Embracing God's Gift of Redemption and Rest
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's rescue and redemption in our lives. We began by acknowledging the transformative power of God's forgiveness, much like the woman who poured perfume on Jesus' feet, giving her all in gratitude for her redemption. This act of surrender is a call for us to give our all to God, recognizing His mercy and grace in our lives. We are reminded of the importance of maintaining the spiritual fire within us, as highlighted by the responsibility of the priests to keep the fire burning. This fire represents our passion and commitment to God, which must be nurtured through obedience to His word.
We delved into the concept of obedience, understanding that disobedience can void the blessings God has promised us. The enemy often sows doubt, questioning if God's word is still relevant today. However, we affirmed that God's word is timeless and applicable, urging us to live by every word that proceeds from His mouth. This obedience is not just about following rules but about aligning our lives with God's truth, even when it challenges our personal desires and realities.
We also discussed the significance of Sabbath, a gift from God designed to refresh and replenish us. Sabbath is not about legalistic observance but about ceasing from our work to rest and trust in God's provision. It requires faith, much like tithing, to believe that God can do more with our six days of work than we can with seven. We are wired to need this rest, and it is essential for our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. By honoring the Sabbath, we demonstrate our trust in God and become better in all aspects of our lives.
Finally, we reflected on the core values of our church, emphasizing the importance of daily devotions and refreshing ourselves even in busy seasons. These practices keep our spiritual tanks full and enable us to be effective witnesses to the world. As we commit to these values, we become better spouses, parents, and individuals, living out our faith in tangible ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude and Surrender: Like the woman who anointed Jesus' feet, our response to God's forgiveness should be one of total surrender and gratitude. This act of giving our all to God is a reflection of our acknowledgment of His mercy and grace in our lives. [26:43]
- Maintaining Spiritual Fire: Keeping the spiritual fire alive requires intentionality and obedience. Just as the priests were responsible for keeping the fire burning, we must nurture our passion for God through consistent devotion and adherence to His word. [32:20]
- The Importance of Obedience: Disobedience can void the blessings God has promised. We must resist the enemy's lies that question the relevance of God's word today and choose to live by every word that proceeds from His mouth. [36:46]
- Sabbath as a Gift: Sabbath is a divine gift meant to refresh and replenish us. It requires faith to trust that God can do more with our six days of work than we can with seven. Honoring the Sabbath demonstrates our trust in God's provision. [55:55]
- Refreshing in Busy Seasons: Even in the busiest seasons, we must prioritize rest and refreshment. This practice not only honors God but also enhances our effectiveness in all areas of life, making us better spouses, parents, and individuals. [01:06:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [25:56] - Gratitude for Redemption
- [26:43] - Surrendering All to God
- [27:32] - Waiting in His Presence
- [32:20] - Keeping the Spiritual Fire Alive
- [35:13] - The Consequences of Disobedience
- [36:46] - The Timelessness of God's Word
- [37:27] - Breaking the Cycle of Rebellion
- [38:13] - Living by God's Word
- [39:02] - Our Church's Mission and Values
- [41:43] - The Importance of Daily Devotions
- [43:05] - Understanding Sabbath
- [45:17] - Personalizing Your Sabbath
- [47:03] - God's Model of Rest
- [49:33] - The Blessing of Sabbath
- [51:05] - Trusting God in Rest
- [53:40] - Identifying What Refreshes You
- [55:55] - Sabbath as a Gift
- [57:42] - The Faith Required for Sabbath
- [01:06:58] - Refreshing in Busy Seasons
- [01:09:14] - Teaching Sabbath to the Next Generation
- [01:14:39] - Corporate Repentance and Commitment to Rest
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 7:36-50 - The story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet.
2. Leviticus 6:12-13 - The responsibility of the priests to keep the fire burning.
3. Genesis 2:1-3 - God resting on the seventh day.
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 7:36-50, what was the significance of the woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet, and how did Jesus respond to her? [25:56]
2. According to Leviticus 6:12-13, what was the role of the priests in maintaining the fire on the altar, and why was it important? [32:20]
3. How does Genesis 2:1-3 describe God's actions on the seventh day, and what does this imply about the concept of rest? [47:03]
4. What are some of the consequences mentioned in the sermon for not obeying God's commands? [35:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet in Luke 7:36-50 illustrate the concept of gratitude and surrender in response to forgiveness? [26:43]
2. What does the responsibility of the priests to keep the fire burning in Leviticus 6:12-13 teach us about maintaining our spiritual passion and commitment? [32:20]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the practice of Sabbath is a demonstration of trust in God's provision? [55:55]
4. How does the sermon address the relevance of God's word in today's context, and what challenges might believers face in aligning their lives with it? [36:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's forgiveness. How did you respond, and how can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and surrender like the woman in Luke 7:36-50? [26:43]
2. What are some practical ways you can keep your spiritual fire burning, especially during challenging times? Consider setting specific goals for daily devotions or prayer. [32:20]
3. How do you currently observe the Sabbath, and what changes might you need to make to ensure it is a time of true rest and refreshment? [55:55]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's word. What steps can you take to align your actions with His commands? [36:46]
5. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of refreshing yourself during busy seasons? Consider specific activities that replenish your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual tanks. [01:06:58]
6. How can you teach the importance of Sabbath and rest to the next generation, as mentioned in the sermon? What example can you set for your family or community? [01:09:14]
7. Reflect on the core values of your church or personal faith journey. How can you commit to living out these values in tangible ways in your daily life? [39:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Total Surrender in Response to Forgiveness
In the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume, we see a profound act of gratitude and surrender. Her actions were not just about the physical act of anointing but were a reflection of her heart's response to the forgiveness she received. This act of giving her all to Jesus is a powerful reminder for us to consider how we respond to God's mercy and grace in our own lives. Are we willing to surrender everything to Him, acknowledging the depth of His forgiveness? This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to live in gratitude and devotion. [26:43]
Luke 7:47-48 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little. And he said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Nurturing the Spiritual Fire
The responsibility of the priests to keep the fire burning on the altar is a vivid illustration of our need to maintain our spiritual fervor. This fire symbolizes our passion and commitment to God, which requires intentionality and obedience. Just as the priests had to tend to the fire continually, we must nurture our relationship with God through consistent devotion and adherence to His word. This involves making time for prayer, study, and reflection, ensuring that our spiritual fire does not wane. [32:20]
Leviticus 6:12-13 (ESV): "The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally nurture your spiritual fire and deepen your commitment to God?
Day 3: The Blessings of Obedience
Obedience to God's word is crucial for receiving the blessings He has promised. Disobedience can void these blessings, as it distances us from His will. The enemy often tries to sow doubt, questioning the relevance of God's word today. However, God's word is timeless and applicable, calling us to align our lives with His truth. This obedience is not about legalism but about living in a way that honors God, even when it challenges our personal desires. [36:46]
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (ESV): "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
Reflection: Identify one area where you struggle with obedience to God's word. What practical steps can you take to align this area of your life with His truth?
Day 4: Embracing the Gift of Sabbath
The Sabbath is a divine gift designed to refresh and replenish us. It is not about legalistic observance but about ceasing from our work to rest and trust in God's provision. Observing the Sabbath requires faith, much like tithing, to believe that God can do more with our six days of work than we can with seven. By honoring the Sabbath, we demonstrate our trust in God and acknowledge our need for rest, which is essential for our well-being. [55:55]
Exodus 31:15-17 (ESV): "Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever."
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to observe the Sabbath and trust in God's provision for your life?
Day 5: Refreshing in the Midst of Busyness
Even in the busiest seasons, it is crucial to prioritize rest and refreshment. This practice not only honors God but also enhances our effectiveness in all areas of life, making us better spouses, parents, and individuals. By committing to daily devotions and refreshing ourselves, we keep our spiritual tanks full and become effective witnesses to the world. This requires intentionality and discipline, especially when life gets hectic. [01:06:58]
Mark 6:31 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat."
Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually refreshed, even during busy times?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1. "You know, that's a part that many of us miss in our life. I've been there where the Lord says something, but I don't do what he said. And then I wonder why things didn't go according to what he promised. And what happens is that when we disobey God, we void the warranty. Can we look at it that way for a second? I mean, have you ever tried to claim a warranty on something that gets voided because you did something you weren't supposed to? And there's so many blessings and promises of God, but they come as we do as the Lord commanded." [21:13] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And it's the same questions that's being whispered in the ears of today's youth and today's young adults and today's even adults and people. Is that truly what God said? Does that apply to today? Can I tell you something? Yes, it does. And it is what God said. If it's in the word, it's not left to interpretation. It's what God said. So let's put up or put away the excuses. Let's say, Lord, help me stop being rebellious." [22:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We exist to get people to a place where they acknowledge, trust, and lean on God daily. It is a daily thing. We exist to get people to a place where they trust, acknowledge, and lean on God daily. Online campus, come on. If you're online today, I want you to put it in the comment box. Acknowledge, trust, and lean on God daily. It is a daily thing." [39:39] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Devotions, keep your tank full. Refresh, even in the busy seasons. What do I mean? What do we dig into when we say the word refresh? Online campus, listen, you too. What do I mean when I say the word refresh? I'm talking about Sabbath. Here at 3W Church, we Sabbath. We believe in the Sabbath, and I'm not talking about law." [43:15] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And what is Sabbath for you is different than Sabbath for me. My job, I am not a bivocational pastor. My job, my vocation is pastoring. So on my Sabbath, I do nothing related to pastoring 3W Church. Notice I'm saying pastoring 3W Church. I don't stop being a Christian. So if I have my Sabbath, I run into somebody from the church or not from the church, and they need prayer, I'm going to pray for them because I do that as a Christian." [44:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And I tell you, there is a blessing that will bring a provision when you rest and Sabbath for God. Again, we're not under the law. It may be a different day. As a matter of fact, I would venture to say that most of you that are here in the building today or watching online today, if you're watching it live, today perhaps is your Sabbath. You don't work today. And you got up this morning. Maybe you had coffee with your husband, your wife, your kids. You did something. You came to church to collectively worship and receive. And then you go around the rest of your day. And today's the day that you did not work. And you refilled. Today is your Sabbath. Can I tell you something? It's not mine." [52:24] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We are wired to Sabbath. We are wired to require a day to replenish our tanks. Every single one of us have four tanks. We've got an emotional tank. We have a physical tank. We have a spiritual tank and a mental tank. I drew a blank for a second. Emotional, physical, mental. And I drew a blank on the other one. Goodness gracious. Emotional tank, mental tank, physical tank, and spiritual tank. Four tanks." [53:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Sabbath is a gift from God. As a matter of fact, can you say it this morning? Sabbath is a gift. I want you to go to the book of Mark. Mark chapter number 12. Mark chapter number two. If you're doing the Bible reading in a year, you read this, I think it was yesterday, the day before yesterday. Mark chapter number two." [55:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Sabbath was made to refresh man, to fill man, not the other way around. It is a gift. It is a gift that many of us poorly use. I am preaching to you today from a place of humility, not self-righteousness. I royally was horrible at resting and Sabbathing me. It took me years upon years of even being a senior pastor. As a matter of fact, I know that there's people that in ministry, my lack of leadership in the area of Sabbath hurt them. And I publicly repent and publicly apologize to anybody that I contributed in burning them out because I didn't know how to rest and didn't impose resting. I'm not the same person anymore." [58:42] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Sabbathing actually requires faith. Faith. It requires faith. I equate it to tithing. Tithing, giving to God the 10% of whatever income comes into you requires faith. It belongs to God. It's trusting that God does more in your life with 90% than you can do with the whole hundred because he brings a blessing on it. Sabbat is the same thing. What do we do many times? No, no, no, but I have to work. I have to work because if not, I don't enter. And if it doesn't come in, so you lack of acknowledging, trusting, and leaning on God makes you not Sabbath. And in reality, even what comes in begins to smell and rot like the manna would if you took double to try to keep it left over. But there is a blessing that comes when you say, God, I'll work six and trust on you. It requires faith." [59:36] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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