Choosing the Blessed Life Over the Charmed Life

 

Summary

Today, I want to explore the concept of two kinds of life: the charmed life and the blessed life, and which one is truly worth pursuing. We often find ourselves in a community where deep stories and experiences are shared, and it's important to recognize the power of prayer and support in these moments. A poignant example comes from a Coptic Christian man who faced persecution in Egypt and exclusion in Canada, highlighting the need for inclusivity and understanding within our communities.

Reflecting on Andy Crouch's book, "The Life We're Looking For," we see a contrast between the charmed life and the blessed life. The charmed life is often associated with temporary prosperity and privilege, akin to fairy tales where characters are magically protected from harm. In contrast, the blessed life is marked by God's undeniable presence, even in the midst of suffering and loss. This was evident in the story of a young man with a terminal illness, where love and God's presence were tangible despite the pain.

The story of Jacob in the Bible further illustrates this distinction. Initially, Jacob sought a charmed life through deceit, but later, he wrestled with God, seeking a true blessing. This transformation from seeking charm to seeking blessing is a journey we are all invited to take. Similarly, the Apostle Paul exemplifies the blessed life through his weaknesses, which allowed God's power to shine through him.

Today, I encourage you to seek the blessed life, not the charmed life. Embrace the blessings God offers, and be a blessing to others. Remember, you were made to count, so make today count.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community and Inclusivity: Our community is a place where deep stories and experiences are shared, and it's crucial to embrace inclusivity and understanding. The story of the Coptic Christian man reminds us of the importance of welcoming diversity and supporting one another in faith. [01:22]

2. Charmed vs. Blessed Life: The charmed life is often associated with temporary prosperity and privilege, while the blessed life is marked by God's presence, even in suffering. The story of the young man with a terminal illness illustrates how true blessing can be found in the midst of pain. [04:25]

3. Jacob's Transformation: Jacob's journey from seeking a charmed life through deceit to wrestling with God for a true blessing is a powerful example of transformation. It reminds us that true blessings come from seeking God's presence and guidance. [07:38]

4. Paul's Example of Weakness: The Apostle Paul exemplifies the blessed life through his weaknesses, which allowed God's power to shine through him. His story encourages us to embrace our weaknesses and rely on God's strength. [09:59]

5. Pursuing the Blessed Life: Today, focus on seeking the blessed life rather than the charmed life. Embrace God's blessings, be grateful, and offer your blessings to others. Remember, you were made to count, so make today count. [10:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Community Announcements
- [01:09] - Story of Persecution and Exclusion
- [02:24] - Importance of Community
- [03:11] - Two Forms of Life
- [03:49] - Defining Blessing
- [04:53] - Charmed Life vs. Blessed Life
- [06:15] - Personal Reflections on a Charmed Life
- [07:07] - Jacob's Journey
- [08:06] - Understanding Charisma
- [09:02] - Paul's Example of Weakness
- [10:12] - Seeking the Blessed Life
- [10:42] - Final Encouragement
- [10:59] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 32:24-30 - Jacob wrestles with God and seeks a blessing.
2. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Paul's weakness and God's strength.
3. Genesis 12:1-3 - God's promise to bless Abraham and make him a blessing.

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 32:24-30, what was Jacob's initial approach to seeking a blessing, and how did it change after wrestling with God?
2. How does Paul describe his weaknesses in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, and what does he say about God's power in relation to those weaknesses?
3. According to Genesis 12:1-3, what was the nature of the blessing God promised to Abraham, and how was it intended to impact others?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Jacob wrestling with God illustrate the difference between seeking a charmed life and a blessed life? [07:38]
2. In what ways does Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses challenge the common perception of what it means to be "blessed"? [09:59]
3. How does the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 reflect the idea of being a blessing to others, and how does this relate to the sermon's message about community and inclusivity? [02:24]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or included in a community. How can you contribute to making your community more inclusive and supportive, like the story of the Coptic Christian man? [01:22]
2. Consider the areas in your life where you might be pursuing a charmed life. What steps can you take to shift your focus towards seeking a blessed life, as encouraged in the sermon? [10:27]
3. How can you embrace your weaknesses and allow God's strength to shine through, following Paul's example? What practical steps can you take this week to rely more on God's power? [09:59]
4. Think about a situation where you might have been tempted to deceive or manipulate to achieve a desired outcome, like Jacob initially did. How can you seek God's guidance and blessing instead? [07:38]
5. Identify one way you can be a blessing to someone in your life this week. How can you intentionally offer support or encouragement to them, reflecting the blessed life God calls us to live? [10:42]
6. How can you make today count by embracing the blessings God has given you and sharing them with others? What specific actions can you take to live out this calling? [10:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Community and Inclusivity
In a world where stories of persecution and exclusion are all too common, the call to embrace community and inclusivity becomes ever more pressing. The story of a Coptic Christian man who faced persecution in Egypt and exclusion in Canada serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of welcoming diversity and supporting one another in faith. Our communities should be places where deep stories and experiences are shared, and where inclusivity and understanding are not just ideals but lived realities. By fostering an environment of acceptance and love, we reflect the heart of God and create spaces where everyone can experience His grace and presence. [01:22]

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community might feel excluded or marginalized? How can you extend a hand of welcome and inclusivity to them today?


Day 2: The Depth of a Blessed Life
The charmed life, often associated with temporary prosperity and privilege, pales in comparison to the depth of a blessed life. A blessed life is marked by God's undeniable presence, even in the midst of suffering and loss. This is beautifully illustrated in the story of a young man with a terminal illness, where love and God's presence were tangible despite the pain. The blessed life is not about escaping hardship but finding God's presence and peace within it. It is about experiencing true blessing in the midst of life's challenges and recognizing that God's love and grace are sufficient for every moment. [04:25]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking temporary prosperity over God's enduring presence? How can you shift your focus to embrace the blessed life today?


Day 3: Jacob's Journey to True Blessing
Jacob's story is a powerful example of transformation from seeking a charmed life through deceit to wrestling with God for a true blessing. Initially, Jacob's life was marked by manipulation and striving for personal gain. However, his encounter with God led to a profound change, where he sought a genuine blessing that only God could provide. This journey invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider where we might be striving for temporary gains instead of seeking God's presence and guidance. True blessings come from a relationship with God, where His presence and purpose are prioritized above all else. [07:38]

"And he said, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' And he said to him, 'What is your name?' And he said, 'Jacob.' Then he said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.'" (Genesis 32:26-28, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are striving for personal gain rather than seeking God's blessing? How can you wrestle with God in prayer to seek His true blessing today?


Day 4: Strength in Weakness
The Apostle Paul exemplifies the blessed life through his weaknesses, which allowed God's power to shine through him. Paul's life was not free from hardship, but he found strength in his weaknesses by relying on God's grace. This perspective challenges us to embrace our own weaknesses and recognize that they are opportunities for God's power to be displayed in our lives. Instead of hiding or being ashamed of our weaknesses, we can find confidence in knowing that God's strength is made perfect in them. This understanding transforms our perspective and allows us to live a life that glorifies God in every circumstance. [09:59]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: What weaknesses are you currently facing that you need to surrender to God? How can you allow His strength to be made perfect in those areas today?


Day 5: Pursuing the Blessed Life
The call to pursue the blessed life rather than the charmed life is an invitation to embrace God's blessings and be a blessing to others. It is a reminder that we were made to count, and each day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around us. By focusing on God's presence and purpose, we can live a life that is marked by gratitude and generosity. This pursuit is not about accumulating wealth or status but about experiencing the fullness of life that comes from walking with God and sharing His love with others. [10:27]

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God's blessings and be a blessing to others today? What practical steps can you take to make today count in light of God's purpose for your life?

Quotes


i felt in the deepest seasons of our life the power of folks praying for us to keep life moving forward in ways that were very palpable and um it's very inspiring to me and there are so many deep stories in the people that god is bringing together through this journey [00:00:48]

and uh the man who wrote this comment uh was from egypt coptic christian so he said he was persecuted for his christian faith in egypt for 30 years moved to canada where you would think now he would be embraced for his christianity but he said actually he found quite a lot of exclusion because of his race [00:01:19]

and he says during that last week of his life he would drive home some nights cursing and shouting at god but the last night as i drove away it dawned on me that there was only one word that could really capture the fullness of what we're experiencing that word was blessing [00:03:36]

what i was experiencing and witnessing was nothing like that my friend was dying his wife was going to be a widow his children were about to lose their father his life which had been the very picture of creative love was being cut short in the midst of all the good he had done and could do [00:04:07]

and yet god was mysteriously but undeniably present that week love was tangible direct and practical life was raw but also real in a way that those of us who live in the bubble wrap of affluence telling phrase so rarely experience [00:04:25]

charmed and he writes as a pagan word a magical word a word from fairy tales to be charmed is to be magically held apart from harm endowed for a time with a bubble of prosperity and power for one evening cinderella is charmed aladdin's lamp is charmed as long as he has wishes left [00:05:05]

most of what gets tagged hashtag blessed should be tagged hashtag charm instead youth is a charm beauty is a charm words and numbers came easily to me in childhood i found myself good at school in a way that deceived me so deeply for so long about what it meant to be truly good [00:05:42]

and i thought as i read that about how much of my life has fit into that category because i was pretty good at school not as good at andy but pretty good i married above myself my wife says all men marry above themselves i had three kids and a dog and devoided a great deal of the pain [00:06:10]

and over the last few years what i am learning about is discovering the blessed life when the charmed life is no longer available [00:06:47]

and then he suffers much and much deeper into his life he wrestles with god and what he says to the angel in that strange wrestling match is i will not let you go until you bless me the blessed life is available to you today maybe not the charmed life but the blessed life [00:07:27]

and then this man paul comes along and he is the uncharismatic charismatic he had nothing like that kind of attractive magnetic uh compelling physical presence in fact he says when he writes to the corinthians 2 corinthians 10 10 um he says uh you say about me his letters are weighty and strong [00:08:59]

so today let's try this not to hunger for ask for pursue the charmed life but the blessed life when god began his whole community with a man named abraham he did not say i will give you a charmed life he said i will bless you and all the peoples will be blessed through you [00:10:18]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?