Embracing Transformation: Moving Forward in Faith
Summary
Brad Russell delivers a compelling message about the importance of moving forward in one's faith journey, emphasizing the need for personal growth and transformation through a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. He begins by reflecting on the past year, acknowledging both the highs and lows experienced by his community and himself. He shares personal stories, such as his daughter's graduation and move to Phoenix, his son's album release, and the challenges of moving into a new house. These anecdotes serve to illustrate the mixed nature of life's journey, filled with both triumphs and trials.
Russell draws inspiration from the Apostle Paul's experiences, particularly focusing on Paul's time in prison. Despite being confined, Paul wrote influential letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, which have become foundational to Christian theology. Russell points out that what Paul might have perceived as a setback was actually a period of significant work for God's kingdom. This serves as a powerful reminder that God can use all circumstances for His glory and that individuals should remain open to how God might work through them, regardless of their situation.
The message further explores the concept of sacrifice within the Christian life. Russell challenges the congregation to consider what they are willing to give up for the sake of following Jesus, suggesting that true devotion may require significant personal sacrifices. He cites examples of individuals who have lost relationships, careers, and comfort to pursue their faith, emphasizing that nothing of lasting value in God's kingdom comes without sacrifice.
Russell also addresses the potential idolization of family and work within American culture, cautioning against allowing these priorities to overshadow one's relationship with Jesus. He argues that while family and work are important, they should not become excuses for neglecting spiritual responsibilities or for failing to fully commit to Jesus.
Central to Russell's message is the idea that the Christian life is about becoming more like Jesus, which involves a process of transformation and submission to God's will. He encourages the congregation to say "yes" to whatever Jesus asks of them, whether it's changing habits, breaking free from comfort zones, or making difficult decisions. The ultimate goal, according to Russell, is to conform to the image of Jesus, which is the true purpose of every believer's life.
In conclusion, Russell calls for a renewed commitment to moving forward in faith, leaving the past behind, and embracing the changes God wants to bring about in each person's life. He invites the congregation to reflect on the areas of their lives that need transformation and to allow the Holy Spirit to motivate and drive them towards God's purposes.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian journey is not static but a continuous process of growth and transformation, where one is called to become more like Jesus in character and action. This transformation often requires personal sacrifice and a willingness to step out of comfort zones, trusting that God's plans are greater than one's own. [17:18]
- The Apostle Paul's experience in prison serves as a testament to the idea that God can use any situation for His glory. Even when circumstances seem to hinder progress, God may be positioning an individual for impactful work that will resonate for generations to come. [25:58]
- True devotion to Jesus requires prioritizing Him above all else, including family and career. While these aspects of life are significant, they should not become idols that prevent one from fully surrendering to and serving Jesus. The surpassing worth of knowing Christ must be the believer's ultimate pursuit. [11:05]
- The concept of sacrifice is integral to the advancement of God's kingdom. Lasting value and impact in the Christian life come through the sacrifices made in service to God and others. These sacrifices, though challenging, lead to profound joy and fulfillment as they align with God's purposes. [16:40]
- Moving forward in faith means continually saying "yes" to Jesus, regardless of the specific actions He calls one to take. This could mean serving in new capacities, changing lifestyles, or even relocating to support the growth of a church community. The key is to remain open and obedient to God's leading. [24:45]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV)
> "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
2. Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
> "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he considers everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ? (Philippians 3:7-8)
2. How does Paul describe his desire to know Christ in Philippians 3:10-11?
3. According to Romans 8:28, what is the promise given to those who love God and are called according to His purpose?
4. In the sermon, what were some of the personal stories Brad Russell shared to illustrate the highs and lows of life? ([03:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might Paul have meant by the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ" and how does this concept challenge our everyday priorities? (Philippians 3:8)
2. How does the idea that "God works for the good of those who love him" influence our understanding of difficult circumstances in life? (Romans 8:28)
3. Brad Russell mentioned that true devotion to Jesus might require significant personal sacrifices. What are some examples he gave, and how do they relate to Paul's experiences? ([09:40])
4. How does the sermon challenge the common idolization of family and work in American culture? ([12:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be prioritizing family or work over your relationship with Jesus? How can you realign these priorities? ([12:16])
2. Brad Russell emphasized the importance of saying "yes" to Jesus, even when it means stepping out of comfort zones. What is one specific area in your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to make a change? ([24:45])
3. Consider the concept of sacrifice in your own faith journey. What is one thing you feel God might be asking you to give up or change for the sake of following Him more closely? ([16:40])
4. How can you apply the lesson from Paul's imprisonment, where God used what seemed like a setback for significant work, to a current challenge you are facing? ([25:58])
5. Brad Russell talked about the importance of moving forward in faith and leaving the past behind. What is one past event or habit you need to let go of to grow in your relationship with Jesus? ([28:40])
6. Think about the idea of "surpassing worth" in your life. What is one practical step you can take this week to prioritize knowing Christ above all else? ([11:05])
7. How can you actively seek transformation and submission to God's will in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take to become more like Jesus. ([22:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Transformation
Growth in faith is a journey of becoming more Christ-like, which requires embracing change and making sacrifices. This transformation is a continuous process, not a one-time event, and it often pushes one out of their comfort zone. It's about saying "yes" to God's shaping and molding, trusting that He is crafting a character within that reflects Jesus. [17:18]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: What is one aspect of your character that you feel God is currently calling you to change to become more like Jesus?
Day 2: Finding Purpose in Every Circumstance
God's ability to use all situations for His glory is a testament to His sovereignty. Even when circumstances seem to be setbacks, they can be the very platform for significant work in God's kingdom. Like Paul's imprisonment leading to the writing of epistles, one's perceived limitations can become opportunities for impact. [25:58]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life that feels like a setback? How might God be using this for a greater purpose?
Day 3: Prioritizing Jesus Above All
Devotion to Jesus requires placing Him at the center of one's life, above family, career, and personal ambitions. This prioritization is a conscious choice to value the relationship with Christ more than any other, understanding that He is the source of true life and fulfillment. It's a call to evaluate one's commitments and ensure that Jesus reigns supreme in every decision and relationship. [11:05]
Luke 14:26-27 - "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Reflection: What are some ways that your commitment to family or career might be overshadowing your relationship with Jesus, and what steps can you take to reprioritize?
Day 4: The Joy of Sacrificial Living
The Christian life is marked by sacrifices made in service to God and others. These sacrifices, while challenging, are not without reward. They lead to a deeper joy and fulfillment as they align with God's purposes. The willingness to give up personal comforts and desires for the sake of the kingdom is a true measure of devotion and a reflection of Jesus' own sacrifice for humanity. [16:40]
Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one thing you feel called to sacrifice for the sake of your faith, and how can you begin to take steps towards this sacrifice today?
Day 5: Saying "Yes" to Jesus' Call
Moving forward in faith means continually responding affirmatively to Jesus' call, regardless of the nature of that call. It could be a change in habits, breaking free from comfort zones, or making difficult decisions. This obedience is the heartbeat of spiritual formation, as it demonstrates a willingness to trust and follow Jesus wherever He leads. [24:45]
Isaiah 1:19 - "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;"
Reflection: What is Jesus asking of you that requires a "yes" response, and what practical steps can you take to obey that call today?
Quotes
1) "Jesus wants to totally change your life. He doesn't want to just come into your life and change it just a little bit; he wants to totally change your life. He wants it all." [07:01] (Download)
2) "Nothing of lasting value happens in God's kingdom without sacrifice. Sacrifice is what makes the kingdom of God move forward." [16:40] (Download)
3) "Jesus is worth it. The tears that flow, the smiles that come, the forgiveness and the restoration—those things come through the sacrifices of people who have discovered the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus." [17:18] (Download)
4) "The key to moving forward in Jesus is to make your goal to be more like him... hopefully you're more like Jesus today than you were in 2022." [18:41] (Download)
5) "Your relationship with him will have surpassing worth because of this: He chose you, he took hold of you, he rescued you." [20:08] (Download)
6) "The purpose for your life is for you to become more like him. That's what Paul says. What does it mean to be like Jesus? To be loving, accepting, forgiving, willing to sacrifice." [21:30] (Download)
7) "To be like Jesus is to be fully submitted to the will of God... there's no other way to truly be like Jesus than to be submitted to God's will." [22:59] (Download)
8) "If you want to move forward in your relationship with God in 2024, say 'Yes' to Jesus. Say yes, whatever he wants for you, say yes, whatever he wants you to do." [23:42] (Download)
9) "Maybe he wants you to sell your house and move here to Nashville to help us build a church here in Nashville together. Maybe he wants you to go to the mission field." [24:45] (Download)
10) "God used that place that Paul thought of as a time out to use him for his greatest work... We're still talking about these words that he wrote when he was locked up in prison." [25:58] (Download)
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