Embracing the Adventure of Faith in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of living a life of adventure through the lens of faith. Reflecting on the summer's activities and the idea of "faith over feels," we delved into what it means to live a life that Jesus calls us to—a life of fullness and abundance. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." This full-strength life is not just about existing but thriving in a way that is unusual, exciting, and sometimes hazardous.
We discussed how adventure is defined as an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous experience or activity. This definition parallels the life Jesus invites us into. We shared personal stories of adventure, from mountain biking to hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, and how these experiences mirror the spiritual journey we are called to embark on.
The sermon emphasized that following Jesus is an adventure that is out of the ordinary, multiplies joy, leads us into the unknown, and can sometimes be perilous. We looked at the context of John 10:10, where Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus offers a life that is rich, satisfying, and abundant.
We also touched on the importance of not being too easily satisfied with the world's offerings but seeking the infinite joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus. C.S. Lewis's quote about being too easily pleased with mud pies when a holiday at sea is offered was particularly poignant.
Finally, we acknowledged that while the full-strength life can lead to persecution and rejection, it is a life worth living because it is eternal and deeply satisfying. We encouraged everyone to embrace this adventurous life and to come back next week to learn more about how to live it fully.
### Key Takeaways
1. Life as an Adventure: Following Jesus is an adventure that is out of the ordinary and counter-cultural. It requires different priorities and choices that set us apart from the world. This life is not about merely existing but thriving in a way that is unusual and exciting. [20:04]
2. Multiplying Joy: The full-strength life in Christ multiplies joy. There are countless opportunities to do good and be about our Father's business, making the life of a Christ-follower exciting and fulfilling. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. [22:41]
3. Embracing the Unknown: The life Jesus calls us to often leads us into unfamiliar territory. While this can be challenging, it is also where we experience growth and see God's guidance most clearly. Trusting in God's plan, even when it is not fully revealed, is a crucial part of this journey. [26:57]
4. Facing Peril: The full-strength life can sometimes be perilous, involving persecution and hardship. However, these challenges are part of the adventure and lead to a deeper, more resilient faith. The stories of biblical figures and modern-day disciples remind us that this life is worth the risk. [31:11]
5. Infinite Joy Over Temporary Satisfaction: We are often too easily satisfied with the temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus offers us infinite joy and a life that truly satisfies. This requires us to shift our focus from worldly desires to the eternal life that Jesus provides. [14:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Faith Over Feels
[01:24] - Word Association: Summer
[02:01] - Definition of Adventure
[03:02] - Personal Adventures
[05:43] - Life to the Full
[06:23] - Context of John 10:10
[08:52] - Missing Miracles
[09:36] - Jesus Corrects the Pharisees
[10:27] - Abundant Life
[12:15] - God's Generosity
[13:01] - Too Easily Satisfied
[14:40] - C.S. Lewis on Joy
[16:19] - True Fulfillment
[18:24] - Vision of Life-Giving Transformation
[20:04] - Life Out of the Ordinary
[22:41] - Multiplying Joy
[25:28] - Embracing the Unknown
[26:57] - God's Guidance
[28:18] - Facing Peril
[31:11] - Hebrews 11: Heroes of Faith
[34:17] - Modern-Day Disciples
[37:28] - Seeking Eternal Life
[39:12] - Peter's Adventure
[40:59] - Embracing Abundant Life
[42:35] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[43:58] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10 (NIV) - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
2. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
3. Hebrews 11:35-38 (NIV) - "Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise in John 10:10, and how does He contrast His purpose with that of the thief? [10:27]
2. According to 1 John 2:15-17, what are the three things the world offers, and how do they differ from what God offers? [21:19]
3. In Hebrews 11:35-38, what kinds of hardships did the heroes of faith endure, and what was their ultimate hope? [31:11]
4. How did the pastor describe the concept of "faith over feels" and its relevance to living a life of adventure? [00:49]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of "life to the full" in John 10:10 shape our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? [10:27]
2. What does it mean to not be "too easily satisfied" with the world's offerings, as discussed in the sermon? How does this relate to C.S. Lewis's quote about mud pies and a holiday at sea? [14:40]
3. How can the experiences of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 inspire us to embrace the adventurous life Jesus calls us to, despite potential hardships? [31:11]
4. What are some practical ways we can prioritize "faith over feels" in our daily lives, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties? [00:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt too easily satisfied with something temporary. How can you shift your focus to seek the infinite joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus? [14:40]
2. The sermon mentioned that following Jesus often leads us into unfamiliar territory. Can you identify a current situation in your life where you need to trust God's guidance more fully? [26:57]
3. How can you actively seek to multiply joy in your life and the lives of others, as described in the sermon? What specific actions can you take this week to do good and be about your Father's business? [22:41]
4. The pastor shared personal stories of adventure and how they mirror the spiritual journey. Can you share a personal experience where stepping out in faith felt like an adventure? How did it impact your relationship with God? [03:02]
5. Considering the potential perils of living a full-strength life, such as persecution or rejection, how can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to face these challenges? [31:11]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of not missing the miracles God is doing in our lives. How can you cultivate a mindset of awareness and gratitude for God's work in your daily life? [08:52]
7. What steps can you take to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers, even if it means making counter-cultural choices? How can you encourage others in your small group to do the same? [20:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Life as an Extraordinary Adventure
Description: Following Jesus is not about living a mundane or ordinary life. It is an invitation to embark on an extraordinary adventure that is counter-cultural and requires different priorities and choices. This life is about thriving in a way that is unusual and exciting, not just merely existing. Jesus calls us to a life that is full of purpose, joy, and sometimes, challenges that push us out of our comfort zones. Embracing this adventure means being willing to step into the unknown and trust that God has a plan for us that is far greater than anything we could imagine. [20:04]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are just existing rather than thriving? How can you invite Jesus into that area to transform it into an extraordinary adventure?
Day 2: Multiplying Joy
Description: The full-strength life in Christ is one that multiplies joy. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. There are countless opportunities to do good and be about our Father's business, making the life of a Christ-follower exciting and fulfilling. When we align our lives with God's purposes, we find that our joy increases, even in the midst of challenges. This joy is a testament to the abundant life that Jesus promises to those who follow Him. [22:41]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt joy despite difficult circumstances. How can you cultivate more of this joy in your daily walk with Christ?
Day 3: Embracing the Unknown
Description: The life Jesus calls us to often leads us into unfamiliar territory. While this can be challenging, it is also where we experience the most growth and see God's guidance most clearly. Trusting in God's plan, even when it is not fully revealed, is a crucial part of this journey. Embracing the unknown requires faith and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. This is where we learn to rely on His strength and wisdom rather than our own. [26:57]
Isaiah 42:16 (ESV): "And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is leading you into the unknown? How can you trust Him more in this area and seek His guidance?
Day 4: Facing Peril
Description: The full-strength life can sometimes be perilous, involving persecution and hardship. However, these challenges are part of the adventure and lead to a deeper, more resilient faith. The stories of biblical figures and modern-day disciples remind us that this life is worth the risk. Facing peril with faith allows us to experience God's power and presence in profound ways. It is through these trials that our faith is tested and strengthened, and we become more like Christ. [31:11]
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or hardship. How did your faith help you navigate through it, and what did you learn about God's faithfulness?
Day 5: Infinite Joy Over Temporary Satisfaction
Description: We are often too easily satisfied with the temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus offers us infinite joy and a life that truly satisfies. This requires us to shift our focus from worldly desires to the eternal life that Jesus provides. C.S. Lewis's quote about being too easily pleased with mud pies when a holiday at sea is offered serves as a powerful reminder of the greater joy that is available to us in Christ. By seeking the infinite joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus, we can experience a life that is deeply fulfilling and eternally significant. [14:40]
Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV): "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Reflection: What are some temporary pleasures or distractions that you find yourself turning to for satisfaction? How can you shift your focus to seek the infinite joy that comes from a deeper relationship with Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus said, follow me. He said, leave it behind and follow me. So if we're going to follow him, what kind of life are we getting into? Well, that's what we want to talk about today. The Bible says this, Jesus said, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Everybody say to the full. Come on, say to the full, to the full. So today is all about that full strength life that Jesus invites us to do." [05:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We just believe that God can do miracles in our midst. If we don't miss it like the Pharisees did, it's so sad to me that that happened. And later on, Jesus had a direct conversation with these Pharisees, right? Is it, is that it, he said this, that's where the context of this comes into play. Is it when we read, when Jesus said, I have come to give life and life to the full, it's talking to these Pharisees. Jesus. Jesus is correcting them." [08:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said that I have come. My purpose is that you may taste real life, unadulterated, undiluted, full strength life. Think caffeine versus decaf. Like what's the point? All you decaf drinkers. I love you. I just don't understand you. I'm just saying. Okay. Okay. All right. All right. Are we satisfied with less?" [18:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Following Jesus is life at full strength. Everybody say full strength. It is again, it is a life that honestly to me sounds a lot like adventure. It sounds a lot like that. So again, our definition of adventure is an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous experience or activity. As a verb, it's this, to engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unusual unknown territory." [18:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You were made to be satisfied by God alone. And so if you're empty and you don't have them in your life, you know what? No, no wonder come and experience life, but to close your eyes for just a second. If you're here today, you're joining us online and you realize that you need to make a choice to receive the kind of life that Jesus wants to give. Listen, I just want to say there's real life waiting for you. There is real life waiting for you." [42:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When they didn't believe the story, you know what they also didn't do is they didn't open the door for miracles to happen in their own lives. They missed it that day. They missed the miracle that God had done. I mean like a, a, a sure enough medical miracle. How many could say in the room that you've had some kind of, it just had to be a supernatural thing happen in your life. I'm just, let's give God praise and honor and glory because he's still doing that. He's still doing that. Even today, the Bible says Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." [08:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know what? I think that, I think that for us, sometimes we're just too easily satisfied. We're too easily satisfied. We think we've arrived with life. You know, maybe it's, maybe it's like this. Sometimes we settle for cheap, but really honestly expensive. If you think about it, substitutes for what real living is. How you, I'm living my best life and you find out more and they're like diving into the abyss of this illicit affair because they think that over across there's greener grass." [13:51] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The greatest fulfillment of a full strength life is in living for God's pleasure. We just have different priorities. Okay. Things look different. We act different. We, we make different choices. You know, we vote different. I'm just saying that it affects every part of our lives when we have tasted and seen. The second thing is this, a full strength life multiplies joy, multiplies joy. I just love it so much joy today. Okay. I'm just, I love that. And it multiplies joy." [22:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The full strength life is occupied by the joyfulness that God brings. Here's another way that, to me, it looks like adventure, is that it's unfamiliar, leads us into the unknown, this is the hardest thing for me, honestly, is that I like things planned out. How many are planners? What, man, I love it. This week, Pastor Chandler said something that I put on Instagram. He said, Jesus ain't no last-minute planner. That's what he said, and I'm like, amen. That is the absolute, and I love a plan." [25:28] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The full strength life could lead to persecution and rejection or worse, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Any other way. So in John six, there's a picture of a crowd and this crowd was, they saw a miracle. They were the crowd that were sitting on the side of the mountain when Jesus was preaching and Jesus fed them, about 5,000 of them. And they had their tummy filled. And then Jesus said this. He said, I tell you the truth. You want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs, but don't be so concerned about the perishable things like food." [37:28] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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