Embracing an Adventurous Life of Faith in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Life Out of the Ordinary

Following Jesus means living a life that is counter-cultural and out of the ordinary. Our priorities shift from worldly achievements to seeking God's pleasure. This life is marked by different choices and values that set us apart from the world. Jesus calls us to a life that is not about conforming to societal norms but about living with a higher purpose. This means making decisions that may seem strange or radical to others but are aligned with God's will. It is a life that is deeply fulfilling because it is rooted in divine purpose rather than fleeting worldly success. [01:23:45]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel pressured to conform to societal norms? How can you shift your focus to seek God's pleasure in that area today?

Day 2: Multiplying Joy

The full-strength life in Christ multiplies joy. It is filled with opportunities to do good and to experience the joy that comes from serving others and living out God's purpose. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing and following Jesus. When we live for Christ, our joy is not just for ourselves but is shared and multiplied as we impact others positively. This kind of joy is resilient and enduring, even in the face of challenges, because it is rooted in our relationship with Jesus. [01:26:31]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to serve someone. How did it impact your sense of joy? How can you seek out more opportunities to serve others this week?

Day 3: Embracing the Unknown

Living a life of faith often means stepping into unfamiliar territory. We may not always know the plan, but we trust in God's guidance. This requires faith and a willingness to follow where He leads, even when the path is not clear. Embracing the unknown can be daunting, but it is also where we experience growth and see God's hand at work in our lives. Trusting God in these moments strengthens our faith and deepens our reliance on Him. [01:29:28]

Isaiah 42:16 (ESV): "And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel uncertain about the future? How can you actively trust God to guide you in that area today?

Day 4: Facing Perilous Situations

The adventurous life in Christ can sometimes be perilous. We may face persecution, rejection, or other challenges, but we are assured that God is with us. This life is not without its hazards, but it is a life that is deeply fulfilling and eternal. Facing perilous situations with faith allows us to experience God's protection and provision in profound ways. It also strengthens our character and deepens our trust in Him. [01:33:44]

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

Reflection: Recall a time when you faced a difficult situation because of your faith. How did you see God's presence and provision during that time? How can this experience encourage you to face future challenges with faith?

Day 5: Seeking True Satisfaction

True satisfaction comes from a relationship with Jesus. The world's offerings may provide temporary pleasure, but only Jesus can satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. We are encouraged to seek the abundant life that He offers, a life that is rich, satisfying, and eternal. This means prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else and finding our fulfillment in Him rather than in material possessions or worldly achievements. [01:45:15]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking satisfaction outside of your relationship with Jesus? How can you refocus your heart to find true satisfaction in Him today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of living a life of adventure through the lens of faith. Reflecting on the summer's activities and adventures, we delved into what it means to live a life that Jesus calls us to—a life that is full, abundant, and adventurous. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." This full-strength life is not about material abundance but about a deep, satisfying, and adventurous existence that aligns with God's purpose for us.

We discussed how Jesus' invitation to follow Him is an invitation to a life that is out of the ordinary, filled with joy, unfamiliar paths, and sometimes perilous situations. This life is not about conforming to the world's standards but about living with different priorities, seeking God's pleasure, and experiencing the joy that comes from doing good and following His lead.

We also examined the context of John 10:10, where Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus offers a life that is rich and satisfying, a life that is abundant and overflowing. This life is not without its challenges, but it is a life that is deeply fulfilling and eternal.

We were reminded that following Jesus is not a mundane or boring endeavor. It is an adventure that requires stepping into the unknown, trusting in God's guidance, and sometimes facing perilous situations. Yet, it is a life that promises eternal joy and satisfaction. We were encouraged to embrace this adventurous life, to not be easily satisfied with the world's offerings, and to seek the abundant life that Jesus provides.

###

Key Takeaways

1. cultural and out of the ordinary. Our priorities shift from worldly achievements to seeking God's pleasure. This life is marked by different choices and values that set us apart from the world. [01:23:45]
2. Multiplying Joy: The full-strength life in Christ multiplies joy. It is filled with opportunities to do good and to experience the joy that comes from serving others and living out God's purpose. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing and following Jesus.

3. Embracing the Unknown: Living a life of faith often means stepping into unfamiliar territory. We may not always know the plan, but we trust in God's guidance. This requires faith and a willingness to follow where He leads, even when the path is not clear.

4. Facing Perilous Situations: The adventurous life in Christ can sometimes be perilous. We may face persecution, rejection, or other challenges, but we are assured that God is with us. This life is not without its hazards, but it is a life that is deeply fulfilling and eternal.

5. Seeking True Satisfaction: True satisfaction comes from a relationship with Jesus. The world's offerings may provide temporary pleasure, but only Jesus can satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. We are encouraged to seek the abundant life that He offers, a life that is rich, satisfying, and eternal.

### [83:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[63:19] - Summer Recap and Adventures
[64:42] - Definition of Adventure
[66:13] - Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains
[67:38] - Adventures in Alaska
[69:15] - Jesus' Invitation to Full Life
[70:41] - Context of John 10:10
[72:04] - Pharisees Missing the Miracle
[73:31] - Jesus' Correction to the Pharisees
[75:02] - Abundant Life Explained
[76:19] - Too Easily Satisfied
[79:27] - Seeking True Life
[82:20] - Full Strength Life as Adventure
[83:45] - Life Out of the Ordinary
[86:31] - Multiplying Joy
[89:28] - Embracing the Unknown
[93:44] - Facing Perilous Situations
[105:15] - Seeking True Satisfaction
[106:45] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[108:18] - Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to John 10:10, what are the contrasting purposes of the thief and Jesus? How does Jesus describe the life He offers? [01:13:31]
In 1 John 2:15-17, what are the three things the world offers that are contrasted with the love of the Father?
How does Isaiah 42:16 describe God's guidance for His people? What promises does He make about leading them?

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to live a "full-strength life" as described in John 10:10? How does this differ from a life focused on material abundance? [01:09:15]
How can the priorities of a Christ-follower, as described in 1 John 2:15-17, set them apart from the world? What does it mean to seek God's pleasure over worldly achievements? [01:23:45]
How does stepping into the unknown and trusting God's guidance, as mentioned in Isaiah 42:16, require faith? What are some practical ways to embrace this in our daily lives? [01:29:28]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt called to live a life "out of the ordinary" for Jesus. How did this experience change your priorities and values? [01:23:45]
The sermon mentioned that the full-strength life in Christ multiplies joy. Can you share an example of how serving others or living out God's purpose has brought you deep joy? [01:26:31]
Living a life of faith often means embracing the unknown. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God's guidance more fully? How can you take a step of faith this week? [01:29:28]
The adventurous life in Christ can sometimes be perilous. Have you faced any challenges or rejections because of your faith? How did you experience God's presence during those times? [01:33:44]
True satisfaction comes from a relationship with Jesus. Identify one way you have been seeking satisfaction from the world. How can you shift your focus to seek the abundant life that Jesus offers? [01:45:15]
The sermon encouraged us to not be easily satisfied with the world's offerings. What is one practical step you can take to deepen your relationship with Jesus and seek His abundant life? [01:17:39]
How can you encourage others in your small group to embrace the adventurous life that Jesus calls us to? Share one way you plan to support someone in their faith journey this week. [01:48:18]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Jesus said, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Everybody say to the full. Come on, say to the full. To the full. So today is all about that full strength life that invites us into." [01:09:15] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus said, follow me. He said, leave it behind and follow me. So if we're going to follow him, what kind of life are we getting into? Well, that's what we want to talk about today." [01:07:38] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus said, I have come to give you life and life to the full. Anybody heard that before? Okay. Heard it before, read it before. Okay. It's a pretty familiar verse, but it's helpful to see the context." [01:10:41] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus said, I have come that you may have life and life to the full, it's talking to these Pharisees. Jesus is correcting them. So how many of you have had to receive correction? I'm going to put up my hand. I don't like it. Anybody like correction?" [01:12:04] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus said, I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly. Everybody say abundantly. Say it like you mean it abundantly. Yeah. Abundantly. And I think of abundance. I think of Thanksgiving. I think of Thanksgiving." [01:15:02] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When they didn't believe the story, you know what they also didn't do is they didn't open the door for miracles to happen in their own lives. They missed it that day. They missed the miracle that God had done." [01:10:41] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We are half-hearted creatures fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy, that joy that Pastor Chandler and Sarah sang about today, and they were jumping about joy. Like, we were jumping for joy, literally. It was amazing." [01:19:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Following Jesus is life at full strength. Following Jesus is life at full strength. Everybody say full strength. It is, again, it is a life that honestly, to me, sounds a lot like adventure." [01:22:20] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The greatest fulfillment of a full strength life is in living for God's pleasure. We just have different priorities. Okay. Things look different. We act different. We, we make different choices. You know, we vote different." [01:25:08] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The full strength life is occupied by the joyfulness that God brings. Here's another way that to me, it looks like adventure is that it's unfamiliar leads us into the unknown. And this is the hardest thing for me, honestly, is that I like things planned out." [01:28:02] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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