Chosen by Grace: The Joy of Salvation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound truth that we are chosen by God, not because of our merits, but purely by His grace. We began by acknowledging our need for grace, confessing our sins, and receiving God's forgiveness. This sets the stage for understanding the joy that comes from being chosen by God. Just like the excitement of being picked in a game of Duck Duck Goose, we are reminded that God has chosen us before the foundation of the world, and this choice is irrevocable.
We then delved into the joy that Jesus experienced, as recorded in Luke 10, when the 72 disciples returned from their mission, rejoicing that even demons submitted to them in Jesus' name. Jesus shared in their joy but redirected their focus to the greater joy of having their names written in heaven. This teaches us that our ultimate joy should be rooted in our salvation, not in our successes or spiritual accomplishments.
Jesus' joy was not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, spiritual rejoicing in the work of God. He invites us to share in this joy, emphasizing that our salvation is a greater cause for celebration than any earthly success. This joy is a gift of the Spirit, meant to be a constant source of strength and encouragement, regardless of our circumstances.
We also explored the concept of spiritual warfare, understanding that our participation in the gospel ministry contributes to the ongoing defeat of Satan. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and this should embolden us to engage in the spiritual battle with confidence, knowing that we are on the winning side.
Finally, we were reminded that God chooses the humble and the childlike, those who recognize their need for Him. This is a cause for great rejoicing, as it highlights God's grace and the inclusivity of His kingdom. We are blessed to see and experience what many great saints longed to see—the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Irrevocable Choice of God: God chose us before the foundation of the world, and His choice is not based on our merits but on His grace. This choice is irrevocable, and it should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God no matter what. [14:31]
2. Joy Rooted in Salvation: Our ultimate joy should be rooted in our salvation, not in our successes or spiritual accomplishments. Jesus redirected the disciples' joy from their spiritual victories to the greater joy of having their names written in heaven. This teaches us to prioritize our eternal relationship with God over temporary achievements. [23:20]
3. Participation in Spiritual Warfare: Engaging in gospel ministry contributes to the ongoing defeat of Satan. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and this should embolden us to engage in the spiritual battle with confidence, knowing that we are on the winning side. Our actions can either escalate the defeat of Satan or allow evil to increase. [36:18]
4. God Chooses the Humble: God reveals His truths to the humble and childlike, those who recognize their need for Him. This highlights the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the importance of humility in our spiritual journey. Jesus rejoiced in the simplicity and openness of those who received His message. [48:08]
5. Blessed to Witness Fulfillment: We are blessed to see and experience the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, something that many great saints longed to see. This should fill us with gratitude and a sense of responsibility to live out our faith with joy and confidence, knowing that we are part of God's redemptive plan. [56:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:28] - Confession and Forgiveness
[12:29] - The Joy of Being Chosen
[14:31] - God's Irrevocable Choice
[20:35] - Spontaneous Joy in Jesus
[23:20] - Joy Rooted in Salvation
[26:32] - Rejoice with Jesus
[36:18] - Participation in Spiritual Warfare
[41:38] - Salvation Over Success
[48:08] - God Chooses the Humble
[56:23] - Blessed to Witness Fulfillment
[01:00:06] - Engaging the World with Confidence
[01:05:01] - Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 10:17-24 (ESV)
> The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the seventy-two disciples when they returned from their mission? ([23:20])
2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' joy about their spiritual victories? ([23:20])
3. What does Jesus say is the greater reason for rejoicing, according to Luke 10:20? ([23:20])
4. Who does Jesus say the Father has revealed His truths to, and who has He hidden them from? ([23:49])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize rejoicing in salvation over spiritual accomplishments? How does this shift our focus in our spiritual lives? ([23:20])
2. What does Jesus' statement about seeing Satan fall like lightning imply about the nature of spiritual warfare? ([36:18])
3. How does the concept of being chosen by God before the foundation of the world impact our understanding of grace and humility? ([14:31])
4. In what ways does Jesus' joy in the Holy Spirit reflect the relationship within the Trinity and the importance of salvation? ([23:49])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt chosen or special. How does this compare to the feeling of being chosen by God? How can this understanding deepen your faith? ([12:29])
2. Jesus redirected the disciples' joy from their spiritual victories to their salvation. How can you practice finding joy in your salvation daily, rather than in your accomplishments? ([23:20])
3. Considering the authority Jesus has given us over the enemy, how can you engage more confidently in spiritual warfare in your daily life? ([36:18])
4. Jesus rejoiced that the Father revealed His truths to the humble and childlike. How can you cultivate humility and childlike faith in your spiritual journey? ([23:49])
5. The sermon mentioned that we are blessed to witness the fulfillment of God's promises. How can you live out this blessing with gratitude and responsibility in your community? ([56:23])
6. How can you actively participate in the ongoing defeat of Satan through your involvement in gospel ministry? What steps can you take this week to engage in this spiritual battle? ([36:18])
7. Reflect on the joy that Jesus experienced and shared with His disciples. How can you share this joy with others in your life, especially those who may not yet know Christ? ([23:20])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Irrevocable Choice of God
God chose us before the foundation of the world, and His choice is not based on our merits but on His grace. This choice is irrevocable, and it should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God no matter what. This profound truth reminds us that our worth and identity are rooted in God's unchanging love and not in our achievements or failures.
Reflect on the joy of being chosen by God, much like the excitement of being picked in a game of Duck Duck Goose. This choice is not temporary or conditional; it is eternal and steadfast. Embrace the confidence that comes from knowing you are loved and accepted by God, regardless of your circumstances or past mistakes. Let this truth be a source of strength and encouragement in your daily life. [14:31]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing that God chose you before the foundation of the world impact your sense of identity and worth today? How can you live out this truth in your daily interactions and decisions?
### Day 2: Joy Rooted in Salvation
Our ultimate joy should be rooted in our salvation, not in our successes or spiritual accomplishments. Jesus redirected the disciples' joy from their spiritual victories to the greater joy of having their names written in heaven. This teaches us to prioritize our eternal relationship with God over temporary achievements.
When the 72 disciples returned from their mission, rejoicing that even demons submitted to them in Jesus' name, Jesus shared in their joy but redirected their focus to the greater joy of their salvation. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances or achievements but is a constant source of strength and encouragement. Let your joy be anchored in the assurance of your salvation and your eternal relationship with God. [23:20]
Luke 10:20 (ESV): "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you find yourself seeking joy in temporary achievements? How can you shift your focus to find joy in the assurance of your salvation today?
### Day 3: Participation in Spiritual Warfare
Engaging in gospel ministry contributes to the ongoing defeat of Satan. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and this should embolden us to engage in the spiritual battle with confidence, knowing that we are on the winning side. Our actions can either escalate the defeat of Satan or allow evil to increase.
Understanding that our participation in the gospel ministry is part of the spiritual warfare against Satan can empower us to act with boldness and confidence. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and this should encourage us to engage in the spiritual battle with the assurance that we are on the winning side. Let this truth embolden you to take an active role in sharing the gospel and living out your faith. [36:18]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in spiritual warfare through your daily actions and decisions? How can you use the authority given to you by Jesus to make a positive impact in your community?
### Day 4: God Chooses the Humble
God reveals His truths to the humble and childlike, those who recognize their need for Him. This highlights the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the importance of humility in our spiritual journey. Jesus rejoiced in the simplicity and openness of those who received His message.
God's kingdom is inclusive, and He chooses to reveal His truths to those who are humble and childlike, recognizing their need for Him. This is a cause for great rejoicing, as it emphasizes God's grace and the importance of humility in our spiritual journey. Embrace the simplicity and openness of a childlike faith, and allow God to reveal His truths to you. [48:08]
Matthew 11:25 (ESV): "At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a humble and childlike attitude in your relationship with God? What steps can you take to recognize and embrace your need for Him in your daily life?
### Day 5: Blessed to Witness Fulfillment
We are blessed to see and experience the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, something that many great saints longed to see. This should fill us with gratitude and a sense of responsibility to live out our faith with joy and confidence, knowing that we are part of God's redemptive plan.
Reflect on the privilege of witnessing the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Many great saints longed to see what we now experience. This should fill us with gratitude and a sense of responsibility to live out our faith with joy and confidence. Embrace the opportunity to be part of God's redemptive plan and let it inspire you to live out your faith boldly. [56:23]
1 Peter 1:10-12 (ESV): "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are part of God's redemptive plan impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live out your faith with greater joy and confidence today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "No matter if your friends pick you, your teachers pick you, the world picks you and thinks you're the favorite, the all-star, the most beautiful, the most whatever, you know what? Here's what I know because God's word says God, the creator of all the universe and of you, picks you. He chooses you every time, all the time. He chose you. The Bible says before the world was created, God chose you." [14:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Rejoice with Jesus that God has saved you. And all God's people say that's the good news, is it not? Yeah, right? I was waiting for the party poppers. I was just like, you know, this is good news. God has saved you. And amazing again, Luke goes on in this joyous moment that he wants us to join in in this excitement. He wants us to respond to this work that you've been saved by Jesus, by his work, his grace alone that it moves you to be filled with the joy." [27:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we engage in the gospel ministry, we're part of escalating the defeat of the greatest enemy, Satan. And that ought to motivate us. I mean, we've got to realize that we're in a spiritual war. We're in a spiritual war. And Satan... Satan has control and influence in the world. And he's a father of lies, and he puts people in bondage by falsehood. And leads them away of falsehood, and appeals to their human nature, their pride, and puffs them up to make them think they know more, and are better, and more enlightened, and leads them into ways of foolishness and darkness that they're not even aware of." [38:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are humble and confident, engaging the world that needs Jesus. We are humble and confident. I won't read it all, but Paul puts it there in 1 Corinthians, right? It's written, let the one who boasts, boast the Lord. Right? We're just, we're humbled by God's grace. Because we know we don't deserve it. And yet he gives his grace again and again and again." [59:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus is rejoicing in the work of God. He's rejoicing in the salvation. And Jesus is inviting his disciples into his joy. This wasn't just to be like, hey, thanks for the report one time. No, this is a continuous overflowing of joy disciples that return after being sent out. And this was the 72. We talked about it last week that Jesus had sent them to go everywhere and to... And now he's expanding to the Gentiles to all the different places, all the different towns and villages and to be preparing the people to come to receive Jesus because the kingdom of God is at hand." [25:02] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Salvation is better than success. Last week we talked about Jesus sending out the 72 and we talked about they're going like John the Baptist prepare the way and Jesus gave them. It was a theme that what he gave them. He kept preparing them for this time. He gave them authority. He gave them power. But he also gave them wisdom and advice and said, look, you're being sent out. Verse three, like lambs among the wolves. It's going to be hard. It's going to be difficult." [28:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want God to do wonderful things in you, you've got to be secured in the grace of God first. Because you realize wonderful things ain't because you're wonderful. Because God's wonderful. And the most spectacular thing is not what happens on the outside. It's what happens on the inside. And we've got to get like the greatest miracle is not hey, great message, pastor. You know what the greatest miracle is? This message means something to me. And I'm not just telling you words." [45:11] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus starts rejoicing in our salvation. And notice what happens as Jesus is rejoicing. All of a sudden, we hear about the Holy Spirit joins in. And the Holy Spirit moves out. And so the Holy Spirit, Spirit is rejoicing. And then we have Jesus that now moves in a prayer of gratitude, of rejoicing to the Father. And so what do we see here? We see the Trinity here. And what are we noticing? The Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, what is at their heart? What is that they're united in? What is it they care about? They care and rejoice in salvation." [48:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When is the last time you praised God for your salvation? When's the last time you praised him? When was the last time you just broke out in song or joy? This is the song of the doxology, right? You know it? Let's go. The word of God and his grace sits in your heart. This is where it landed me. Indeed. We had this joy. We are humble and confident, engaging the world that needs Jesus. We are humble and confident." [58:02] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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