Embracing the Incorruptible Seed of Christ
Summary
Today, we gathered to explore the profound truth of Jesus Christ as the ultimate seed, sown for our redemption and transformation. The essence of our faith is rooted in the understanding that Jesus willingly laid down His life, not just as a sacrifice, but as an incorruptible seed that continues to bear fruit in our lives. This seed, as described in 1 Peter 1:23, is imperishable, living, and enduring, planted within us to produce a harvest of righteousness and eternal life.
The journey of faith is not just about acknowledging Jesus' sacrifice but also about embracing His obedience and willingness. Jesus' life exemplifies perfect obedience to God's will, even unto death. His sacrificial love is a model for us to follow, urging us to live lives of obedience and willingness, aligning our hearts with God's purpose. This alignment is not merely about acts of sacrifice but about a heart posture that seeks to fulfill God's plan in our lives.
As believers, we are called to reflect this sacrificial love in our own lives. Our obedience to God's word is a true expression of our love for Him. It positions us to receive the abundant life promised in His kingdom, a life characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. This life is not just about earthly existence but about thriving in the spiritual realm, where our faith is continually nurtured and grown.
The seed of Christ within us is meant to be sown, to bring forth a harvest of spiritual fruit that reflects His glory. Our willingness to share the gospel, accompanied by sacrifice and obedience, enables this seed to flourish, transforming not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. We are challenged to cultivate this seed, allowing His presence to shape our character and actions, moving intentionally in His will.
In conclusion, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are not just historical events but ongoing realities that continue to impact our lives. His story is still being written in us, as we allow Him to be the author and finisher of our faith. Let us commit to living in a way that honors God, embracing the fullness of His love and grace, and sharing the good news of His kingdom with the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Incorruptible Seed: Jesus is the ultimate seed, sown for our redemption. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith, offering us an imperishable seed that brings eternal life and transformation. This seed, once sown, does not return void but fulfills God's purpose in our lives. [17:17]
2. Obedience Over Sacrifice: True surrender goes beyond mere acts of giving; it involves aligning our hearts with God's will. Obedience is the true expression of our love for God, positioning us to receive His abundant life. This obedience is not just about following rules but about a heart posture that seeks to fulfill God's plan. [41:32]
3. Willingness and Sacrifice: Jesus' willingness to lay down His life is a model for us to follow. Our willingness to share the gospel, accompanied by sacrifice and obedience, enables the seed of the Word to flourish in our lives and the lives of others. This willingness reflects our deep love for God and commitment to His plan. [50:18]
4. Cultivating the Seed: The seed of Christ within us is meant to be cultivated, allowing His presence to shape our character and actions. Our lives should reflect His glory, producing spiritual fruit that impacts those around us. This cultivation requires intentionality and a commitment to living in alignment with His will. [01:07:10]
5. Living a Life of Abundance: The abundant life promised in God's kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. This life is not just about earthly existence but about thriving in the spiritual realm, where our faith is continually nurtured and grown. Our obedience and willingness position us to receive this abundant life. [01:14:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - The Gift of Jesus
- [03:45] - The Seed of the Word
- [06:10] - Living the Resurrection Life
- [09:25] - The Power of Gathering
- [12:00] - Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice
- [15:40] - The Incorruptible Seed
- [19:00] - Obedience Over Sacrifice
- [22:30] - Willingness and Sacrifice
- [26:15] - Cultivating the Seed
- [30:45] - Living a Life of Abundance
- [35:20] - The Call to Share the Gospel
- [40:00] - The Kingdom of God Within
- [45:30] - Jesus' Ongoing Work in Us
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 1:23 - "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
2. John 12:24 - "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
3. Philippians 2:8 - "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Peter 1:23, what is the nature of the seed that believers are born again from, and how is it described in the sermon? [17:17]
2. In John 12:24, what does Jesus say about the necessity of a seed dying, and how does this relate to His own life and mission as discussed in the sermon? [17:17]
3. How does Philippians 2:8 illustrate Jesus' obedience, and what example does the sermon provide to show His willingness to fulfill God's plan? [41:32]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the ongoing impact of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection on believers today? [01:07:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "incorruptible seed" challenge or deepen one's understanding of His role in personal transformation and redemption? [17:17]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' obedience to God's will serves as a model for believers' own lives? How might this influence one's daily decisions? [41:32]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of willingness and sacrifice in sharing the gospel. How might this perspective change the way one approaches evangelism and discipleship? [50:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the abundant life promised in God's kingdom, and what role does obedience play in experiencing this life? [01:14:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to obey God in a challenging situation. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with Jesus' example of obedience? [41:32]
2. Consider the "incorruptible seed" of Christ within you. What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate this seed and allow it to bear spiritual fruit in your life? [01:07:10]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of willingness in sharing the gospel. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the good news. How can you approach them with a spirit of willingness and love this week? [50:18]
4. Jesus' life exemplifies perfect obedience and sacrifice. What is one area of your life where you struggle with obedience, and how can you seek God's help to overcome this challenge? [41:32]
5. The sermon speaks of living a life of abundance characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to experience more of this abundant life? [01:14:25]
6. How can you intentionally reflect Jesus' sacrificial love in your relationships this week? Consider a specific relationship where you can demonstrate this love more clearly. [50:18]
7. The sermon encourages believers to allow Jesus to be the author of their story. What is one area of your life where you need to relinquish control and trust God to write your story? [58:47]
Devotional
Day 1: The Incorruptible Seed of Christ
The foundation of our faith is the understanding that Jesus Christ is the ultimate seed, sown for our redemption and transformation. His life, death, and resurrection offer us an imperishable seed that brings eternal life and transformation. This seed, as described in 1 Peter 1:23, is living and enduring, planted within us to produce a harvest of righteousness. It is a seed that does not return void but fulfills God's purpose in our lives. As believers, we are called to nurture this seed, allowing it to grow and bear fruit in our lives and the lives of those around us. [17:17]
1 Peter 1:23 (ESV): "Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to nurture the incorruptible seed of Christ within you, allowing it to grow and bear fruit in your life?
Day 2: Obedience as the True Expression of Love
True surrender to God goes beyond mere acts of giving; it involves aligning our hearts with His will. Obedience is the true expression of our love for God, positioning us to receive His abundant life. This obedience is not just about following rules but about a heart posture that seeks to fulfill God's plan. It is about embracing Jesus' model of perfect obedience to God's will, even unto death. As we align our hearts with God's purpose, we open ourselves to the abundant life characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. [41:32]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: In what specific area of your life is God calling you to greater obedience, and how can you take a step towards that today?
Day 3: Willingness to Sacrifice for the Gospel
Jesus' willingness to lay down His life is a model for us to follow. Our willingness to share the gospel, accompanied by sacrifice and obedience, enables the seed of the Word to flourish in our lives and the lives of others. This willingness reflects our deep love for God and commitment to His plan. It challenges us to move beyond comfort and convenience, embracing a life of sacrifice that mirrors Jesus' own. As we do so, we become conduits of His love and grace, impacting the world around us. [50:18]
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (ESV): "For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate willingness and sacrifice in sharing the gospel with someone in your life today?
Day 4: Cultivating the Seed of Christ
The seed of Christ within us is meant to be cultivated, allowing His presence to shape our character and actions. Our lives should reflect His glory, producing spiritual fruit that impacts those around us. This cultivation requires intentionality and a commitment to living in alignment with His will. As we nurture this seed, we allow His presence to transform us, moving intentionally in His will and purpose. This transformation is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of those we encounter, as we become living testimonies of His love and grace. [01:07:10]
Colossians 1:10 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate the seed of Christ in your daily life, allowing His presence to shape your character and actions?
Day 5: Embracing the Abundant Life in God's Kingdom
The abundant life promised in God's kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. This life is not just about earthly existence but about thriving in the spiritual realm, where our faith is continually nurtured and grown. Our obedience and willingness position us to receive this abundant life, as we align ourselves with God's purpose and plan. It is a life that transcends circumstances, rooted in the eternal hope and joy found in Christ. As we embrace this abundant life, we become beacons of His love and grace, drawing others into His kingdom. [01:14:25]
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 can more fully embrace the abundant life promised in God's kingdom, and how can you take a step towards that today?
Quotes
``I just want to say welcome to everybody. If you don't know me, I'm Pastor Brent. And we're going to do spiritual calisthenics. Is that right? He's like, what's that? It's like we're going to be up and down, up and down. Amen. But I just want to go real quick. Today we're all here for one purpose. Right? And that's the who? Worship Jesus Christ our Lord. It's one of those things that's so around the world, everybody wakes up on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning with an expectation and an anticipation. Right? I'm going to say it again. With an expectation and anticipation to receive a gift underneath a tree. But today I'm here to tell you that we've already received a gift. Amen. There's an expectation and anticipation that God is in the house. Why? Because God lives inside of you. He's an incorruptible, indestructible, ever-living seed of what? Of the Word of God. He said all the way into Jesus, I am the seed. Right? My goodness. He said, I'm the Word. [00:11:55] (53 seconds)
See, a lot of people say we need to talk about the gospel. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. What is the good news of Jesus Christ? The redemptive power of the blood of Jesus. The redemptive power of the blood of Jesus. Just as his seed goes into a ground and produces life, Jesus entered the earth to what? Fulfilled his divine purpose. [00:14:41] (19 seconds)
Jesus willingly laid down his life so that this seed could be planted in our hearts and produce a faithful harvest of righteousness, a faithful harvest of the kingdom of God. John 12 24 says, Verily I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, did you get that? It remains only a single seed, but if it dies, it produces many seeds. [00:17:17] (32 seconds)
But his story didn't end there. His story didn't just end when he came out of the grave. His story didn't end when he just went up to heaven. His story didn't end. It is still being written, because I know Jesus, God is the author and the finisher of my faith. So I'm going to ask you, who's writing your story? Who's writing your story? He's writing my story, and I know God is the author of peace. He's not the author of confusion. So I'm going to walk in a light that is fullness of joy, because the kingdom of God is what? Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. [00:19:01] (34 seconds)
There's an alive, there's a powerful thing that happens when this life is produced in our life. It's not just a life that is counted on this earth. It is a life that is better than ever. It is a life more abundantly. And I've come to what? Not to just condemn the world. I've come to save the world, so you can have a life better than ever. [00:19:35] (27 seconds)
But he was speaking of the temple of his body Therefore, when he had risen from the dead His disciples remembered that what he had said to them And they believed the scriptures And the word which Jesus had said It was a point of remembrance When those disciples said I remember him saying that Well, I want you to remember this That you are loved You are fearfully and wonderfully made That he said, goodness and mercy Are going to follow you all the days of your life He says that you are more than a conqueror That you are blessed coming in And you're blessed going out That you are the head and not the tail You're above and not beneath You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you It says, touch not thy anointed And when you have Jesus Christ You are anointed from the inside out From the top of your heads To the bottom of your feet No weapon formed against you Shall prosper When you know that Oh, I remember him saying that His word is true It's the same yesterday, today, and forever Matthew 20, 28 says Just as the Son of Man Did not come to be what? Served But to serve And to give his life As ransom for you To give his life for ransom for you So what am I saying? Jesus was the sacrifice He was that ultimate seed Jesus came to earth With a singular purpose And you know what that singular purpose was? To lay down his life As a sacrifice For your life [00:28:26] (105 seconds)
you know exactly how many days you have left on this earth and a lot of people would be like oh I'm gonna go do x y and z and you know what Jesus decided to do the last day of his life get down and wash feet wow he didn't go take some awesome vacation he didn't go skydiving he he didn't go on this racetrack to see how fast he could go because only I want to do my bucket list before my days are gone his bucket list was to get down and wash the feet of the people that is what it was important to his life well that is true sacrifice not my will but your will be done so here I see Jesus he he he sees first Samuel 15 22 Samuel replied what is more pleasing to the lord your burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice obedience is better than sacrifice wow obedience is better than sacrifice so it's showing me it's not just one act of sacrifice as christ as christ followers we are called to reflect this sacrificial love in our own lives yet our sacrifices should not stop there as we see in first samuel 15 22 we learn that to obey is better than sacrifice but does that mean forget sacrifice no true surrender goes beyond mere acts of giving jesus said it best in the gospels he said hey you do all this but your heart is far from me you come in worship you come and give you give your tithe your offering you do all the things according to the church but your heart is far from me [00:34:40] (135 seconds)
Philippians 2 .8 says, And being found in appearance as a man, Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. He became obedient. [00:58:48] (22 seconds)
It was God's plan so you can have a life better than ever. So you can have a life and a life more abundantly. John 3 .16, I believe, says it best. For God so loved you that He gave His Son that none should perish but have everlasting life. Then Jesus goes on to say, hey, I haven't come to condemn the world, but to love the world. I haven't come to condemn you, but I've come to love you. And I know love conquers all. I know faith without works is dead, but I know faith worketh by love. And I know His love never fails. That is obedience. [01:03:59] (43 seconds)
He says, ah, yes, I've come to save the world, and I'm going to sacrifice it, but I'm doing it with obedience. Jesus' obedience emphasizes that while sacrifices are important, obedience is that true expression of our love for God. Isaiah 1 .19 says, if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. [01:07:02] (31 seconds)
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