Embracing Transformation Through Confession and Surrender
Summary
In the sermon titled "The Old You" from the December 31st online service, the speaker delves into the transformative power of confession, communion, and the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. The sermon begins by highlighting the significance of confession in acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness, referencing 1 John 1:9 and James 5:16. The speaker then discusses communion as a sacrament of grace, urging participants to remember Jesus's sacrifice through the elements, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The congregation is called to prayer, to express gratitude, confess sins, and dedicate the upcoming year to following Jesus, with Deuteronomy 30:15 underscoring the choice between life and death.
The speaker continues by urging the congregation to choose to serve the Lord, as stated in Joshua 24:15, and to depend on the Holy Spirit rather than self-effort. This metaphorical act of throwing down oars and raising sails symbolizes surrendering to God's power. The importance of trusting in God's leadership is further emphasized through Zechariah 4:6 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which advocate for reliance on the Spirit and not on one's own understanding.
As the sermon concludes, the speaker reassures the congregation of Jesus's love and the desire for their transformation, inviting them to a new series called "Blank Canvas." The speaker also encourages reflection on the past year's joys and hardships, teaching the congregation to lament and grieve through turning to God, expressing complaints, confessing trust, letting go of hindrances, and seeking God's will. Gratitude is presented as an act of will, with the congregation encouraged to write down their thankfulness.
Lastly, the speaker addresses the challenge of distractions in our generation, suggesting practical steps to minimize them and be present with God. The audience is guided through moments of silence, referencing Psalm 46:10, and encouraged to examine their hearts for unconfessed sin.
Key Takeaways:
- Confession is not merely a ritual but a profound act of humility and honesty before God and others. It is a step towards healing and restoration, as it allows us to confront the darkness within us and seek the light of God's forgiveness. This practice is essential for maintaining a transparent and healthy relationship with God and the community of believers. [24:07]
- Communion is more than a tradition; it is a sacred moment of grace where believers connect with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. By partaking in the bread and wine, Christians are reminded of the cost of their salvation and the hope of Jesus's return. This sacrament serves as a spiritual nourishment and a unifying act for the church, transcending time and space. [25:34]
- True transformation in the Christian life comes not from self-striving but from yielding to the Holy Spirit. The metaphor of throwing down oars and raising sails captures the essence of surrendering to God's guidance. This act of faith allows believers to move beyond their limitations and embrace the divine direction and empowerment that comes from the Spirit. [27:50]
- Trusting in God's leadership is foundational to navigating life's journey. By acknowledging Him in all our ways, we can rest assured that He will direct our paths. This trust challenges us to let go of our need for control and lean into the wisdom and sovereignty of God, even when the way forward is unclear. [28:36]
- In a world filled with distractions, setting aside time to be still and present with God is crucial for spiritual growth. Practicing silence and stillness allows believers to hear God's voice and align their hearts with His. This discipline is a counter-cultural act that fosters a deeper connection with the divine and a clearer understanding of one's purpose and calling. [19:00]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Old You"
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 John 1:9 say about the nature of God's forgiveness when we confess our sins?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the two elements used in communion, and what do they represent?
3. In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do instead of relying on our own understanding?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of confession, as described in 1 John 1:9, contribute to a transparent and healthy relationship with God and others? ([24:07])
2. What is the significance of remembering Jesus's sacrifice through communion, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, for the Christian community? ([25:34])
3. How does the metaphor of "throwing down oars and raising sails" illustrate the concept of surrendering to God's guidance and the Holy Spirit? ([28:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you confessed your sins to God or someone else. How did that experience impact your relationship with God and the person you confessed to? ([24:07])
2. During communion, we remember Jesus's sacrifice. How can you make this practice more meaningful in your personal spiritual life? ([25:34])
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord. What are some areas in your life where you find it difficult to let go of control and trust God's plan? How can you start to surrender these areas to Him?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of gratitude as an act of will. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a habit of thankfulness in your daily life? ([16:46])
5. Distractions can hinder our spiritual growth. Identify one or two distractions in your life. What steps can you take this week to minimize these distractions and focus more on your relationship with God? ([18:16])
6. The speaker encouraged moments of silence to be present with God. How can you incorporate periods of stillness and silence into your routine to deepen your connection with God? ([19:00])
7. As we enter a new year, what specific actions can you take to dedicate 2024 to following Jesus more closely? Consider writing down a prayer of dedication or sharing it with your small group. ([27:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility in Confession
Confession is a courageous admission of one's faults, inviting God's light into the darkest corners of the soul. It is an act of humility that opens the door to healing and fosters a transparent community. Through confession, one acknowledges the need for God's mercy and the support of fellow believers in the journey towards wholeness. [24:07]
Psalm 32:5 - "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.' And you forgave the guilt of my sin."
Reflection: Is there a particular sin or struggle you've been hesitant to confess, and how might bringing it into the light lead to healing and restoration?
Day 2: Grace in Communion
Communion is an intimate encounter with the divine, a tangible reminder of Christ's sacrifice and love. As believers partake of the bread and wine, they are united with the body of Christ across time and space, drawing strength and grace from this sacred practice. It is a moment to reflect on the cost of redemption and the promise of eternal fellowship with God. [25:34]
1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
Reflection: How does participating in communion deepen your understanding of Jesus's sacrifice, and how might it transform your daily walk with Him?
Day 3: Surrender to the Spirit
True transformation is found not in self-reliance but in surrendering to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Throwing down the oars of effort and raising the sails of faith symbolizes a relinquishment of control and a trust in divine direction. This surrender allows believers to experience God's power and purpose in ways that surpass human limitations. [27:50]
Galatians 5:25 - "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to surrender to the Holy Spirit, and what practical steps can you take to 'raise your sails' and trust in His leading?
Day 4: Trusting God's Leadership
Acknowledging God in all aspects of life is the foundation for discerning His direction and experiencing peace. Trusting in God's leadership means relinquishing the illusion of control and leaning on His wisdom, even when the path ahead is uncertain. This trust is a daily exercise in faith, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our own. [28:36]
Isaiah 26:3-4 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal."
Reflection: In what situations do you find it difficult to trust God, and how can you actively choose to rely on His guidance today?
Day 5: Stillness with God
In a world of constant noise and distraction, carving out moments for stillness with God is essential for spiritual clarity. Practicing silence before the Lord allows believers to hear His voice and align their hearts with His will. This discipline is a deliberate choice to prioritize one's relationship with God and seek His presence amidst life's busyness. [19:00]
Lamentations 3:25-26 - "The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."
Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of stillness into your daily routine, and what might you need to adjust in your life to make space for God's voice?
Quotes
"Take this opportunity to make a choice; choose today who you will serve, what you'll be after, who you'll be about in 2024 and beyond, and pray a prayer of dedication to love and serve Jesus in the year ahead." [27:50] (Download)
"We want to throw down those oars of self-strength and instead raise the sails to catch the wind, which is dependence on the Holy Spirit." [29:11] (Download)
"Paradox: you're loved just as you are, not as you should be, but Jesus loves you too much to let you stay that way." [29:11] (Download)
"We are likely the most distracted generation in history. To abide or stay with Jesus means to give him our attention, to be present with him." [18:16] (Download)
"Imagine sitting with a friend who's constantly checking their phone or looking over your shoulder to see who else is in the room; they're not being present to you, and we're often like that with God." [19:00] (Download)
"Gratitude is not just an emotion; it's equally an act of the will. Even if you don't feel thankful, you can exercise your will by choosing to be grateful." [16:46] (Download)
"Ultimately we want to exchange anything that we've been holding on to too tightly that's preventing us from moving forward into this new year." [16:09] (Download)
"Communion is this ancient Sacrament, a means of Grace of receiving from God where we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and boldly declare that he will return in bodily form." [24:44] (Download)
"As we look ahead to 2024, it is right to set the orientation of our will to follow Jesus every day. We want to make this into a holy moment of consecrating, which really just means to set apart for the service of God." [27:04] (Download)
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