Embracing Kairos Moments: Growth Through Life's Challenges
Summary
In life, we often encounter moments that are ripe with potential for transformation and growth. These moments, which I refer to as Kairos moments, are God-ordained opportunities that call for our response. They are not always the mountaintop experiences we might expect; sometimes, they are found in the valleys of hardship and challenge. It is in these times that we must choose to either get better or get bitter. We must look to God, trust in His goodness, and walk with Him through the uncertainty.
During a period of my life, I experienced such a Kairos moment that lasted 14 years. It was a time of deep personal struggle, where I questioned my calling, faced stress in my marriage, and dealt with depression. I went from being known and respected to feeling invisible and insignificant. Yet, it was through this season that I learned the true meaning of being a pastor and the importance of being just a normal person in life. I learned to detox from pride and arrogance and to appreciate the good while letting go of the bad. This time taught me that my relationship with God is not based on what I do but on who I am in Him.
The concept of Kairos is not new. Jesus Himself spoke of it when He proclaimed the gospel of God, urging us to repent and believe because the kingdom of God is at hand. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, instructs us to make the best use of the time because the days are evil. He encourages us to redeem the Kairos moments, to walk in the fullness of every God-opened door before us.
In our walk with Christ, we must be vigilant and wise, not living as those without direction but as those who are aware of God's movement in our lives. We are called to redeem the time, to seize the opportunities God places before us, and to walk in the good works He has prepared for us. This requires a daily relationship with God, not a mere weekly check-in.
The presence of the Lord is a constant in our lives, even when we are not aware of it. I shared a personal story of feeling God's presence as a child, a moment that has stayed with me throughout my life. These experiences remind us that God is with us, seeking us out like a shepherd seeks his lost sheep.
Finally, Jesus is the great equalizer. He meets each of us where we are, regardless of our social or economic status. He ministers to all, offering the same message of generosity and trust in God as our source. The kingdom of God is within us, and Jesus is actively working in our lives, building His kingdom through us.
Key Takeaways:
- Kairos moments are divine appointments where we face the choice to grow closer to Jesus or to become embittered by our circumstances. These moments are not just the victories but also the valleys that shape our faith and authority in Christ. [01:24:10]
- Our identity in Christ is not tied to our ministry or actions but to our very being. Understanding this liberates us from the need to earn God's love and allows us to rest in the assurance of His unconditional affection. [01:24:48]
- Wisdom in walking through life involves recognizing and redeeming the Kairos moments God presents to us. These are not chances for condemnation but opportunities for growth and testimony to the faithfulness of Jesus. [56:21]
- The presence of God is a profound reality that can impact us at any age, as seen in personal testimonies. These encounters are reminders that God's love and attention are personal and transformative. [01:07:55]
- Jesus' approach to ministry demonstrates that the kingdom of God is not about external circumstances but about the heart. He meets us in our unique situations, offering Kairos moments that are tailored to our individual journeys with Him. [01:12:29]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:15-16: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
2. Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
3. Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean by "making the best use of the time" in Ephesians 5:16? How does this relate to the concept of Kairos moments? [56:33]
2. In Mark 1:15, what does Jesus mean when He says, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand"? How does this statement connect to the idea of Kairos moments? [53:50]
3. How does Psalm 23 illustrate the presence of God in both peaceful and challenging times? [01:10:22]
4. What personal story did the pastor share about experiencing God's presence as a child, and how did it impact his faith journey? [01:08:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can recognizing and redeeming Kairos moments change a person's perspective on daily challenges and opportunities? [56:33]
2. What does it mean to have a relationship with God that is based on who we are in Him rather than what we do? How does this understanding affect our sense of identity and purpose? [01:24:14]
3. How does the pastor's 14-year period of struggle illustrate the concept of Kairos moments in the valleys of life? What lessons can be drawn from his experience? [01:21:00]
4. How does Jesus' approach to ministry, as described in the sermon, demonstrate that the kingdom of God is about the heart rather than external circumstances? [01:12:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge or hardship in your life. How might this be a Kairos moment for growth and transformation? What steps can you take to respond positively? [01:24:10]
2. In what ways can you cultivate a daily relationship with God rather than just a weekly check-in? What practical changes can you make to ensure this happens? [56:21]
3. Think about a time when you felt God's presence in a profound way. How did that experience shape your faith? How can you seek to be more aware of God's presence in your daily life? [01:07:55]
4. How can you remind yourself that your identity in Christ is not tied to your actions or ministry but to who you are in Him? What practices can help reinforce this truth? [01:24:48]
5. Jesus meets us where we are, regardless of our circumstances. How can you extend this same grace and understanding to others in your community? [01:12:29]
6. Identify a current situation where you have the choice to get better or get bitter. What specific actions can you take to choose growth and trust in God's goodness? [01:25:06]
7. How can you make the best use of the time and opportunities God places before you? What specific Kairos moments can you identify in your life right now, and how will you respond to them? [56:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Kairos for Spiritual Growth
In every life, there are moments that stand out as opportunities for profound spiritual growth. These Kairos moments are divine appointments, intricately woven into the fabric of our lives, where one is faced with a decision that can either draw them closer to Jesus or lead to bitterness. These moments often come during times of hardship, when the path ahead seems unclear, and the valleys appear too deep to traverse. It is in these valleys that character is forged, faith is tested, and authority in Christ is shaped. Recognizing these moments as opportunities rather than obstacles can transform one's spiritual journey.
James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." This passage encourages believers to view their challenges as chances to develop perseverance and maturity in their faith.
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can you view it as a Kairos moment to deepen your relationship with Jesus? [01:24:10]
Day 2: Identity Rooted in Being, Not Doing
Our true identity in Christ is not anchored in our accomplishments or the roles we play but in who we are as God's beloved. This understanding frees us from the relentless pursuit of trying to earn God's love through our actions. It allows us to rest in the knowledge that we are cherished unconditionally, independent of our successes or failures. This liberation from performance-based acceptance invites us to live in the peace and joy of being children of God, fully loved and fully known.
1 John 3:1-2 declares, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." This passage reminds us of our inherent value as children of God and the transformative love He has for us.
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from doing for God to being with God in your daily life? [01:24:48]
Day 3: Redeeming Time with Wisdom
Life presents us with a series of moments, each carrying the potential for growth and the deepening of our faith. Wisdom lies in recognizing these Kairos moments and redeeming them, not as occasions for self-condemnation but as opportunities to bear witness to the faithfulness of Jesus. By seizing these moments, we step into the fullness of what God has prepared for us, walking through doors He has opened and embracing the good works laid out in our path.
Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." This exhortation calls believers to live intentionally and wisely, making the most of every opportunity to grow and serve the Lord.
Reflection: What is one Kairos moment you might be overlooking in your life right now, and how can you actively engage with it? [56:21]
Day 4: Encountering God's Transformative Presence
The presence of God is a profound reality that can impact us at any age and in any circumstance. Personal encounters with God serve as powerful reminders of His love and attention, which are both personal and transformative. These moments can leave an indelible mark on our hearts, shaping our understanding of who God is and how He moves in our lives. They remind us that we are never alone and that God's presence is a constant source of comfort and guidance.
Psalm 139:7-10 poetically expresses, "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." This passage speaks to the inescapable and loving presence of God that surrounds and sustains us.
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt God's presence most profoundly? How did that experience shape your faith? [01:07:55]
Day 5: Jesus, the Heart's Great Equalizer
Jesus' ministry on earth demonstrated that the kingdom of God is centered on the heart, not external circumstances. He meets each person where they are, extending the same message of hope, generosity, and trust in God as our ultimate source. These encounters with Jesus are Kairos moments that are uniquely tailored to our individual journeys, inviting us to participate in the building of His kingdom from within.
Luke 10:21 reveals, "In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'" This verse highlights Jesus' joy in revealing the truths of the kingdom to those who approach Him with childlike faith and humility.
Reflection: How can you open your heart to Jesus' ministry in your current circumstances, allowing Him to work through you? [01:12:29]
Quotes
1) "I learned what it meant to be a pastor and I learned what it meant to be just normal in life. And detox from what I experienced in Russia. Detox from all the bad." [01:23:30] (Download | )
2) "I got authority in the name of Jesus because of what I walked through. I know he is faithful. And I know that he loves me, even if I do nothing more with the gospel." [01:24:10] (Download | )
3) "My relationship with him is not based on what I do. It is based on who I am. That's that Kairos. It's worth it, guys." [01:24:48] (Download | )
4) "These kairos moments are there for you in these graces. For you to be able to walk in the goodness of the Lord in the various areas of your life." [58:23] (Download | )
5) "Don't be foolish. In the midst of where you are, understand what the will of the Lord is. The Lord has an answer for that moment." [01:00:37] (Download | )
6) "You are the kingdom of God. So if Jesus is working in the kingdom, that means he's working in you." [01:15:45] (Download | )
7) "Jesus has words for you this morning for the Kairos moment. Jesus ministered to the absolute lowest of society and he ministered to the upper class of leaders." [01:13:28] (Download | )
8) "The presence of the Lord was a kairos moment for the Lord to imprint on me, Matt, I see you. I think the Lord has that for every single one of us." [01:10:07] (Download | )
9) "Jesus is the equalizer. He meets everyone where they are. And he brings it down to equal." [01:11:45] (Download | )
10) "Trust him right now as he's building the kingdom in your life. Trust him that he will continue to be faithful even when you aren't able to see the results of the prayer." [01:32:00] (Download | )
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?