Stop Acting Human | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is about recognizing our tendency to act like humans, rather than being transformed by Jesus Christ. We often compare ourselves to others, divide over opinions, and value our own thoughts above God's word. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be different from the world. We must recognize that our thoughts and actions have consequences for others and seek to build them up, rather than pleasing ourselves.

Key Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 - This passage highlights the tendency to act like humans, comparing ourselves to others and valuing our own opinions above God's word. Paul writes, "While there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?" (1 Corinthians 3:3). We must recognize that this behavior is not what it means to be a follower of Christ.
• Revelation 4 - This passage describes the scene in heaven where angels constantly declare, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come" (Revelation 4:8). We are called to join in this chorus of praise, recognizing that our thoughts and actions should be centered on glorifying God.
• Romans 12:16 - This verse warns against being wise in our own sight, saying, "Never be wise in your own sight." We must recognize that our opinions and thoughts are not as valuable as God's word. Instead of valuing our own wisdom, we should tremble at the word of God.
• Romans 14:1 - This verse emphasizes the importance of welcoming those who are weak in faith and avoiding quarrels over opinions. As followers of Christ, we must seek to build each other up, rather than pleasing ourselves.
• Romans 15:1-7 - This passage continues the theme of building others up, saying that those who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please themselves. We must seek to glorify God by welcoming one another as Christ has welcomed us.
• Mark 10:45 - This passage highlights Jesus' example of serving others, saying that he did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). We must follow this example by seeking to build others up and glorify God.

Main Points

1. Recognize the tendency to act like humans, rather than being transformed by Jesus Christ.

2. Seek to build others up, rather than pleasing ourselves.

3. Value God's word above our own thoughts and opinions.

4. Welcome those who are weak in faith and avoid quarrels over opinions.

5. Glorify God by serving others and building them up.

Conclusion

This message is a call to be different from the world, to recognize that our thoughts and actions have consequences for others, and to seek to build them up rather than pleasing ourselves. We must value God's word above our own opinions and seek to glorify Him by serving others. As followers of Christ, we are called to have the mind of Christ, which is characterized by humility, service, and a desire to build others up.