Scripture References: Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23; Mark 10:42-45; Matthew 13
Intro: Reflecting on the relief of finding an "ordinary" church building after seeking something unique, this sermon challenges our culture's (and sometimes the church's) disdain for the ordinary. We explore how God meets us and finds glory not just in the extraordinary, but in the faithful execution of mundane, routine life.
Key Points:
- The Pressure to Be Extraordinary: Our culture constantly pushes for the exceptional, the radical, the "life-changing." This hype often infiltrates the church, leading to exhaustion, cynicism, and overlooking the value of simple faithfulness (e.g., platforming only dramatic testimonies).
- Despising the Ordinary Hinders Us: This relentless pursuit of the extraordinary breeds restlessness and rootlessness. Wanting only to "make a difference" can prevent us from engaging in the necessary, often mundane duties that actually lead to significant impact.
- Reasons to Prize the Ordinary:
- We Are a Family: Families are built on routine, consistent presence ("quantity time") more than occasional grand gestures ("quality time"). The church family thrives similarly.
- We Are Farmers: Jesus used agricultural metaphors (seeds, fields, vines - Matt 13). Farming involves faithful, routine, often unglamorous work, dependent on God for growth.
- We Worship Through the Ordinary: We can glorify God in everyday activities like eating, drinking, and working (1 Cor 10:31, Col 3:23). Danger Alert: Avoid making "purpose" or "impact" an idol, using God as a means to achieve personal significance.
- Freedom Found in the Ordinary:
- Justified by Grace: The Gospel frees us from needing extraordinary accomplishments to justify our existence or earn God's favor. He has already declared us righteous in Christ. This frees us to serve others without needing anything back.
- Ordinary is Not Mediocre: Excellence requires embracing and mastering routine disciplines. True greatness in God's kingdom is defined by humble servanthood (Mark 10), not worldly success.
- Jesus Chose the Ordinary: Unlike Adam who grasped for equality with God, Jesus (the Second Adam) embraced limitation and servanthood, descending into ordinary humanity (Phil 2).
- God Meets Us in the Ordinary (Communion): Jesus instituted communion using the most ordinary elements—bread and wine. This signifies His presence and extraordinary work occurring within the mundane, routine aspects of our lives.
Conclusion: God's glory is not confined to the extraordinary. He meets us, works through us, and is glorified in the faithful, ordinary rhythms of life lived as His family, tending His kingdom's field. Because we are justified by grace, we are free from the exhausting pressure to be extraordinary and can embrace the profound opportunities found in the ordinary.
Call to Action: Repent of despising ordinary tasks, routines, or seasons. Embrace your identity as a loved child of God, justified by grace, not achievements. Look for opportunities to worship and serve God within your daily, mundane activities. Find rest in ordinary faithfulness. Remember Christ's extraordinary work through the ordinary elements of communion.
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