Embracing Transformation: The Journey Through Lent

 

Summary

As we gather in the warmth of God's house, we are reminded of the beauty of creation and the light that shines through our lives. Today, we reflect on the transition from winter to spring, a metaphor for the spiritual journey we embark upon as we approach the season of Lent. This is a time for introspection, a time to deepen our relationship with God through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and community worship. Lent invites us to let go of the things that hinder our spiritual growth, much like a seed must shed its outer shell to sprout into new life.

In John 12, Jesus teaches us about life, death, and discipleship using the metaphor of a grain of wheat. To truly live in His light, we must be willing to die to ourselves, letting go of our old ways to embrace the new life God offers. This teaching challenges us to examine our lives and identify areas where we need to surrender to God. Whether it's forgiving someone who has wronged us, stepping out of our comfort zones to serve others, or prioritizing our spiritual health over worldly demands, dying to self requires sacrifice. Yet, it is through this sacrifice that we create space for God's transformative work in our lives.

As we prepare for Lent, we are called to reflect on how we can better reflect Christ's light in our daily lives. This journey is not about losing ourselves but discovering who we are meant to be in Jesus Christ. It is about embracing the purpose God has designed for us and stepping boldly into the light of His presence. As we partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the new life we are offered through His grace. Let us enter this season with open hearts, ready to be transformed by the light of the world, Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace the Season of Lent: Lent is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. By engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and community worship, we can deepen our relationship with God and prepare our hearts for Easter. This season invites us to let go of distractions and focus on our spiritual journey. [30:40]

2. Dying to Self for New Life: Jesus teaches us that to truly live, we must be willing to die to ourselves. This means letting go of old habits, fears, and pride that hinder our spiritual growth. By surrendering to God, we open ourselves to transformation and new life. [47:12]

3. Forgiveness as a Form of Dying to Self: Forgiving those who have wronged us is one of the hardest forms of dying to self. It requires us to release bitterness and trust God with justice. Forgiveness is not about excusing behavior but freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment. [59:05]

4. Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Serving others often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Whether it's joining a mission trip or volunteering at a shelter, embracing discomfort allows us to grow spiritually and become conduits of God's love. [59:05]

5. Prioritizing Spiritual Health: In a world that glorifies busyness, we must prioritize our spiritual health by carving out time for prayer, Bible study, and worship. Staying connected to God is essential for living a life of purpose and reflecting His light in the world. [59:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Reflections
- [03:00] - Children's Moment
- [05:45] - Gratitude and Spiritual Disciplines
- [10:20] - Entering the Season of Lent
- [15:00] - The Call to Spiritual Growth
- [20:30] - The Metaphor of the Grain of Wheat
- [25:00] - Dying to Self
- [30:40] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [35:00] - Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
- [40:00] - Prioritizing Spiritual Health
- [45:00] - Invitation to Ash Wednesday
- [50:00] - Holy Communion
- [55:00] - Closing Reflections
- [59:05] - Final Blessing and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 12:24-26

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 12:24, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat. What does He say must happen to the grain for it to produce much fruit? How does this relate to the concept of dying to self? [47:12]

2. The sermon mentions the transition from winter to spring as a metaphor for spiritual growth. How does this metaphor help us understand the process of spiritual transformation? [38:17]

3. What are some examples given in the sermon of things we might need to let go of to embrace new life in Christ? [47:12]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of spiritual disciplines during Lent? What are some specific practices mentioned? [30:40]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Jesus speaks about dying to self in John 12:24-26. How does this teaching challenge the way we typically view personal growth and success? [47:12]

2. The sermon discusses forgiveness as a form of dying to self. Why might forgiveness be considered one of the hardest forms of this practice? [47:12]

3. How does stepping out of our comfort zones relate to spiritual growth, according to the sermon? What might be some barriers to doing this? [47:12]

4. The sermon emphasizes prioritizing spiritual health over worldly demands. How can this priority impact our daily lives and decisions? [47:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to "die to self" to experience new life? How can you take a step towards this change this week? [47:12]

2. Consider a relationship in your life that might need mending. What steps can you take to offer forgiveness and release any bitterness you may be holding onto? [47:12]

3. Identify a comfort zone you feel God is calling you to step out of. What specific action can you take this week to embrace discomfort for the sake of serving others? [47:12]

4. In what ways can you prioritize your spiritual health during the season of Lent? Are there specific spiritual disciplines you want to focus on, such as prayer, fasting, or Bible study? [30:40]

5. Think about your daily schedule. Is there a particular activity or commitment that is preventing you from spending meaningful time with God? How can you adjust your schedule to make room for spiritual growth? [47:12]

6. How can you allow the light of Christ to shine brighter through you in your community or workplace this week? What specific actions can you take to reflect His love and grace? [47:12]

7. As you prepare for Lent, what is one distraction or habit you feel called to let go of to deepen your relationship with God? How can you begin this process of letting go? [38:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Lent as a Journey of Renewal
Lent is a season that invites believers to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and growth. It is a time to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and community worship, which help deepen one's relationship with God. By setting aside distractions and focusing on the spiritual journey, individuals can prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter. This season is an opportunity to reflect on one's life, identify areas that need transformation, and make intentional efforts to grow closer to God. [30:40]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Reflection: What specific distractions can you set aside this Lent to focus more on your spiritual journey and relationship with God?


Day 2: Surrendering Old Ways for New Life
Jesus teaches that to truly live, one must be willing to die to oneself. This involves letting go of old habits, fears, and pride that hinder spiritual growth. By surrendering to God, individuals open themselves to transformation and the new life that God offers. This process of dying to self requires sacrifice, but it creates space for God's transformative work in one's life. It is through this surrender that believers can experience the fullness of life in Christ. [47:12]

Colossians 3:5-7 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 3: Forgiveness as Liberation
Forgiving those who have wronged us is one of the hardest forms of dying to self. It requires releasing bitterness and trusting God with justice. Forgiveness is not about excusing behavior but freeing oneself from the burden of resentment. By choosing to forgive, individuals can experience liberation and peace, allowing God's love to flow more freely in their lives. This act of forgiveness is a powerful step in the journey of spiritual growth and transformation. [59:05]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?


Day 4: Embracing Discomfort for Spiritual Growth
Serving others often requires stepping out of one's comfort zones. Whether it's joining a mission trip or volunteering at a shelter, embracing discomfort allows individuals to grow spiritually and become conduits of God's love. By stepping out in faith and serving others, believers can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being used by God to make a difference in the world. This willingness to embrace discomfort is a key aspect of the spiritual journey. [59:05]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: What is one way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to serve others and grow spiritually?


Day 5: Prioritizing Spiritual Health in a Busy World
In a world that glorifies busyness, it is essential to prioritize spiritual health by carving out time for prayer, Bible study, and worship. Staying connected to God is crucial for living a life of purpose and reflecting His light in the world. By making spiritual health a priority, individuals can experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, allowing them to navigate the demands of life with grace and wisdom. [59:05]

Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Reflection: How can you intentionally carve out time this week to prioritize your spiritual health and stay connected to God amidst the busyness of life?

Quotes

"We are so glad that all of you are here today that we might worship our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we come into this space, we know there's been a great deal of things that have happened from last Sunday to this Sunday. And we gather. And we gather. I don't know about you. I was a bit surprised when I was driving to church this morning a little bit after 7, 730 -ish, and it was 14 degrees. I was just surprised by that. I wasn't anticipating that. I wasn't quite ready for that. And so Maddie and I just kind of went, okay, I guess it's still a little bit of winter. But yet we do have this great sunshine. And we're thankful for the sunshine." [00:12:35] (49 seconds)


"You know, over the last several weeks, we've been on this journey together, a journey toward more light for our souls. We began this sermon series during a time when the days were growing shorter, when winter was closing in, when many of us were feeling the weight of darker, colder days. Do you remember those very early mornings and those late evenings when the sun just simply would disappear far too quickly? But now, here we are, just about on the other side of the season, and even though some of us had snow yesterday, and it was 14 degrees when we drove to church this morning, we can trust that spring is just about to break through. The sun rises earlier. It stays longer. It warms the earth around us. And during this sermon series, we, as the followers of Jesus, together, we have affirmed that the greatest source of light isn't found in the skies above. Rather, our greatest source of light is found in Jesus Christ alone." [00:44:14] (73 seconds)


"In this passage, Jesus uses an ordinary object, a single grain of wheat to teach us an extraordinary truth. If we want to live fully in his light, we must be willing to let go of ourselves and trust in God completely. And on the surface, we probably can say, yes, we know that. We've heard preachers tell us that for as long as we've been coming to church. In fact, did you know that the person that we've contracted with to help us with our video and technical needs, he was here on Thursday. He helps us with our projectors and the screens and our cameras and our live streaming. Do you know that I actually have known him since the day he was born?" [00:46:20] (52 seconds)


"In us it's the same with us sometimes we hold on to things we hold on to old habits we hold on to old fears or old pride or old pain that keeps us from becoming who God wants us to be but just like those seeds when we're willing to let go when we're willing to die to ourselves God brings new life this coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday on Ash Wednesday we are reminded of our mortality but we're also reminded of the promise that through Christ death leads to new life in the same way when we die to ourselves daily we open ourselves up to the abundant life that God has for us and of course I invite all of you to be here Wednesday night for our special Ash Wednesday service and if you can't be here at night I'll be out at the bell tower from noon until one getting what we fondly call ashes to go." [00:51:34] (69 seconds)


"Or it might look like this. We understand that in our society, we love to brag about how busy we are. How are you doing? Oh, you wouldn't believe how busy I am. So here's our scenario. Our schedule is packed to the gills. We have meetings here and meetings there. There's kids sports activities that we have to get to. There's social events. There's this thing and there's that thing. And there's probably even doctor's visits swirled in there. But we've been so busy. We haven't been able to spend any meaningful time with God in weeks. So dying out to self would mean that we intentionally carve out time for prayer, for Bible study, for worship, even if it means that we're saying no to something else. Because we are recognizing that staying connected to God is a non -negotiable in our life. We must stay connected to God. And so in our culture that glorifies busyness, it is when we find our true life only when we are abiding, when we are living, when we are spending daily time with Jesus Christ. Dying to self means putting our spiritual disciplines ahead of any other worldly demands." [00:56:05] (89 seconds)


"Dying to self is not easy. It never has been. Whether it's forgiving someone who hurt us, whether it's stepping outside of our comfort zone for the sake of serving others, whether it is prioritizing our spiritual health in the midst of our busy schedule, all of these practices will require sacrifice. Sacrifice. But here's the beautiful truth. Just like the grain of wheat, when we die to ourselves, we create space for new life to grow. Not just in us, but through us out to our mission field. When we surrender to Jesus, we become conduits of his love because then we become the shining hope and love that this world needs." [00:57:39] (55 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?