Closing the Distance: Returning to God After Failure
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of "closing the distance" in our spiritual lives. This concept is rooted in the idea of reducing the time it takes for us to return to God after we have sinned or strayed. We began by reflecting on the innocence of children, like my daughter Adia, who instinctively run to their parents when they are hurt, even if they have done something wrong. This natural inclination to seek comfort and reconciliation is something we often lose as we grow older and become more aware of our shortcomings. As adults, we tend to distance ourselves from God when we fail, but spiritual maturity is marked by how quickly we return to Him.
We examined the story of Peter, a disciple who experienced a significant failure when he denied Jesus three times. Despite his failure, Jesus had already prepared Peter for this moment, praying for him and encouraging him to turn back and strengthen his brothers. This narrative highlights that failure is not final because we have an advocate in Jesus who intercedes for us. The key is not to avoid failure altogether but to learn how to respond to it by running back to God's grace.
We also discussed the importance of following Jesus closely, not at a distance. When we follow at a distance, we become susceptible to failure, just as Peter did. Our spiritual nourishment must come from a personal relationship with God, not just from external sources like sermons or podcasts. We need to engage with the Word of God daily to stay spiritually strong.
Finally, we were reminded that trials and challenges are inevitable, but they serve a purpose in God's redemptive plan. Satan's sifting is destructive, but Jesus uses trials to refine and strengthen us. Our responsibility is to turn back to God and use our experiences to strengthen others. We are called to be active participants in God's work, using our stories of redemption to encourage and support those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual maturity is measured by how quickly we return to God after sinning. The faster we run back to Jesus, the more we grow in our faith. This is a mark of spiritual maturity, not the absence of sin. [04:31]
- Following Jesus closely is essential for spiritual strength. Relying solely on external sources for spiritual nourishment leaves us vulnerable. We must engage with God's Word personally and consistently. [15:03]
- Trials are part of God's redemptive plan. While Satan's sifting is meant to destroy, Jesus uses trials to refine and strengthen us. Our perspective on trials should be one of joy, knowing they develop perseverance and maturity. [22:57]
- Jesus intercedes for us, ensuring our faith does not fail. This truth provides comfort and strength, knowing that our Savior is actively praying for us and working to complete the good work He began in us. [26:42]
- We are called to turn back and strengthen others. Our experiences of redemption and restoration are meant to be shared, encouraging and supporting others in their faith journey. We must actively participate in God's work by using our stories to uplift those around us. [30:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:31] - The Innocence of Children
[08:04] - Peter's Epic Failure
[10:16] - Jesus Prepares Peter
[11:51] - The Pain of Letting Down
[15:03] - Following Jesus Closely
[17:44] - The Reality of Selfishness
[21:02] - Jesus Anticipates Our Failures
[22:57] - Trials and Redemptive Sifting
[26:42] - Jesus' Intercession
[30:18] - Turning Back and Strengthening Others
[34:00] - The Call to Action
[37:00] - Closing the Distance with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Closing the Distance
Bible Reading:
- Luke 22:31-34, 54-62
- Romans 8:1
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 22:31-34, what does Jesus tell Peter about the trial he will face, and how does Jesus prepare him for it? [10:16]
2. How does Peter's behavior in Luke 22:54-62 illustrate the concept of "following at a distance," and what were the consequences of this distance? [15:03]
3. According to Romans 8:1, what assurance do believers have when they return to God after sinning? How does this relate to the sermon’s theme of closing the distance? [04:31]
4. What role does Jesus' intercession play in the narrative of Peter's denial and restoration? [26:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Peter's denial and subsequent repentance illustrate the idea that failure is not final in the Christian life? [08:04]
2. What does it mean to "follow Jesus closely" in the context of daily spiritual nourishment, and why is this important for spiritual strength? [15:03]
3. How can trials and challenges be seen as part of God's redemptive plan, and what perspective should believers have towards them? [22:57]
4. In what ways does Jesus' intercession provide comfort and strength to believers, especially during times of failure or trial? [26:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent time when you distanced yourself from God after a failure. What steps can you take to "close the distance" more quickly in the future? [04:31]
2. Identify one area in your life where you are relying too much on external sources for spiritual nourishment. How can you engage more personally with God's Word this week? [15:03]
3. Think of a trial you are currently facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as part of God's redemptive plan, and what practical steps can you take to find joy in it? [22:57]
4. Consider someone in your life who might be struggling in their faith. How can you use your own experiences of redemption to encourage and strengthen them this week? [30:18]
5. Reflect on the concept of Jesus interceding for you. How does this truth impact your approach to prayer and your confidence in facing challenges? [26:42]
6. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are following Jesus closely and not at a distance? How can you incorporate these actions into your daily routine? [15:03]
7. How can you actively participate in God's work by sharing your story of redemption with others? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [30:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Quick Return to God Marks Spiritual Maturity
When we sin or stray from our spiritual path, the time it takes for us to return to God is a true measure of our spiritual maturity. Like children who instinctively run to their parents for comfort, we should strive to quickly seek reconciliation with God. As adults, we often let shame and awareness of our shortcomings create a distance between us and God. However, spiritual growth is not about never failing but about how swiftly we turn back to God’s grace after we do. This quick return is a sign of a mature faith, one that understands the depth of God’s love and forgiveness. [04:31]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Think of a recent time you felt distant from God. What steps can you take today to close that distance and return to Him with confidence?
Day 2: Personal Engagement with God’s Word Strengthens Faith
Following Jesus closely requires more than just listening to sermons or podcasts; it demands a personal and consistent engagement with God’s Word. When we rely solely on external sources for spiritual nourishment, we become vulnerable to spiritual weakness. Instead, we must cultivate a personal relationship with God by immersing ourselves in Scripture daily. This personal engagement fortifies our faith and keeps us spiritually strong, enabling us to follow Jesus closely and avoid the pitfalls of a distant relationship. [15:03]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily practice of reading and reflecting on Scripture to strengthen your personal relationship with God?
Day 3: Trials Refine and Strengthen Us
Trials and challenges are an inevitable part of life, but they serve a greater purpose in God’s redemptive plan. While Satan may use these trials to try to destroy us, Jesus uses them to refine and strengthen our faith. Our perspective on trials should be one of joy, knowing that they develop perseverance and maturity. Embracing this perspective allows us to see trials as opportunities for growth and transformation, rather than obstacles to our faith. [22:57]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and refinement in your faith journey?
Day 4: Jesus’ Intercession Provides Comfort and Strength
Knowing that Jesus intercedes for us is a profound source of comfort and strength. He ensures that our faith does not fail, actively praying for us and working to complete the good work He began in us. This truth reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles and that our Savior is continually advocating on our behalf. Embracing this reality can transform our approach to challenges, as we rest in the assurance of His ongoing support and intercession. [26:42]
Romans 8:34 (ESV): "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of Jesus’ intercession? How can this truth bring you comfort and strength today?
Day 5: Sharing Our Redemption Stories Strengthens Others
We are called to turn back to God and use our experiences of redemption and restoration to strengthen others. Our stories of overcoming failure and finding grace are powerful tools for encouraging and supporting those around us. By actively participating in God’s work, we can use our personal testimonies to uplift others in their faith journey, fostering a community of mutual support and growth. [30:18]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Think of someone who could benefit from hearing your story of redemption. How can you share your experience with them to offer encouragement and support in their faith journey?
Quotes
And when she does them, what I find most interesting and where I find the gospel on display in my home through my daughter is that when my daughter does the things that she's not supposed to do, and many of you experience this with your young children as well, is when she hurts herself, she runs straight to me or straight to mom. [00:02:56] (22 seconds)
You have to follow closely, not at a distance. If that is all the nourishment that you are getting, then you honestly are just eating their leftovers. Eat a full meal every day. You need it. Your body needs it. I know we're going through decrease, but that is not the type of decrease that we are talking about. [00:16:02] (23 seconds)
Here's the good news, is that Jesus's sifting is redemptive. He removes the shaft and reveals the grain. And he says, when you have repented, when you have turned from your sin, he's like, turn back. And what's he say? Strengthen your brothers. [00:23:23] (18 seconds)
Jesus isn't hoping you make it. He's interceding to make sure that you do. That's why Philippians said, he who began a good work in you will carry it out onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [00:26:42] (15 seconds)
And our two responsibilities are to turn back and to strengthen others. Here's the deal, family. I believe with all my heart that some people in this room are called to be serving in students because you know a season in your life was heavy then. [00:30:34] (18 seconds)
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