Affirming the Lordship of Jesus in Every Aspect
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, loved ones. Today, we gather to celebrate the name of Jesus Christ, our firm foundation. Our church has a heart for both prodigals and raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We dedicated two children today, Rosemary Grace and Asher James, praying for their future in Christ. We also had a special performance by Gusto, reminding us of the healing power of Jesus' sacrifice.
Our main focus today is on the lordship of Jesus Christ. We explored Luke 16, where Jesus addresses four key issues: money, Scripture, marriage, and eternity. The central question is whether Jesus is Lord of all aspects of our lives.
Regarding money, Jesus teaches us to use it wisely, steward it honestly, and hold it loosely. He commends shrewdness in using resources to open doors for the Kingdom. We are called to be honest down to the penny, recognizing that Jesus is Lord over all our resources.
When it comes to Scripture, Jesus affirms its inerrancy and eternal truth. The Word of God is the final authority in all matters of life and doctrine. We are encouraged to settle the issue of authority in our hearts, trusting the Word because it is reliable and true.
On the topic of marriage, Jesus upholds the biblical ideal while ministering to those who have experienced brokenness. Marriage is to be submitted to God, honored by all, enjoyed when good, and endured when bad. Even in a fallen world, we find full, free, and final forgiveness in Christ.
Finally, we discussed eternity through the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Life is short, and we must be prepared for eternity. Heaven is offered, but hell is real, and the chasm between them is fixed. The Word is sufficient to save, and the choice is ours to make.
In all these areas, the core issue is the lordship of Jesus. Either He is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. Let us affirm His lordship in every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Lordship of Jesus Over Money: Jesus calls us to use our resources wisely, steward them honestly, and hold them loosely. This means being shrewd in our financial dealings to open doors for Kingdom work, being honest down to the penny, and recognizing that our wealth is not our ultimate security. Our relationship with money should reflect our submission to Jesus' lordship. [50:56]
2. The Authority of Scripture: Jesus affirms the inerrancy and eternal truth of Scripture. The Word of God is the final authority in all matters of life and doctrine. We must settle the issue of authority in our hearts, trusting the Word because it is reliable and true. This means running to the Word in times of cultural opposition and holding it as the ultimate guide for our lives. [17:28]
3. The Biblical Ideal of Marriage: Marriage is to be submitted to God, honored by all, enjoyed when good, and endured when bad. Even in a fallen world, we find full, free, and final forgiveness in Christ. Jesus upholds the biblical ideal while ministering to those who have experienced brokenness, showing us how to navigate the complexities of marital relationships with grace and truth. [21:10]
4. Preparation for Eternity: Life is short, and we must be prepared for eternity. Heaven is offered, but hell is real, and the chasm between them is fixed. The Word is sufficient to save, and the choice is ours to make. This calls us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and sharing the gospel with others. [32:52]
5. The Central Issue of Lordship: In all aspects of life—money, Scripture, marriage, and eternity—the core issue is the lordship of Jesus. Either He is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. This fundamental question should guide our actions, beliefs, and priorities, leading us to affirm His lordship in every area of our lives. [34:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:56] - Dedication of Rosemary Grace
[23:35] - Dedication of Asher James
[40:39] - Gusto Performance
[42:30] - Men's Breakfast Announcement
[43:03] - Haggai's Message
[43:56] - Introduction to Luke 16
[46:02] - The Four Issues: Money, Scripture, Marriage, Eternity
[50:56] - Money: Use it Wisely
[59:47] - Money: Steward it Honestly
[01:04:37] - Money: Hold it Loosely
[01:09:39] - Scripture: The Authority of the Word
[01:18:33] - Marriage: The Biblical Ideal
[01:25:19] - Eternity: The Rich Man and Lazarus
[01:34:52] - The Central Issue of Lordship
[01:39:25] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 16:1-31 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager, The Rich Man and Lazarus
2. Psalm 91:1-4 - A prayer of protection and trust in God
3. Deuteronomy 33:24-25 - The blessing of Asher
### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the shrewd manager, what actions did the manager take to secure his future after being fired? ([52:59])
2. According to Jesus, what is the relationship between being faithful in small things and being faithful in larger things? ([01:00:16])
3. How does Jesus describe the permanence and authority of Scripture in Luke 16:17? ([01:15:32])
4. What is the significance of the rich man and Lazarus' destinations after death in the story Jesus tells? ([01:30:04])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus commend the shrewd manager's actions, and what lesson does He want His disciples to learn from this parable? ([55:33])
2. How does Jesus' affirmation of the inerrancy and eternal truth of Scripture challenge the cultural opposition we face today? ([01:16:56])
3. In what ways does Jesus uphold the biblical ideal of marriage while also ministering to those who have experienced brokenness? ([01:21:10])
4. What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus teach us about the importance of preparing for eternity? ([01:30:04])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your relationship with money. Are there areas where you need to be more shrewd, honest, or hold your resources more loosely? How can you start making changes this week? ([50:56])
2. How do you currently view the authority of Scripture in your life? Are there specific areas where you struggle to trust or obey God's Word? What steps can you take to settle the issue of authority in your heart? ([01:17:28])
3. If you are married, how can you better honor and submit your marriage to God? If you are single, how can you support and honor the marriages around you? ([01:21:46])
4. Considering the reality of eternity, how can you live with a more eternal perspective? What changes can you make in your daily life to prioritize your relationship with Jesus and share the gospel with others? ([01:34:52])
5. Think about a specific area of your life where you struggle to affirm Jesus' lordship. What practical steps can you take to submit this area to His control? ([01:34:52])
6. How can you use your resources to open doors for Kingdom work in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to be more generous or shrewd with your finances. ([55:33])
7. Reflect on the story of the rich man and Lazarus. How does this story impact your view of wealth and poverty? What actions can you take to help those in need around you? ([01:30:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship of Resources
Description:
Jesus calls us to use our resources wisely, steward them honestly, and hold them loosely. This means being shrewd in our financial dealings to open doors for Kingdom work, being honest down to the penny, and recognizing that our wealth is not our ultimate security. Our relationship with money should reflect our submission to Jesus' lordship. Jesus commends shrewdness in using resources to open doors for the Kingdom. We are called to be honest down to the penny, recognizing that Jesus is Lord over all our resources. [50:56]
Bible Passage:
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?" (Luke 16:10-11, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about your current financial habits. Are there areas where you can be more honest or shrewd in your stewardship? How can you use your resources to further the Kingdom of God today?
Day 2: The Authority of Scripture
Description:
Jesus affirms the inerrancy and eternal truth of Scripture. The Word of God is the final authority in all matters of life and doctrine. We must settle the issue of authority in our hearts, trusting the Word because it is reliable and true. This means running to the Word in times of cultural opposition and holding it as the ultimate guide for our lives. The Word of God is the final authority in all matters of life and doctrine. [17:28]
Bible Passage:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection:
When faced with a difficult decision or cultural pressure, do you turn to Scripture for guidance? How can you make the Word of God a more central part of your daily decision-making process?
Day 3: The Sanctity of Marriage
Description:
Marriage is to be submitted to God, honored by all, enjoyed when good, and endured when bad. Even in a fallen world, we find full, free, and final forgiveness in Christ. Jesus upholds the biblical ideal while ministering to those who have experienced brokenness, showing us how to navigate the complexities of marital relationships with grace and truth. Marriage is to be submitted to God, honored by all, enjoyed when good, and endured when bad. [21:10]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." (Genesis 2:24-25, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your current or future marriage. Are there areas where you need to submit more fully to God? How can you honor your spouse today, even in difficult times?
Day 4: Living with Eternity in Mind
Description:
Life is short, and we must be prepared for eternity. Heaven is offered, but hell is real, and the chasm between them is fixed. The Word is sufficient to save, and the choice is ours to make. This calls us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and sharing the gospel with others. Heaven is offered, but hell is real, and the chasm between them is fixed. [32:52]
Bible Passage:
"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28, ESV)
Reflection:
Are you living with an eternal perspective? What steps can you take today to prioritize your relationship with Jesus and share the gospel with someone in your life?
Day 5: The Lordship of Jesus
Description:
In all aspects of life—money, Scripture, marriage, and eternity—the core issue is the lordship of Jesus. Either He is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. This fundamental question should guide our actions, beliefs, and priorities, leading us to affirm His lordship in every area of our lives. Either He is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. [34:52]
Bible Passage:
"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1. "We gather together assembling in the name of Jesus to be reminded of what matters most in life. And that is a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We have a great day in store full of worship and the word, including two special numbers from our friends called Gusto. And it all starts right now with Pastor Rick and our New Hope worship team." [20:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Give careful thought to your ways. Say it with me. Give careful thought to your ways. Haggai comes back to that time and time again, addressing a people who needed to reorient their priorities and put God's things first before their things. That's a message not just for Haggai, not just for our kids' own. It's also a message for us, how quickly our priorities can get out of whack and that we need the constant reminder, give careful thought to your ways." [43:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Either Jesus is lord of all, or he is not lord at all. That's the core issue. All of these things on the peripheral, symptoms. And we could address symptoms, and we will talk through those, but we could talk about the symptoms all day long, money, scripture, marriage, and eternity. But New Hope, fundamentally, if you go to the doctor with a health concern, you don't want to just address the symptoms, you want to get to the core issue." [49:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Use it wisely, steward it honestly, hold it loosely. Whether you're in the employed realm today, or whether you're retired, whether you're young, whether you're old, whether you're working hourly, or whether you're on disability income. Listen, use it wisely, steward it honestly, hold it loosely. These are three key principles." [50:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Be honest down to the penny. That's the principle. Be honest down to the penny. That you begin to recognize that he's Lord, isn't he? And because he's Lord of all, then he's Lord over my management. He's Lord over me. He's Lord over my income. He's Lord over how I steward possessions. He's Lord over how I treat employment." [01:01:01] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You cannot serve God and money. Okay, so there we have it. It's a worship issue. Hopefully you're catching this. We're not just talking about money. We could talk money all day long. We're just dealing with the symptom. But here it is, New Hope. The core issue, worship. What are you worshiping? And Jesus says you cannot have on the throne, on the throne of your heart, both God and money. You've got to choose." [01:05:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Settle the issue of authority. Settle the issue of authority that when you take up this word, you recognize and you embrace within your heart this word is free of error. It is the final rule of authority in all matters of life and doctrine and I'm gonna run to this. I'm gonna run. Whenever culture is opposing it, I'm gonna run to the word. I'm gonna trust the word. I'm gonna read it because it's reliable. I'm gonna trust it because it's true. Honor it because it's holy and I'm gonna share it because it is sufficient to save." [01:17:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Is he Lord of all? We would say, yep. That means he's Lord over marriage. And let that shape our perspective. Wherever you're at in life, single, divorced, remarried, whatever else, today in this moment recognize that with him there is full, free, final forgiveness forever. And so we begin to shape our whole perspective. How do we treat marriage? That way. With that biblical ideal in place even as we recognize times can be hard." [01:24:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Life is short. Rich, poor, life's short. Tell your grandkids that. Man, life's short. Heaven is offered. What we find out is that the poor man, though he had nothing, was ready for eternity. He was, it says, carried by the angels. What a great phrase. Carried by the angels. And where was he carried? It says to, this is weird if you're not familiar with the Bible. He was carried where? Abraham's side or Abraham's bosom." [01:28:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Money. Scripture. Marriage. Eternity. It all comes back to there, right there. Either Jesus is Lord of all, or he's not Lord at all. That's the issue. The issue is Lordship. And the choice is yours. So New Hope, as we go to the Lord in prayer, the action step of your heart, what is it? As God calls you to consider carefully your ways and reprioritize your heart to affirm his Lordship over these areas." [01:34:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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