Embracing Our Mission: Jesus as Light and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to be here with you today, celebrating what God is doing in our lives and around the world. If you're new, welcome home. We strive to make this big church feel small and personal. Today marks the beginning of a new season, especially for students and teachers. We believe that every Christian is a missionary, sent to their community to be salt and light. We prayed a commissioning prayer for all those involved in education, asking God to bless them with opportunities for gospel conversations and the strength to serve.
We then turned to John chapter 1, where John gives us the inside scoop on Jesus. Unlike the other gospels, John focuses on the heart of who Jesus is. He starts with a profound theological claim: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This "Word" is Jesus, who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. John uses the Greek term "Logos" to connect with both Jewish and Greek audiences, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of their deepest hopes and the embodiment of God's will.
John 1:14 tells us that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This means Jesus, the creator of everything, took on human form to live among us. This is a powerful reminder that God desires to be close to us, to walk with us, and to reveal His glory through Jesus. John also emphasizes that Jesus is the light of the world, illuminating our path and giving us life.
We are challenged to read the entire book of John in one sitting to grasp its full message. This exercise can reveal new insights and deepen our understanding of Jesus. John’s gospel aims to help us fall in love with Jesus and transform our lives.
Finally, we are reminded that our relationship with God is not based on our heritage, efforts, or knowledge but solely on God's grace through Jesus. Jesus is enough for all our needs, pains, and fears. We are called to focus solely on Him, as He is the only one who will never disappoint us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Every Christian is a Missionary: We are all sent to our communities to be salt and light. This missionary mindset is not just for those who go overseas but for every believer in their local context. We prayed for teachers and school staff, recognizing their unique role in influencing the next generation. [37:32]
2. Jesus is the Uncreated Creator: John 1:1-3 reveals that Jesus was with God from the beginning and that all things were made through Him. This foundational truth means that Jesus is not a created being but God Himself, who has the right to guide our lives. Understanding this helps us see our purpose and identity as God's creation. [49:09]
3. Jesus is the Light of the World: John introduces Jesus as the light that illuminates our path and gives us life. This light helps us see clearly and navigate the complexities of life. Embracing Jesus as our light means allowing His wisdom and guidance to shape our decisions and actions. [54:17]
4. The Word Became Flesh: John 1:14 tells us that Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us. This means that God desires to be close to us, to walk with us, and to reveal His glory through Jesus. This truth reassures us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives. [58:02]
5. Salvation is Through Jesus Alone: John 1:12-13 emphasizes that becoming a child of God is not based on our heritage, efforts, or knowledge but solely on God's grace through Jesus. This calls us to focus solely on Jesus, who is enough for all our needs, pains, and fears. He is the only one who will never disappoint us. [01:05:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:37] - New Season and Missionary Mindset
[37:32] - Commissioning Prayer for Educators
[38:30] - Prayer for Favor and Gospel Opportunities
[39:16] - Introduction to John Chapter 1
[39:59] - The Inside Scoop on Jesus
[41:36] - The Unique Gospel of John
[42:34] - The John Challenge
[43:16] - John's Theological Claim
[43:53] - Jesus as the Word
[45:21] - The Meaning of Logos
[46:52] - Jesus for All Cultures
[48:02] - God's Plan and Purpose for You
[49:09] - Jesus as the Uncreated Creator
[54:17] - Jesus as the Light of the World
[58:02] - The Word Became Flesh
[01:05:01] - Salvation Through Jesus Alone
[01:18:12] - Next Steps and Community Involvement
[01:23:13] - Honoring Steve and Eloise Wise
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 1:1-14
- Genesis 1:26
- John 1:10-13
### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:1-3 reveal about the nature and identity of Jesus? How does this passage describe His relationship with God? [43:53]
2. According to John 1:14, what significant event does John describe about Jesus, and what does it mean for us? [58:02]
3. In Genesis 1:26, what does the plural language ("Let us make man in our image") suggest about the nature of God? [50:04]
4. How does John 1:10-13 describe the world's reaction to Jesus and the offer He extends to those who receive Him? [01:04:06]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that John refers to Jesus as the "Word" (Logos) in John 1:1? How does this term connect with both Jewish and Greek audiences? [45:21]
2. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "uncreated creator" as described in John 1:1-3? How does this understanding impact our view of Jesus' authority in our lives? [49:09]
3. How does the concept of Jesus being the "light of the world" in John 1:4-5 help us navigate the complexities of life? What practical implications does this have for our daily decisions? [54:17]
4. John 1:14 states that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." How does this truth affect our understanding of God's desire to be close to us and involved in our lives? [58:02]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the idea that every Christian is a missionary, how can you adopt a missionary mindset in your daily life, especially in your workplace or community? What specific steps can you take to be salt and light where you are? [37:32]
2. Considering that Jesus is the uncreated creator, how does this truth shape your understanding of your purpose and identity as God's creation? Are there areas in your life where you need to submit more fully to His authority? [49:09]
3. Jesus is described as the light of the world. In what areas of your life do you need His light to bring clarity and guidance? How can you actively seek His wisdom in those areas? [54:17]
4. The sermon challenges us to read the entire book of John in one sitting. Have you ever tried this approach to reading Scripture? If not, what might you gain from doing so, and how can you set aside time to take on this challenge? [42:34]
5. John 1:12-13 emphasizes that becoming a child of God is based solely on God's grace through Jesus. How does this truth impact your view of salvation and your relationship with God? Are there any misconceptions you need to let go of? [01:05:01]
6. The sermon mentioned that Jesus is enough for all our needs, pains, and fears. Is there a specific area in your life where you struggle to believe this? How can you remind yourself of Jesus' sufficiency in that area? [01:08:03]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus will never disappoint us, unlike people who may let us down. How can you shift your focus from human relationships to a deeper reliance on Jesus? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with Him? [01:09:18]
Devotional
### Day 1: Missionary Mindset in Everyday Life
Description:
Every Christian is called to be a missionary, not just those who travel to distant lands. This means that in our daily lives, we are to be salt and light in our communities, workplaces, and schools. The idea is to live in such a way that others see Christ in us and are drawn to Him. This missionary mindset is especially relevant for teachers and school staff, who have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation. We prayed for these educators, asking God to bless them with opportunities for gospel conversations and the strength to serve. [37:32]
Bible Passage:
"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." — Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think of one person in your community or workplace who does not know Christ. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them this week to show them the love of Jesus?
### Day 2: Jesus, the Uncreated Creator
Description:
John 1:1-3 reveals that Jesus was with God from the beginning and that all things were made through Him. This foundational truth means that Jesus is not a created being but God Himself, who has the right to guide our lives. Understanding this helps us see our purpose and identity as God's creation. Recognizing Jesus as the uncreated Creator gives us a sense of awe and reverence, knowing that the One who made the universe cares deeply for us and has a plan for our lives. [49:09]
Bible Passage:
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." — Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on the fact that Jesus, the Creator of all things, knows you personally and has a purpose for your life. How does this truth impact the way you view your daily activities and decisions?
### Day 3: Jesus, the Light of the World
Description:
John introduces Jesus as the light that illuminates our path and gives us life. This light helps us see clearly and navigate the complexities of life. Embracing Jesus as our light means allowing His wisdom and guidance to shape our decisions and actions. When we walk in His light, we are able to see the world from His perspective and make choices that honor Him. This illumination is not just for our benefit but also for those around us, as we reflect His light in a dark world. [54:17]
Bible Passage:
"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him." — John 1:9-10 (ESV)
Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where you need Jesus' light to guide you. What steps can you take today to seek His wisdom and direction in that area?
### Day 4: The Word Became Flesh
Description:
John 1:14 tells us that Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us. This means that God desires to be close to us, to walk with us, and to reveal His glory through Jesus. This truth reassures us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives. Jesus' incarnation is a powerful reminder of God's love and His willingness to enter into our human experience. It shows us that God understands our struggles and is with us in every situation. [58:02]
Bible Passage:
"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil." — Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)
Reflection:
How does knowing that Jesus took on human form and dwelt among us change the way you approach your relationship with Him? What can you do today to draw closer to Him?
### Day 5: Salvation Through Jesus Alone
Description:
John 1:12-13 emphasizes that becoming a child of God is not based on our heritage, efforts, or knowledge but solely on God's grace through Jesus. This calls us to focus solely on Jesus, who is enough for all our needs, pains, and fears. He is the only one who will never disappoint us. This truth liberates us from trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in His grace. It also challenges us to trust Jesus completely, knowing that He is sufficient for every aspect of our lives. [01:05:01]
Bible Passage:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on an area of your life where you have been relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace. How can you shift your focus to trust in Jesus' sufficiency today?
Quotes
1. "One of the things that I'm convinced of is that it is critical for Christians to see themselves as sent. That missionaries aren't just the people that go overseas. And, yes, we do love. We love our missionaries. And we want to raise up more people to go overseas to go share the gospel. But it's not just for them to have a missionary mentality. Every single Christian here in Spartanburg should have the mentality of being a missionary. That they are sent to their community." [37:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "John wrote his gospel to fill in the gaps. John was Jesus. Closest friend. He was his first cousin. And John writes 30 to 50 years later, after the first three are written, he writes his gospel because he wants people to understand who Jesus is. Not just from an informational side of things, but from a heart level. And so he wants us to fall in love with Jesus. And that's my hope for you as you study the book of John with me for the next several months. That your heart would be healed. That you would be in love with Jesus because of what we're studying. That you'll look closely at who Jesus is and your life will be transformed because of it." [42:34] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is the light of the world. That's what the Bible tells us. And John is introducing two huge themes that go throughout the rest of the book of John. You can probably see these now that you're aware of it throughout almost every passage in John. That Jesus is life. And he is light. John uses this idea of light 21 times in the book of John. Somebody went out and counted them. He also uses the idea of life, the word zoe in Greek, 35 times. And an additional time, 15 times, he uses this idea of having life. So this is a major theme throughout this entire book." [54:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus shows us what God is like. If you look with me in verse 16. It says, indeed we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness. For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only son who is himself God and is at the father's side. He has revealed him. What John is saying there. He's saying that Jesus is better than the law. Because the law is trying to teach you about God. But Jesus shows you what God is like." [01:00:57] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Anyone who wants to receive Jesus can. If they call upon his name. If they believe that he is who he said he was. And what's so fascinating is that John then begins to take away all of our false perceptions of how to have a relationship with God. He says the way that you get Jesus is by choosing to receive his offer that he gives you. But it's not because of who you are. That's what he says when he says, not because of your natural descent. And he's looking directly at people who are Jewish. He's like, listen, it doesn't matter if you're son or daughter of Abraham. It doesn't matter like who you know or who your parents were." [01:05:01] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's easy to make Christianity about sin. We can make it about something other than Jesus. We can make it about the pastor. how good did he do? We can make it about programming or buildings. We can make Christianity about the culture. We can make it about how great that song was. We can add something to Jesus. We can say it's Jesus plus something. And we can add so many things to Jesus. We can add our works. Like how much we gave away. Or how much we served. Or how hard we've tried to be good. And so what happens then is that you start putting your faith in that other thing. In your theological correctness. In your sacrifice. But it's always an only Jesus." [01:07:12] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus is enough. He's enough for you. He's enough for your pain. He's enough for your fear. He's enough for you. So put your hope on the person of Jesus. Church may have broken your heart. You may have been let down by a Sunday school teacher. A pastor. By a parent or a friend. But Jesus won't. So perhaps if you have excuses or you have like kind of your guard up. Would you just let that go and just look at Jesus again. Because people will disappoint. We all will. But Jesus doesn't." [01:09:18] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "One of the easiest ways you can do that is by going to the summit next week, or you can go right through these doors and just meet people at our guest service center. But don't leave it just here. Take it with you. Because God is enough. I do have one quick announcement I want to share with you. So I want you guys to have a seat for just a second. It's always hard to pivot out of a moment like that. It's like, let's just go home to lunch after that. But, you know, we want to celebrate some of the stories that God has. We want to celebrate some of the things that God is doing in our church." [01:18:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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