Embracing God's Design: Faith, Rest, and Identity

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truths of God's design for our lives and the rest that comes from embracing His will. We explored the mystery of why God's design is hidden from some and revealed to others, and the importance of approaching God with childlike faith. We were reminded that true human flourishing is not found in scientific advancement or material success, but in understanding and receiving God's design by faith in Christ. This faith is not a mere intellectual assent but a transformation of the heart that leads to changed behaviors.We reflected on the perfect love of our Heavenly Father, who, unlike earthly parents, has never failed humanity. We were encouraged to reach up to Him in faith, trusting that He is always there to guide and support us. We also discussed the dangers of trying to control our own lives and the futility of striving for salvation through our own efforts. Instead, we are called to lay down our burdens at the feet of Jesus, who offers us a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light.The story of my own youthful mistake, wrecking my father's new truck, served as a powerful illustration of our human tendency to run from our problems and attempt to fix things on our own. Yet, just as my earthly father welcomed me with open arms, our Heavenly Father invites us to come to Him with our brokenness, offering forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ.Key Takeaways:- God's design for our lives is not always immediately apparent, but it is revealed to those who approach Him with the humility and trust of a child. We must be willing to let go of our own understanding and control, embracing the wisdom and guidance of our Heavenly Father. [53:48]- True rest is found not in the absence of work, but in the cessation of striving for our own salvation. It is a gift from God, received through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This rest transforms our hearts and leads to a life of obedience and joy in the Lord. [01:00:43]- The yoke of Christ is not a burden but a means of learning and growth. As we are yoked to Him, we learn His ways and find that His commands are not burdensome but the path to true freedom and peace. [01:02:16]- Our identity as children of God is not based on our achievements or failures but on the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This identity frees us from the need to prove ourselves and allows us to live in the security of God's unconditional love. [49:16]- The invitation to come to Jesus is open to all, regardless of past mistakes or current struggles. In Him, we find forgiveness, healing, and the strength to face life's challenges with confidence and hope. [01:09:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Childlike Faith in God's DesignGod's design for our lives is often shrouded in mystery, yet it unfolds to those who approach Him with the innocence and trust of a child. This childlike faith is not about naivety; it's about humility and a willingness to submit to a wisdom greater than our own. It's about letting go of the illusion of control and embracing the truth that our understanding is limited. When we relinquish our plans and trust in God's design, we find that His ways are higher than ours, and His plans are crafted with an eternal perspective in mind. This faith requires us to step beyond the boundaries of our intellect and to trust in the character of God, who is both sovereign and loving. It is in this posture of trust that the complexities of God's design begin to make sense, and His purposes for our lives are revealed [53:48].Matthew 11:25-26 (ESV)"At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'"Reflection: How can you practice letting go of your own understanding today to embrace God's design with a childlike faith?Day 2: Finding Rest in Christ's Finished WorkTrue rest is not the absence of activity but the presence of peace, stemming from the cessation of striving to earn our salvation. This rest is a divine gift, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. It is a rest that permeates the heart, transforming our inner being and aligning our desires with God's. This transformation leads to a life marked by obedience and joy, where our actions are not driven by the need to prove our worth but by gratitude for the grace we have received. As we enter this rest, we find that our burdens are lifted, and our striving ceases, for we are secure in the knowledge that our salvation is not dependent on our efforts but on Christ's finished work on our behalf [01:00:43].Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV)"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."Reflection: What area of your life do you need to stop striving in and instead trust in the finished work of Christ?Day 3: Learning from Christ's Gentle YokeThe yoke of Christ is an instrument of learning, not a burden of labor. When we are yoked with Christ, we are invited into a relationship of discipleship where we learn from His humility and gentleness. This yoke is easy and the burden light because it is borne with the strength and wisdom of Jesus. As we walk with Him, we discover that His commands are not oppressive but are the very means to freedom and peace. They guide us to live in a way that brings honor to God and fosters true human flourishing. In this divine partnership, we grow and mature, finding that the yoke of Christ leads us into the fullness of life that God intends for us [01:02:16].1 John 5:3 (ESV)"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace the yoke of Christ as a means of learning and growth today?Day 4: Living in the Security of God's LoveOur identity as children of God is not contingent upon our successes or failures but is firmly rooted in the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This identity liberates us from the relentless pursuit of proving ourselves and allows us to rest in the assurance of God's unconditional love. It is in this love that we find the freedom to be who we were created to be, without the fear of rejection or the pressure of performance. As we live in this security, we are empowered to extend grace to others and to walk in the good works that God has prepared for us, knowing that our value is not in what we do but in whom we belong to [49:16].Galatians 3:26 (ESV)"For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your interactions with others?Day 5: The Open Invitation to Come to JesusThe invitation to come to Jesus is extended to everyone, regardless of past mistakes or present struggles. In Him, we find a refuge of forgiveness, healing, and strength to face life's challenges. This open invitation is a testament to God's inclusive love and His desire for all to experience the fullness of life in Christ. When we respond to this call, we are met with open arms, much like the father who welcomes his prodigal son home. Jesus offers us a new start, a life marked by His presence and guided by His Spirit, where we can find the courage and hope to overcome any obstacle [01:09:04].Isaiah 55:1 (ESV)"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."Reflection: What steps can you take today to respond to Jesus' invitation, or to help someone else recognize and accept it?

Quotes

"It's a heart focus, and we're going to see this out in this passage. So what keeps us from really leaning in to this amazing father who loves us so?" [54:01] ( | | )

"God's design invites people to lay their sin down. You see this intimate invitation from Christ. And here it is. He wants us to stop laboring." [55:18] ( | | )

"We have wrecked God's design. Sin has wrecked God's design. You can't make up for it. You can't pay for your sin." [01:07:54] ( | | )

"Listen to this. Indeed, and the triune God is the love behind all love, the life behind all life, the music behind all music, the beauty behind all beauty, and the joy behind all joy." [53:29] ( | | )

"You see, without knowing our purpose in our design, living outside of that purpose and design, you'll never find rest." [37:54] ( | | )

"God is the great healer. And thank you for praying. I want to give you that update. Continue to pray on that family's behalf as we will lift them up to the Lord." [33:55] ( | | )

"We are under the authority and the sovereignty of God the Father today. Okay, that's just clearly seen. We see that from the first verse." [41:39] ( | | )

"He just grabbed me. He just grabbed me. I don't melt it. My form melted on that man. And he just held me. And he said, are you okay?" [01:07:22] ( | | )

"But the father that the son is pointing to is perfect in all his ways. There's not been one day where he has ever failed humanity. Not one day." [49:16] ( | | )

"We don't want to be careless for the word of God nor your life under Christ at this point. Here's what Pastor says. We've already read it." [41:22] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?