Embracing Change: Treasure and Transformation in Christ
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of coming to Jesus just as we are, acknowledging our brokenness and emptiness, and allowing Him to mend and fill us. The speaker emphasized that unlike in some places where we may not feel welcome, we are always welcome in the presence of Jesus Christ. He loves us enough to accept us as we are, but also loves us too much to leave us the way we came. He changes us, molds us, and makes us into His image. The sermon then transitioned to the book of First Timothy, specifically focusing on the dangers and responsibilities of having treasure.
The sermon further delved into the topic of treasure, cautioning against becoming high-minded or placing trust in uncertain riches. The speaker clarified that the sermon was not condemning having treasure, but rather warning of the potential dangers associated with it. He likened it to a child being given a BB gun or a chainsaw - great tools, but potentially dangerous if not handled correctly. The sermon concluded with a reminder that the Bible, though written thousands of years ago, remains relevant today, and that its teachings, such as those on the handling of treasure, are still applicable to our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Acknowledging our brokenness and emptiness is the first step towards healing and fulfillment in Christ. ([16:07])
- God loves us enough to accept us as we are, but also loves us too much to leave us the way we came. He changes us, molds us, and makes us into His image. ([16:46])
- The Bible, though written thousands of years ago, remains relevant today, and its teachings are still applicable to our lives. ([19:09])
- Having treasure is not condemned, but there are potential dangers associated with it that we must be aware of. ([25:58])
- We must be careful not to become high-minded or place our trust in uncertain riches. ([28:50])
Study Guide
Bible Passages:
1. Ephesians 3:20
2. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
3. Matthew 6:19-21
Key Points from the sermon:
1. The importance of guarding the truth and ensuring that what we share is indeed truth.
2. The danger of material wealth and the need to use our resources for God's glory.
3. The power of God to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 3:20 say about God's ability?
2. What instructions are given to the rich in 1 Timothy 6:17-19?
3. What does Matthew 6:19-21 teach about earthly and heavenly treasures?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 3:20 relate to our understanding of God's power and ability?
2. What does 1 Timothy 6:17-19 teach us about the dangers of wealth and the right use of resources?
3. How does Matthew 6:19-21 challenge our perspective on material wealth?
Application Questions:
1. How can we guard the truth in our daily lives and ensure that what we share aligns with God's Word?
2. In what ways can we use our resources for God's glory rather than our own gain?
3. How can we cultivate a mindset that values heavenly treasures over earthly ones?
Devotional
Day 1: Acceptance and Transformation in Christ
We are all flawed and imperfect, yet Christ accepts us as we are. This acceptance is not a license to remain in our imperfections, but an invitation to transformation. Through Christ, we are given the opportunity to change and become more like Him.
Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt accepted by Christ despite your flaws and imperfections. How did that acceptance inspire you to change and become more like Him?
Day 2: The Power of the Holy Spirit Within Us
We often feel powerless in the face of life's challenges. However, as believers, we have the Holy Spirit within us. This power is not our own, but God's, and it can change our perspective on our abilities and the power of God.
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: Can you recall a situation where you felt powerless, but experienced the power of the Holy Spirit working within you? How did that experience change your perspective on your own abilities and the power of God?
Day 3: Stewardship of God's Gifts
God has given each of us unique gifts. These gifts are not for our own benefit, but for the glory of God and the benefit of others. We are called to be good stewards of these gifts.
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: What are some of the gifts God has given you? How are you currently using these gifts to glorify God and benefit others? Are there ways you could improve your stewardship of these gifts?
Day 4: The Danger of Trusting in Riches
Wealth and material possessions can be a source of security, but they are not reliable. Our trust should not be in riches, but in God, who provides for all our needs.
1 Timothy 6:17 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Reflection: Have you ever placed your trust in wealth or material possessions? What was the outcome of that trust? How can you shift your trust from riches to God, who provides for all your needs?
Day 5: The Importance of Guarding the Truth
In a world full of false teachings and misinformation, it is crucial to guard and preserve the truth of God's word. We are called to stand firm against falsehood and faithfully proclaim the gospel.
Ephesians 6:14 - "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."
Reflection: How do you currently guard and preserve the truth of God's word in your life? Are there areas where you could improve in standing firm against false teachings and faithfully proclaiming the gospel?
Quotes
1. "Do you know what our responsibility is to do? Guard the truth. Make sure the truth is still proclaimed rightly and regularly. But understand this, there is some danger regarding truth because people will try to get you to err." - 39:47
2. "One of the things we've learned about money is it goes quick and if you put your hope in that, you're going to be disappointed. It's not wrong to have treasure, what's wrong is placing your hope in it." - 34:18
3. "God says listen, I can do more than you ask but I can also do more than you even think. But how does he do it? The power that worketh in us. And so it's with God's help and with God's grace that we can fulfill this mission." - 46:43
4. "Let's treat these gifts that God has given to us with the care not only that it deserves but that he deserves. One of the things that you know is that if you've put time into something, it hurts your heart when someone destroys it." - 47:52
5. "We can come just as we are but I'm also thankful that when we come just as we are, he loves us enough to not leave us the way we came. And he'll change us and mold us and make us into his image." - 17:22
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