Embracing New Life: Fellowship, Victory, and Joy in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Intimacy with God Through Christ

The relationship with God is not a distant ideal but a tangible reality, made possible through the sacrifice of Christ. Believers are invited to experience an intimate fellowship with the Father, where prayers are not just heard but welcomed with a divine eagerness. This fellowship is marked by a deep sense of knowing and being known by God, where one's thoughts and desires are aligned with His will. It is in this sacred space that faith is no longer about rituals or obligations but about a living, breathing relationship that shapes every aspect of life. The confidence that comes from this relationship should infuse believers with courage and purpose, transforming their daily walk and interactions with the world. [17:34]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a more intimate prayer life that reflects your access to God through Christ, and what practical steps will you take to align your daily decisions with His will?

Day 2: The Strength of Vulnerable Fellowship

True fellowship within the body of Christ is characterized by vulnerability and transparency. It is a fellowship that embraces confession and accountability, not as burdensome tasks, but as pathways to healing and a stronger community. This practice, reflective of the early church, is essential for the health of the body of Christ. It allows believers to bear one another's burdens, to grow together, and to experience the transformative power of being known and accepted. In this environment, the masks come off, and the walls come down, leading to a depth of relationship that can weather any storm. [30:07]

James 5:16 (ESV)
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice vulnerability with fellow believers, and how can you take a step towards transparency this week?

Day 3: Living in Victory Over Sin

Victory over sin is not just a theological concept but a living reality for those who are in Christ. As children of God, believers are called to embrace the freedom that comes from being set free from the bondage of sin. This freedom is not a future hope but a present empowerment, enabling believers to overcome temptations and to grow in holiness each day. It is a victory that should be evident in the way one lives, loves, and serves, reflecting the transformative work of Christ in their life. This inheritance of victory is a call to a higher standard, where sin no longer reigns but is continually conquered through the power of the Holy Spirit. [36:00]

Romans 6:14 (ESV)
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."

Reflection: Identify one habitual sin you struggle with and consider what practical steps you can take to live in the victory that Christ has secured for you.

Day 4: Discerning Spiritual Realities

Understanding the spiritual realities of the world is crucial for a discerning and proactive faith. It involves recognizing the ongoing cosmic battle and the influence of the evil one, yet not succumbing to fear. Instead, this understanding leads to a deeper reliance on God's sovereignty and a commitment to advancing His Kingdom in the face of darkness. Believers are called to be watchful and wise, equipped with the knowledge of God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to discern the times and to stand firm in their faith. This understanding is not for the faint of heart but for those who are zealous for the Lord and His purposes. [41:49]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: How can you actively seek to grow in your understanding of spiritual realities, and what is one way you can apply this discernment in your life today?

Day 5: The Joy of Salvation as Motivation

The joy of salvation is a precious gift that believers must cherish and seek to renew regularly. It is the antidote to legalism and self-reliance, reminding believers that their relationship with God is based on His grace and not their efforts. This joy is a source of strength and motivation to obey God's commands and to live a life that honors Him. It is a joy that transcends circumstances, providing peace and clarity, and it is a joy that fuels the desire to serve God and others with a whole heart. The joy of salvation is a reminder of the goodness of God and the life-giving nature of His commands. [46:13]

Psalm 51:12 (ESV)
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on the current state of joy in your relationship with God. What specific actions can you take to restore or deepen the joy of your salvation?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the profound truths of our faith, exploring the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the new life it ushers us into. We began by acknowledging the gravity of taking Christ's sacrifice for granted, recognizing that to do so is to tread a path toward spiritual death. However, the focus quickly shifted to the beauty of the Asbury Revival, a recent move of God marked by genuine confession and the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit. This revival serves as a model for the openness, honesty, and fellowship we are called to embody as believers.

We then explored the themes of fellowship with God, fellowship with others, victory over sin, and understanding. Fellowship with God is not a distant concept but an intimate relationship made possible through Christ, our gate to the Father. This fellowship is characterized by confident prayer aligned with God's will, a truth that should permeate our daily lives.

Fellowship with others is equally vital, as demonstrated by the early church's practice of confessing sins within the community, leading to healing and restoration. This transparency is essential for a healthy body of Christ.

Victory over sin is a hallmark of our new identity in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin but have been set free to live a life of righteousness. This victory is not just theoretical but should be evident in our daily walk with the Lord.

Lastly, we discussed understanding, which involves discerning the spiritual realities of our world and recognizing the ongoing cosmic battle. This understanding should not lead us to despair but to a holy zeal for the Kingdom of God to break through and bring hope.

In worship, we were reminded of the joy of salvation and the importance of obedience to God's commands, not out of obligation but out of a recognition of their goodness and life-giving nature. We prayed for restoration of joy and a focus on Christ, which brings peace, purpose, and clarity.

The sermon concluded with a call to live out this new life in Christ, to be a watching people, discerning God's will, and to experience the fullness of the life He has opened up to us through His Son.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 5:14-15, what confidence do we have when we pray according to God's will?
What does 1 John 5:18 say about those who are born of God and their relationship with sin?
How does Psalm 51:12 describe the joy of salvation and its impact on obedience? [46:13]
In John 17:3, what is defined as eternal life?

Interpretation Questions

How does the confidence in prayer described in 1 John 5:14-15 change the way believers approach God with their requests? [01:17:34]
What does it mean for a believer to have victory over sin according to 1 John 5:18, and how does this impact their daily life? [01:35:18]
How does the joy of salvation mentioned in Psalm 51:12 influence a believer's willingness to obey God's commands? [46:13]
What implications does John 17:3 have for a believer's understanding of their relationship with God and Jesus Christ?

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you prayed with confidence, knowing it was according to God's will. How did that experience impact your faith? [01:17:34]
In what ways can you cultivate a deeper fellowship with God in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to enhance your prayer life? [01:13:44]
How can you foster a culture of transparency and accountability within your small group or church community, similar to the early church's practice of confessing sins? [01:29:33]
Identify an area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can you apply the truth of 1 John 5:18 to experience victory in that area? [01:35:18]
How can you actively seek to understand the spiritual realities of the world around you and respond with a holy zeal for God's Kingdom? [01:39:14]
Reflect on the joy of your salvation. How can you renew this joy and let it motivate your obedience to God's commands this week? [46:13]
What practical steps can you take to keep yourself from idols, as advised in 1 John 5:21, and ensure that your focus remains on Christ? [01:12:28]

Sermon Clips

"Because Jesus took our place on the cross, but when we begin to take for granted that sacrifice of Christ and begin to trample on it, we are plotting a path towards certain death." [01:32:40] (Download | Download cropped video)

"There's a beautiful move of God that took place, the Asbury Revival, marked by students confessing their sins. It was the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in fellowship, compelling students to confess, not in gory details, but in light of God's grace." [01:33:23] (Download | )

"Through this gate, we fellowship with the Lord, actual friendship with God. We have fellowship with other people that's real, no masks, walking in the light before others as well, and the third is victory over sin." [01:33:57] (Download | )

"Victory over sin is our inheritance as children of God. We are no longer slaves to sin, we're dead to sin. Sin no longer has dominion over us; that is not the defining thing over our lives anymore." [01:36:00] (Download | )

"The Lord opens our eyes to see the thoroughness of his grace, the thoroughness of his work in our lives, that it be revealed to each one of our hearts. How we understand these things regarding sin matters." [01:36:41] (Download | )

"We understand that there's still a cosmic battle, that in some senses this world is still in the hands of the evil one. The Lord has given us understanding and we step outside these doors with our spiritual eyes wide open." [01:40:36] (Download | )

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you. God, we pray that you would restore that joy, that anybody here that has experienced your salvation... would be full of joy." [46:13] (Download | )

"Jesus, we thank you that you save us, that you restore us, that you give us life, that you give us joy in that salvation. We pray that we would follow your commands because they are good and they give life." [46:47] (Download | )

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