Embodying Jesus: Love, Prayer, and Intentional Living
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. As we gather today, we come with the expectation that God is present among us, ready to bestow His good gifts upon us. We begin our worship in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, acknowledging the family name given to us in our baptisms. Today, we explore the abundant life Jesus desires for us, focusing on how we can see and embody His ways.
We started by examining Mark 7, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. Jesus criticizes them for their hypocrisy, pointing out that their traditions often contradict God's laws, creating an oppressive atmosphere rather than one of life and freedom. This serves as a reminder for us to align our practices with God's Word, not merely human traditions.
Next, we turned to Ephesians 5, which calls us to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us. This passage emphasizes sacrificial love, urging husbands and wives to love and respect each other as Christ loves the Church. This sacrificial love is countercultural but essential for a life that reflects Jesus.
We also discussed three key ways to embody the life of Jesus: sacrificial love, an unhurried life, and a life of prayer. Jesus models sacrificial love by giving Himself for us, and we are called to do the same for others. An unhurried life allows us to be intentional and interruptible, making room for God's work in our daily interactions. Finally, a life of prayer keeps us connected to God, enabling us to hear His voice and follow His guidance.
As we move into a time of confession, we acknowledge our shortcomings in these areas and seek God's forgiveness and strength to live more fully in His ways. We then gather around the Lord's table, receiving His body and blood as a tangible reminder of His sacrificial love and forgiveness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Expect God's Presence and Gifts: When we gather as God's people, we should come with the expectation that He is present and ready to give us His good gifts. These gifts are not just for our benefit but are meant to transform us and impact our lives profoundly. This expectation sets the tone for our worship and our daily walk with God. [12:47]
2. Align with God's Commandments, Not Human Traditions: Jesus criticized the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. This serves as a reminder for us to examine our own practices and ensure they align with God's Word. Traditions can be meaningful, but they should never contradict or overshadow the life-giving commandments of God. [27:39]
3. Imitate Christ's Sacrificial Love: Ephesians 5 calls us to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us. This sacrificial love is countercultural but essential for a life that reflects Jesus. It challenges us to put others' needs above our own, fostering a community of mutual respect and love. [45:47]
4. Live an Unhurried Life: Jesus modeled an unhurried life, being both intentional and interruptible. In our fast-paced world, adopting an unhurried lifestyle allows us to be more present and responsive to God's work in our lives and the lives of others. This intentionality creates space for meaningful interactions and divine appointments. [48:59]
5. Cultivate a Life of Prayer: A life of prayer keeps us connected to God, enabling us to hear His voice and follow His guidance. Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about listening. This ongoing dialogue with God helps us navigate life's challenges and align our actions with His will. [51:45]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [12:47] - Opening Prayer
3. [24:32] - The Power of Jesus' Name
4. [25:35] - Introduction to Abundant Life Series
5. [26:34] - Reading from Mark 7
6. [28:43] - Jesus Confronts the Pharisees
7. [29:39] - Reading from Ephesians 5
8. [31:37] - Prayer for Understanding
9. [32:08] - Jesus' Ways vs. Human Traditions
10. [35:28] - Modern-Day Pharisees
11. [38:03] - Be Imitators of God
12. [45:47] - Sacrificial Love
13. [48:59] - Unhurried Life
14. [51:45] - Life of Prayer
15. [57:33] - Confession and Forgiveness
16. [01:06:55] - Communion
17. [01:15:16] - Prayer Requests
18. [01:21:49] - The Lord's Prayer
19. [01:25:06] - Apostles' Creed
20. [01:30:26] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 7:1-13: "Now when the Pharisees gathered to him with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, 'Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?' And he said to them, 'Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.' And he said to them, 'You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, "Honor your father and your mother"; and, "Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die." But you say, "If a man tells his father or his mother, 'Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban' (that is, given to God)—then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.'"
2. Ephesians 5:1-2, 22-33: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God... Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific traditions did the Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not following in Mark 7? ([26:34])
2. How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees' criticism about traditions in Mark 7? ([27:39])
3. According to Ephesians 5, what are husbands and wives called to do in their relationship? ([29:39])
4. What are the three key ways to embody the life of Jesus mentioned in the sermon? ([45:05])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus criticize the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments? How does this apply to modern-day practices? ([28:43])
2. How does the concept of sacrificial love in Ephesians 5 challenge contemporary cultural norms about self-care and individualism? ([45:47])
3. What does it mean to live an unhurried life, and how does this reflect Jesus' way of living? ([48:59])
4. How does a life of prayer help us stay connected to God and align our actions with His will? ([51:45])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any traditions or practices you follow that might contradict or overshadow God's commandments? How can you realign them with God's Word? ([28:43])
2. In what ways can you practice sacrificial love in your relationships, especially in your family or marriage? What specific actions can you take this week to put others' needs above your own? ([45:47])
3. Consider your daily schedule: Are you living an unhurried life that allows for intentional and interruptible moments? What changes can you make to create more space for meaningful interactions and divine appointments? ([48:59])
4. How can you cultivate a more consistent and meaningful prayer life? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are not just speaking to God but also listening to His voice? ([51:45])
5. Think about a recent situation where you were too busy to help someone in need. How could you have responded differently if you were living an unhurried life? ([50:17])
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with sacrificial love. What practical steps can you take to improve in this area? ([47:09])
7. How can you involve your family or small group in cultivating these three key ways of embodying the life of Jesus: sacrificial love, an unhurried life, and a life of prayer? ([45:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Expect God's Presence and Gifts
Description:
When we gather as God's people, we should come with the expectation that He is present and ready to give us His good gifts. These gifts are not just for our benefit but are meant to transform us and impact our lives profoundly. This expectation sets the tone for our worship and our daily walk with God. When we approach God with an open heart and a spirit of anticipation, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and to be changed by His presence. This mindset helps us to be more aware of God's work in our lives and to be more receptive to His guidance and provision.
As we cultivate this expectation, we begin to see God's hand in the ordinary and the extraordinary moments of our lives. We recognize that every good gift comes from Him and that He is actively involved in our lives, working all things for our good. This awareness deepens our faith and strengthens our relationship with Him, enabling us to live with greater purpose and joy. [12:47]
Bible passage:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a recent moment when you felt God's presence or received a blessing. How can you cultivate a daily expectation of God's presence and gifts in your life?
Day 2: Align with God's Commandments, Not Human Traditions
Description:
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. This serves as a reminder for us to examine our own practices and ensure they align with God's Word. Traditions can be meaningful, but they should never contradict or overshadow the life-giving commandments of God. When we focus too much on human traditions, we risk creating an oppressive atmosphere that stifles spiritual growth and freedom.
Aligning our lives with God's commandments requires us to be discerning and intentional. We must regularly evaluate our beliefs and practices, asking whether they are rooted in Scripture or merely in human tradition. This process helps us to stay true to God's will and to live in a way that honors Him. By prioritizing God's commandments, we create an environment where life and freedom can flourish, both for ourselves and for those around us. [27:39]
Bible passage:
"Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." (Mark 7:13, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a tradition or practice in your life that may not align with God's commandments. How can you adjust it to better reflect God's Word?
Day 3: Imitate Christ's Sacrificial Love
Description:
Ephesians 5 calls us to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us. This sacrificial love is countercultural but essential for a life that reflects Jesus. It challenges us to put others' needs above our own, fostering a community of mutual respect and love. Sacrificial love is not about grand gestures but about daily acts of kindness, patience, and selflessness.
Living out this kind of love requires us to be intentional and to seek opportunities to serve others. It means being willing to make sacrifices, whether big or small, for the sake of others. This love is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of Jesus. By imitating Christ's sacrificial love, we become more like Him and help to build a community that reflects His heart. [45:47]
Bible passage:
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a specific way you can show sacrificial love to someone in your life today. What small act of kindness or service can you offer?
Day 4: Live an Unhurried Life
Description:
Jesus modeled an unhurried life, being both intentional and interruptible. In our fast-paced world, adopting an unhurried lifestyle allows us to be more present and responsive to God's work in our lives and the lives of others. This intentionality creates space for meaningful interactions and divine appointments. An unhurried life is not about doing less but about being more present and attentive to what truly matters.
Living an unhurried life requires us to prioritize our time and to be willing to slow down. It means being open to interruptions and seeing them as opportunities for ministry rather than inconveniences. By living this way, we create space for God to work in and through us, and we become more attuned to His voice and His leading. This lifestyle helps us to cultivate deeper relationships and to be more effective in our witness for Christ. [48:59]
Bible passage:
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where you feel rushed or hurried. How can you create more space for stillness and attentiveness to God's presence?
Day 5: Cultivate a Life of Prayer
Description:
A life of prayer keeps us connected to God, enabling us to hear His voice and follow His guidance. Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about listening. This ongoing dialogue with God helps us navigate life's challenges and align our actions with His will. A vibrant prayer life is essential for spiritual growth and for maintaining a close relationship with God.
Cultivating a life of prayer requires intentionality and discipline. It means setting aside regular time for prayer and being open to God's leading throughout the day. Prayer helps us to stay grounded in God's truth and to be more aware of His presence in our lives. By making prayer a priority, we invite God to work in and through us, and we become more attuned to His purposes. [51:45]
Bible passage:
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection:
Set aside a specific time today for focused prayer. What is one area of your life where you need God's guidance and wisdom? How can you listen for His voice in this area?
Quotes
1. "As we gather as the body of Christ, so there's a name that is kind of like a clan name, it's a family name that we get, often times we focus on the term Christian, I'll get into that a little bit later but God puts a different name on us and our baptisms, it's a more complete name that he gives to us and it really is kind of like our family name and it's the name in which we begin our worship today, the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen?" [12:47] (32 seconds)
2. "Jesus is going about doing things very differently than the religious leaders of the day are used to seeing him do. He's making claims about who he is that make them very uncomfortable. And even though they've been long expecting the Messiah, Jesus isn't the Messiah they expected. And so his teachings, his ways are not aligning to their teaching in their ways. And we see in this passage right here, one moment where those things butt heads, right? And Jesus just confronts the religious leaders of the day to show and demonstrate that they're protecting their traditions at the expense of life." [32:08] (47 seconds)
3. "So if the litmus test is, is my next step going to be destructive, or is my next step going to bring life? Pretty good litmus test for whether or not we'll be in line with the ways of the Lord or not in line with the ways of the Lord. So what do we see Ephesians say to us? Ephesians 5.1. Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children. We're just going to pause right there. Okay? Jesus comes to his disciples and he says to them, it's an invitation. He says, come follow me." [38:03] (47 seconds)
4. "So what we're being presented with today is Jesus is inviting us into an intentional lifelong journey. To follow him and to tether ourselves to him in such a way that we're intentionally imitating him. His words. His ways. Over and over and over and over and over again. Until it just becomes a part of who we are. Okay. So today, that's a general idea. Is this a new idea? Well, maybe it is. No, it's not. Okay. Not to some. All right. This is maybe a repeat idea. Okay. But it takes intentionality. And we kind of have to do it on purpose." [44:08] (50 seconds)
5. "One of the ways of Jesus is sacrificial love. Period. core to who he is. It's the very reason he came. To love you. To love me. And it's purely sacrificial because we didn't deserve it. We don't earn it. And over and over again he models what it looks like. Even though he is the Messiah. He's the most important person to have existed in all of time. And yet he sacrifices in love all the time." [45:05] (40 seconds)
6. "So I say that. Why? Because what Jesus is modeling for us again. And coming to us today. It's counter cultural. Big time. To say now. Even more so than ever. It's actually life giving to sacrifice yourself in love. Right? You experience a different kind of joy that comes in that. Is that easy? Everybody just shake your head like this. This is the, I think, the universal sign for no. Maybe." [47:09] (31 seconds)
7. "So first thing I said is Jesus way. The ways of Jesus that bring life. Sacrificial love. The second thing I'm going to say is unhurriedness. I don't know if that's a word. But he is unhurried. Because I was listening to a book. Just kind of diving into the ways of Jesus this past week. And it brought together these two words that you see in Jesus. And it's true. It says that he is intentional and interruptible. Because it's true. It's all the time. You see it. Jesus is intentional." [48:19] (31 seconds)
8. "So for us, I don't know if you've experienced this. When you go and you say hi to people and you're like, hey, how you been doing? You're like, oh, we're really good. But we're, are you feeling ashamed? What? Super Thanks, Glenn. You're always going to say it out loud for us because everybody else is like afraid this morning. I don't know if it's because it's convicting, but you've all said it probably in the last week at least once. How you been doing? Oh, really great. But we're busy. It's a good busy though." [49:40] (32 seconds)
9. "Prayer. Time spent in the presence of God. Worship. That's not what I mean, although it's part of it. But regular rhythm. So we see Jesus all the time taking these moments to get away to a quiet place in order to pray. And now, when I say prayer, I need you to understand that this is not just about speaking to God. That could be like prayer. It's like 10% of it. Yes, give voice to your life. I mean, and it's not just about asking for things from God." [51:45] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, you know, I look at that and I'm inspired by a 13-year-old kid, right? To wear out a path and pray for people but also just to pray and to be in the presence of God, so that in moments in time, in that sacred space, he might speak and I might hear the still small voice. And it might bring clarity to what it looks like to live an unhurried life as we see Jesus do it. It might help us and empower us to be sacrificial in our love for other people." [56:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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