Embracing God's Gifts: Hope and Purpose in Exile
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound truths about our faith and the transformative power of Jesus Christ in our lives. We began by reflecting on the essence of worship and communion, emphasizing that every good thing we have is a gift from God, including the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. This gift is not just about the material blessings we receive but more importantly, about the spiritual renewal and the promise of eternal life through Jesus. This understanding frees us from the burden of earning God's favor through our deeds, as our salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus' sacrifice.
We then delved into the historical context of the Israelites in Babylon, as described in Jeremiah 29. Despite their exile and the destruction of their city, God commanded them to build, plant, and multiply in the land of their captivity, promising that He would eventually bring them home and fulfill His good plans for them. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of hardship and displacement, God has a plan for our welfare and a future filled with hope.
Drawing parallels to our current times, I discussed how we, like the Israelites, find ourselves in a challenging world that often seems dark and overwhelming. However, by believing in God's sovereignty and His promises, we can prevent these challenges from overwhelming us. We are encouraged to actively participate in God's work by praying for our world and seeking ways to manifest His kingdom on earth.
The sermon highlighted the concept of the Kingdom of God as already present but not yet fully realized. Jesus, during His ministry, provided "samples" of the Kingdom through His actions— healing, teaching, and loving. Today, as His followers, we carry on His work by embodying His spirit and continuing His mission in the world.
Finally, I reassured everyone of the peace and rest available to us as believers. Despite the world's chaos, we can live fulfilled and joyful lives by focusing on the good and trusting in God's ultimate control over all circumstances. This peace is not passive; it actively engages in the world in transformative ways, contributing to the welfare of our communities and embodying the hope of the Gospel.
### Key Takeaways:
1. The Gift of Jesus is Our Ultimate Worship:
Worship is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt response to the greatest gift—Jesus. His sacrifice is the foundation of our faith, freeing us from the need to earn salvation through our deeds. This understanding allows us to live in gratitude and freedom, focusing on His grace rather than our efforts. [22:27]
2. Living in Exile with Purpose:
Like the Israelites in Babylon, we are called to thrive even in our "exile." By building, planting, and multiplying, we actively participate in God's plan for our lives, contributing to the peace and prosperity of our surroundings. This engagement is not just for our benefit but also aligns with God's promise of welfare and a hopeful future. [46:35]
3. The Kingdom of God is Both Now and Not Yet:
Jesus introduced the Kingdom of God as a present reality, yet not fully realized. Understanding this helps us navigate the tension between the already and the not yet. We are called to live out the reality of the Kingdom now, through acts of love, justice, and mercy, while anticipating its full realization when Jesus returns. [50:26]
4. Participation in Jesus' Work Transforms Us and the World:
As followers of Christ, we are His body on earth, empowered by His Spirit to continue His work. This partnership is not burdensome but a dynamic interaction where we rely on His strength and guidance to bring about transformation in ourselves and the world around us. [01:13:13]
5. Peace Amidst Chaos:
True peace comes from knowing God is in control, allowing us to live without being overwhelmed by the world's troubles. This peace guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to focus on God's promises and our role in His kingdom, rather than being consumed by anxiety and fear. [54:39]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [21:43] - The Essence of Worship and Communion
- [45:49] - Lessons from the Israelites in Babylon
- [47:38] - Believing in God's Sovereignty
- [50:26] - The Now and Not Yet of God's Kingdom
- [01:11:40] - Our Role in Continuing Jesus' Work
- [01:14:57] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
> This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the Lord. This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
2. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
> Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV)
> Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give to the Israelites in Babylon according to Jeremiah 29:4-7?
2. How does Philippians 4:6-7 describe the process and result of presenting our requests to God?
3. In Revelation 21:1-5, what are the key features of the new heaven and new earth that John describes?
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways Jesus provided "samples" of the Kingdom of God during His ministry? [50:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed the Israelites to build, plant, and multiply in Babylon despite their exile? How does this relate to our current situation in a challenging world? [45:49]
2. How does the peace described in Philippians 4:6-7 differ from the peace the world offers? What does this peace guard us against? [54:39]
3. What does the concept of the Kingdom of God being "already present but not yet fully realized" mean for believers today? How should this understanding affect our daily lives? [50:26]
4. How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-5 provide hope and perspective for believers facing current world challenges? [49:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the world's challenges. How can the instructions given to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:4-7 help you find purpose and peace in your current situation? [45:49]
2. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. What are some specific worries you need to surrender to God in prayer this week? How can you practice gratitude in the midst of these concerns? [54:39]
3. The sermon mentioned that Jesus provided "samples" of the Kingdom through acts of love, justice, and mercy. What are some practical ways you can embody these Kingdom values in your community this week? [50:26]
4. How can the promise of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-5 change the way you view and handle current difficulties? What steps can you take to focus on this hope when you feel discouraged? [49:03]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of believing in God's sovereignty and His promises. How can you strengthen your faith in God's control over your life and the world around you? What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of His promises daily? [47:38]
6. In what ways can you actively participate in God's work by praying for your world and seeking to manifest His Kingdom on earth? Identify one specific area where you can make a difference this week. [01:10:13]
7. The sermon reassured us of the peace and rest available to believers. How can you cultivate this peace in your life amidst the chaos? What practices or habits can you adopt to focus on God's promises and avoid being consumed by anxiety and fear? [54:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Gift of Grace
Jesus Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God's grace, freeing us from the burden of earning salvation through our deeds. This profound truth invites us to live in a state of gratitude, recognizing that our worship is a response to the gift of Jesus, not a means to gain favor. By understanding that our salvation is secured through faith and not by our efforts, we can experience true freedom. This freedom allows us to focus on living out our faith through acts of love and service, inspired by the grace we have received. [22:27]
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How can you shift your daily spiritual practices to reflect a response to God's grace rather than an attempt to earn His favor?
Day 2: Thriving in Our Spiritual Exile
Like the Israelites in Babylon, we are called to thrive in our spiritual "exile" by actively engaging in our communities and contributing to their welfare. This engagement is a reflection of our faith and an embodiment of God's promise for a hopeful future. By building, planting, and multiplying, we not only enrich our own lives but also serve as beacons of God's love and grace in a world that often feels like a foreign land. This purposeful living underlines the belief that God has a plan for us that aligns with His promise of welfare and hope. [46:35]
Jeremiah 29:5-7 - "Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters;...seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: What are practical ways you can contribute to the welfare of your community, reflecting God's love and promises?
Day 3: Living in the 'Already but Not Yet'
The Kingdom of God is a present reality introduced by Jesus, yet it is not fully realized. This tension between the 'already' and the 'not yet' invites us to actively participate in manifesting the Kingdom through acts of love, justice, and mercy. By understanding that we are living out the reality of the Kingdom now, we are called to be agents of change, embodying the hope and values of the Kingdom in our everyday lives, while also looking forward to its complete realization. [50:26]
Romans 8:22-25 - "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Reflection: How can you more actively demonstrate the values of God's Kingdom in your current environment?
Day 4: Partners in Christ's Work
As followers of Christ, we are empowered by His Spirit to continue His work on earth. This partnership is not burdensome but a dynamic interaction where we rely on His strength and guidance. By engaging in this mission, we not only transform ourselves but also the world around us. This transformative work is a continuation of Jesus' ministry of healing, teaching, and loving, carried out through us. [01:13:13]
1 Corinthians 3:9 - "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully engage in Jesus' work of healing, teaching, and loving in your community?
Day 5: Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
In a world often marked by chaos, the peace of God offers a profound rest for our souls. This peace is not passive; it actively engages with the world in transformative ways. By focusing on God's ultimate control and His promises, we can live fulfilled and joyful lives, contributing positively to our communities and embodying the hope of the Gospel. This peace guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to live without being overwhelmed by the world's troubles. [54:39]
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What are specific steps you can take today to embody and share the peace of Christ in your immediate surroundings?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I think if we're going to keep from being overwhelmed, we've got to intentionally seek out and find and think about and enjoy and be grateful for the good stuff in our lives. We can still live. Right? Even though it's... It's dark around us. And even though there's ugliness, we can still live. We can still enjoy our lives." [01:04:22]
2. "I think living a life of peace and rest and purpose and joy isn't just managing not to die. I think living that life is all about finding and appreciating and thinking about and enjoying God. And being grateful for the good stuff in our life." [01:08:49]
3. "We can live great lives here. We can experience God and his kingdom here. So we believe, and we live, and we participate." [01:10:13]
4. "The cost of living comfortably in San Antonio has gone up in the last 12 months 43%. I mean, it's just overwhelming. And with the internet, we're overwhelmed with information. You know? Just... There's so much information about everything, and some of it's even true." [39:58]
5. "We want to thank him for those gifts. But this is the time where we celebrate and worship him for the greatest gift that he's ever given us. When he gave us Jesus. When Jesus came to provide a way that we could be with God." [21:43]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And I think if we're going to keep from being overwhelmed in this ugly world, we have to really believe that God is who he says he is, and that he will do what he said he will do. And their promise was that they would return to their promised land, to Jerusalem. And our promise is the promise of God's kingdom come, the new Jerusalem." [47:38]
2. "So every time you do this, remember me. Remember how much he wanted this deal to be done." [28:08]
3. "We're not saved by what we do. We're saved by what Jesus did. Do you see how freeing that is? Because now I don't have to worry anymore if God's mad at me. I don't have to constantly be counting how many mistakes I make and how many good things I do. I trust completely in what he did for me on the cross." [23:02]
4. "And every step we take to announce God's kingdom, every step we take to call people to Christ, every step we take to share samples of the kingdom, every step we take to continue the work of Jesus, we take in his power. And we trust him with the results." [01:13:13]
5. "But when I let go of that problem. And it lands in God's hands. And God's hands are like as big as Texas, you know? So here I've got them in my squirrely little mousy, weak, shaky hands. And it's like, of course I'm overwhelmed. Do you see how I, of course I'm going to get peace when I just let it go." [54:39]
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