Building Lives on God's Unfailing Love and Purity
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to reflect on the unwavering strength and faithfulness of God. He is the resurrected King of Kings, and His inability to fail makes Him the perfect foundation upon which to build our lives. Amidst the divisive times we live in, we are called to be known by our love for one another, reflecting the unity and peace that Jesus brings. We prayed for our nation and the global church, asking God to bring unity, peace, and open hearts to the gospel.
We also discussed the importance of purity and the original design of marriage. Jesus teaches that adultery begins in the mind and heart before it manifests in the body. He calls us to take drastic measures to maintain purity, emphasizing that the pursuit of holiness is active and requires intentional effort. Jesus also addressed the issue of divorce, highlighting that it was never part of God's original design but was allowed due to the hardness of human hearts. He stressed that marriage is a sacred covenant created by God, meant to be permanent and reflective of His relationship with us.
In our community, we are committed to supporting one another, especially those who have been hurt by divorce. We are called to seek reconciliation and healing, understanding that our marriages are a testimony to the world of God's covenant love. As we take communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who reconciled us to God, and we commit to living out His teachings in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Unfailing Nature: God cannot fail; it is not in His nature. This truth provides a solid foundation for our lives, especially in times of uncertainty and division. We are called to reflect His strength and faithfulness in our interactions with others, demonstrating the love and unity that Jesus prayed for. [23:13]
2. The Power of Prayer: In divisive times, prayer is our most potent tool. We are to pray for our nation and the global church, seeking unity and peace. Our prayers should transcend political lenses and focus on the kingdom of God, recognizing that we are citizens of heaven first. [24:02]
3. Purity Begins in the Heart: Adultery and other sins start in the mind and heart before they manifest in actions. Jesus calls us to guard our hearts and minds, taking drastic measures if necessary to maintain purity. This pursuit of holiness is active and requires intentional effort and community support. [49:33]
4. The Sacredness of Marriage: Marriage is a sacred covenant created by God, meant to be permanent and reflective of His relationship with us. Divorce was allowed due to the hardness of human hearts, but it was never part of God's original design. We are called to honor and uphold the sanctity of marriage. [01:18:15]
5. Reconciliation Through Christ: Jesus came to reconcile us to God, demonstrating the ultimate act of faithfulness and love. Our marriages should reflect this reconciliation, serving as a testimony to the world of God's covenant love. In times of marital strife, we are called to seek reconciliation and healing, trusting in God's faithfulness. [01:35:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:13] - The Importance of Meeting with God
[24:02] - Praying for Our Nation and Church
[25:12] - Unity and Peace in the Church
[27:12] - Being Peacemakers
[28:26] - The Church as an Example of Unity
[29:36] - Praise and Worship
[34:59] - Impact's Partnership with North Korean Defectors
[36:32] - Sending Out Missionaries
[38:52] - Introduction to the Sermon
[39:06] - The Foundation of Impact Church
[41:23] - Engaging with God's Word
[44:01] - Following Jesus Means Obeying Jesus
[45:23] - The Challenge of Assembling Ikea Furniture
[48:09] - God's Original Design and Intention
[49:33] - Adultery Starts in the Heart
[52:13] - Jesus' Teaching on the Ten Commandments
[55:09] - The Pharisees' Misinterpretation of Adultery
[58:19] - The Intent of the Heart
[59:54] - Job's Covenant with His Eyes
[01:02:48] - The Problem of Lust
[01:05:11] - Modesty and Motives
[01:07:44] - The Pursuit of Holiness
[01:09:04] - Combatting Sin
[01:10:31] - Practical Steps to Avoid Sin
[01:13:46] - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce
[01:18:15] - Jesus' Focus on Marriage
[01:20:56] - God's Design for Marriage
[01:23:45] - The Permanence of Marriage
[01:26:25] - Divorce as a Concession
[01:29:28] - The Seriousness of Divorce
[01:30:26] - The Covenant of Marriage
[01:35:29] - Reconciliation Through Christ
[01:39:00] - God's Faithfulness in Divorce
[01:42:42] - Seeking Reconciliation
[01:43:46] - Responding to God's Word
[01:45:02] - Communion and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:27-32 (ESV)
> "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
2. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)
> "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
3. Job 31:1 (ESV)
> "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about the origin of adultery in Matthew 5:27-28? How does He expand the traditional understanding of this commandment? [50:48]
2. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, what are believers urged to do for their leaders and why? [25:51]
3. In Job 31:1, what covenant does Job make and why is it significant in the context of purity? [59:54]
4. How does Jesus describe the seriousness of sin and the measures one should take to avoid it in Matthew 5:29-30? [50:48]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that adultery begins in the heart and mind before it manifests in actions? How does this teaching challenge common perceptions of sin? [50:48]
2. How does the call to pray for leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on seeking unity and peace in divisive times? [24:02]
3. What does Job’s covenant with his eyes teach us about the proactive steps needed to maintain purity? How can this be applied in modern contexts? [59:54]
4. Jesus uses strong language about cutting off body parts to avoid sin. What does this hyperbolic teaching reveal about the seriousness with which we should approach sin and holiness? [50:48]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you allowed a thought or desire to linger in your mind. How did it affect your actions? What steps can you take to guard your heart and mind more effectively? [50:48]
2. In what ways can you actively contribute to unity and peace within your community and church, especially during divisive times? How can prayer play a role in this effort? [24:02]
3. Job made a covenant with his eyes to avoid lust. What practical measures can you implement in your daily life to maintain purity? Are there specific actions or habits you need to change? [59:54]
4. Jesus speaks about the sacredness and permanence of marriage. How can you honor and uphold the sanctity of marriage in your own life or support others in doing so? [01:18:15]
5. Think about a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What steps can you take to seek healing and restoration in that relationship, reflecting Christ’s reconciliation with us? [01:35:29]
6. How can you support and encourage those in your community who have been hurt by divorce? What practical ways can you show them love and help them find healing? [01:39:00]
7. As you take communion, reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and His call to live out His teachings. What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to Him today? [01:45:02]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unfailing Nature
God's inability to fail provides a solid foundation for our lives, especially in times of uncertainty and division. This truth reassures us that we can trust Him completely, no matter the circumstances. As we navigate through divisive times, we are called to reflect His strength and faithfulness in our interactions with others. By doing so, we demonstrate the love and unity that Jesus prayed for, becoming beacons of hope and stability in a fractured world. [23:13]
Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's unfailing nature more fully? How can you reflect His strength and faithfulness in your interactions with others today?
Day 2: The Power of Prayer
In divisive times, prayer is our most potent tool. We are encouraged to pray for our nation and the global church, seeking unity and peace. Our prayers should transcend political lenses and focus on the kingdom of God, recognizing that we are citizens of heaven first. By committing to prayer, we align our hearts with God's will and invite His transformative power into our lives and communities. [24:02]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: How can you make prayer a more central part of your daily routine? Who or what can you specifically pray for today to seek unity and peace?
Day 3: Purity Begins in the Heart
Adultery and other sins start in the mind and heart before they manifest in actions. Jesus calls us to guard our hearts and minds, taking drastic measures if necessary to maintain purity. This pursuit of holiness is active and requires intentional effort and community support. By focusing on the condition of our hearts, we can prevent sinful actions and live lives that honor God. [49:33]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What thoughts or attitudes do you need to address to maintain purity in your heart? What practical steps can you take today to guard your heart and mind?
Day 4: The Sacredness of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant created by God, meant to be permanent and reflective of His relationship with us. Divorce was allowed due to the hardness of human hearts, but it was never part of God's original design. We are called to honor and uphold the sanctity of marriage, understanding that it is a testimony to the world of God's covenant love. [01:18:15]
Malachi 2:15-16 (ESV): "Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 'For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'covers his garment with violence,' says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless."
Reflection: How can you honor the sanctity of marriage in your own life or support others in their marriages? What steps can you take to reflect God's covenant love in your relationships?
Day 5: Reconciliation Through Christ
Jesus came to reconcile us to God, demonstrating the ultimate act of faithfulness and love. Our marriages should reflect this reconciliation, serving as a testimony to the world of God's covenant love. In times of marital strife, we are called to seek reconciliation and healing, trusting in God's faithfulness. By committing to reconciliation, we mirror the redemptive work of Christ in our lives. [01:35:29]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? How can you take the first step towards healing and restoration today, trusting in God's faithfulness?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He is nothing but strong. He is nothing but constant. He is nothing but faithful. He is nothing but the resurrected king of kings. And when death is the worst thing that could happen to you. And he's able to make it the best thing that can happen to you. He's strong. And he's worthy to build our lives upon." [23:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And I believe that Jesus tells us that they will know that we are Christians by the Lord. By the love that we show. And they will know that he is the one sent by God by our love for one another. And we can't control what happens in our country. But we can control what happens in the church. And by that, I mean we can love one another. We can care for one another." [24:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To follow Jesus means to obey Jesus. It doesn't mean to follow Jesus doesn't mean you go to church to follow Jesus. Doesn't mean you post the verse of the day on Instagram to follow Jesus. Doesn't mean you grew up in church to follow Jesus. Doesn't mean your parents were Christians to follow Jesus means we obey the word." [44:01] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Marriage is created by God and marriage is between one man and one woman. Here's the next thing he says. It's permanent. This is the whole where Jesus says the two shall become one flesh and what God has joined together, let no man separate. This is what Jesus is talking about. If the two become one flesh, then what divorce does is it separates flesh." [01:24:59] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Amen? The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and has given us this ministry of reconciliation. That is that in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against him and entrusting to us this message." [01:35:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Adultery starts in your mind and heart before it ever reaches your body. This is one of the things that, that Jesus tells us. Now here's a little bit of context is, uh, Jesus is going to the temple. He's going to the temple. He's going to the temple. He's going to walk through the sermon on the mouth. What he's really doing is he's kind of walking through some of the laws of the old Testament." [50:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The pursuit of holiness is active, not passive. Only Jesus could get away with standing up. And say, and so he says this, and I bet people raising their hands, I've got questions. And there may be even some of you today that are like, I've got questions. And his messages like this is exactly why we don't take questions in the middle of the service." [01:07:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus takes divorce seriously, not lightly. The words that Jesus ends with in Matthew 19 are the same he ends with in Matthew 5 when we started here. And we don't look at those, like we said, as a way out. How can I get a divorce and still make God happy? Jesus tells us that sexual unfaithfulness can be grounds for a divorce. But why is that? Because divorce has already happened in our hearts." [01:30:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus takes divorce seriously, not lightly. The words that Jesus ends with in Matthew 19 are the same he ends with in Matthew 5 when we started here. And we don't look at those, like we said, as a way out. How can I get a divorce and still make God happy? Jesus tells us that sexual unfaithfulness can be grounds for a divorce. But why is that? Because divorce has already happened in our hearts." [01:30:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus doesn't look and say, I don't know if it can be reconciled. We may just need to divorce. Jesus says, no. The only way to reconcile this relationship is if I go and give my whole perfect life as a sacrifice on the cross. That is the only way. The only way to bring the unfaithful with the faithful holy God together. And Jesus did it. He did it for you. He did it for me." [01:34:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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