Embracing Joy and Peace in Following Christ
Summary
In the sermon titled "The King Has Come: The King Worth Following," delivered on December 17, 2023, Pastor Dave, one of the pastors at Paradox, along with Cecilia, the student ministries director, explores the multifaceted nature of God and the joy of the Advent season. The sermon begins with a reflection on God's unwavering love and care, despite human shortcomings. Pastor Dave emphasizes the difference between knowing about God and having a personal relationship with Him, inviting the congregation to deepen their connection with God.
The sermon then transitions to the theme of joy, with Pastor Dave encouraging the congregation to embrace joy and participate in the act of giving, as taught by Jesus. He reads from Psalm 118 to highlight the steadfast love of the Lord and the call to rejoice. The narrative of Jesus' birth is recounted, focusing on the joy and celebration it brings, and the significance of God coming to be with us. Pastor Dave expresses gratitude for his leadership role and the responsibility it entails.
Pastor Dave discusses the peace that Jesus offers, contrasting it with the fleeting peace of the world. He points out that true peace comes from following God, who provides and meets all needs. The sermon also recounts the story of King Herod's attempt to harm baby Jesus and the divine intervention that protected the holy family.
The sermon delves into the attributes of God as a father, highlighting His provision and protection, even when they are not immediately apparent. Pastor Dave invites the congregation to consider Jesus' invitation to follow Him, offering love, care, and leadership. He emphasizes the commitment to follow Jesus anywhere, trusting Him as the ultimate desire and refuge.
Pastor Dave speaks about God's active role in sustaining the universe and introduces the concept of God as an "Everlasting Father," inviting the congregation to find comfort and support in Him. He reflects on the chaos of the Christmas season and the importance of contemplating Immanuel, God with us. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6-7 and an invitation to seek prayer support.
Key Takeaways:
- The peace that Jesus offers is not a temporary respite from life's troubles but a deep, abiding peace that comes from the assurance of God's ultimate victory. This peace is rooted in the understanding that God provides for our needs, eliminating the need for strife and competition. Pastor Dave encourages us to find peace in our relationship with God, rather than in the transient comforts of the world. [01:10:34]
- God's love is transformative, and while He accepts us as we are, He also calls us to grow and change. Pastor Dave reminds us that God's love is not passive but active, seeking to shape us into the image of Christ. This transformative love is a hallmark of the Christian journey, inviting us to embrace change as a sign of God's work in our lives. [01:27:41]
- The concept of God as an "Everlasting Father" offers a profound sense of comfort and security. Pastor Dave invites us to imagine reaching up to God for support, much like a child reaches for their parent. This analogy helps us understand the nurturing and protective nature of God, who cares for us in every circumstance. [01:00:57]
- The joy of the Advent season is not just a personal experience but is meant to be shared with others. Pastor Dave compares joy to a candle that, when lit, can ignite the joy in those around us. This contagious joy is a testament to the impact of Jesus' love in our lives and our call to spread it to the world. [20:08]
- Following Jesus requires a commitment to trust and devotion that goes beyond mere acknowledgment. Pastor Dave emphasizes the phrase "I'll follow you anywhere" as a declaration of unwavering commitment to Jesus. This level of devotion challenges us to consider the depth of our relationship with Christ and our willingness to follow Him in all aspects of life. [01:24:07]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:6-7: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
2. Psalm 118:1-6, 24: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: 'His love endures forever.' Let the house of Aaron say: 'His love endures forever.' Let those who fear the Lord say: 'His love endures forever.' When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? ... The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."
3. John 15:9-11: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His character and role?
2. According to Psalm 118, what is the response of the people to God's enduring love and protection? How does this passage encourage us to respond to God's love? [17:59]
3. In John 15:9-11, what does Jesus say is the result of remaining in His love and keeping His commands? How does this relate to the concept of joy? [19:33]
4. How does Pastor Dave describe the difference between the peace that Jesus offers and the peace that the world offers? [15:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the title "Everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6 provide comfort and security to believers? What does this title reveal about God's nature? [01:02:40]
2. In what ways does Psalm 118:1-6, 24 illustrate the concept of God's steadfast love and the appropriate response to it? How can this understanding impact our daily lives? [17:59]
3. How does Jesus' teaching in John 15:9-11 about remaining in His love and experiencing complete joy challenge our understanding of joy in the Christian life? [19:33]
4. Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of following Jesus with unwavering commitment. What does it mean to declare "I'll follow you anywhere," and how does this reflect the depth of one's relationship with Christ? [01:24:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's peace in a difficult situation. How did this peace differ from any temporary comfort the world might offer? How can you seek this peace more consistently in your life? [15:29]
2. Pastor Dave speaks about the transformative nature of God's love. In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to grow and change? How can you actively participate in this transformation? [01:27:19]
3. The concept of God as an "Everlasting Father" offers profound comfort. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust and reliance on God as your Father in your daily life? [01:02:40]
4. Joy is described as something that grows when shared. Think of a specific way you can spread joy to someone in your community this week. How can you make this a regular practice? [20:46]
5. Pastor Dave challenges us to follow Jesus with a commitment that goes beyond mere acknowledgment. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to following Jesus in all aspects of your life? [01:24:07]
6. Reflect on the chaos of the Christmas season. How can you intentionally create moments of stillness and contemplation to focus on Immanuel, God with us? What practical steps can you take to make this a priority? [01:12:53]
7. Pastor Dave invites the congregation to seek prayer support. Is there a specific area in your life where you need prayer? How can you reach out for support within your small group or church community? [01:14:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Abiding Peace
True peace is found in the assurance of God's steadfast love and provision, transcending the temporary comforts of the world. This peace is a deep, abiding presence that steadies the heart amidst life's tumultuous waves, offering a sanctuary of calm in the certainty of divine victory. [01:10:34]
Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a practice of seeking Christ's peace in your daily life, especially in moments of stress or conflict?
Day 2: Transformative Power of God's Love
God's love is an active force that seeks to shape and refine us into the likeness of Christ. It is a love that accepts us as we are but also challenges us to grow, to shed the old and embrace the new, in a continual process of transformation and renewal. [01:27:41]
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one aspect of your character that you feel God is currently calling you to transform, and what practical steps can you take to cooperate with His transformative work?
Day 3: Comfort in Our Everlasting Father
The concept of God as an "Everlasting Father" brings a profound sense of security and nurturing care. Like a child reaching for their parent, we too can reach up to God, trusting in His eternal strength and protection to uphold us in every circumstance. [01:00:57]
Isaiah 64:8 - "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to more fully trust in God's fatherly care and allow Him to shape you?
Day 4: Spreading Contagious Joy
The joy of the Advent season is a gift that multiplies as it is shared, igniting the hearts of those around us. This joy, rooted in the love of Jesus, is a light that shines brightly, calling us to be bearers of hope and celebration in a world that often dwells in darkness. [20:08]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 - "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you actively spread the joy of Jesus to someone in your community this week, especially someone who may be experiencing hardship?
Day 5: Unwavering Commitment to Christ
Following Jesus is a journey of unwavering trust and devotion, a declaration of readiness to go wherever He leads. It is a commitment that challenges us to examine the depth of our faith and our willingness to surrender all aspects of our lives to His guidance and care. [01:24:07]
Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: What does "I'll follow you anywhere" mean to you in your current life situation, and how can you demonstrate this commitment in a tangible way today?
Quotes
"Wherever you lead me and whatever it costs me, all I want is you. Jesus, all I want is you." [01:24:07] (Download)
"Paradox, we say all the time that you can come as you are. No perfect people allowed. And Jesus loves you just as you are." [01:27:02] (Download)
"Experience my love, my care, my leadership because they follow me. Holy Spirit, I just pray that you would speak and that something in our hearts would just know your voice because you know us better than we know ourselves." [01:19:03] (Download)
"Oh, you make it easy to love you. You are good and you are kind. You bring joy into my life. You make it easy to trust you. You have never left my side. You've been faithful every time." [01:20:55] (Download)
"He loves you just as you are, but he loves you too much to let you stay that way." [01:27:41] (Download)
"God's not waiting for you to call some 800 number to get counsel from him. He's watching and waiting with his eye on you, ready to guide and support you in your journey." [51:53] (Download)
"God of the universe created me, loves me, knit me together specifically, knows me, wants a relationship with me. This is the time of year as we contemplate Immanuel, God with us. What does that mean? That God himself wants to be with me, with us." [01:13:39] (Download)
"God didn't just, like, create the universe and then go make some other universes. No, he's active, holding it together." [01:00:57] (Download)
"Thinking of him as my dad is the easiest, best analogy most times to think about a dad. You're hurt. You're sad. You're whatever. And you're just reaching up for your dad." [01:02:37] (Download)
"Please know your father, your good heavenly father who made you sees this. He knows and he's watching and he wants to provide for you. It may not look like the provision we think, but he is certainly going to provide what we need." [01:03:44] (Download)
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