Embracing Discontent: A Journey to Deeper Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our sermon series on the 10 stops of spiritual transformation, focusing on stops five and six: religious activity and discontent. These stops are not prescriptive steps but rather a framework to understand our spiritual journey. We began by discussing the importance of religious activities, such as church attendance, Bible study, and personal spiritual disciplines. These activities provide structure and are essential for spiritual growth, but they are not the culmination of our spiritual life. Our ultimate goal is to love God and love people deeply.
We then delved into the concept of discontent that often follows years of religious activity. This discontent is a critical juncture in our spiritual journey. It is a holy discontent, a divine nudge that pushes us to re-evaluate our relationship with God and our spiritual practices. This phase can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it is essential for deeper spiritual growth. We explored the biblical framework for worship and structure as laid out in Exodus, where God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle so that He could dwell among His people. This divine desire to be with us underscores the importance of our spiritual practices but also points to something deeper—a relationship with God that transcends mere rituals.
We also touched on the dangers of getting stuck in religious activity or reverting to indifference. The journey forward involves embracing brokenness and surrender, allowing God to work in our hearts. This process often involves external crises that push us to rely more on God. We concluded by encouraging everyone to trust the journey, embrace the discomfort of discontent, and move forward into deeper spiritual transformation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Religious Activity as a Foundation: Religious activities like church attendance, Bible study, and personal spiritual disciplines are essential for building a strong spiritual foundation. However, they are not the end goal but a means to deepen our relationship with God and others. These activities provide structure and community, which are crucial for spiritual growth. [39:02]
2. Holy Discontent: After years of religious activity, many believers experience a sense of discontent. This holy discontent is a divine nudge, urging us to re-evaluate our spiritual practices and relationship with God. It is a critical juncture that can lead to deeper spiritual growth if we embrace it rather than ignore it. [54:57]
3. The Biblical Framework for Worship: The instructions given to Moses in Exodus for building the tabernacle highlight God's desire to dwell among His people. This framework for worship and structure is essential but should not become an end in itself. It points to a deeper relationship with God that transcends rituals and routines. [43:02]
4. The Danger of Spiritual Complacency: Staying too long in the phase of religious activity can lead to spiritual complacency, where faith becomes a series of routines and rituals. This can result in a spiritual plateau, making it essential to seek deeper, more meaningful experiences with God. [53:34]
5. Embracing Brokenness and Surrender: Moving forward from discontent involves embracing brokenness and surrender. These experiences often come through external crises that push us to rely more on God. This phase is uncomfortable but necessary for true spiritual transformation and deeper intimacy with God. [59:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:01] - Introduction to the 10 Stops of Spiritual Transformation
[36:03] - The Framework of Spiritual Growth
[37:05] - Ignorance of Sin and Growing Awareness
[38:09] - Religious Activity: Structure and Practice
[39:02] - Personal and Corporate Religious Activities
[40:50] - Biblical Framework for Worship
[43:02] - God's Desire to Dwell Among Us
[45:17] - Specific Instructions for Worship
[46:52] - The Importance of Sabbath
[48:18] - The Draw to Structure and Worship
[49:28] - The Hunger for Spiritual Growth
[50:48] - The Danger of Staying Too Long in Religious Activity
[52:37] - The Crisis of Discontent
[53:34] - Holy Discontent and Spiritual Numbness
[54:57] - The Season of Holy Discontent
[56:30] - The Church's Response to Discontent
[57:34] - Moving Forward or Reverting Back
[58:57] - The Role of Brokenness and Surrender
[59:53] - God's Work in Our Hearts
[01:01:02] - The Church and Its Challenges
[01:02:24] - Questions of Spiritual Hunger
[01:03:33] - The Church's Positive Impact
[01:05:20] - The Mountaintop Experience
[01:07:11] - The Deeper Message of Jesus
[01:08:12] - Embracing Discontent and Moving Forward
[01:09:22] - Encouragement to Trust the Journey
[01:10:43] - Closing Prayer and Communion Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 25:8 - "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst."
2. Exodus 24:15-18 - "Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights."
3. Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus.
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:8? How does this reflect God's desire for His relationship with His people? ([43:02])
2. In Exodus 24:15-18, what was the significance of Moses spending forty days and nights on the mountain with God? How did this time prepare him for the instructions he received? ([41:56])
3. Describe the experience of Peter, John, and James during the Transfiguration of Jesus in Luke 9:28-36. How did they initially respond to this divine encounter? ([01:06:15])
4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of religious activities that provide structure for spiritual growth? ([39:02])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:8 symbolize the deeper relationship God desires with His people beyond mere rituals? ([43:02])
2. Reflecting on Moses' forty days on the mountain (Exodus 24:15-18), what can we learn about the importance of setting aside dedicated time for God in our own spiritual journeys? ([41:56])
3. In Luke 9:28-36, why do you think Peter wanted to build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah? What does this reveal about human tendencies to institutionalize spiritual experiences? ([01:06:15])
4. The sermon mentions a "holy discontent" that believers may experience after years of religious activity. How can this discontent serve as a divine nudge towards deeper spiritual growth? ([54:57])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own religious activities such as church attendance, Bible study, and personal spiritual disciplines. How can you ensure these activities are deepening your relationship with God rather than becoming mere routines? ([39:02])
2. Have you ever experienced a "holy discontent" in your spiritual life? How did you respond to it, and what steps can you take to embrace this discomfort for deeper spiritual growth? ([54:57])
3. The sermon warns against the danger of spiritual complacency. What are some signs that you might be becoming spiritually complacent, and how can you actively seek more meaningful experiences with God? ([53:34])
4. In what ways can you embrace brokenness and surrender in your life, especially during times of external crises? How can these experiences draw you closer to God? ([59:53])
5. Think about the structure and practices of your current worship and church activities. How can you balance the importance of these structures with the need for a deeper, more personal relationship with God? ([43:02])
6. How can you support others in your small group or church community who might be experiencing spiritual discontent? What practical steps can you take to encourage them to move forward in their spiritual journey? ([56:30])
7. Reflect on the Transfiguration story in Luke 9:28-36. How can you avoid the tendency to institutionalize spiritual experiences and instead focus on the deeper message and transformation that Jesus offers? ([01:06:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation
Religious activities like church attendance, Bible study, and personal spiritual disciplines are essential for building a strong spiritual foundation. These activities provide structure and community, which are crucial for spiritual growth. However, they are not the end goal but a means to deepen our relationship with God and others. Engaging in these practices helps us to stay grounded in our faith and connected to the body of Christ.
While these activities are important, it is essential to remember that they are not the culmination of our spiritual life. Our ultimate goal is to love God and love people deeply. By participating in religious activities, we create a framework that supports our spiritual journey and helps us grow closer to God and one another. [39:02]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you use your participation in religious activities to deepen your relationship with God and others this week?
Day 2: Embracing Holy Discontent
After years of religious activity, many believers experience a sense of discontent. This holy discontent is a divine nudge, urging us to re-evaluate our spiritual practices and relationship with God. It is a critical juncture that can lead to deeper spiritual growth if we embrace it rather than ignore it. This phase can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it is essential for moving forward in our spiritual journey.
Holy discontent pushes us to seek more meaningful experiences with God and to question whether our current practices are truly drawing us closer to Him. It is an invitation to go beyond the surface and explore the depths of our faith. By embracing this discontent, we open ourselves up to the possibility of profound spiritual transformation. [54:57]
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel a sense of holy discontent? How can you embrace this feeling and seek deeper growth?
Day 3: Understanding the Biblical Framework for Worship
The instructions given to Moses in Exodus for building the tabernacle highlight God's desire to dwell among His people. This framework for worship and structure is essential but should not become an end in itself. It points to a deeper relationship with God that transcends rituals and routines. The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people, reminding them of His desire to be close to them.
While the structure and rituals of worship are important, they should lead us to a more profound connection with God. The ultimate goal is to experience His presence and grow in our relationship with Him. By understanding the biblical framework for worship, we can appreciate the significance of our spiritual practices and strive for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. [43:02]
Exodus 25:8-9 (ESV): "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it."
Reflection: How can you move beyond the rituals and routines of worship to experience a deeper connection with God?
Day 4: Avoiding Spiritual Complacency
Staying too long in the phase of religious activity can lead to spiritual complacency, where faith becomes a series of routines and rituals. This can result in a spiritual plateau, making it essential to seek deeper, more meaningful experiences with God. Complacency can cause us to lose our passion for God and become indifferent to our spiritual growth.
To avoid spiritual complacency, we must continually seek new ways to connect with God and challenge ourselves to grow in our faith. This may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, trying new spiritual practices, or seeking guidance from others. By actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God, we can prevent our faith from becoming stagnant and continue to grow spiritually. [53:34]
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: What steps can you take to avoid spiritual complacency and continue growing in your faith?
Day 5: Embracing Brokenness and Surrender
Moving forward from discontent involves embracing brokenness and surrender. These experiences often come through external crises that push us to rely more on God. This phase is uncomfortable but necessary for true spiritual transformation and deeper intimacy with God. By acknowledging our brokenness and surrendering to God, we allow Him to work in our hearts and bring about lasting change.
Embracing brokenness and surrender requires humility and a willingness to let go of our own desires and control. It is through this process that we can experience God's grace and power in our lives. By trusting in His plan and allowing Him to guide us, we can move forward in our spiritual journey and grow closer to Him. [59:53]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace brokenness and surrender to God? How can you begin this process today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our mission at St. John's Church is to know God and or is to love God and love people, period. And that's really the mission, too, and the vision of the spiritual journey, this journey of transformation. The last two stops are an incredible love for God and incredible love for people. And so that's our target. That's where we're going." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's heart from the beginning and continues to this day is to dwell with us, is to be with us. And as we peek over into stop nine, we'll talk about in two weeks, stop nine is that intense love of God. God loves us so much and he wants us to experience him and God wants to be with us." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's something innate within us, as creatures, as humans, that we want to worship. We need, we want to find something. And what happens is Moses comes down the mountain in this next chapter. What does he find? After spending 40 days, he comes down and he looks at all the people. And people, already, they have cast aside God, and they've built for themselves a golden calf, and they're worshiping something else." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's mission for the church is to make the world a better place. And the problem. The problem in any organization, in any institution, you have power and control. And when that power and control take over, yeah, it becomes problematic. And that is, I think, what's wrong with the world is that desire, that longing for power and control. And the church is susceptible to that. But the church isn't the problem. It's the people who have hijacked the church." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think when we experience Jesus in a way like that, our instinct is to try to build a tabernacle, to establish routine, to establish some kind of worship. There's a deeper message there that Jesus is like, no, just, this isn't the end. That's not the point. Experience that, but don't stay there." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Stop one is an ignorance of sin. An ignorance of the problem of evil. We talked about that two weeks ago and we talked about sin. And sin is a reality that is around us that we all live in. Stop two then is you become aware that there's a problem, but you're indifferent to it. You don't care too much about it. You begin to be aware of it, but that's where it ends. Stop three. Stop four is then you become concerned. You have a growing concern for this problem. And then stop four is confession and is repentance. It's when we come to faith in Jesus. We ask Jesus to forgive us." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "After years of involvement in the Christian faith, most people slip into a spiritual coma. Their faith becomes a series of rituals, routines, recitations, rules, relationships, and responsibilities. Without noticing it, their spiritual goals also slip into a more relaxed state. So they're no longer stretching their faith muscles and pushing themselves to explore and master new. Rather than sustaining their passion for getting closer to God, they become comfortable with their spiritual experience." (66 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "After spending time in religious activity, after spending time in that stop, we find that our soul becomes discontent. We get caught up in the rituals and the practices. These are important, but there's still this hole inside of us. So this holy discontent is most likely instigated by God to jar them into re-evaluating what they want from Him and from life. It's a major decision point for the believers who get this far along the journey. And it's at this point in their pilgrimage that they must make some monumentous, glorious choices." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think, stop five, religious activity and how we practice our faith. I think we need to caution ourself that if we stay in this stop for too long, our heart can get cold. But if we don't stay in it long enough, I think we lack a foundation. There's something that happens here. And I do think 10 years is a good mark. And there's Christian education that happens here. We learn about God." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to encourage us this morning to continue to ask these questions. And in this crisis, don't quickly gloss over it. But I think it's important for us to spend time in the tension. When people say the church is what's wrong with the world today. I love the church. And I strongly believe that the church is also what's right with the world today." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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