Embracing God's Humility: The Joy of Advent

 

Summary

In this third Sunday of Advent, we gather to reflect on the profound mystery of God being born among us. As we light the Advent candles, we are reminded of Christ, our joy, and the promise of salvation that His presence brings. Advent is a time of preparation, a season of anticipation for the coming of Christ, the Delivering One. We explore the significance of God choosing to enter the world in human form, embracing the limitations and vulnerabilities of human life. This act of divine humility is a testament to God's immense love for us, a love that values our free will and the joy of choosing God.

Throughout history, God has been a deliverer, saving His people from various trials and tribulations. From Abraham and Sarah to the Israelites in Egypt, God's deliverance has been a constant theme. Yet, humanity often falls into a cycle of sin, forgetting God's goodness and turning to idols. This cycle, recorded in the book of Judges, highlights the human tendency to stray from God, only to return in repentance and be delivered once more. God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to break this cycle through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The incarnation of God in Jesus is a profound mystery, a divine intervention to deliver us from the bondage of sin. It is a reminder that our love is precious to God, and our free will is a gift that allows us to choose Him joyfully. As we prepare for Christmas, we are invited to examine our spiritual practices, such as Sabbath keeping, prayer, and community living. These practices nurture our souls and connect us to the divine, allowing us to experience the fullness of life with God.

Advent is a time to reflect on how God is delivering us today, to prepare our hearts for His coming, and to embrace the joy of His presence. As we engage in the traditions of the season, let us be mindful of the spiritual significance behind them, and be ready to recognize and celebrate God's presence in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Humility and Love: God's choice to be born as a human reflects His immense love and humility. By entering the world in an "itty-bitty living space," God demonstrates the value He places on our free will and the joy of choosing Him. This divine humility is a profound expression of God's love for us. [22:48]

2. The Cycle of Sin and Deliverance: The history of God's people reveals a cycle of sin, repentance, and deliverance. Despite humanity's tendency to stray, God remains faithful, breaking the cycle through Jesus Christ. This act of salvation invites us to rely on God and experience the fullness of life He offers. [29:42]

3. The Importance of Spiritual Practices: Advent is a time to examine our spiritual practices, such as Sabbath keeping, prayer, and community living. These practices nurture our souls and connect us to God, allowing us to experience His love and deliverance in our daily lives. [39:06]

4. The Joy of Choosing God: Our free will is precious to God, and choosing Him brings joy to both us and the divine. This mutual joy is a testament to the relational nature of our faith, where God's love invites us into a deeper connection with Him. [36:14]

5. Advent as a Season of Preparation: Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. It is an opportunity to reflect on how God is delivering us today and to prepare our hearts for His presence, embracing the joy and hope that His birth brings. [39:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:12] - Purpose of Gathering
- [09:03] - Advent Candles and Joy
- [13:28] - Church Calendar and Seasons
- [15:16] - Significance of Easter and Pentecost
- [17:27] - Advent and Christmas Preparation
- [21:34] - God’s Phenomenal Cosmic Powers
- [22:48] - God’s Humility in Becoming Human
- [23:51] - God as the Delivering One
- [25:26] - Historical Deliverance of God’s People
- [26:34] - The Cycle of Sin and Deliverance
- [28:10] - Examples of Sin in Scripture
- [29:42] - Breaking the Cycle Through Christ
- [30:49] - Human Nature and Sin Patterns
- [32:29] - Spiritual Practices and Sabbath Keeping
- [36:14] - The Joy of Free Will and Choosing God
- [39:06] - Advent as a Time of Spiritual Examination
- [42:59] - Prayers and Community Concerns
- [49:27] - Communion and Thanksgiving
- [57:08] - Announcements and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross."

2. Judges 2:16-19 - "Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord’s commands. Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways."

3. Matthew 1:21 - "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Philippians 2:5-8 reveal about the nature of Christ's humility and his choice to become human? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on God’s humility? [22:48]

2. In Judges 2:16-19, what pattern of behavior is described among the Israelites, and how does this relate to the sermon’s theme of the cycle of sin and deliverance? [26:34]

3. How does Matthew 1:21 connect to the sermon’s message about Jesus being the "Delivering One"? [39:06]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of spiritual practices like Sabbath keeping and prayer? [39:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the humility of Christ, as described in Philippians 2:5-8, challenge our understanding of power and leadership in our own lives? [22:48]

2. Reflecting on Judges 2:16-19, why do you think the Israelites repeatedly fell into the cycle of sin despite experiencing God’s deliverance? How does this pattern manifest in modern life? [26:34]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus’ birth breaks the cycle of sin and deliverance described in the Old Testament? [29:42]

4. How do the spiritual practices mentioned in the sermon, such as Sabbath keeping and prayer, help believers experience the fullness of life with God? [39:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s deliverance in your life. How did it change your relationship with Him? [29:42]

2. The sermon discusses the joy of choosing God. How can you intentionally choose God in your daily decisions this week? [36:14]

3. Consider your current spiritual practices. What is one specific change you can make to deepen your prayer life or Sabbath keeping? [39:06]

4. How can you prepare your heart for the coming of Christ during this Advent season? What specific actions will you take to embrace the joy and hope of His presence? [39:06]

5. Identify a cycle of behavior in your life that you feel needs breaking. How can you invite God into this process of transformation? [29:42]

6. How can you recognize and celebrate God’s presence in your life during this Advent season? What traditions or practices will help you do this? [39:06]

7. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with the concept of God’s deliverance. How can you support or encourage them this week? [39:06]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Humility in Human Form
God's choice to be born as a human reflects His immense love and humility. By entering the world in an "itty-bitty living space," God demonstrates the value He places on our free will and the joy of choosing Him. This divine humility is a profound expression of God's love for us. The incarnation is not just a historical event but a continuous invitation to recognize God's presence in the ordinary aspects of life. It challenges us to see the divine in the mundane and to appreciate the humility of God who chose to walk among us. [22:48]

Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions, reflecting the humility of Christ in your own life?


Day 2: Breaking the Cycle of Sin
The history of God's people reveals a cycle of sin, repentance, and deliverance. Despite humanity's tendency to stray, God remains faithful, breaking the cycle through Jesus Christ. This act of salvation invites us to rely on God and experience the fullness of life He offers. The cycle of sin is a reminder of our human frailty, but it also highlights God's unwavering commitment to our redemption. Through Christ, we are offered a new path, one that leads to freedom and transformation. [29:42]

Judges 2:18-19 (ESV): "Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them."

Reflection: Identify a recurring sin or struggle in your life. How can you invite God to help you break this cycle and experience His deliverance?


Day 3: Nurturing the Soul Through Spiritual Practices
Advent is a time to examine our spiritual practices, such as Sabbath keeping, prayer, and community living. These practices nurture our souls and connect us to God, allowing us to experience His love and deliverance in our daily lives. Engaging in these practices is not about fulfilling religious obligations but about cultivating a deeper relationship with God. They are avenues through which we can experience His presence and grow in our faith. [39:06]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: Choose one spiritual practice to focus on this week. How can you incorporate it into your daily routine to deepen your connection with God?


Day 4: The Joy of Choosing God
Our free will is precious to God, and choosing Him brings joy to both us and the divine. This mutual joy is a testament to the relational nature of our faith, where God's love invites us into a deeper connection with Him. The act of choosing God is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to align our lives with His will. It is an invitation to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in harmony with God's purposes. [36:14]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it align with your commitment to choose God and His ways?


Day 5: Advent as a Season of Preparation
Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. It is an opportunity to reflect on how God is delivering us today and to prepare our hearts for His presence, embracing the joy and hope that His birth brings. This season invites us to pause and consider the ways in which God is at work in our lives, delivering us from our struggles and leading us into a deeper relationship with Him. [39:06]

Isaiah 40:3-5 (ESV): "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"

Reflection: As you prepare for Christmas, what specific steps can you take to ready your heart for Christ's presence in your life?

Quotes



And then centuries later, when they had become slaves in Egypt, God saved them from slavery and fed them in the desert for 40 years. And then God brought them to the promised land, land where they could live, where they could grow crops, where they could pasture their animals, where they had wells for water. [00:24:42] (20 seconds)


And they stop obeying God. They're pretty sure that maybe if they get close, it's good enough. God stops defending them. They get invaded. They suffer. They repent. God delivers them. It happens over and over and over in the book of Judges. [00:27:12] (18 seconds)


And so God is born. God was born. And in one mighty act of salvation, God broke that cycle in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God broke that cycle. God is born. [00:29:42] (21 seconds)


I wonder if that's how God feels. I wonder if that's why our free will is so precious to god that when we spot god we yell like jack sissy full of joy a joy so big that god would consent to an itty bitty living space because that was more important god delivered us because our love is that precious to god have you ever thought about how god feels now some of you might have been raised with when you're naughty you make god cry and you know what it's tough getting kids to behave i get it but have you ever thought that you give god joy that you give god joy when you pray when you follow god when you keep the sabbath when you when you come to church ready to be transformed when you spot god in your life ready to yell sissy [00:36:14] (77 seconds)


And so god decided to be born god got the people ready the angel told joseph mary will bear a son and you will name him jesus for he will save his people from their sin and the angel said to the shepherd do not be afraid i bring good news that today to you is born in the city of david a savior the delivering one god the delivering one jesus the delivering one how do you think god is delivering you today [00:37:48] (42 seconds)


Advent is a time of getting ready for god coming of decorating of making things beautiful to match the beauty of life with god of of of cooking and sharing you know candy and sweets like the sweet life with god of getting presents ready and wrapped of uplifting others with gift giving of letting our expectation grow of waiting [00:38:30] (28 seconds)


With God, we are safe. We are loved. We can relax. We can enjoy a good life of good food and wonderful conversation and rich creativity of rest and connection that feeds us. That feeds our souls. God, the delivering one. Jesus, the delivering one. God is born. Amen. [00:40:05] (30 seconds)


Lord God, you came to deliver us because our love was that precious to you. [00:43:24] (10 seconds)


You remembered the promise you made and brought your people Israel out of slavery in Egypt you remembered your mercy and took away your judgment against them you rejoiced in their gladness and renewed them in your love holy are you and blessed is your son Jesus Christ the word made flesh whom you sent in the fullness of time to be light for the whole world you were born and you came among us as the royal one the one who brings hope the delivering one the living one in the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread gave thanks broke it gave it to his disciples saying take and eat this is my body given for you do this in remembrance of me [00:48:24] (61 seconds)


Send now we pray the Holy Spirit upon us gathered here in the name of Jesus Christ and these your gifts of bread and wine make them be for us the body of Christ that we may be the body of Christ for the world strengthen us in holiness in faithfulness in joy and in love so that we may be ready with the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ through your son Jesus with the Holy Spirit in your holy church all honor and glory is yours almighty Father now and forever and ever amen and let us join together in one voice as we pray as our Lord taught us our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever amen so for communion you'll come forward Nancy will let you know when to come forward you'll receive a piece of bread and then you dip it into the wine or the grape juice we have regular bread and we have gluten free bread if you prefer that and then we have wine in the ancient tradition and we have grape juice in the Methodist tradition of temperance Jesus is the host of this meal Jesus welcomed everyone so everyone is welcome to communion [00:50:05] (107 seconds)


If you have not yet done one of these time cards, if you would grab, you need one of each color. The yellow one is for you. This is about discerning your time alone with God, your time with other disciples, and your time with the crowds. Modeling our life after Jesus. And then this one is ways that you are interested in serving through the church. So, if you have been doing a ministry and you would like to continue, check it. If you've been doing a ministry and you don't want to continue, don't check it. And if you want to try something new, check it. And there's a basket in the back to put that in. [00:57:08] (47 seconds)


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Transcript
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