Awakening to God's Relentless Love and Mission
Summary
God’s love is extravagant, unending, and personal. No matter how many times we hear it, we need to be reminded: God loves us, even in our worst moments. This love is not just a theological idea, but a living reality that should erase our doubts and give us bold confidence every day. We are called to live in the assurance of this love, not just for ourselves, but as people sent on a mission. Just as a garden needs tending, our faith and our church need intentional care and action, not passivity or leaving it to “the professionals.” Jesus never called us to be average or to settle for decline; He called us to greater things, to be disciples who make disciples, to be on mission in every part of our lives.
The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 reveals the very heart of God. Both sons in the story are lost in different ways—one through rebellion, the other through religious pride. Yet the father’s response to both is generous, gracious, and restorative. The younger son’s awakening comes through the consequences of his choices, leading him to repentance and a longing to return home, even if only as a servant. But the father runs to him, embraces him in his filth, and restores him fully as a son. The older son, though outwardly obedient, is asleep to the father’s love, trapped in pride and legalism. The father’s love is not based on performance, but on relationship and identity.
This is the mission Jesus gives to us: to seek the lost, to awaken hearts to the love and grace of God, every day, everywhere, everyone. The mission is not finished; it is transferred to us. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach the “one” God puts in our path, to care for one as if we could care for all. The church is not about religious pride or self-righteousness, but about celebrating every person who comes home to the Father. Our calling is to experience God’s grace deeply, to let it awaken us, and to pass it on—making disciples who make disciples, living as a community marked by love, restoration, and joy.
Key Takeaways
- God’s love is relentless and personal, meeting us in our deepest mess and restoring us as beloved children. Even when we feel unworthy or “stinketh,” the Father runs to embrace us, not waiting for us to clean ourselves up. His grace is greater than our failures, and our identity as His children is never revoked by our sin. [57:12]
- Both rebellion and religious pride can keep our hearts asleep to God’s love. The prodigal son’s outward sin and the older brother’s inward legalism are equally lost states, but only the one who awakens to the Father’s goodness finds true restoration. We must guard against both forms of lostness, seeking continual awakening to God’s grace. [47:29]
- The mission Jesus gives is not finished; it is ongoing and entrusted to every believer. We are not called to be passive spectators or to leave the work to “professionals,” but to live as sent people—on mission in every area of life, empowered by the authority and presence of Christ. [32:21]
- God’s heart is for the “one”—the individual who is lost, hurting, or far from home. If we each focus on reaching just one person with the love and grace we have received, God will multiply the impact far beyond what we can imagine. The mission is not about numbers, but about loving each person as God does. [01:01:24]
- Experiencing and sharing God’s grace is the core of our faith and community. We are not called to religious perfection, but to be people who know, feel, and extend the love and grace of God. This grace frees us from fear of failure and empowers us to live joyfully, welcoming others into the same embrace we have received. [01:04:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Love of God
[02:10] - Introduction and Church Family Move
[03:30] - The Sprinkler Analogy: Overwhelm and Inaction
[06:00] - Faith Paralysis and the “Leave it to the Professionals” Trap
[08:00] - God’s Vision for His Church: Not Average, But Greater
[10:00] - The Joy and Mission of Easter
[13:00] - Jesus Transfers the Mission to Us
[15:00] - Discipleship: From Watching to Being Sent
[18:00] - The Great Commission and the Power of the Spirit
[20:00] - Our Church’s Mission: Awakening Hearts Every Day
[22:00] - The Prodigal Son: Lostness and Awakening
[27:00] - The Father’s Gracious Response
[32:00] - Restoration, Joy, and the Heart of God
[36:00] - The Mission for the One
[39:00] - The Danger of Religious Pride
[42:00] - Experiencing and Extending Grace
[45:00] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer
[48:00] - Announcements and Opportunities to Connect
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Relentless Love and Mission of God
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### Bible Reading
Luke 15:11-32
(The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
Matthew 28:18-20
(The Great Commission)
Acts 1:8
(You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), what are the different ways both sons are “lost”? What clues in the passage show their hearts are far from the father?
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what authority does Jesus give his followers, and what does he command them to do?
3. In the sermon, what actions does the father take when he sees his younger son returning home? What do these actions reveal about the father’s heart? [[56:36]]
4. What is the significance of the father giving the robe, ring, and shoes to the returning son? How does this restore his identity? [[57:33]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus tell a story where both the rebellious son and the obedient son are “lost” in different ways? What does this say about the dangers of both outward sin and inward pride? [[47:29]]
2. The father’s response to the returning son is immediate and extravagant. What does this teach about God’s attitude toward us when we repent, even if we feel unworthy? [[56:36]]
3. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” How does this connect to the idea that the mission is not finished, but transferred to us? [[38:27]]
4. The sermon says, “God’s heart is for the ‘one’—the individual who is lost, hurting, or far from home.” Why is it important to focus on reaching one person at a time, rather than just thinking about big numbers? [[01:01:24]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The father in the parable runs to embrace his son “in his filth,” not waiting for him to clean up first. Is there an area of your life where you feel “too messy” for God? How does this story challenge that feeling? [[56:36]]
2. The older brother is outwardly obedient but inwardly bitter and prideful. Are there ways you might be “asleep” to God’s love because of religious habits or pride? How can you awaken to God’s grace in a fresh way? [[47:29]]
3. The sermon warns against leaving the mission to “the professionals.” What is one area in your life (work, family, neighborhood) where you sense God calling you to be “on mission”? What is a first step you could take this week? [[32:21]]
4. Think of someone in your life who might be “the one” God is putting on your heart—a person who is lost, hurting, or far from home. What is one practical way you can show them God’s love this month? [[01:01:24]]
5. The father’s love restores the son’s identity, not based on performance but on relationship. Is there a lie you believe about your worth or identity that needs to be replaced with God’s truth? What is one way you can remind yourself of your identity as God’s beloved child this week? [[57:33]]
6. The sermon says, “Experiencing and sharing God’s grace is the core of our faith and community.” What is one way you can intentionally extend grace to someone in your church or small group this week? [[01:04:40]]
7. The mission is ongoing and entrusted to every believer. What is one fear or doubt that holds you back from living “sent”? How can the group pray for you or encourage you to take a step of faith? [[38:27]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to awaken your hearts to his love and to give you boldness to live on mission for the “one” he puts in your path.
Devotional
Day 1: Embraced in Unconditional Love Despite Our Brokenness
God’s love meets us not when we are clean or worthy, but right in the middle of our mess. Even when we feel unworthy or overwhelmed by failure, God’s grace runs to us, embracing us fully as His beloved children. This love is relentless and personal, never waiting for us to fix ourselves before receiving His restoration. It is a love that redefines our identity, not based on performance or merit, but on the unchanging truth that we belong to Him. When doubts arise or shame threatens to silence us, remembering this truth can give bold confidence to live each day in the assurance of God’s acceptance and grace. [57:12]
This love invites us to stop hiding and start living openly before God, knowing that His embrace is not conditional. It frees us from the fear of failure and the burden of trying to earn His favor. Instead, it calls us to rest in the reality that we are fully known and fully loved, no matter what. This assurance is the foundation for a life of faith that is vibrant, courageous, and deeply rooted in God’s heart.
Psalm 103:8-12 (ESV)
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Reflection: When you feel unworthy or burdened by past mistakes, how can you remind yourself today that God’s love embraces you exactly where you are, without waiting for you to clean up first?
Day 2: Awakening from Both Rebellion and Religious Pride
Lostness can take many forms—not only through open rebellion but also through subtle religious pride. The story of the prodigal son reveals that both the younger son’s waywardness and the older son’s self-righteousness represent hearts asleep to the Father’s love. True restoration comes only when we awaken to God’s grace, recognizing that neither sin nor legalism defines our standing with Him. Guarding against these two forms of lostness requires continual self-examination and a humble posture that seeks God’s goodness beyond outward appearances. [47:29]
This awakening is a daily process of letting go of pride and rebellion alike, allowing God’s love to soften and transform the heart. It means rejecting the temptation to measure ourselves by performance or to distance ourselves from God through bitterness or entitlement. Instead, it invites us into a deeper relationship where grace is the foundation, and identity is found in being a beloved child rather than a perfect servant.
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Reflection: In what ways might you be unknowingly asleep to God’s love—either through rebellion or religious pride—and what is one step you can take today to awaken your heart to His grace?
Day 3: Living as Sent Disciples Empowered by Christ
The mission Jesus entrusts to His followers is ongoing and active. It is not a task reserved for a select few “professionals” but a calling for every believer to live on mission in every area of life. This means moving from passive spectatorship to intentional discipleship, empowered by the Holy Spirit’s authority and presence. The church flourishes when each person embraces their role as a sent disciple, cultivating faith with care and action rather than leaving it to others. Jesus calls His people to greater things—making disciples who make disciples, and living with purpose and boldness in the world. [32:21]
This mission requires courage to step out of comfort zones and a willingness to be used by God in everyday moments. It is a call to be active participants in God’s redemptive work, trusting that He equips and empowers us for the journey. When the church embraces this shared responsibility, it becomes a vibrant community marked by growth, love, and impact.
Haggai 1:5-7 (ESV)
Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you runs to his own house.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can move from passivity to being intentionally “sent” in your daily life, trusting Christ’s empowerment to live on mission right where you are?
Day 4: Focusing on the “One” with Compassionate Intentionality
God’s heart beats for the “one”—the individual who is lost, hurting, or far from home. The mission is not about statistics or large numbers but about loving each person with the same grace and compassion God has shown us. When we focus on reaching just one person with intentional love and care, God multiplies that impact beyond what we can imagine. This approach calls for patience, presence, and a willingness to invest deeply in relationships, trusting that God’s Spirit will work through these encounters to awaken hearts. [01:01:24]
This focus on the “one” challenges us to see people as God sees them—each uniquely valuable and worthy of restoration. It invites us to move beyond superficial interactions and to engage with others in ways that reflect God’s grace and joy. By loving one person well, we participate in the ongoing story of redemption and become part of God’s transformative work in the world.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that God may be calling you to love and reach out to with intentionality today, trusting Him to multiply your efforts?
Day 5: Rooted and Freed in Grace to Live Joyfully
Experiencing and sharing God’s grace is the heartbeat of authentic faith and community. We are not called to religious perfection but to be people who deeply know, feel, and extend God’s love and grace. This grace liberates us from the fear of failure and empowers us to live joyfully, welcoming others into the same embrace we have received. It creates a community marked by restoration, love, and celebration rather than judgment or exclusion. [01:04:40]
Living rooted in grace means embracing our imperfections and those of others, allowing God’s love to transform us from the inside out. It invites us to extend forgiveness, patience, and kindness, reflecting the heart of the Father. This freedom fuels a joyful life that draws others toward God’s kingdom and builds a church where everyone feels at home.
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Reflection: How can you intentionally extend God’s grace to someone today, creating space for joy and restoration in your relationships and community?
Quotes
I'm sending you with that same authority to go do the mission of making disciples by and through the waters of baptism, by this gift of grace that people may know that they've been washed clean. And then, oh, yeah, yeah, I want them to deserve all I commanded you, the word that they follow and they obey it. And notice, look, I am with you always. [00:39:17] (25 seconds)
Like, this is going to be a transfer in the church. It's constantly going to be sent and multiplying. And look what you, I'm going to be with you all the time. I'm going to give you the power from on high, not just the authority, but the power of the Holy Spirit in you to lead you on this. [00:40:16] (21 seconds)
And it's in chapter 15 of Luke. Luke is the, chapter 15 is the center of Luke. It's actually the center of all the Gospels. And it is the very core center because it's the very heart of God. It's the chapter of lost and found. It's a chapter that goes from the lost sheep to the lost coin to the lost son. And so it's probably very familiar, but hopefully we'll get understanding. I mean, there's so many applications to this, but we're going to get into this is the mission. So you're going to follow along. [00:41:20] (38 seconds)
But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger. I will rise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants. And he rose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Bring quickly, circle quickly, the best robe and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. All these things are significant. They separate him from being a servant to being a son. [00:43:18] (51 seconds)
When you get awakened to God's goodness and grace, it brings repentance. And some of that awakening takes a bad experience. Some of that awakening takes the law that says, puts a mirror in front of it and says, I don't know if you know this. I don't know if you care, but you're a sinner and you're going to hell. I know that's not nice politically correct, but let me wake you up from your path. [00:51:19] (22 seconds)
Because when you know his love and grace, you just do things because you know that love is in you, that grace is in you, that defines you. It's what you become and what you naturally just start to do. And you take on the joy, the joy the father has. And you had this confidence. You don't worry about making a mess and messing up because you got the father who's with you. And you got his father's love and grace. And he's already forgiven you before you mess up. And he's already he's with you even in your mess up in your worst moment. And he's hugging and loving and kissing you and say, look, let's just let's just get up and try again. Let's go. It's OK. [01:04:54] (34 seconds)
And this is basically in the big strokes of what our our core, our core functions of ministry to carry out the vision, the mission that we've been getting, the mission we've been given. And so as you come into worship here. I mean, we say no judgment zone because we want you to experience God's grace in worship. We want you to grow in God's grace every time you're at worship. We want God to awaken your heart every time you gather. All right. And he's going to move you to that starting point. And starting point is what we're going to talk about, what it means to be a disciple and how we define an area, which we're going to introduce in the sermon series. And but it's like coming to a lighthouse. If you ever go on a lighthouse, there's there's two different quarters in a lighthouse. There's where they work and where they live. And so the two places in the lighthouse where we grow in God's love, we learn to be loved and love one another is in life groups and ministry teams. [01:06:07] (53 seconds)
And you keep growing in these things. And once you get clarity of what it is, these parts of your life, they just keep growing. And you keep leaning into them. And they just start to become you. It's just how you become a beach person. It just happens. Or you become a guy who's a, you know, a big fisherman. I mean, you start wearing fishing outfits. And you start thinking fishing. You start looking at the weather and thinking fishing. I mean, it just kind of takes you over. And so when you're leaning in to Jesus and to what he's about and his mission, this just starts to come, take over. And you start to pick up stuff to help you along the way. [00:32:21] (37 seconds)
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