Aligning Desires: From Disordered to Divine Fulfillment

Summary

### Summary

Throughout different phases of life, we all have desires that we believe will bring us fulfillment. From childhood toys to adult aspirations like marriage, family, and education, these desires shape our pursuits. However, while some desires are materialistic, others touch deeper aspects of our lives. The key is understanding that desire itself is not inherently bad; it is a natural part of being human, hardwired into us by God. The problem arises when our desires become disordered, focusing on self-gratification rather than the flourishing of creation as intended by God.

In the biblical narrative, desire becomes problematic in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's desire to be like God leads them to disobedience. This story is not just about them but about all humanity, illustrating how our desires can turn inward and become self-centered. Augustine, a pivotal theologian, described this as "disordered desire," where our natural inclinations become destructive when misaligned.

Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son further illustrates this point. Both the rebellious younger son and the obedient older son seek their father's wealth without valuing their relationship with him. This mirrors our attempts to gain the benefits of God's creation without seeking God Himself. Modernity's wager, the belief that we can create a thriving world apart from God, has led to societal disarray, as we try to extract from each other what only God can provide.

The solution lies in the gospel, which is not about individual salvation but about Jesus becoming King through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. This kingship is the means by which God is reordering the disordered world. The fundamental question of Christian faith is not merely belief but allegiance to King Jesus. True fulfillment and thriving come from aligning our desires with God's will, a lifelong process of discipleship and repentance.

### Key Takeaways

1. Desire is Hardwired into Us by God: Desire itself is not inherently bad; it is a natural part of being human, created by God to drive us towards flourishing and thriving. The problem arises when our desires become disordered, focusing on self-gratification rather than the flourishing of creation as intended by God. [36:24]

2. Disordered Desire Leads to Destruction: Augustine described disordered desire as the root of destructive behaviors. When our desires become misaligned, they lead us away from God and towards self-centered pursuits, resulting in a cycle of unfulfillment and addiction. [46:04]

3. The Prodigal Son and Disordered Desire: Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates how both rebellion and obedience can be driven by disordered desires. Both sons seek their father's wealth without valuing their relationship with him, mirroring our attempts to gain the benefits of God's creation without seeking God Himself. [51:13]

4. Modernity's Wager and Societal Disarray: Modernity's wager, the belief that we can create a thriving world apart from God, has led to societal disarray. We try to extract from each other what only God can provide, resulting in conflict and destruction. [56:25]

5. The Gospel and Allegiance to King Jesus: The gospel is about Jesus becoming King through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. True fulfillment and thriving come from aligning our desires with God's will, a lifelong process of discipleship and repentance. The fundamental question of Christian faith is not merely belief but allegiance to King Jesus. [01:03:27]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[24:57] - Childhood Desires
[25:27] - Teenage Aspirations
[26:27] - The Dream Car
[27:27] - Relationships and Marriage
[28:26] - The Journey to Parenthood
[28:56] - Pursuit of Education
[30:24] - Materialistic vs. Deeper Desires
[31:24] - Emotions and Christianity
[32:54] - Understanding Desire
[33:53] - Desire in Religious Contexts
[35:23] - The Importance of Contentment
[36:24] - Desire as a Good Thing
[39:27] - The Fall and Disordered Desire
[46:04] - Augustine and Disordered Desire
[51:13] - The Prodigal Son
[56:25] - Modernity's Wager
[01:03:27] - The Gospel and Allegiance to Jesus
[01:08:25] - Reordering Our Desires
[01:10:01] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Genesis 3:4-6 (NIV)
> "You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

2. Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)
> Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"

3. James 4:2-3 (NIV)
> You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

### Observation Questions

1. What was the serpent's argument to Eve in Genesis 3:4-6, and how did it appeal to her desires?
2. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), what were the desires of the younger son and the older son, and how did they express them differently?
3. According to James 4:2-3, what are the consequences of unfulfilled desires, and why do people fail to receive what they ask for?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "disordered desire" and its impact on our lives? [46:04]

### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 illustrate the concept of disordered desire? What were the consequences of their actions?
2. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, how do the actions of both sons reflect a desire for their father's wealth without valuing their relationship with him? [51:13]
3. What does James 4:2-3 suggest about the nature of human desires and the reasons behind conflicts and quarrels?
4. How does the sermon explain the difference between natural desires and disordered desires, and what role does sin play in distorting our desires? [46:37]

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you desired something deeply. Was this desire aligned with God's will, or did it lead to self-gratification? How did it impact your relationship with God and others? [35:23]
2. In what ways do you see the concept of "disordered desire" playing out in your own life? Are there specific desires that have led you away from God or caused harm to your relationships? [46:04]
3. How can you actively seek to align your desires with God's will? What practical steps can you take to ensure your desires contribute to the flourishing of creation rather than self-gratification? [36:24]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of allegiance to King Jesus. How can you demonstrate this allegiance in your daily life, especially in the way you pursue your desires? [01:03:27]
5. Consider the societal implications of modernity's wager, as discussed in the sermon. How can you contribute to creating a thriving community that seeks God rather than trying to extract fulfillment from others? [56:25]
6. Reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking the benefits of God's creation without seeking God Himself? How can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with God? [51:13]
7. How can you cultivate contentment in your life, as Paul advises Timothy? What specific practices or attitudes can help you find peaceful happiness in your current circumstances? [34:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Desire as a Divine Drive
Desire is a fundamental aspect of human nature, hardwired into us by God to drive us towards flourishing and thriving. It is not inherently bad; rather, it is a natural part of being human. The problem arises when our desires become disordered, focusing on self-gratification rather than the flourishing of creation as intended by God. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for understanding how to align our desires with God's will.

In our daily lives, we often pursue various desires, from materialistic wants to deeper, more meaningful aspirations. While it is natural to have these desires, we must be mindful of their orientation. Are they leading us towards self-centered pursuits, or are they aligned with God's purpose for our lives? By reflecting on the nature of our desires, we can begin to discern whether they are leading us towards true fulfillment or away from it. [36:24]

Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Reflection: What are some desires in your life that you feel are leading you away from God's purpose? How can you begin to realign these desires with God's will today?

Day 2: The Destructive Nature of Disordered Desire
Augustine described disordered desire as the root of destructive behaviors. When our desires become misaligned, they lead us away from God and towards self-centered pursuits, resulting in a cycle of unfulfillment and addiction. This concept of disordered desire is evident in the story of Adam and Eve, where their desire to be like God led them to disobedience and ultimately, separation from God.

Disordered desires can manifest in various ways, such as addiction, greed, and envy. These behaviors not only harm ourselves but also those around us. By recognizing the destructive nature of disordered desires, we can begin to seek God's help in reordering our desires and aligning them with His will. This process requires self-reflection, repentance, and a commitment to discipleship. [46:04]

James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where disordered desire has led to destructive behavior. How can you seek God's help in reordering this desire and aligning it with His will?

Day 3: The Prodigal Son and the Misalignment of Desires
Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates how both rebellion and obedience can be driven by disordered desires. Both the rebellious younger son and the obedient older son seek their father's wealth without valuing their relationship with him. This mirrors our attempts to gain the benefits of God's creation without seeking God Himself. The parable teaches us that true fulfillment comes from valuing our relationship with God above all else.

In our own lives, we may find ourselves pursuing success, wealth, or recognition without considering our relationship with God. This misalignment of desires can lead to a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment. By focusing on our relationship with God and seeking His will, we can find true fulfillment and purpose. [51:13]

Luke 15:31-32 (ESV): "And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you pursued something without considering your relationship with God. How can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with Him?

Day 4: Modernity's Wager and the Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
Modernity's wager, the belief that we can create a thriving world apart from God, has led to societal disarray. We try to extract from each other what only God can provide, resulting in conflict and destruction. This belief in self-sufficiency is an illusion that ultimately leads to unfulfillment and societal breakdown.

In today's world, we often see the consequences of this belief in self-sufficiency. From broken relationships to societal conflicts, the pursuit of a thriving world apart from God has led to widespread disarray. By recognizing the limitations of self-sufficiency and turning to God for guidance and provision, we can begin to address these issues and work towards a more harmonious and fulfilling life. [56:25]

Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on self-sufficiency rather than seeking God's provision? How can you begin to trust in God's guidance and provision in your daily life?

Day 5: The Gospel and Allegiance to King Jesus
The gospel is about Jesus becoming King through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. True fulfillment and thriving come from aligning our desires with God's will, a lifelong process of discipleship and repentance. The fundamental question of Christian faith is not merely belief but allegiance to King Jesus. This allegiance requires a commitment to follow Jesus and align our lives with His teachings.

As we reflect on our faith, we must consider whether our lives reflect true allegiance to King Jesus. Are we merely professing belief, or are we actively following His teachings and aligning our desires with His will? This process of discipleship and repentance is ongoing and requires daily commitment and reflection. [01:03:27]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What does true allegiance to King Jesus look like in your daily life? How can you actively align your desires and actions with His teachings today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Emotions are real and emotions are powerful and emotions are part of what it means to be a human being. Now I want to be clear that what we're doing this summer, this is not therapy, and I don't say that as a bag on therapy. I think therapy is really important and I think it's a really, really good thing. But I say this isn't therapy because I'm not a therapist. Don't ever come to me for therapy. I will jack you up." [32:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Desire is actually defined as a strong feeling of wanting. That when we desire something, we really want it. And again, in some cases we might even convince ourselves that it's beyond want, it's need. I need this. In order to have a full life, in order to have a complete life, I need to have this thing, this person, this reality in my life." [33:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What we want, the reason that we want wealth and the reason that we want power is because it gives us security or it gives us pleasure. That's really what we want. We want the thing that's beneath, the thing, right? We want the, like, this is what we're gonna get, but we're getting it because it gives us this." [57:01] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The gospel is actually about the renewal of creation. That God loves all of His creation, people, and His physical creation. And He's making everything new. Revelation ends with the whole creation being made new. But secondly, and probably most importantly, the gospel isn't even about you and I. It's about Jesus." [01:02:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The fundamental question of Christian faith is, is Jesus your king? Because the gospel is how Jesus became king. And as king, He's making everything right. And so the question is, is He my king? See, we like to think of Jesus, and we'll talk about Him as our Savior and our healer and our forgiver and our redeemer. And those things are all true. Jesus does all of those things. He forgives and He accepts and He heals and He restores. But the reality is, Jesus is not any of those things if He's not first our king." [01:05:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I think desire is hardwired into us as human beings. That we were created to be people who desire. Here's what Paul, again, writes to the church in Corinth. So Paul told Timothy, hey, you need to be content, but listen to what Paul writes to the church in Corinth. He says, now eagerly desire the greater gifts. Paul actually tells them, I want you to desire more. I don't want you to be satisfied with where things are at, and just like, oh, this is cool, we can ride this out for the rest of life." [36:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The problem is not desire in and of itself. The problem is ultimately where that desire becomes focused on. Arguably one of the most influential theologians in the history of the church is a guy named Augustine or Augustine. It can be pronounced either way, depending on who you hear talk about him. And Augustine is a theologian during the 4th and 5th centuries." [41:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The fundamental problem with sin is sin is we're trying to get the things of God apart from God. That this is where that separation, this is where that disconnect comes. It comes from pursuing the things of God apart from God. And so, the solution that's presented in Scripture is what we call the gospel. And the word gospel means good news. And it's this good news that God is going to fix what is wrong with the world." [01:01:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Following Jesus is about putting our disordered desires back into place. You know what the fundamental, the fundamental sin in the Bible is, the sin that's above every other sin? Idolatry. And you know why idolatry is so bad? Because idolatry is putting anything else in that place that's only designed for God. Because if you put anything else in there, that's how our desires become distorted." [01:06:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Discipleship is this lifelong process. We never arrive. It's a lifelong process whereby God is reordering our desires through King Jesus. And through His presence, through His Spirit in our lives. This is why when the New Testament talks about when we come to follow Jesus, the word the New Testament uses is we repent. To repent means to turn around. It means I'm going one direction and now I turn around and I'm going a whole different direction." [01:07:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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