Presence Before Performance
Scripture
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Reflection
The greatest evidence of spiritual growth is not activity. It is transformation. In the sermon, we were reminded that the goal is not to play church, but to encounter God and grow in relationship with Him. The early disciples were ordinary and untrained, yet people noticed something extraordinary about them. They had been with Jesus.
This is the heart of true spiritual maturity. Growth begins on the inside through relationship, and then it expresses itself on the outside through character, wisdom, and influence.
Many people try to change their lives through effort alone. But external change without internal transformation does not last. God’s pattern is always the same. First, presence. Then, transformation. Then, impact.
When we spend time with Jesus in prayer, in His Word, and in worship, something begins to shift within us. Our responses change. Our attitudes soften. Our priorities align. Over time, the evidence of His presence becomes visible in how we live.
The sermon emphasized that real growth touches every area of life. Your faith is not separate from your finances, your relationships, your work, or your decisions. If you are truly walking with Jesus, His influence will show up everywhere.
This is why community also matters. Growth is strengthened in connection. As we walk with others, we are encouraged, challenged, and shaped. True spiritual maturity is not isolation. It is transformation lived out in relationship.
God’s desire is not that you become busy for Him. His desire is that you become like Him.
When you prioritize His presence, your life will begin to reflect His nature. And the world around you will take notice.
Reflection Questions
Prayer
Father, I desire more than activity. I want a life shaped by Your presence. Teach me to walk with You daily and to grow in relationship with You. Let Your Spirit transform my heart so that my life reflects Jesus in every area. May others see Your work in me and be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References
Acts 4:13, John 15:4–5, Ephesians 4:13–15, Colossians 2:6–7
Scripture
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Reflection
The greatest evidence of spiritual growth is not activity. It is transformation. In the sermon, we were reminded that the goal is not to play church, but to encounter God and grow in relationship with Him. The early disciples were ordinary and untrained, yet people noticed something extraordinary about them. They had been with Jesus.
This is the heart of true spiritual maturity. Growth begins on the inside through relationship, and then it expresses itself on the outside through character, wisdom, and influence.
Many people try to change their lives through effort alone. But external change without internal transformation does not last. God’s pattern is always the same. First, presence. Then, transformation. Then, impact.
When we spend time with Jesus in prayer, in His Word, and in worship, something begins to shift within us. Our responses change. Our attitudes soften. Our priorities align. Over time, the evidence of His presence becomes visible in how we live.
The sermon emphasized that real growth touches every area of life. Your faith is not separate from your finances, your relationships, your work, or your decisions. If you are truly walking with Jesus, His influence will show up everywhere.
This is why community also matters. Growth is strengthened in connection. As we walk with others, we are encouraged, challenged, and shaped. True spiritual maturity is not isolation. It is transformation lived out in relationship.
God’s desire is not that you become busy for Him. His desire is that you become like Him.
When you prioritize His presence, your life will begin to reflect His nature. And the world around you will take notice.
Reflection Questions
- What does my daily time with Jesus currently look like?
- In what areas of my life do I need His presence to bring deeper transformation?
- How is my growth in Christ affecting my relationships and my influence?
Prayer
Father, I desire more than activity. I want a life shaped by Your presence. Teach me to walk with You daily and to grow in relationship with You. Let Your Spirit transform my heart so that my life reflects Jesus in every area. May others see Your work in me and be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References
Acts 4:13, John 15:4–5, Ephesians 4:13–15, Colossians 2:6–7
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