Choosing Life: A Relationship-Based Approach to God
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to the Freedom Small Groups! Today, we embark on a journey to explore the essence of our approach to God. The key question we must ponder is: "What is going to be my approach to God?" This question is crucial because how we approach God is more important than what we do in our spiritual journey. Christianity often suffers from a branding problem, where people approach God the wrong way, leading to a lack of joy in their faith.
I shared a personal story about a conversation with a woman on a plane who had a negative view of Christianity. This encounter highlighted the importance of understanding that Christianity is about a relationship with God, not just a set of rules or an organization. The Bible's second story, the choice between the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, illustrates two different approaches to God. The Tree of Life represents a life-giving, transformational relationship with God, while the Tree of Knowledge represents a learned behavior approach that can lead to spiritual death.
We explored three key differences between these two approaches. First, the Tree of Knowledge says "do more" to get to God, while the Tree of Life says "receive" what Jesus has already done. Second, the Tree of Knowledge suggests we must keep trying to earn God's approval, whereas the Tree of Life assures us that God already loves us. Third, the Tree of Knowledge views obedience as a duty, while the Tree of Life sees it as a delight.
Jesus' teachings emphasize that our relationship with God should be based on love, not performance. When we fall in love with God, obedience becomes a natural outcome. This principle is evident in our personal relationships, such as marriage, where love makes faithfulness effortless.
To live out this approach, we must serve God through relationships, not rules, respond to sin with life-giving conviction rather than condemnation, and guard our hearts from reverting to a performance-based mindset. Ultimately, we must choose life and freedom in our approach to God, making a conscious decision to pursue a life-giving relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Approach to God Matters: The way we approach God is more important than the actions we take. A relationship-based approach, symbolized by the Tree of Life, leads to joy and transformation, while a performance-based approach, symbolized by the Tree of Knowledge, leads to spiritual death. [01:22]
2. Receive, Don't Achieve: The Tree of Knowledge says "do more" to get to God, but the Tree of Life says "receive" what Jesus has already done. Understanding that Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation brings life and freedom. [13:40]
3. God's Unconditional Love: The Tree of Knowledge suggests we must keep trying to earn God's approval, but the Tree of Life assures us that God already loves us, even on our worst days. This understanding transforms our relationship with God and brings us closer to Him. [19:48]
4. Obedience Out of Delight: The Tree of Knowledge views obedience as a duty, while the Tree of Life sees it as a delight. When we fall in love with God, obeying His commands becomes a natural and joyful response, rather than a burdensome task. [22:21]
5. Responding to Sin with Life: When we sin, the Tree of Knowledge leads to condemnation, but the Tree of Life leads to conviction and a way out. This life-giving approach should extend not only to ourselves but also to others, offering grace and truth in equal measure. [30:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - The Key Question: Approach to God
[02:40] - Personal Story: Encounter on a Plane
[07:34] - The Two Trees: Life vs. Knowledge
[10:04] - The Devil's Deception
[13:40] - Do More vs. Receive
[16:11] - Studying Scriptures: Finding Jesus
[17:28] - God's Approval: Already Loved
[19:48] - Unconditional Love: Parenting Analogy
[22:21] - Obedience: Duty vs. Delight
[25:23] - Falling in Love with God
[27:34] - Serving God: Relationships, Not Rules
[30:11] - Responding to Sin: Life-Giving Conviction
[33:25] - Grace and Truth: The Adulterous Woman
[34:38] - Guarding Your Heart: Choosing Life
[35:35] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:8-9, 16-17: "Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil... And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'"
2. John 5:39-40: "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
3. Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two trees mentioned in Genesis 2, and what do they symbolize? ([07:34])
2. According to John 5:39-40, what mistake were the Pharisees making in their approach to the Scriptures? ([16:11])
3. How does Romans 5:8 illustrate God's love for us, even when we are at our worst? ([20:52])
4. What are the three key differences between the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge as discussed in the sermon? ([12:23])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the choice between the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge reflect our daily decisions in approaching God? ([07:34])
2. In what ways can a performance-based approach to God lead to spiritual death, as opposed to a relationship-based approach? ([13:40])
3. How does understanding God's unconditional love, as described in Romans 5:8, change our perspective on obedience and sin? ([20:52])
4. What does it mean to serve God through relationships rather than rules, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? ([27:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current approach to God. Do you find yourself more often in the Tree of Life or the Tree of Knowledge? What steps can you take to shift towards a life-giving relationship with God? ([07:34])
2. Think about a time when you tried to earn God's approval through your actions. How did that affect your spiritual life and joy? How can you remind yourself to "receive" rather than "achieve"? ([13:40])
3. How does knowing that God loves you unconditionally, even on your worst days, impact your relationship with Him? Share a personal experience where this understanding brought you closer to God. ([19:48])
4. In what ways can you transform your view of obedience from a duty to a delight? Identify one command of God that you struggle with and discuss how you can approach it with joy. ([22:21])
5. When you sin, do you tend to feel condemned or convicted? How can you practice responding to sin with life-giving conviction rather than condemnation? ([30:11])
6. How can you extend grace and truth to others when they sin, as Jesus did with the adulterous woman? Share a situation where you can apply this principle in your relationships. ([33:25])
7. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart from reverting to a performance-based mindset? Discuss how you can make a conscious decision to choose life and freedom in your approach to God. ([34:38])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Importance of Our Approach to God
Description:
The way we approach God is foundational to our spiritual journey. A relationship-based approach, symbolized by the Tree of Life, leads to joy and transformation, while a performance-based approach, symbolized by the Tree of Knowledge, leads to spiritual death. The Tree of Life represents a life-giving, transformational relationship with God, where we receive His love and grace. In contrast, the Tree of Knowledge represents a learned behavior approach that can lead to spiritual death, as it focuses on rules and performance rather than a genuine relationship with God. Understanding this distinction is crucial for a fulfilling and joyful Christian life. [01:22]
Bible Passage:
"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it." (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about your current approach to God. Is it more relationship-based or performance-based? What steps can you take today to shift towards a more life-giving, transformational relationship with Him?
### Day 2: Receiving What Jesus Has Done
Description:
The Tree of Knowledge says "do more" to get to God, but the Tree of Life says "receive" what Jesus has already done. This distinction is vital for understanding the essence of Christianity. Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation, and our role is to receive this gift with gratitude and faith. This approach brings life and freedom, as it shifts the focus from our efforts to God's grace. Embracing this truth can transform our spiritual lives, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allowing us to rest in His finished work. [13:40]
Bible Passage:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on areas of your life where you feel the need to "do more" to earn God's favor. How can you shift your mindset to receive and rest in what Jesus has already done for you?
### Day 3: Embracing God's Unconditional Love
Description:
The Tree of Knowledge suggests we must keep trying to earn God's approval, but the Tree of Life assures us that God already loves us, even on our worst days. This understanding transforms our relationship with God, bringing us closer to Him. Knowing that God's love is unconditional and not based on our performance allows us to approach Him with confidence and trust. It frees us from the fear of failure and the pressure to be perfect, enabling us to experience His grace and love more deeply. [19:48]
Bible Passage:
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider a time when you felt you had to earn God's love. How does knowing that God loves you unconditionally change your perspective and actions today?
### Day 4: Obedience Out of Delight
Description:
The Tree of Knowledge views obedience as a duty, while the Tree of Life sees it as a delight. When we fall in love with God, obeying His commands becomes a natural and joyful response, rather than a burdensome task. This principle is evident in our personal relationships, such as marriage, where love makes faithfulness effortless. When our relationship with God is based on love, obedience flows naturally, and we find joy in following His ways. This shift in perspective can transform our spiritual lives, making obedience a source of joy rather than a chore. [22:21]
Bible Passage:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about an area of your life where obedience to God feels like a duty. How can you cultivate a deeper love for God that transforms this duty into a delight?
### Day 5: Responding to Sin with Life-Giving Conviction
Description:
When we sin, the Tree of Knowledge leads to condemnation, but the Tree of Life leads to conviction and a way out. This life-giving approach should extend not only to ourselves but also to others, offering grace and truth in equal measure. Responding to sin with life-giving conviction means recognizing our mistakes, seeking God's forgiveness, and allowing His grace to transform us. It also means extending this grace to others, helping them find their way back to God without judgment or condemnation. This approach fosters a community of love, support, and growth. [30:11]
Bible Passage:
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent mistake or sin. How can you respond with life-giving conviction rather than condemnation? How can you extend this grace to someone else today?
Quotes
1. "How you're doing what you're doing is more important than what you're doing. So your approach to the freedom curriculum is more important than the freedom curriculum itself. Your approach to God, how you're viewing your journey toward God is very important. And the reason why I say that is, is that I really believe that Christianity has a branding problem of sorts. In fact, there are two different ways that people approach God. And by and large, people are approaching God the wrong way, which is why most people don't really enjoy anything about Christianity or God." [01:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christianity is not about a denomination or a religion or an organization. It's about a relationship with God, knowing him, not all about just being a part of an organization or a religion. And I had her, she was thinking that you could see her really processing these thoughts. And then that drink in her hand, she put it over in my face. I think she actually spilled a little on me, which I had explained when I got home anyway, but, but, but she, she said, well, what do you think your God thinks about this? And to prove my point, I said, I don't think God cares about that at all. I think he cares about you." [06:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The tree of the knowledge of good and evil says, do more. That's how you get to God. That needs to be your approach. Do more. Now, I actually believed this one growing up. Actually, I had what I call a Wizard of Oz kind of view of God. If you know the Wizard of Oz story, Oz can grant you great things. He's Oz the Great and Powerful, right? And then finally, Dorothy and her three companions get this audience with Oz. And he's just, of course, he's fuming mad, red smoke, green face. And the first thing that he says is, what do you want? He's screaming at her and all that's going on, right? And she says, I just want to go home. I want to get to Kansas. And he says, fine, that can happen if you'll go perform for me, if you'll go get the broom from the Wicked Witch of the West." [13:40] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The tree of life says, receive the fact that Jesus has already done it. He's done it. The realization of that brings so much life to you that realize that everything that needed to be done to get to God has been done. Can I hear a good amen, Highlands College? I mean, that's just so good for you to realize that you can't do more to get to God. You can't do that." [14:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Too many people have the wrong view of God and your view of God will determine what your relationship with God is going to look like. So if you see him as harsh, you're going to approach him as, as a harsh God. That, that, again, the tree of the knowledge, good and evil says is that God is, you know, that we're, that we got to, we got to get God's approval because he's really just, he's just, he's just mad. Well, that's not true. The tree of life says the opposite, receive the fact that he already loves you. He already loves you. And I want to take it one step further. He even loves you on the day where you were, we're the biggest knucklehead in the world. On our worst day, he still loves, loves us." [18:36] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You can fulfill the commands of the Bible better by falling in love with God rather than trying to obey everything the Bible tells you to do. All right, here's the second thing, all right? I'm gonna give you four little principles to live this out. Second is, is that we're gonna serve God through relationships, not rules. So now we're in love, but now we've gotta live in love. We've gotta live it out, right? So now you're going through your day and you're going through your life and you have to make a conscious decision that the reason you're doing something is out of relationship and not out of rules." [27:34] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you're tempted, it really reveals more about your relationship with God than it does your self-control. So next time you have temptation, and we all do, realize that it probably exposes more about how close you are to God rather than how disciplined you are. And that's why I want you to approach God through a relationship. So in those moments where you feel weak and tempted, strengthen your relationship before you try to be more disciplined, all right? We're gonna approach God through relationships, not rules." [29:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When it happens, again, again, you've got a choice of which tree you're gonna be in, okay? And in the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, when you mess up, you'll feel condemned. That's how you'll know you're in the wrong tree. You'll feel condemned. But in the tree of life, you'll feel convicted. God will still say, hey, hey, hey, hey, you know? But conviction, let me tell you the difference between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation says you messed up and you're a bum. Can't I believe you did that? Conviction says, hey, you messed up and here's the way out. It's just a different approach to the exact same thing." [30:42] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Grace is, neither do I condemn you. But truth says, go now and leave your life of sin. And that's how we approach ourselves. Listen to me. Because the hyper teaching of this thought is, oh, but then God doesn't care what I do. Oh, yes, he does. He just extends to you grace. And he extends to you no condemnation. But he also extends to you truth that says, hey, hey, hey, let's take some different steps now. And that's how we need to approach Christianity for ourselves. And it's also how we need to treat others as well." [33:58] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "What am I gonna do to find freedom? What am I gonna do to pursue God? What am I gonna do to be godly? What's gonna be my, we're back to the same question. What is gonna be my approach? And here's the answer. In a word is, you have to make a choice. You have to make a choice all the time. So we'll close with this verse out of Deuteronomy chapter 30. This day I call the heavens and the earth as a witness against you, that I have set before you life and death. And by the way, every one of you who are studying this curriculum, I say that same thing to you. We are gonna set before you a journey with two different approaches. One that will produce life and freedom and wonderful results. And one, if you go on down with the wrong tree, will produce death. Blessing. Blessing and curses. And it's your job to make a choice. Now choose life." [35:11] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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