Embracing Grace: Unclogging Our Spiritual Wells
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of the gospel through a parable shared by Martin Luther. The story of a king marrying a prostitute illustrates the unconditional love and grace of God. Despite her past, the king's love transforms her into a queen, symbolizing how Jesus' sacrifice makes us righteous and whole, not by our own merit but through His grace. This transformation invites us to embrace our identity in Christ and live in the fullness of His love and wisdom.
We also delved into the concept of spiritual "clogs" that hinder our relationship with God. Just as a sink can become clogged with debris, our hearts can become blocked by sin and worldly distractions. To experience the "endless living water" of God's presence, we must actively seek to unclog these spiritual blockages through repentance and renewal. This process is not about earning God's favor but about aligning ourselves with His will and experiencing the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit.
Revival, both personal and communal, was a central theme. We discussed how revival brings times of refreshing and renewal, akin to a spiritual awakening that revitalizes our faith and mission. This revival is initiated by repentance and a return to God, leading to a deeper friendship with Jesus and a more profound experience of His love and power. We are encouraged to pursue this revival through prayer, fasting, and seeking God's direction for our lives and our church.
As we look to the future, we are reminded of the importance of humility, repentance, and unity in pursuing God's vision for our church. By addressing personal and communal sins, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to fulfill our mission with greater purity and power. This journey requires courage and a willingness to be vulnerable before God, trusting in His grace and love to guide us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unconditional Love and Grace: The parable of the king and the prostitute illustrates God's unconditional love and grace. Despite our past, Jesus' sacrifice transforms us into His beloved, righteous children. This transformation is not earned but freely given, inviting us to embrace our identity in Christ and live in His love and wisdom. [01:48]
2. Spiritual Clogs and Renewal: Just as a sink can become clogged, our hearts can be blocked by sin and distractions. To experience God's "endless living water," we must actively seek to unclog these spiritual blockages through repentance and renewal. This process aligns us with God's will and brings refreshing times of His presence. [03:33]
3. Revival and Refreshing: Revival brings times of refreshing and renewal, akin to a spiritual awakening. Initiated by repentance and a return to God, revival deepens our friendship with Jesus and enhances our experience of His love and power. Pursuing revival through prayer and fasting opens us to God's transformative work. [10:40]
4. Humility and Unity: Addressing personal and communal sins is crucial for pursuing God's vision for our church. By embracing humility and unity, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work, allowing us to fulfill our mission with greater purity and power. This journey requires courage and vulnerability before God. [22:05]
5. Endless Living Water: The journey to revival involves repentance, refreshing, and mission. By unblocking spiritual wells, we experience the endless living water of God's presence, leading to greater closeness with Him and a more profound sense of His leading. This process is ongoing and requires a heart that continually returns to God. [18:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:48] - The Parable of the King and the Prostitute
- [03:33] - Spiritual Clogs and Renewal
- [05:27] - Vision for the Next 15 Years
- [07:15] - Repentance and Refreshing
- [08:52] - Appointed Messiah, Not a System
- [10:40] - Benefits of Revival
- [11:35] - Times of Refreshing
- [12:53] - Revival's Impact and Mission
- [15:37] - Safety in Vulnerability
- [18:05] - The Invitation to Unblock the Well
- [20:20] - Consequences of Hardening the Heart
- [22:05] - Addressing Personal and Communal Sins
- [24:56] - Vision Beyond Us
- [28:21] - Invitation to Prayer and Fasting
- [32:50] - Grace in Imperfection
- [34:42] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 3:11-20
Observation Questions:
1. In the parable shared by Martin Luther, what transformation occurs when the king marries the prostitute, and how does this relate to our identity in Christ? [01:48]
2. What are some examples of "spiritual clogs" mentioned in the sermon that can block our relationship with God? [03:33]
3. According to Acts 3:19, what are the two actions Peter calls the people to take, and what are the promised results of these actions?
4. How does the sermon describe the process and benefits of revival, both personally and communally? [10:40]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable of the king and the prostitute illustrate the concept of grace, and why is it important to understand that this grace is not earned? [01:48]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of repentance in experiencing God's "endless living water"? How does this align with the message in Acts 3:19? [03:33]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that revival can lead to a deeper friendship with Jesus and a more profound experience of His love and power? [10:40]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of humility and unity in pursuing God's vision for the church, and what are the potential consequences of neglecting these qualities? [22:05]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the parable of the king and the prostitute. How does understanding God's unconditional love and grace impact your view of your own identity in Christ? [01:48]
2. Identify a "spiritual clog" in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take this week to address it through repentance and renewal? [03:33]
3. The sermon encourages pursuing revival through prayer and fasting. What specific actions can you take to seek personal revival in your life? [28:21]
4. Consider the role of humility and unity in your interactions with others in the church. How can you contribute to a more unified and humble community? [22:05]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of addressing personal and communal sins. Is there a specific area in your life or within your community that needs reconciliation or repentance? [22:05]
6. How can you actively seek God's direction for your life and the church's mission, and what role does vulnerability before God play in this process? [24:56]
7. Reflect on the concept of "endless living water." How can you cultivate a heart that continually returns to God, and what changes might this bring to your spiritual journey? [18:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Transformed Identity in Christ
The parable of the king and the prostitute beautifully illustrates the transformative power of God's unconditional love and grace. Despite our past mistakes and failures, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross has made us righteous and whole. This transformation is not something we earn through our own efforts but is a gift freely given by God. As we accept this gift, we are invited to embrace our new identity in Christ, living in the fullness of His love and wisdom. This new identity calls us to see ourselves as beloved children of God, worthy of His love and capable of reflecting His grace to others. [01:48]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you struggle to accept God's grace. How can you begin to see yourself through the lens of your new identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Clearing Spiritual Blockages for Renewal
Just as a sink can become clogged with debris, our hearts can become blocked by sin and worldly distractions. These spiritual "clogs" hinder our relationship with God and prevent us from experiencing the "endless living water" of His presence. To clear these blockages, we must actively seek repentance and renewal, aligning ourselves with God's will. This process is not about earning God's favor but about opening ourselves to His refreshing presence. By regularly examining our hearts and removing anything that stands in the way of our relationship with God, we can experience the fullness of His love and guidance. [03:33]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Identify one distraction or sin that is currently blocking your relationship with God. What steps can you take today to begin removing this blockage?
Day 3: Pursuing Revival Through Repentance and Prayer
Revival is a time of spiritual awakening that brings refreshing and renewal to our faith and mission. It is initiated by repentance and a return to God, leading to a deeper friendship with Jesus and a more profound experience of His love and power. Pursuing revival requires intentionality through prayer, fasting, and seeking God's direction for our lives and our church. As we open ourselves to God's transformative work, we are empowered to live out our faith with renewed passion and purpose. This journey of revival is not just personal but also communal, as we seek to bring God's love and light to the world around us. [10:40]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: Consider setting aside time this week for prayer and fasting. What specific area of your life or community do you feel God is calling you to seek revival in?
Day 4: Cultivating Humility and Unity in Our Mission
Addressing personal and communal sins is crucial for pursuing God's vision for our church. By embracing humility and unity, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work, allowing us to fulfill our mission with greater purity and power. This journey requires courage and a willingness to be vulnerable before God, trusting in His grace and love to guide us. As we work together in unity, we become a powerful force for God's kingdom, reflecting His love and truth to the world. Our mission is not just about individual growth but about building a community that embodies the values of God's kingdom. [22:05]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship or situation where you need to practice humility and unity. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and collaboration today?
Day 5: Experiencing the Endless Living Water of God's Presence
The journey to revival involves repentance, refreshing, and mission. By unblocking spiritual wells, we experience the endless living water of God's presence, leading to greater closeness with Him and a more profound sense of His leading. This process is ongoing and requires a heart that continually returns to God. As we drink from this living water, we are filled with His love, peace, and joy, enabling us to live out our faith with authenticity and passion. This living water not only refreshes us but also overflows to those around us, drawing others to the source of true life. [18:54]
John 7:38 (ESV): "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’"
Reflection: Spend time in prayer today, asking God to fill you with His living water. How can you allow this overflow to impact those around you in a tangible way?
Quotes
There's a story that Martin Luther told, kind of a parable, and he was trying to demonstrate what is the gospel? What is the big message that God is trying to get across to us in the scriptures? And the big message he said is, there's this king who marries a prostitute. King loves her, loves her so much, she knows she's a prostitute, so she knows, like, I don't belong in a palace, I'm totally dirty, I don't belong with this great king. And yet he marries her anyway, and when he marries her, she becomes a queen. [00:01:02] (29 seconds)
That's what the king says to her and to you. See, when Jesus gives, us himself, he doesn't say, I need you to earn it first, I need you to be really good, and then maybe I'll let you into the palace. He says, do you see my broken body? It was given for you. It's literally for you. Just like a wedding band might be for you. I was given for you. And that means when you get me, you get everything I have, everything that I am. And so, really, you don't even need your own perfect obedience because I have perfect obedience. So just come with me, and now you have perfect obedience. You don't need your own righteousness, just come have my life. You don't even need your own wisdom because it's never going to ultimately work with everything you need to work. So come to me and enjoy my wisdom. That's what the bridegroom, the king, says to us. [00:52:44] (46 seconds)
If you're someone who trusts in Jesus Christ, we all get clogged up. We get clogged up with sinful habits. We get clogged up that causes hard-heartedness. We just get clogged up with the gunk of the world. And what I want to do today is I want to give us a tool that will help us clear out that junk all the time, every day for the rest of your life. You'll have this tool to use, and it's going to bless your life. [00:03:07] (25 seconds)
Endless living water when we unblock the well. So I want to talk to us, we're going to talk a lot about revival today, and we're going to talk about times of refreshing in God's presence. Now, when we talk about that, there's individual revival. We'll get to specifically what I mean in a minute, but there's just individual unclogging that we can all experience. But then there's even just like groups of people where that group of people can be unclogged, so to speak. Maybe a family has family sin that is really stopping up what the presence of God wants to do in that family. There can be national sin. There's just stuff that is so clogged up that it might take a great awakening to get rid of it, but it's just a clog. And God wants his spirit to come, and he wants to move on the people and cause radical prayer and repentance. And as that happens, that clog comes right out. And what God can do then is he can release a greater magnitude of his blessing and his power. Now, the king always wants to do that with the bride. He always wants to do it, but she gets clogged up. She forgets for times who she is, and all we need to do is get that thing unclogged if we can do it. [00:03:39] (72 seconds)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah who has been appointed for you even Jesus. [00:08:30] (15 seconds)
And some might be like, oh, that's great for him. Actually, it's not great for him. Here's why. Because God didn't appoint a system. He appointed for you a Messiah, even Jesus. That's what he did. He appointed you a Messiah, even Jesus. That's what he did. He appointed you a Messiah. That was God's solution to the sin problem. So you can't solve the sin problem with a system or with any system that we invent. And I felt bad for the guy, but bro, that didn't work. And you know what happened? He got madder and madder. Like he got angrier and angrier at life because he had tasted the king of life. And yet he's traded in for a stupid system that he knocked together with Legos. [00:09:51] (37 seconds)
You'll experience, thank you, you'll experience times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Times of refreshing. Times, not even just a time, times. Times of refreshing from the Holy Spirit of God who brings this renewal and this refreshment to everybody who did the preceding thing, which was repent and return, but he's going to bring times of refreshing. And what that's like, guys, it's times of returning strength. I mean, most of you know what this is like. Okay, you're super tired. You've had a day of it or a groggy morning, and you go and you find your friend the coffee. And you drink that, and you don't even just get a little coffee, like you get, you're like, I am back. That thing happening spiritually is revival. That's refreshing of your spirit. That is the, but not, not caffeinated way in a like, whoa, me and God are like tight right now. I'm walking before him in closeness. I'm experiencing his love. I'm experiencing his power. I'm thinking about him all the time. And my heart, there's just like, there's a fire within it. But it's also like, it's not chaotic. It's restful. [00:11:00] (67 seconds)
You know what it leads to is it leads to a washing of the Spirit again, and we see things that we didn't even know were there. They were always there, we just didn't see them. It releases this sense of, and this is what happened to Paul and Barnabas in the later chapters, it releases mission. Okay, now that I'm aligned with him, now he can be like, now I want you to go do what I want you to do. I really didn't want you to go do that before, though, because there's all kinds of stuff you didn't see. There's all kinds of stuff, actually, we weren't even in agreement about, so you go do stuff that doesn't even really represent me, even though you might think that it does. And there's personal revival, there's church revival, there's entire regional revival, and we want all of it. We want all of it, we want to pray for all of it, we want to go after all of it. Here's what you can do. What you might not intuit about revival is it reveals secret sin. [00:12:53] (54 seconds)
See, God already knows everything, and we're afraid. I'm afraid someone will know. I'm afraid someone will find out. I'm afraid I will find out. And once you do find out, though, and you realize Jesus' strong, kingly arms are around you, and he says, I just wanted us to agree. I'm not going to slap you around. I'm not going to embarrass you. I'm not going to slap you around. I'm not going to slap you in front of a bazillion people. I just want us to agree. And check it out. Even in the midst of that sin, I ain't never letting you go. Do you think I didn't know about that? I know all your things. And now you're more aware of how many things there are that I still love you through. [00:15:37] (31 seconds)
And you're experiencing greater closeness to God, greater sense of his leading. You're still getting a ton of stuff wrong. You still need a ton of wisdom. You need a ton of counsel. You need all kinds of other stuff, but you have him in deeper and more powerful and more meaningful ways. And when we don't, when we just be like, ah, that's not a big deal. How many of you have had, you've sinned in some way? How many of you have sinned in some way? How many of you have sinned in some way? You knew it was a sin, but you're like, ah, that's not a big deal. That's not a big deal. Let me remind you, your spiritual enemy is trying to tell you all the time that that was not a big deal because he knows that sin will clog your spiritual arteries. [00:17:29] (35 seconds)
And what I wanna do right now is I just wanna list you some things. Just open your heart for a second. Nobody's condemning you. Remember, if you've trusted Christ, you're already the queen. You're not trying to get back into the palace. You're already in the palace. This is gonna unclog some pipes, though, as we look at this. So I'm just gonna rattle off some ideas that maybe as you go into the next month praying, God, help our church, help us to grow in purity and that kind of thing, maybe these will be some of the things that you already know, but some of them might be things that you learn on the way. [00:22:05] (31 seconds)
And there's a burden to develop, develop leaders to go into those next 15 years and not just go here, but go to different places in the world. I gotta tell you guys, the vision that I feel like the Lord has given me, I've shared this with the elders, I've shared it with some others of you. It needs a little refined over the next month, so I'm not giving it away yet, but I'm just telling you, it's way beyond us. it makes me balk at it, if not by faith. And yet, that's the kind of thing that I would want. That's what we're asking for. I'm not asking for something we can do. I'm asking for God's mission and vision. [00:24:56] (36 seconds)
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