Matt Reagan Morning rally on December 31st, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference
Rally Recap
A life given away is a better life.
You who have life, what will you do with it?
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Philippians 3:7-9 ESV)
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” (Philippians 1:21-26 ESV)
To die is to be with Christ. It is far better.
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”” (Acts 20:35 ESV)
Joy is a work of God. A shared joy is a double or completed joy.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:1-4 ESV)
When others gain, you gain. When Jesus meets your needs, you can just enjoy him and bring others in.
The majority of your life will be spent with Jesus. This is not your life, it is a vapors breath. Your life is with Christ. Do you want to be known for your career on earth?
I’m calling you to die. Make life trajectory decisions that aren’t about taking but giving your life away.
A life given away is better.
“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV)
Personal Reflection Questions:
What life trajectory is better?
Considering you have been given everything, what could it look like to give your life away?
- Who is one person that doesn’t know Christ, that I will die for (because I’ve already been handed the Kingdom)?