Response: "Lord, thank You for Your goodness and mercy that follow me all my days. Help me to trust in Your plans and give thanks in all circumstances. Teach me to live a full life, glorifying You with every talent and opportunity You’ve given me, so I may leave this earth empty, ready to dwell with You forever. Amen."

The New Bible Study Method with Generative AI (5) - Devotion on James 5:7-8

 Devotion on James 5:7-8 - Knowing the Seasons & Live & Do Accordingly

James 5:7-8 NIV 7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. As sure as the annual four seasons is the Lord's coming. Creation, sin, salvation, restoration, this much bigger cycle is for sure. So live with such a longer-term perspective that we may have hope and patience in the struggling of the present.

ChatGPT:

James 5:7-8 provides a profound encouragement for believers to remain patient and steadfast as they await the return of the Lord. Here are some thoughts on this passage:

1. Patience in Waiting

The comparison to a farmer waiting for his crop emphasizes the necessity of patience in the Christian life. Just as the farmer cannot rush the natural process of growth, we cannot hasten the Lord’s timing. The farmer’s patience reflects faith in the seasonal rains, which he knows are essential. Similarly, believers are called to trust in God’s perfect timing, even when the wait feels long or uncertain.

2. Hope in the Lord’s Coming

The promise of the Lord’s return is a source of hope and motivation. The phrase "the Lord’s coming is near" reminds us of the imminence of Christ's return, not necessarily in terms of chronological time but in the certainty of its fulfillment. This assurance helps believers focus on eternal priorities rather than becoming discouraged by temporary hardships.

3. Standing Firm in Faith

James calls for believers to "stand firm," indicating the importance of perseverance and unwavering faith. This steadfastness isn’t passive; it involves actively holding onto God’s promises, resisting doubt, and continuing in faithful service despite challenges.

4. Endurance Through Suffering

The context of James’ letter suggests that the believers were facing trials, such as economic oppression and persecution. By encouraging patience and steadfastness, James redirects their focus from immediate relief to the eternal justice and restoration that Christ’s return will bring.

5. The Role of Trust

The illustration of the farmer highlights trust in God’s provision. Just as the farmer relies on the rains to nourish the crops, believers are reminded to rely on God’s timing and grace to sustain them through periods of waiting and growth.

Application:

• Develop Patience: Use times of waiting as opportunities for spiritual growth, trusting in God’s timing.
• Focus on Eternity: Remember that our struggles are temporary and that Christ's return will bring ultimate restoration.
• Be Active While Waiting: Like the farmer who prepares the soil and plants the seeds, actively cultivate your faith through prayer, Scripture, and good works.
• Encourage Others: Remind fellow believers of the hope we have in Christ’s return, especially during difficult times.

This passage is a powerful reminder that patience and perseverance are deeply tied to our trust in God’s promises and His perfect plan.

I recalled that

"We can hasten by preaching the gospel because you said "Just as the farmer cannot rush the natural process of growth, we cannot hasten the Lord’s timing."

ChatGPT:

Thank you for pointing that out! You're absolutely right—Matthew 24:14 shows that we do play a role in advancing God's kingdom and fulfilling His timeline through active participation in spreading the Gospel. While God's ultimate timing is sovereign, He has chosen to involve His people in His redemptive plan. In the analogy of the farmer in James 5:7-8, the farmer can't control the rains, but he actively works the soil, plants the seeds, and waits with anticipation for the harvest. Similarly, while we can't control the exact moment of Christ's return, we can "work the field" by preaching the Gospel and making disciples, contributing to the fulfillment of His plan. By preaching and living out the Gospel:

1. We actively partner with God’s mission.
2. We fulfill Jesus' command in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. We participate in the process that leads to the conditions prophesied in Matthew 24:14.

A Balanced View

• God’s Sovereignty: The ultimate timing of Christ’s return remains in God’s hands (Mark 13:32).
• Our Responsibility: God has called us to be faithful and diligent in proclaiming the Gospel, which can hasten the fulfillment of His purposes (2 Peter 3:11-12). Thank you for highlighting this important aspect—it shows how faith and action work together in God’s kingdom!

2 Peter 3:11-12 NIV 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and [speed its coming]. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

The New Bible Study Method with Generative AI (4) - Devotion on Habakkuk 2:1-3

I normally read a passage, think on my own, check with ChatGPT, and make further improvements.

But today, I find ChatGPT's sermon to be wonderful and have no new point to make except to recall my Chinese Classics study on waiting to augment this teaching.

Sermon on Habakkuk 2:1-3

Title: Faithfully Waiting on God's Vision

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Scripture:

"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"

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Introduction

The prophet Habakkuk lived in a time of injustice, violence, and suffering. He wrestled with God, asking hard questions about why evil seemed to triumph and why God's promises seemed delayed. In Habakkuk 2:1-3, we see a powerful response from God about how to handle such seasons of waiting and doubt.

Today, we’ll focus on three lessons from this passage:

1. Position Yourself for God’s Revelation
2. Proclaim the Vision Clearly
3. Persevere with Patience and Faith

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1. Position Yourself for God’s Revelation

"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts..."

Habakkuk begins by committing to a posture of expectation and attentiveness. He positions himself like a watchman on a tower, ready to receive God's word.

• Application:
  When faced with uncertainty, we must also position ourselves to hear from God. This means:
  • Prayer: Create space to listen, not just speak.
  • Scripture: God’s Word is where His guidance is most often revealed.
  • Community: Sometimes God speaks through wise counsel.

Are you "standing at your watch" in seasons of doubt, or are you distracted by worry and worldly solutions?

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2. Proclaim the Vision Clearly

"Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it."

God’s instruction to write the vision emphasizes the need for clarity and communication. The vision was not only for Habakkuk but for others who needed to carry and share it.

• Application:
  • When God gives you direction or a promise, don’t keep it vague. Write it down, study it, and make it plain.
  • Share your testimony of God’s promises with others to inspire and encourage them in their faith.

Example: Think of the clarity in the Great Commission. Jesus gave His followers a clear mandate to “make disciples of all nations.” We, too, need to articulate God’s vision clearly in our lives and ministries.

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3. Persevere with Patience and Faith

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time... Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."

God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow to us. The vision or promise may take time to materialize, but God assures us it will not fail.

• Application:
  • Trust God's Timing: Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
  • Develop Patience in Waiting: Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means actively trusting and preparing.
  • Hold On to God’s Faithfulness: Just as Abraham waited for Isaac, the fulfillment of God’s promises requires faith and endurance.

Encouragement: If God has spoken a promise over your life, keep trusting Him. His delays are not denials.

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Conclusion

Habakkuk 2:1-3 teaches us to:

1. Position ourselves to hear God’s voice.
2. Proclaim His vision with clarity and purpose.
3. Persevere in faith while waiting for His perfect timing.

Like Habakkuk, you may wrestle with questions and frustrations. But God invites you to trust Him, knowing that His vision will come to pass.

Closing Challenge:

What vision has God placed in your heart? Are you waiting faithfully, proclaiming it clearly, and trusting in His timing? Let today be a reminder to anchor your faith in His unchanging promises.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to stand watch with faith, to proclaim Your vision boldly, and to trust Your perfect timing. Strengthen us in seasons of waiting and remind us of Your faithfulness. Amen.

Chinese Classics - The Book of Change.

The Book of Change iChing is a study of the patterns of changes and a set of wisdom about how to handle the changes to come out successfully without disasters. There is a particular hexagram on waiting. The details are as follows:

05需 Needs - Wait for Opportune Time

05需 守正待机,不厌其烦,充分预备.

• We may need to wait for the opportune time.
• But waiting is not a lack of activity. We need to prepare and walk in integrity in this period.
• Getting ready allows one to benefit most when the time is ripe.
• When the waiting is long, we need to have fun to be encouraged and uplifted in spirit. More so, when in this waiting process, we may encounter complaints and attacks.
• The bigger the opportunity, the greater the challenges you will face.

The Stages of Waiting:

1. Have perseverance – be prepared for a long wait.

2. Don’t mind the complaints (internal)

3. Be prepared for some sabotages(external)

4. Be prepared for attacks

5. Be prepared to celebrate --- celebrate small successes in the meantime

6. Be prepared for good surprises – keep the integrity and respect all along.

See also  Learning from I-Ching Part 10 5 需 Needs - Wait for...

The New Bible Study Method with Generative AI (3) Sermon Preparation with ChatGPT Interactions - Phil 3:1-7

 Today's worship service sermon was preached by a pastor quoting from Phil 3:1-7.

Philippians 3:1-7 New International Version

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

He stressed 2 key points - false teaching and false confidence and concluded with an application:
Live as people who are recipients of God's grace and not a meritocracy. (Meritocracy was what Paul grew up with and it was his confidence in God's salvation before he came to know Christ).

We can check whether ChatGPT could preach a similar and as good as a sermon. 
So I asked ChatGPT: "give a sermon based on Phil 3:1-7"

ChatGPT said:

Sermon Title: "The True Value of Knowing Christ"

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:1-7

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Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we are diving into Philippians 3:1-7, a passage that challenges us to evaluate where we place our confidence and what we consider most valuable in life. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, uses his own story to help us shift our focus from worldly achievements to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

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1. Rejoice in the Lord (v. 1)

Paul begins this section with a simple yet profound command: "Rejoice in the Lord!"

• This joy isn’t based on circumstances or achievements but is rooted in Christ.
• True joy is found in the unchanging love and grace of God, not in the fleeting pleasures or accomplishments of this world.

Are you rejoicing in the Lord today? Or are you seeking joy in things that can never truly satisfy?

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2. Beware of False Confidence (v. 2-3)

Paul warns the Philippians to "watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh." Here, he refers to false teachers who insisted that Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs, like circumcision, to be saved.

• Paul reminds us that true believers rely on the Spirit, not outward rituals or human efforts.
• He emphasizes that confidence in external actions—religious or otherwise—is misplaced.

What do we rely on for our spiritual security? Is it our church attendance, good deeds, or moral superiority? Or is it Christ alone?

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3. Paul's Former Confidence in the Flesh (v. 4-6)

Paul shares his impressive credentials as a devout Jew:

• He was circumcised on the eighth day, a Hebrew of Hebrews.
• He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, a prestigious lineage.
• He was a Pharisee, zealous for the law, and blameless in legalistic righteousness.

If anyone could boast in their achievements, it was Paul. But he realized that these accomplishments, while impressive by human standards, were worthless in the light of Christ.

We, too, may have things we take pride in—our career success, education, reputation, or even our ministry. But do these things bring us closer to God?

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4. Counting All as Loss for Christ (v. 7)

Paul makes a bold declaration: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

• All his achievements, once seen as assets, became liabilities when compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ.
• Paul understood that salvation and relationship with God are gifts of grace, not rewards for human effort.

This verse invites us to examine our priorities. What do we consider our greatest gain? Would we willingly set it aside for the sake of knowing Christ more deeply?

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Application: Living in the Light of Christ's Worth

1. Evaluate Your Priorities
• What are you pursuing with your time, energy, and resources? Is it drawing you closer to Christ or further away?
2. Place Your Confidence in Christ Alone
• Recognize that your identity and worth are not tied to your accomplishments but are found in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
3. Rejoice in the Lord Daily
• Cultivate joy in your relationship with Christ, letting it be your source of strength and peace.

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Conclusion

Philippians 3:1-7 reminds us that true joy and confidence come not from our achievements but from knowing Christ and being found in Him. Paul’s life challenges us to let go of worldly gains and embrace the incomparable worth of our Savior.

May we, like Paul, count all things as loss for the sake of Christ and live lives that reflect His glory.

Let us pray.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to place our confidence in Him alone and to find our joy in knowing You. Teach us to let go of the things that distract us from Your presence and to value You above all else. May our lives be a testimony of Your grace and goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

My View:
I think ChatGPT preached well. Compared to the speaker, it missed the point on false doctrine (which is salvation itself is not enough and one needs to add work (like circumcision, adherent to the laws)  for justification). ChatGPT put justification by the flesh as false confidence rather than a false doctrine. Justification by good work of meritocracy was the other false confidence pointed out by ChatGPT.

I feel the sermon is one-sided and misses a key point - it is not that good work is not important. Good work is a means to glorify God and not for salvation. 

So I said:

But this is only one side of the teaching. Our salvation is just the starting point for our lives that should bring glory to God. We are saved for good works. Consider Eph 2:8-10. We are saved so that we can live out the masterpiece that God created us for His glory.

ChatGPT said:

 

You are absolutely right! Our salvation is indeed just the beginning of a life meant to bring glory to God. Let me expand on the sermon by incorporating this vital truth, connecting Philippians 3:1-7 with Ephesians 2:8-10 to highlight how salvation is a starting point for good works and living out God’s purpose.

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Sermon Title: "From Salvation to Service: Living for God's Glory"

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Introduction

Salvation is not the end goal of our Christian life—it is the glorious beginning. As we reflect on Philippians 3:1-7, Paul teaches us to count all human achievements as loss compared to knowing Christ. But the journey doesn't stop there. Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that God has saved us by grace to accomplish good works, fulfilling the purpose for which He created us. Together, these passages show us that we are saved not only to know Christ but to glorify Him through our lives.

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1. Salvation Is the Gift of Grace

Philippians 3:1-7 highlights Paul’s realization that salvation is not earned through human effort but is received by grace through faith. Similarly, Ephesians 2:8-9 declares:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

• Our salvation is a divine gift, not a result of our merit or good deeds.
• This truth humbles us and removes any reason for pride in our accomplishments.

However, God’s grace does not end with salvation—it equips and empowers us for a life of purpose.

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2. Saved for Good Works

Ephesians 2:10 continues:

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

• The word handiwork or masterpiece (Greek: poiema) reminds us that God has intricately designed each of us with a purpose.
• Salvation transforms us into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), enabling us to live out the good works that glorify God.

Paul’s example in Philippians 3 shows us how this looks in practice:

• He abandoned his old life of self-righteousness and embraced a life fully surrendered to Christ.
• This new life was marked by fruitful labor for God’s kingdom (Philippians 1:21-24).

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3. Living Out the Masterpiece

Living out the masterpiece God created us to be involves:

a) Knowing Christ Deeply

Philippians 3:7 emphasizes the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This knowledge isn’t just intellectual; it’s relational and transformative. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, His character is formed in us, enabling us to do the good works He has prepared.

b) Aligning Our Lives with God's Purpose

Philippians 3:1-7 shows Paul redefining his priorities to align with God’s. Similarly, we must examine our lives:

• Are we using our talents, time, and resources for God’s glory?
• Are we pursuing good works with a heart of worship, or are we chasing worldly achievements?

c) Serving Others for His Glory

Good works often involve serving others. Jesus taught us to let our light shine so people may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Our salvation leads us to a life of service that points others to God.

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Application: Living a Life That Glorifies God

Understand Your Identity in Christ

1. • You are God’s masterpiece, saved and recreated in Christ. Let this truth shape your confidence and purpose.

2. Commit to Knowing Christ More Deeply

   • Like Paul, prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else. Seek Him daily in prayer, Scripture, and worship.

3. Walk in the Good Works God Has Prepared

   • Ask God to reveal how you can serve Him in your family, church, workplace, and community. Trust that He has uniquely equipped you for the tasks He has planned.

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Conclusion

Philippians 3:1-7 reminds us that our achievements are worthless compared to knowing Christ. But Ephesians 2:8-10 challenges us to go further, living out the masterpiece God created us to be. Our salvation is the starting point for a life of good works that glorify God.

Let us, like Paul, press on to know Christ and live lives that reflect His glory and purpose.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for the gift of salvation, a gift we could never earn. Help us to count all things as loss compared to knowing Christ and to live out the good works You have prepared for us. May our lives glorify You and point others to Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Lessons Learned:

1. ChatGPT can preach a good sermon.

2. We can improve its sermon with our own understanding to make it a better and more balance message.

3. ChatGPT can learn from us and preach an improved sermon.

4. We can benefit much from interacting with ChatGPT.

5.  So, before we preach another sermon, we should have a chat with ChatGPT.

The title and application for the sermon would then be:

Saved not because of Meritocracy but Saved first to Glorify God with us becoming the Masterpiece He created us for with His grace.

"We are saved not by merit, but by grace, so that we may glorify God as the masterpiece He created us to be. ---- rephrased by ChatGPT"

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for saving us, not because of our merit, but by Your grace and love. Help us to live as Your masterpiece, reflecting Your glory through the good works You have prepared for us. Teach us to know Christ more deeply, align our lives with Your purpose, and serve others with hearts full of gratitude. May all that we do glorify You and point others to Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.