Embracing Dependence: The Power of Community and Faith

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the concept of "cosmic ingratitude," a term introduced by the late Reverend Tim Keller. This term describes the illusion of spiritual self-sufficiency, where individuals believe they can navigate life independently of God. This mindset is a dangerous delusion, as it denies the reality that we are utterly dependent on God's sustaining power. The Apostle Paul, through his life and writings, challenges this notion by emphasizing the importance of relying on God and others.

Our exploration is part of a Lenten series titled "What Did Paul Do?" which examines Paul's life, particularly his sufferings, as a testament to the transformative power of faith. Paul’s life was marked by highs and lows, yet he consistently pointed to Christ as the source of his strength. He urged believers to follow his example only insofar as he followed Christ, highlighting the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in our faith journey.

Western culture often glorifies individualism and self-sufficiency, but this contradicts the biblical teaching of community and interdependence. The fallacy of self-sufficiency is prevalent in our society, where personal autonomy is celebrated. However, Paul’s theology, as seen in 2 Corinthians, reveals that true strength and resilience come from God, not from within ourselves. The dignity of dependence is a profound biblical truth, reminding us that we are created for community and connection.

Paul's life exemplifies God-given sufficiency, where our capabilities and achievements are rooted in divine grace. He acknowledged the contributions of others in his ministry, listing numerous individuals who supported him. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling our God-given purposes.

As we navigate our lives, we are invited to embrace dependence on God and others. This requires a shift in our thinking and behavior, moving away from the cultural narrative of self-reliance. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit. Let us strive to live dependently, recognizing that our true identity and strength are found in our relationship with God and the community He has placed us in.

Key Takeaways:

- Cosmic Ingratitude and Self-Sufficiency: The illusion of self-sufficiency is a dangerous delusion that denies our dependence on God. True spiritual strength comes from acknowledging our need for God’s sustaining power. [03:35]

- Paul's Example of Authenticity: Paul’s life, marked by vulnerability and reliance on Christ, challenges us to embrace authenticity in our faith journey. His invitation to follow him as he follows Christ emphasizes the importance of pointing others to Jesus. [06:23]

- The Fallacy of Self-Sufficiency: Western culture's emphasis on individualism contradicts the biblical teaching of community and interdependence. True strength and resilience are found in God-given sufficiency, not in self-reliance. [10:04]

- The Dignity of Dependence: Embracing dependence on God and others is a profound biblical truth. Our capabilities and achievements are rooted in divine grace, and community is essential for fulfilling our God-given purposes. [12:49]

- Transformation Through Dependence: Shifting from self-reliance to dependence on God requires a change in our thinking and behavior. This transformation opens us to the power of grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live out our true identity in Christ. [19:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:35] - Cosmic Ingratitude Explained
- [06:23] - Paul's Example of Authenticity
- [10:04] - The Fallacy of Self-Sufficiency
- [12:49] - God-Given Sufficiency
- [15:43] - The Dignity of Dependence
- [19:07] - Transformation Through Dependence
- [21:36] - The Illusion of Self-Reliance
- [24:30] - Paul's Transparent Dependence
- [29:02] - Prayer for Dependence and Trust

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
2. 2 Corinthians 4:7 - "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
3. Genesis 2:18 - "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'"

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "cosmic ingratitude" mean, and how does it relate to the concept of self-sufficiency? [03:35]

2. How does Paul’s life exemplify the idea of God-given sufficiency rather than self-sufficiency? [12:49]

3. In what ways does Western culture's emphasis on individualism contradict the biblical teaching of community and interdependence? [10:04]

4. How does Paul acknowledge the contributions of others in his ministry, and why is this significant? [24:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 11:1 challenge the notion of self-sufficiency in the context of Christian discipleship? [06:23]

2. What does the metaphor of "jars of clay" in 2 Corinthians 4:7 suggest about human weakness and divine strength? [10:04]

3. How does the creation narrative in Genesis 2:18 inform our understanding of human interdependence and community? [12:49]

4. How does the sermon suggest that embracing dependence on God and others can lead to personal transformation? [19:07]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strength rather than seeking God's help. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently now? [19:07]

2. In what areas of your life do you struggle with the illusion of self-sufficiency? How can you begin to shift your mindset towards dependence on God and community? [21:36]

3. Consider the people who have supported you in your faith journey. How can you acknowledge and express gratitude for their contributions this week? [24:30]

4. How can you cultivate a more authentic and vulnerable faith, following Paul's example of pointing others to Christ? [06:23]

5. Identify a specific way you can engage more deeply with your community or church to foster interdependence and support. What steps will you take to make this happen? [10:04]

6. How can you incorporate the practice of acknowledging your limitations and seeking God's strength in your daily routine? [15:43]

7. Reflect on the cultural messages you receive about independence and self-reliance. How can you counter these messages with biblical truths in your life? [21:36]

Devotional

Day 1: The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
The concept of "cosmic ingratitude" highlights the dangerous delusion of believing in our own self-sufficiency. This mindset denies our inherent dependence on God, who is the source of all life and strength. In a world that often glorifies independence, it is crucial to recognize that true spiritual strength comes from acknowledging our need for God's sustaining power. By understanding this, we can begin to dismantle the illusion of self-reliance and embrace a life rooted in divine dependence. [03:35]

Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been relying solely on your own strength? How can you begin to invite God into these areas today?


Day 2: Authenticity in Following Christ
Paul's life serves as a powerful example of authenticity and vulnerability in the Christian journey. Despite his sufferings and challenges, he consistently pointed to Christ as his source of strength. Paul encouraged believers to follow his example only as he followed Christ, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in our faith journey. By embracing vulnerability and relying on Christ, we can lead others to Jesus through our genuine faith. [06:23]

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: How can you practice authenticity in your faith journey this week? What steps can you take to be more vulnerable with God and others?


Day 3: The Strength of Community
Western culture often emphasizes individualism and self-sufficiency, which contradicts the biblical teaching of community and interdependence. True strength and resilience are found in God-given sufficiency, not in self-reliance. By embracing the dignity of dependence, we acknowledge that our capabilities and achievements are rooted in divine grace. Community is essential for fulfilling our God-given purposes, and we are called to support and uplift one another in our faith journeys. [10:04]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support or encouragement today? How can you contribute to the strength of your community?


Day 4: Embracing Dependence on God
The dignity of dependence is a profound biblical truth that calls us to embrace our reliance on God and others. Our capabilities and achievements are rooted in divine grace, and community is essential for fulfilling our God-given purposes. By shifting our mindset from self-reliance to dependence on God, we open ourselves to the transformative power of grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit. This shift requires a change in our thinking and behavior, allowing us to live out our true identity in Christ. [12:49]

Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV): "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to depend on God? How can you begin to trust Him more fully in this area?


Day 5: Transformation Through Dependence
Shifting from self-reliance to dependence on God requires a change in our thinking and behavior. This transformation opens us to the power of grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live out our true identity in Christ. By embracing our dependence on God and others, we can experience the transformative power of faith and live a life that reflects our relationship with God and the community He has placed us in. [19:07]

Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: How can you actively practice dependence on God in your daily life? What changes can you make to align your actions with this mindset?

Quotes

"What is cosmic ingratitude? It's a term that was originally coined by Reverend Tim Keller, who has since passed on. It defines cosmic ingratitude as living in the illusion that you are spiritually self-sufficient. It is taking credit for something that was simply a gift. It is the belief that you know best how to live and that you have the power and ability to keep your life on the right path and protect yourself from danger. That is a delusion, and it is a dangerous one. In fact, none of us created ourselves, and we can't keep our lives going one second without God's upholding power." [00:09:23]

"Paul's theology, and it's a deep element in the gospel itself, is found in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 and verses 7. He writes, 'But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.' His resilience did not derive from a stoic stubbornness, but rather from beyond himself. Self-sufficiency, in other words, is not the target down the path to aspire to, but an illusion to be avoided." [00:06:46]

"The Bible teaches us that it's not good for us to be alone. We need others. God himself made that pronouncement at creation after he created the first man. Genesis chapter 2, verses 18. The Lord God said, 'It's not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.' Now, while that verse may refer to the idea of Adam needing a mate, in a broader sense, God is making a profound social, emotional, and physical statement. That is, it is never good for us to be on our own. We all need others. We all need community." [00:07:52]

"Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3, verses 5 to 6, I'm reading from the ESV, 'Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be the ministers of a new covenant. Not of the letter, but of the Spirit.' Now I hear the same messages you hear. In fact, you just have to turn on your TV and almost every single message that comes to you is telling you that we are to work towards financial, relational, physical, and emotional independence." [00:12:59]

"In Christ, self-sufficiency is fruitless. It's even counterproductive. It leaves no room for grace, for mercy, or the Holy Spirit, or even salvation. The self-sufficient person needs no savior. But to call ourselves believers means that we know the limitations of our human nature. We understand and confess that our hearts are indeed deceitful. We are compelled by sin and we are weak in our flesh." [00:14:15]

"Paul underscores this again in his letter to the Corinthian church when he writes, 'But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is within me.' Even when we work our tails off to get things done, whether it is in ministry, whether it's our job or our family life, it is still the grace of God that gives us the steadfastness to see that work through." [00:15:19]

"Paul models self-sufficiency, rather models God-sufficiency in his life and ministry, and in 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 where we just read, he is giving a defense of his apostleship, but he makes it clear that he's only sufficient to the extent that he relies on God. In fact, he repeatedly appeals to the blessing of others. While understanding the concept of self-sufficiency or sufficiency from God may be complicated, leaving it out is more strenuous." [00:16:10]

"Undoing self-sufficiency is often a painful and prolonged process. It can be confusing to unravel previously held beliefs and challenge what we understood as our idea of control. But the Holy Spirit is our helper in this life of transformation. And remember it's not our education, it's not our money, our strength, our experience or even our talent that has influence in the matters of heaven. It is our faith and our belief in grace, mercy, forgiveness and the love of God that grants us access to the benefits of his kingdom." [00:18:26]

"Paul's stories of his own hardship invite us to look through the cross and see self-sufficiency not as a goal but as an illusion to be avoided. Paul models a transparent dependence on God as the source of our strength and by extension dependence on others. It does not diminish our humanity any more than the dependence of Jesus on the cross with his mouth parched and body broken was a sign that he was any less divine." [00:24:30]

"John Stott describes dependence as the most characteristic attitude for the radical disciple. Think about that, the most characteristic attitude for the radical disciple. And he ended his meditation about Christ with this quote: 'Christ himself takes on the dignity of dependence. He is born a baby totally dependent on the care of his mother. He needs to be fed, he needs his bottom to be wiped, he needs to be propped up when he rolls over, and yet he never loses his divine dignity.'" [00:25:59]

"Now whether I'm a fan of selfies or not, I'm left with an important question to consider. How just three questions to consider and I want to submit this to your consideration as well. Do the stories I share point to my own self-sufficiency or my reliance on God who raises the dead beginning with Christ? Do I collude with a culture that teaches me that I should be proudly autonomous or do I make it clear that I'm dependent on God and others to keep me going each day?" [00:28:17]

"Help us to forsake the illusion of our competency, to know our limits and cast ourselves on you, the God who raises the dead, beginning with Jesus Christ. Thank you for the gift of Paul's story, an apostle of grace who boasted in his weakness that Jesus might be the hero. Thank you for the motive, a lover of God who was utterly dependent on the God he loved. We want to be much more like Paul in his imitation of you." [00:28:22]

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Transcript
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