Embracing the Joy of a New Relationship with Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Newness of Christ's Message

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 9:14-17 challenges the conventional religious practices of His time. When questioned about why His disciples do not fast like others, Jesus uses the metaphor of a bridegroom to illustrate that His presence brings joy, not mourning. He further explains with parables about new cloth on old garments and new wine in old wineskins, emphasizing that His message is entirely new and cannot be confined within old religious structures. This teaching highlights the uniqueness of Christ's message, which is not an addition to existing beliefs but a transformative relationship with Him. This often surprises those who think they understand religion, as it calls for a complete re-evaluation of what it means to follow God. [12:29]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you trying to fit the newness of Christ into old patterns or beliefs? How can you embrace the new thing God is doing in you today?

Day 2: Relationship with the Bridegroom

The essence of Christianity is not found in rituals or self-effort but in a personal relationship with Jesus, the bridegroom. This relationship is characterized by joy, freedom, and a new life that is not bound by the old ways of religious observance. Jesus invites us into a joyous relationship with Him, which transforms our lives and challenges us to move beyond mere religious practices. This call to relationship is a radical departure from the traditional understanding of religion, which often focuses on rules and rituals. Instead, Jesus offers a transformative relationship that brings true joy and fulfillment. [37:05]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today? What specific steps can you take to abide in Him more fully?

Day 3: The Free Gift of Grace

Christianity is about receiving the free gift of God's grace, not about earning salvation through religious observance. This grace brings joy and freedom, challenging the notion that religion is about self-denial and effort. The grace offered through Jesus is a free gift, not earned by human effort, and it brings a profound joy that is often surprising to those who have been steeped in traditional religious practices. This teaching invites us to let go of the burden of trying to earn God's favor and instead embrace the freedom and joy that comes from accepting His grace. [46:02]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are trying to earn God's favor? How can you rest in the assurance of His grace today?

Day 4: Joy in Christianity

True Christianity is marked by joy, stemming from the presence of Christ and the grace He offers. This joy is surprising to those who associate religion with solemnity and self-denial. Jesus' presence brings a joy that is transformative and liberating, challenging the preconceived notions of what it means to be religious. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the relationship with Christ and the grace He provides. It invites us to live a life of freedom and joy, reflecting the true essence of the gospel. [49:56]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of joy in your daily life, regardless of your circumstances? What practices can help you focus on the joy of the Lord as your strength?

Day 5: The Challenge of Preconceived Notions

Many are surprised by the gospel because they think they know what Christianity is. The message of Christ challenges these preconceived notions, inviting us to experience the true joy and freedom found in Him. This teaching encourages us to examine our understanding of Christianity and to be open to the radical nature of the gospel. It calls us to move beyond our assumptions and to embrace the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. This challenge is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Christ offers, free from the constraints of traditional religious expectations. [25:55]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: What preconceived notions about Christianity might be holding you back from fully experiencing the gospel? How can you open your heart to the surprising and transformative message of Christ today?

Sermon Summary

In the passage from Matthew 9:14-17, we encounter a profound teaching from Jesus that challenges conventional religious practices and perceptions. The disciples of John the Baptist question Jesus about why His disciples do not fast like they and the Pharisees do. Jesus responds with a metaphor about a bridegroom, emphasizing that His presence brings joy, not mourning. He further illustrates His point with parables about new cloth on old garments and new wine in old wineskins, signifying that His message and mission are entirely new and cannot be confined within old religious structures.

This teaching underscores the uniqueness of Jesus and His gospel. It is a call to recognize that Christianity is not merely an extension or modification of existing religious practices but a transformative relationship with Christ Himself. The essence of Christianity is not found in rituals or self-effort but in the joyous acceptance of the grace offered through Jesus. This grace is a free gift, not earned by human effort, and it brings a profound joy that is often surprising to those who have been steeped in traditional religious practices.

The message challenges us to examine our understanding of Christianity. It asks whether we have truly grasped the radical nature of the gospel, which is centered on a personal relationship with Jesus, the bridegroom. This relationship is characterized by joy, freedom, and a new life that is not bound by the old ways of religious observance. The call is to embrace this new life with joy and to recognize that true Christianity is marked by a surprising and transformative joy that comes from knowing Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. effort but about being in a joyous relationship with Christ, which transforms our lives. [37:05]
3. The Free Gift of Grace: Christianity is about receiving the free gift of God's grace, not about earning salvation through religious observance. This grace brings joy and freedom, challenging the notion that religion is about self-denial and effort.

4. Joy as a Hallmark of Faith: True Christianity is marked by joy, stemming from the presence of Christ and the grace He offers. This joy is surprising to those who associate religion with solemnity and self-denial.

5. The Challenge of Preconceived Notions: Many are surprised by the gospel because they think they know what Christianity is. The message of Christ challenges these preconceived notions, inviting us to experience the true joy and freedom found in Him.

** [37:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to the Passage
[01:22] - Context of the Study
[02:29] - Urgency of Understanding Christianity
[03:47] - Misconceptions About Jesus
[06:28] - Question from John’s Disciples
[07:01] - Jesus’ Response and Parables
[09:00] - Misunderstandings of the Gospel
[12:29] - The Newness of Christ’s Message
[20:30] - True Christianity is Surprising
[25:55] - The Surprise of the Gospel
[33:56] - The Uniqueness of Christianity
[37:05] - Relationship with the Bridegroom
[46:02] - The Free Gift of Grace
[49:56] - Joy in Christianity

Sermon Clips

Now what is his teaching what does he say well the point the real essence of the teaching both in the statement and in The Parables is this that he and his gospel and his message are entirely new and unique and utterly unlike everything that the world has ever known before now there is our great fundamental principle. [00:12:29]

Christianity is always surprising that's the first postulate why do we and the Pharisees fast off but thy disciples fast not surprise his replies got it equally clearly can the children of the Bride chamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them as if to say you seem to have a wrong notion of who I am and what I am and what I'm doing here. [00:15:56]

True Christianity is always surprising now I'm sorry I've got to use an expression like true Christianity why well because there is that which passes us Christianity which is not Christianity I'm talking about true Christianity and the point I'm establishing is that the effect of true Christianity is always surprising and amazing. [00:20:30]

The uniqueness and the Staggering and surprising element in this teaching in this salvation is that he makes it quite plain and clear to us that we become Christians and have our Christian Joy not at all as the result of our own activities see that's what amazed and shocked these people. [00:41:02]

What makes a man a Christian there's only one answer it is his relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ you can be a good men you can be the best man in the world but if you bear no direct relationship to this Jesus Christ this bridegroom you're not a Christian. [00:37:05]

What is it well here it is it's the free grace of God the gift of God the invitation of God to come to Feast to enjoy there's the second thing it starts with him the bridegroom counts above everything then you see that second step nothing that we do and then lastly its greatest its chiefest characteristic is it Joy. [00:46:02]

Why is Christianity a religion of Joy well because as I've already said it is the free gift of God's grace it doesn't ask us to give anything to make any contribution it gives it all we are simply invited and we sit down and we begin to partake. [00:49:56]

Christianity is not something that you can add to anything else there are many people doing that that's why I think things are as they are today I've known many people who thought of Christianity just like this when I was a Bo I suppose they were in the majority then but they were quite honest and were quite sincere. [00:31:31]

The whole message of Christianity is to say that God ha visited and redeemed his people in the person of his only begotten son the bridegroom this outstanding person who is he well look at him here listen to his speech look at his knowledge here he is forecasting his own death. [00:38:56]

The essence of Christianity is to say that God has visited and redeemed his people in the person of his only begotten son the bridegroom this outstanding person who is he well look at him here listen to his speech look at his knowledge here he is forecasting his own death. [00:38:56]

The first characteristic he says of his whole teaching and his gospel and his salvation is this that it is something which is utterly and entirely dependent upon him himself notice how he put they are interested in religious teaching can the children of the Bride chamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them. [00:34:56]

The whole whole message of Christianity is to say that God ha visited and redeemed his people in the person of his only begotten son the bridegroom this outstanding person who is he well look at him here listen to his speech look at his knowledge here he is forecasting his own death. [00:38:56]

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