Embracing Authenticity: The Call of Philip and Nathanael

Devotional

Day 1: Availability and Authenticity Over Perfection

Jesus values our availability and authenticity more than our perfection. He calls us to be present and real with Him, bringing our true selves, including our fears and anxieties, so that He can work in and through us. In a world that often demands perfection and encourages us to wear masks, Jesus invites us to come as we are. He knows the real us and loves us completely. The challenge is to examine whether we are truly available to God and if we are presenting our genuine selves to Him. When we do, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives. [10:00]

"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you wearing a mask, and how can you begin to present your true self to God today?

Day 2: God Chooses the Unlikely

Philip and Nathanael's stories remind us that God often chooses those who seem unlikely or overlooked by the world. Their willingness to seek and follow Jesus despite their humble beginnings is a testament to God's ability to use anyone for His purposes. This truth encourages us to trust that God sees potential in us, even when we or others do not. It is not about our qualifications but about our willingness to be used by Him. God delights in using the unlikely to accomplish His extraordinary plans. [48:59]

"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are." (1 Corinthians 1:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked or unlikely to be chosen. How can you trust God to use you in unexpected ways today?

Day 3: Embracing the Supernatural

Philip's encounter with Jesus during the feeding of the 5,000 challenges us to think beyond the natural and embrace the supernatural. When faced with seemingly impossible tasks, we are invited to trust in God's power and provision. This requires a shift in perspective, moving from a mindset of limitation to one of faith in God's limitless possibilities. By embracing the supernatural, we open ourselves to witnessing God's miraculous work in our lives and the lives of others. [01:02:40]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one seemingly impossible situation you are facing today, and how can you invite God to work supernaturally in it?

Day 4: The Value of Authenticity

Nathanael's genuine nature was recognized and valued by Jesus. In a world that often rewards pretense, being authentic can be a breath of fresh air and a powerful witness to others. Authenticity involves being honest about who we are, including our struggles and doubts. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and to be used by God in meaningful ways. Jesus values authenticity because it reflects a heart that is open and sincere before Him. [57:18]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice authenticity in your relationships today, and what impact might it have on those around you?

Day 5: God Sees and Knows Us

Jesus knows the real us, beyond the facades we present to the world. He loves us completely and invites us to trust Him with our true selves, promising to reveal His plans and purposes in our lives. This assurance gives us the freedom to be vulnerable and honest with God, knowing that we are fully known and fully loved. As we trust Him with our true selves, we can experience the depth of His love and the fullness of His plans for us. [01:11:42]

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways." (Psalm 139:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your trust in God's knowledge and love for you today, and how might this change your relationship with Him?

Sermon Summary

Grace and peace to you all. Today, we delved into the lives of two lesser-known disciples, Philip and Nathanael, exploring their unique qualities and what they teach us about following Jesus. These two men, like many of us, were not the most prominent or the most skilled, but they were chosen by Jesus because of their availability and authenticity. Jesus is not looking for perfection; He is looking for those who are willing to be real and present with Him.

Philip and Nathanael hailed from humble beginnings, yet they were seekers of truth, deeply engaged in spiritual conversations and eager to find the Messiah. Their story reminds us that God often chooses the unlikely and the overlooked to fulfill His purposes. Philip, known for his logistical mindset, was challenged by Jesus to think beyond the natural and embrace the supernatural. Nathanael, on the other hand, was praised for his authenticity, a rare quality that Jesus valued deeply.

The heart of the message today is a call to examine our own availability and authenticity before God. In a world that constantly demands our attention and often encourages us to wear masks, Jesus invites us to come as we are, with all our strengths and weaknesses. He knows the real us and loves us completely. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we truly available to God, and are we presenting our genuine selves to Him?

As we reflect on the lives of Philip and Nathanael, we are encouraged to seek God with all our hearts, trusting that He sees us and knows us. When we do, He promises to reveal a world beyond our imagination, a world where His supernatural power is at work. May we have the courage to be real, to be available, and to follow Him with boldness and faith.

Key Takeaways

1. Availability and Authenticity: Jesus values availability and authenticity over perfection. He calls us to be present and real with Him, bringing our true selves, including our fears and anxieties, so that He can work in and through us. [10:00]
2. God Chooses the Unlikely: Philip and Nathanael's stories remind us that God often chooses those who seem unlikely or overlooked by the world. Their willingness to seek and follow Jesus despite their humble beginnings is a testament to God's ability to use anyone for His purposes. [48:59]
3. Thinking Supernaturally: Philip's encounter with Jesus during the feeding of the 5,000 challenges us to think beyond the natural and embrace the supernatural. When faced with seemingly impossible tasks, we are invited to trust in God's power and provision. [62:40]
4. The Value of Authenticity: Nathanael's genuine nature was recognized and valued by Jesus. In a world that often rewards pretense, being authentic can be a breath of fresh air and a powerful witness to others. [57:18]
5. God Sees and Knows Us: Jesus knows the real us, beyond the facades we present to the world. He loves us completely and invites us to trust Him with our true selves, promising to reveal His plans and purposes in our lives. [01:11:42]
** [71:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the Series
[02:00] - Grace and Peace
[03:15] - Focus on John Chapter One
[05:00] - Philip and Nathanael: Background
[07:30] - Jesus' Criteria: Availability and Authenticity
[10:00] - The Call to Be Real
[12:00] - The Galilean Disciples
[15:00] - Seeking the Messiah
[20:00] - Nathanael's Authenticity
[25:00] - Philip's Practical Mindset
[30:00] - Thinking Supernaturally
[35:00] - Jesus Knows the Real You
[40:00] - The Bigger Picture
[45:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading
- John 1:43-51
- John 6:5-7
- John 14:6-9

Observation Questions

What qualities did Jesus value in Philip and Nathanael according to the sermon? [49:33]
How did Philip respond when Jesus called him to follow, and what was his immediate action afterward? [54:35]
What was Nathanael's initial reaction to hearing about Jesus from Nazareth, and how did Jesus respond to Nathanael's authenticity? [57:18]
In the feeding of the 5,000, what was Philip's initial reaction to Jesus' question about feeding the crowd? [01:02:40]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Jesus have chosen to call disciples like Philip and Nathanael, who were not the most prominent or skilled? [49:33]
How does Nathanael's authenticity serve as a model for believers in a world that often rewards pretense? [57:18]
What does Philip's logistical mindset during the feeding of the 5,000 teach us about the importance of thinking supernaturally? [01:02:40]
How does Jesus' interaction with Philip in John 14:6-9 illustrate the importance of seeing the bigger picture in our faith journey?

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are you truly available to God, or are there distractions that take precedence over your spiritual growth? How can you make more time for God this week? [49:33]
In what ways can you practice authenticity in your relationship with God and others? Identify one area where you can be more genuine. [57:18]
Think of a situation where you are facing a seemingly impossible task. How can you shift your perspective to think supernaturally and trust in God's provision? [01:02:40]
How can you cultivate a heart that seeks God with the same eagerness as Philip and Nathanael? What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual conversations? [54:35]
Consider a time when you were so focused on the details that you missed the bigger picture. How can you ensure that you are paying attention to what God is doing in your life? [01:02:40]
Identify a person in your life who may feel overlooked or unlikely to be chosen by God. How can you encourage them and share the message that God sees and knows them completely? [49:33]
Reflect on the sermon’s message about God knowing the real you. What fears or anxieties do you need to bring to God, trusting that He loves you completely? [01:11:42]

Sermon Clips

And it's not that Jesus' standards weren't, it's not that they were low at all. They were actually pretty high, because the first trade he looked for in these disciples, really any follower, was first availability. And even still, I would have to ask us, how available are we? [00:46:42] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

How available are we? In a world that wants to take your time, your money, every passing moment, how available do we make ourselves for God? How much time do we give to the world? And how much time do we give to our Father? Availability is the first. Second thing that he looks for is authenticity. [00:47:01] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

And when Jesus asks you to follow, he's asking you to follow him. He doesn't want the plastic, I'll do whatever I have to do to succeed version of you. He wants you. Nothing but you. He wants your strengths. He wants your weaknesses. He wants your fears, your anxiety. He wants you. [00:47:35] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

Nathaniel was a genuine human being. He was who he was. And when Philip approached him, he told him that they had found the Messiah. And he does it in a way, you can read this later, he does it in a way that's not saying, oh, hey, Nathaniel, I found someone who can give you what you need for the rest of your life. [00:54:35] (19 seconds) Edit Clip

He says, just because you're born into Abraham doesn't mean you're real Israel. Israel are those people who believes in the Messiah of God. And so anyways, in this very beginning, before Nathanael even makes a declaration, Jesus says, there is a true Israelite, not a false bone in his body. [00:56:05] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

And I think Jesus was moved by this rare moment of authenticity in a person. And so Nathaniel responded to Jesus he says how how do you know me Nathaniel asked and Jesus answered well I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you now as a reader or a hearer we don't really have anything more to go on here. [00:57:30] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

Now Philip was real too but a little different okay I can see how these two might have been really good friends they're uh two separate moments that kind of give us a glimpse into who Philip was and why I think his story is oftentimes our story now last week we talked about how Jesus fed the 5 000. [01:02:44] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

If Philip said it was an impossible task the rest of them would know this is an impossible task so then they'd have to start thinking outside the box a little bit they were to stop thinking naturally and now they were to start thinking supernaturally have you ever been to that place where you know something that you really feel God's calling you to do or something you really hope you just can't you think this cannot be done naturally. [01:08:04] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

Now these two disciples were never really in the headlines. They aren't really the disciples most people recognize, but they do show that God calls us. He calls all of us and he sees all of us. He's interested in you, the real you. And he wants you to know that he sees the real you. He sees you, he knows you completely, and he loves you still completely. [01:10:34] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

Because I think if you are, then you're going to find him. And more importantly, he will see you. He will find you. And when he does find you, show him your whole real self, fears and all. And I think if you do, what he's going to do is he's going to show you a world beyond anything that you could have imagined, a world beyond anything you could hold or behold. [01:11:28] (28 seconds) Edit Clip