Awakening Faith: Embracing Judgment and True Relationship with Jesus
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker's reflection on the chaotic state of the world, drawing parallels to biblical prophecy and the return of Jesus. They express concern that many people, including Christians in Hong Kong, do not take the impending judgment seriously. The speaker recalls a time when they were discouraged from speaking about judgment and hell to attract more people to the church. However, they stress the importance of addressing these serious matters, as the Bible clearly states that Jesus will judge the world. They emphasize that true faith requires a transformation in thinking, not just belief in Jesus.
The speaker then recounts an interaction with a woman who confidently stated that they would go to heaven, citing scriptures from Luke and John. However, the speaker points out that understanding the context of these verses is crucial. They reference several passages from John, explaining that claiming to know God while walking in darkness, loving the world, or not abstaining from sin is not genuine. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of demonstrating love for others, helping the poor, and not harboring hatred while claiming to love God.
The concept of being lukewarm in faith is discussed next, with the speaker highlighting that such individuals are not serious about their relationship with God and are blinded by self-importance. They share a story from the Old Testament where Jesus interacts with two rich individuals. One leaves unhappy, unable to part with their wealth, while the other, Sakai, joyfully welcomes Jesus and commits to giving to the poor and making amends. Jesus is pleased with Sakai's response, illustrating the right attitude towards wealth and generosity.
The speaker then delves into the different reactions of the two rich individuals when Jesus visits their homes. The happy individual, Sakai, truly knows who Jesus is and has seen him. The speaker stresses that knowing Jesus means recognizing him as the creator who desires a relationship with each person. They encourage the audience to pray for a connection with Jesus and to ask for help in truly seeing and understanding who God is.
Finally, the speaker addresses the human desire for immortality and the longing for Jesus. They encourage the congregation to pray and express their doubts and fears to God, asking Him to reveal Himself. The speaker shares their prayers for Hong Kong, hoping that God will open the eyes of the people there. They emphasize the importance of desiring a right relationship with God and the reality of Jesus' return. The sermon concludes with the speaker's commitment to following God and offering a blessing to the congregation, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's authority and seeking His blessings.
Key Takeaways:
The state of the world today mirrors biblical prophecy, and the complacency of many Christians towards judgment is alarming. The speaker's experience in Hong Kong highlights the need for a deeper understanding of faith that goes beyond mere belief. True faith is transformative and requires a change in one's way of life and thinking. [04:38]
Understanding scripture in context is vital for genuine faith. The speaker's discussion of various passages from John underscores that a true relationship with God cannot coexist with a love for worldly things or a life of sin. This calls for introspection and a commitment to living out one's faith through actions that align with God's teachings. [07:33]
The story of the two rich individuals and their encounters with Jesus illustrates the dangers of lukewarm faith. The contrasting responses to Jesus' challenge reveal the heart's condition and the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions. This serves as a reminder to evaluate one's own commitment to God's commandments and to live generously. [09:32]
Knowing Jesus is more than just an intellectual acknowledgment; it is about recognizing His sovereignty and desiring a personal relationship with Him. The speaker's encouragement to pray for a true connection with Jesus emphasizes the need to seek a deeper understanding of God's character and His will for our lives. [11:29]
The longing for immortality and the desire to see Jesus are innate human feelings that point to a deeper spiritual need. The speaker's call to open one's heart to Jesus and to consider the eternal significance of our choices highlights the urgency of living a life that is aligned with God's purpose and the hope of His return. [14:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 20:11-15
2. 1 John 1:5-6
3. Luke 19:1-10
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 20:11-15, what is the scene described during the final judgment? How does this passage emphasize the seriousness of God's judgment? [02:10]
2. In 1 John 1:5-6, what does it mean to walk in darkness while claiming to have fellowship with God? How does this relate to the concept of genuine faith? [05:35]
3. How does the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 illustrate a proper response to Jesus' call? What actions did Zacchaeus take to show his transformation? [09:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the speaker mean when they say that many people, including Christians, do not take the impending judgment seriously? How does this reflect on the state of faith in today's world? [01:10]
2. How does understanding the context of scripture passages, like those in 1 John, help in developing a genuine relationship with God? Why is it important to not just rely on isolated verses? [05:35]
3. The speaker mentions the concept of being lukewarm in faith. What are the dangers of a lukewarm faith, and how can one recognize if they are in this state? [07:55]
4. How does the story of the two rich individuals in the Old Testament highlight different attitudes towards wealth and generosity? What can we learn from their contrasting responses to Jesus? [09:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you might be complacent about the reality of Jesus' return and the final judgment? How can you cultivate a more serious and urgent faith? [01:10]
2. The speaker emphasizes the need for a transformation in thinking, not just belief in Jesus. What specific changes in your way of life and thinking do you feel called to make to align more closely with God's teachings? [04:27]
3. Understanding scripture in context is vital. How can you improve your approach to studying the Bible to ensure you grasp the full meaning of the passages? Are there any specific resources or methods you plan to use? [05:35]
4. The story of Zacchaeus shows a joyful and generous response to Jesus. In what ways can you demonstrate generosity and a right attitude towards wealth in your own life? Are there specific actions you can take this week? [09:16]
5. The speaker encourages praying for a true connection with Jesus. How can you incorporate this type of prayer into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to deepen your relationship with God? [11:03]
6. The longing for immortality and the desire to see Jesus are innate human feelings. How do these desires manifest in your life, and how can you channel them towards a deeper spiritual commitment? [12:13]
7. The speaker shares their prayers for Hong Kong, hoping that God will open the eyes of the people there. How can you pray for your own community and contribute to fostering a deeper understanding of faith among those around you? [13:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Prophetic Urgency
The world's current turmoil is a reflection of biblical prophecy, signaling the need for a renewed sense of urgency in our faith. As believers, we must awaken to the reality of judgment and the significance of living a life that is prepared for the return of Jesus. This calls for a deep introspection and a commitment to align our lives with the transformative power of the Gospel. [04:38]
2 Peter 3:10-12 - "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence your daily actions and decisions?
Day 2: Contextualizing Scripture for Authentic Faith
Genuine faith requires understanding the Bible in its full context, not just cherry-picking verses that suit our preferences. It is through this comprehensive understanding that we can truly live out the teachings of Christ, avoiding a superficial relationship with God that tolerates sin or a love for worldly things. [07:33]
James 2:14-17 - "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
Reflection: In what ways might you be misinterpreting or selectively applying scripture to fit your lifestyle, rather than allowing it to transform you?
Day 3: The Peril of Lukewarm Faith
A lukewarm approach to faith is a dangerous state, where self-importance blinds one to the necessity of a heartfelt commitment to God. The contrasting responses of two rich individuals to Jesus' teachings on wealth and generosity serve as a stark reminder to evaluate our own spiritual fervor and dedication to living out God's commandments. [09:32]
Revelation 3:15-17 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
Reflection: Consider your own spiritual temperature. Are there areas in your life where you are complacent or lukewarm in your faith?
Day 4: Knowing Jesus Beyond Intellect
Truly knowing Jesus goes beyond intellectual acknowledgment; it involves recognizing His sovereignty and yearning for a personal relationship with Him. This relationship is the foundation for understanding our purpose and the character of God, leading us to a life that is in harmony with His will. [11:29]
Ephesians 1:17-18 - "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus that moves beyond knowledge to a heartfelt connection?
Day 5: Longing for Immortality and Jesus' Return
The innate human longing for immortality and the return of Jesus points to our spiritual need for eternal connection with God. This desire should motivate us to live a life that is in anticipation of Jesus' return, aligning our choices with the eternal significance of His kingdom. [14:01]
Colossians 3:1-3 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How does the hope of immortality and Jesus' return shape the way you live your life today?
Quotes
"Because Jesus said that before I come back, they will be like the people of Noah. They do what they usually do. They eat, go out, get married. The flood will kill them all." [01:15] (Download)
"Because the Bible says that Jesus is really coming back. And he will really judge the world. If you look at the 20th chapter, verses 11-15, listen to what the pastor has to say. This is not a joke. This is serious." [03:11] (Download)
"In the second chapter, verse 15, if you love this world, he said that God's love is not within you." [06:45] (Download)
"In the third chapter, verse 17, if I see those poor people and I can help them, but I will not help them, he said that how can God's love be within you?" [06:45] (Download)
"Jesus also said, those rich people are very difficult to get eternal life. But in verse 19, he saw one more very rich person, his name was Sakai. And the Bible says, when Jesus saw Sakai, he said, I want to enter your house." [09:32] (Download)
"If you know this person, as soon as you open his mouth, the whole world appears, think about it, and he enters your door, he is in your house, he opens the door, he made this world, and he tells you, I want to have a relationship with you." [10:11] (Download)
"You are blind, because you haven't seen who God is, you can't see him, we are blind, we have to pray, like that blind person, he says, Jesus, connect me, connect me, we must pray like this." [11:29] (Download)
"Maybe today you really believe that Jesus is coming back, and you believe this judgment day will really happen, and you want to make your relationship with God right." [14:01] (Download)
"Jesus is now knocking on the door, let him in, like Sakai, now pray, tell him, I see you now." [14:01] (Download)
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