Completing Our Mission: Embracing Truth, Suffering, and Unity
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound truths found in John 17, a chapter that John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, cherished deeply. Knox considered it the "holy of holies" in the temple of Scripture, and for good reason. This chapter captures Jesus' intimate conversation with His Father as He approaches His crucifixion, reflecting on His mission and praying for His disciples and future believers.
We began by reflecting on the concept of mission and how Jesus accomplished His mission on earth. Despite the challenges and the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus completed the work He was sent to do. This serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, have missions in our lives that God has called us to complete. We must not be like Saul, who failed to fully obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites, sparing their king and ultimately facing dire consequences. Instead, we should strive to finish the tasks God has given us, no matter how difficult they may seem.
We then explored the idea of sanctification, which means being set apart for God's use. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be sanctified by the truth, which is God's Word. This call to sanctification extends to us as well. We are to embrace our separation from the world and not seek to fit in with its ways. Compromise, especially in areas like Christian music, where some have tried to blend secular and sacred messages, only leads to failure. We must stand firm in our identity in Christ and speak the truth boldly.
The sermon also touched on the reality of suffering and how it can lead to greater glory for God. Jesus' suffering on the cross was the ultimate display of God's love and grace. Similarly, our own trials and tribulations can be opportunities for God to work in and through us, bringing about growth and victory. We were reminded of the Apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh, which kept him humble and reliant on God's strength.
As we continued, we were encouraged to know God experientially, not just intellectually. Eternal life is about knowing God deeply and personally. This relationship with God transforms us and gives us the strength to overcome sin and live according to His will. We were reminded that Jesus has authority over all flesh and offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. This gift of salvation is not something we can earn; it is freely given by God's grace.
Finally, we were called to unity as believers. Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity transcends denominational lines and personal differences. It is about being united in our love for Jesus and our commitment to His truth. We were encouraged to build relationships within the church, reaching out to those who may feel shy or isolated, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
In conclusion, we were reminded of the importance of finishing the work God has called us to do, embracing our sanctification, enduring suffering with faith, knowing God intimately, and striving for unity within the body of Christ. As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and commit ourselves to living out these truths in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Finish the Work God Has Called You to Do:
Just as Jesus completed His mission on earth, we are called to finish the tasks God has given us. Partial obedience, like Saul's failure to fully destroy the Amalekites, can lead to dire consequences. We must strive to fully obey God's commands and complete the work He has set before us. [59:02]
2. Embrace Sanctification:
Sanctification means being set apart for God's use. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be sanctified by the truth, which is God's Word. We are called to embrace our separation from the world and not seek to fit in with its ways. Compromise leads to failure, but standing firm in our identity in Christ and speaking the truth boldly brings glory to God. [01:18:32]
3. Suffering Can Lead to Greater Glory:
Jesus' suffering on the cross was the ultimate display of God's love and grace. Similarly, our own trials and tribulations can be opportunities for God to work in and through us, bringing about growth and victory. We must not run away from our crosses but hold on to Jesus, trusting that our greatest hurts can lead to our greatest good. [50:41]
4. Know God Experientially:
Eternal life is about knowing God deeply and personally, not just intellectually. This relationship with God transforms us and gives us the strength to overcome sin and live according to His will. Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in Him, and this gift of salvation is freely given by God's grace. [54:13]
5. Strive for Unity:
Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity transcends denominational lines and personal differences. It is about being united in our love for Jesus and our commitment to His truth. Building relationships within the church and fostering a sense of community and belonging are essential for living out our faith. [01:08:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:14] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
[35:59] - John Knox and John 17
[37:37] - Mission Accomplished
[39:50] - The Hour Has Come
[40:56] - Personal Testimony
[41:33] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Salvation
[43:35] - The Choice Between Light and Darkness
[45:35] - Eternal Life and Knowing God
[46:32] - The Role of Prayer
[48:32] - The Cross and God's Glory
[50:41] - Suffering and Glory
[53:35] - Experiential Knowledge of God
[55:08] - The Reality of Heaven
[57:16] - Finishing the Work
[58:15] - Commitment and Obedience
[59:02] - Saul's Partial Obedience
[01:00:42] - Call to Finish the Work
[01:01:34] - Jesus' Accomplished Mission
[01:02:31] - Keeping God's Word
[01:03:42] - Secret Lives and True Faith
[01:05:17] - Using the Word of God
[01:07:16] - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples
[01:08:30] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[01:09:35] - Building Relationships
[01:10:01] - God's Protection and Love
[01:11:09] - God's Faithfulness
[01:12:16] - Personal Testimony of Music Career
[01:13:13] - Choosing Ministry Over Fame
[01:14:47] - The Consequences of Sin
[01:18:32] - The Failure of Compromise
[01:22:00] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
[01:23:00] - Communion
[01:25:32] - Memorial Day Reflection
[01:26:31] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:1-5
2. 1 Samuel 15:22-23
3. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 17:1-5, what does Jesus ask the Father to do, and why? How does this reflect His mission on earth? [39:12]
2. According to 1 Samuel 15:22-23, what was Saul's failure, and what were the consequences of his partial obedience? [59:02]
3. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, what was Paul's "thorn in the flesh," and how did he respond to it? What did Jesus tell him about his weakness? [50:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' prayer in John 17:1-5 demonstrate His relationship with the Father and His understanding of His mission? What can we learn from this about our own missions? [39:12]
2. Reflecting on Saul's partial obedience in 1 Samuel 15:22-23, why is complete obedience to God's commands important? How can partial obedience affect our lives and missions? [59:02]
3. How does Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 illustrate the relationship between suffering and God's glory? What does this teach us about handling our own trials? [50:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Finish the Work God Has Called You to Do: Reflect on a task or mission you believe God has given you. Have you been fully obedient in completing it, or have you left parts unfinished like Saul? What steps can you take this week to move towards completing it? [59:02]
2. Embrace Sanctification: In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise with the world? How can you stand firm in your identity in Christ and speak the truth boldly, especially in challenging situations? [01:18:32]
3. Suffering Can Lead to Greater Glory: Think about a current or past trial in your life. How can you view this suffering as an opportunity for God to work in and through you? What practical steps can you take to hold on to Jesus during this time? [50:41]
4. Know God Experientially: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God this week? What specific practices (e.g., prayer, Bible study, worship) can help you know God more intimately and experientially? [54:13]
5. Strive for Unity: Are there individuals in your church or small group who may feel isolated or shy? How can you reach out to them and foster a sense of community and belonging? What specific actions can you take to build relationships within the body of Christ? [01:08:30]
6. Reflect on Jesus' Sacrifice: As you partake in communion, how can you more deeply remember and appreciate Jesus' sacrifice for you? What changes can you make in your daily life to live out the truths of His sacrifice and mission? [01:23:00]
7. Commit to Obedience: Identify an area in your life where you have been partially obedient to God's commands. What steps can you take to fully obey and complete the work God has set before you? How can you seek support and accountability from your small group in this process? [59:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Complete Your God-Given Mission
Jesus completed His mission on earth despite immense challenges and ultimate sacrifice. This serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, have missions in our lives that God has called us to complete. Partial obedience, like Saul's failure to fully destroy the Amalekites, can lead to dire consequences. We must strive to fully obey God's commands and complete the work He has set before us. Reflect on the importance of finishing the tasks God has given you, no matter how difficult they may seem. [59:02]
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.'"
Reflection: What specific task or mission has God placed on your heart that you have been hesitant to complete? How can you take a step today towards fully obeying His command?
Day 2: Embrace Your Sanctification
Sanctification means being set apart for God's use. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be sanctified by the truth, which is God's Word. This call to sanctification extends to us as well. We are to embrace our separation from the world and not seek to fit in with its ways. Compromise, especially in areas like Christian music, where some have tried to blend secular and sacred messages, only leads to failure. We must stand firm in our identity in Christ and speak the truth boldly. [01:18:32]
John 17:17-19 (ESV): "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise your faith to fit in with the world? How can you stand firm in your identity in Christ today?
Day 3: Suffering Can Lead to Greater Glory
Jesus' suffering on the cross was the ultimate display of God's love and grace. Similarly, our own trials and tribulations can be opportunities for God to work in and through us, bringing about growth and victory. We must not run away from our crosses but hold on to Jesus, trusting that our greatest hurts can lead to our greatest good. Reflect on how suffering can be a pathway to greater glory for God. [50:41]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "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. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What current trial or suffering are you facing? How can you trust God to use this situation for His glory and your growth?
Day 4: Know God Experientially
Eternal life is about knowing God deeply and personally, not just intellectually. This relationship with God transforms us and gives us the strength to overcome sin and live according to His will. Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in Him, and this gift of salvation is freely given by God's grace. Reflect on the importance of knowing God experientially and how it impacts your daily life. [54:13]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to know Him more intimately?
Day 5: Strive for Unity
Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity transcends denominational lines and personal differences. It is about being united in our love for Jesus and our commitment to His truth. Building relationships within the church and fostering a sense of community and belonging are essential for living out our faith. Reflect on the importance of unity within the body of Christ and how you can contribute to it. [01:08:30]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to today to build a stronger relationship? How can you foster a sense of unity and belonging within your congregation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus said there's no love greater than a man that would give up his life for another. And I know with younger people too, a lot of times, we don't really get the sacrifice that has been made for us. We talk about Jesus' sacrifice. But there's also human sacrifices on the battlefield. That have been given up. They gave their lives. Maybe not thinking of us. But they were thinking of their people. Their buddies. They were thinking of their fellow soldiers. They were thinking of the flag of Jesus. I mean the flag of the United States. They were coming up against evil. So that we might have a future." [01:25:32]
2. "Prayer is not the way to get God to do what we want him to do. Jesus is saying, may you be glorified, Lord. Would you glorify me and let me glorify you. But prayer, prayer is the way to get man to do God's will, you see, because that's why this world is messed up. You know why? We're all living. Man is living by his own will and we don't know what we're doing. We're nuts. Mankind is nuts. All of its great wisdom and its scientists and its psychologists and all of the great leaders that we have don't know what they're doing unless they, they follow God. They don't know. And we need God in our life." [46:04]
3. "Could the greatest hurt that you're going through, maybe a hurt even right now, could it actually be the greatest good for you? Don't run away from your cross. Don't run away from what's going on your circumstances or that are maybe a very, very hard to go through right now. Hey, hold on, hold on to Jesus today. We like to think of that greatest glory, you know, comes when you win the Olympic gold and you win the race and you're in front of a hundred thousand chairs. You're cheering fans, but could it be that in God's way of doing things, our greatest glory may actually come for our greatest pain?" [51:12]
4. "This is eternal life that they might know you. That word for know is not an intellectual knowledge of. It's not a factual type of knowledge. This word is gnosko in the Greek. It means an experiential knowledge. See, I could, maybe I don't know you, but I could hear about you. And then Brady tells me how wonderful you are and all that stuff. But until I get to know you experientially, I really don't know. And this is what, eternal life is. To know God. Do you understand? He wants you to know Him. The One who made this universe wants you to know Him." [53:35]
### Quotes for Members
1. "What is it that God, you know, I mean, I think about it. Samuel was one I thought about. He prophesied to Saul. He says, Samuel told him from God's vantage point, don't leave a single Amalekite alive. He was to wipe them out. But after the battle. Well, Saul could well have thought, I gave it a pretty good shot. I mean, 99.9% ain't bad. The only one I didn't finish was the king. Remember? Remember he spared the Amalekite king? And that, listen, that was a problem for him because it came back to bite him. What has God called you to do?" [59:02]
2. "That we might hold on to those essential truths of the Bible. We don't need to agree with each other about everything. But we need to be one in him. That it doesn't matter what denomination. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what church you go to. As long as you love Jesus man. We're one. We're brothers and sisters. And he's talking about personal relationships. Having them. Being one. Getting to know each other." [01:08:30]
3. "Let us be sanctified by the word of God which is truth let's speak the truth and those who don't want it they have their choice but let's not hide it and try to be all slick and put in all these double meaning lyrics it's a horrible thing and so listen guys where are we at today you might think that you are mission impossible but you're not. Jesus is holding out his hands to you and saying come unto me those who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest you rest in your efforts to change your life you rest in your efforts to try to make your life have meaning hey listen come to him he'll give you those things he'll transform you and you'll have a new beginning receive the Lord he rose from the dead for you." [01:18:32]
4. "I manifested your name. I showed who God was through my life. God in the flesh dwelt among us. And that word manifest, it's phaneroo in the Greek. It means to shine forth. I shined forth who you are in my life. It's an illustration. Not a declaration so much. But it's an illustration. And that's what Jesus did. And then he says, I have kept your word. And I think about those two things and I ask myself, you know, in before the Lord. Lord, if I were to go to be before you today, could I claim the same thing? Have I kept your word?" [01:02:31]
5. "Jesus said this on the cross. It is finished. What he did for you is finished. He completed it once and for all. And guys, I'm going to tell you. God wants you to finish. He wants you to finish what he has told you to do. Obey. Go back to that place that you've been disobeying in and whatever it is. And go back and slay that monster in the name of Jesus. Come to the Lord. Get counsel. Get prayer over yourself. Admit that you're weak. Go to God in prayer and just get it done. Because God is going to bless you as you take that on to finish the work that he's called you to do." [01:00:42]
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