Embracing True Opportunity: A Life with Jesus
Summary
Today, I invite you to reconsider what true opportunity means. We often associate opportunity with wealth and success, as seen in the historical allure of California during the Gold Rush or the modern pursuit of digital entrepreneurship. However, these pursuits often leave people unfulfilled. Instead, I urge you to explore the profound opportunity that Jesus offers—a richness not of material wealth, but of love, joy, and a life deeply connected with God.
Dallas Willard's insights remind us that Jesus' teachings are not mere dogma or law but are life-giving and transformative. Jesus challenges the established norms and offers a subversive message that invites us to live abundantly. His words are spirit and life, not arbitrary rules to follow. The early followers of Jesus recognized this and embraced his teachings as the best life strategy, not out of obligation, but because they saw the wisdom and life it brought.
Today, I challenge you to have second thoughts about Jesus and the opportunity he presents. This is not about what happens after death but about living a rich life now. It's about being filled with love and joy, and living in a way that reflects Jesus' teachings. This opportunity is not about mindless obedience but about engaging with creativity and imagination, building on our humanity while following Jesus' wisdom.
Consider the question posed by George McDonald: Have you ever done something simply because Jesus said to do it? This question can center and transform your life. Obedience to Jesus is not about compliance but about embracing a life of love, generosity, and kindness. It's about seeing others as image bearers of God and offering them encouragement and truth.
Today is a day of divine opportunity. When faced with challenges or emotions, pause and ask Jesus to be your teacher. Walk with him through your day, embracing the opportunity to be a spiritual 49er, discovering the richness of life with God. This is the best invitation ever given, and it's yours today.
Key Takeaways:
1. True opportunity is not found in wealth or success but in the richness of life with God, filled with love and joy. This richness is available to us today, offering a more meaningful and fulfilling life. [02:40]
2. Jesus' teachings are not about dogma or law but are life-giving and transformative. They challenge established norms and invite us to live abundantly, offering a subversive message that brings true life. [03:59]
3. Obedience to Jesus is not mindless compliance but an invitation to engage with creativity and imagination. It builds on our humanity and invites us to live a life of love, generosity, and kindness. [08:52]
4. The question of whether we have ever done something simply because Jesus said to do it can center and transform our lives. It challenges us to live authentically and align our actions with Jesus' teachings. [08:10]
5. Today is a day of divine opportunity. By inviting Jesus to be our teacher and walking with him through our day, we can embrace the richness of life with God and discover the best life strategy ever offered. [10:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - The Allure of Opportunity
[01:14] - Misconceptions of Opportunity
[01:55] - Dallas Willard's Insights
[02:27] - Second Thoughts on Jesus
[02:40] - Richness Beyond Wealth
[03:12] - Misunderstanding Jesus
[03:42] - Subversive Teachings
[04:29] - Spirit and Life
[05:00] - Transformative Message
[06:13] - Real Life with God
[06:42] - Best Life Strategy
[07:16] - Invitation to Opportunity
[08:10] - George McDonald's Question
[08:52] - Creative Obedience
[09:32] - Embracing the Invitation
[10:24] - Divine Opportunity Today
[10:44] - Closing and Resources
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:24-27 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
2. John 6:63 - "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."
3. James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest is the common misconception about opportunity in today's world? [01:14]
2. How does Dallas Willard describe the common misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings? [03:12]
3. According to the sermon, what is the nature of Jesus' words as described in the New Testament? [04:29]
4. What question does George McDonald pose that challenges one's understanding of obedience to Jesus? [08:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon redefine the concept of "richness" in life compared to societal norms? [02:40]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' teachings are subversive to established norms? [03:59]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of creativity and imagination in obedience to Jesus? [08:52]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between divine opportunity and daily challenges? [10:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of opportunity. How does it align or differ from the sermon’s perspective on true opportunity? [01:14]
2. Consider a time when you followed a teaching of Jesus simply because He said to do it. How did that experience impact your life? [08:10]
3. The sermon suggests that Jesus' teachings are life-giving and transformative. How can you incorporate one of His teachings into your daily routine this week? [03:59]
4. Think about a challenge you are currently facing. How can you invite Jesus to be your teacher and guide through this situation? [10:24]
5. Identify an area in your life where you tend to follow societal norms rather than Jesus' teachings. What steps can you take to align more closely with His wisdom? [03:59]
6. How can you use creativity and imagination to express obedience to Jesus in your interactions with others this week? [08:52]
7. Reflect on the idea of seeing others as image bearers of God. How can this perspective change the way you interact with someone you find difficult to love? [09:20]
Devotional
Day 1: True Richness in Life with God
True opportunity is not found in wealth or success but in the richness of life with God, filled with love and joy. This richness is available to us today, offering a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The allure of material wealth and success often leaves individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled. In contrast, the opportunity that Jesus offers is one of profound richness, not in terms of material possessions, but in the abundance of love, joy, and a deep connection with God. This richness is accessible to everyone, regardless of their worldly status, and it promises a life that is truly meaningful and fulfilling. Embracing this opportunity means shifting our focus from the pursuit of wealth to the pursuit of a life deeply rooted in God's love and joy. [02:40]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking fulfillment through material success? How can you begin to seek fulfillment through a deeper relationship with God instead?
Day 2: Transformative Teachings of Jesus
Jesus' teachings are not about dogma or law but are life-giving and transformative. They challenge established norms and invite us to live abundantly, offering a subversive message that brings true life. Jesus' teachings go beyond mere rules and regulations; they are meant to transform lives and challenge societal norms. His message is subversive, inviting individuals to live abundantly and experience true life. This transformation is not about adhering to a set of arbitrary rules but about embracing a way of life that is filled with spirit and vitality. The early followers of Jesus recognized the wisdom and life in his teachings, choosing to follow them not out of obligation but because they saw the profound impact they had on their lives. [03:59]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself conforming to societal norms that contradict Jesus' teachings? How can you begin to embrace the transformative power of his message in your daily life?
Day 3: Creative Obedience to Jesus
Obedience to Jesus is not mindless compliance but an invitation to engage with creativity and imagination. It builds on our humanity and invites us to live a life of love, generosity, and kindness. Following Jesus is not about blind obedience; it is an invitation to engage creatively and imaginatively with his teachings. This kind of obedience enhances our humanity, encouraging us to live lives characterized by love, generosity, and kindness. It is about seeing others as image bearers of God and offering them encouragement and truth. This approach to obedience allows individuals to express their unique gifts and talents while aligning their actions with the wisdom of Jesus. [08:52]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to creatively obey Jesus' teachings today? What specific act of love or kindness can you perform for someone in your life?
Day 4: Authentic Living through Jesus' Teachings
The question of whether we have ever done something simply because Jesus said to do it can center and transform our lives. It challenges us to live authentically and align our actions with Jesus' teachings. This question invites individuals to examine their motivations and actions, encouraging them to live authentically according to Jesus' teachings. It is not about following rules for the sake of compliance but about aligning one's life with the wisdom and love that Jesus embodies. This alignment can lead to a more centered and transformed life, where actions are driven by a genuine desire to reflect Jesus' love and truth in the world. [08:10]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. Did you consider Jesus' teachings in making that decision? How can you ensure that your future decisions are aligned with his wisdom and love?
Day 5: Embracing Divine Opportunity Today
Today is a day of divine opportunity. By inviting Jesus to be our teacher and walking with him through our day, we can embrace the richness of life with God and discover the best life strategy ever offered. Each day presents a divine opportunity to walk with Jesus and learn from him. By inviting him to be our teacher, individuals can embrace the richness of life with God and discover the best life strategy ever offered. This involves pausing in moments of challenge or emotion and seeking Jesus' guidance and wisdom. It is an invitation to be a spiritual explorer, discovering the depth and beauty of a life lived in connection with God. [10:24]
"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge or emotion you are facing today? How can you invite Jesus to be your teacher in this situation and guide you toward a richer life with God?
Quotes
and yet and yet we all know the world is filled with miserable rich people we know that's not it where do you go to find an opportunity that really is lasting that really is substantial that really matters and we're thinking about the words of Dallas Willards these days in the book The Divine conspiracy uh in the introduction services page 13 in Roman numerals my hope is to gain a fresh hearing of Jesus he says especially among those who believe they already understand it [00:01:37]
so now today I want to invite you to have second thoughts about Jesus and the opportunity that he gives you and I'm talking today now not about the opportunity for what happens to you after you die I'm talking about the opportunity for you to be rich today a much better richness than just richness and having verse talks about this richness in being to be filled with love to be filled with joy who offers that opportunity [00:02:27]
Jesus is automatically seen as more or less a magical figure who fits only within the categories of dogma and law Dogma is what you have to believe whether you believe it or not and law is what you must do whether it is good for you or not and we put Jesus in this category well I guess I'm supposed to believe these things or I'll get in trouble with God I guess I'm supposed to do these things even though I do not actually genuinely believe that they will be the greatest opportunity for a truly Rich vital Abundant Life [00:03:02]
now in fact Della says Jesus and his words have never belonged to the categories of Dogma or law have never belonged to the categories of Dogma or law and to read them as if they did is simply to miss them they are essentially subversive of established arrangements and ways of thinking Jesus is a an essentially subversive character to the world as the way that you and I experience it and the messages that we regularly receive but here's the opportunity that you cannot afford to miss [00:03:46]
he himself described his words as spirit and life not dogma and law not things that you have to believe in you don't really think they're true or stuff that you think you're forced to do even though it's quite arbitrary and unlife-giving spirit in life second thoughts the life and words that Jesus brought into the world came in the form of information and reality he and his early Associates overwhelmed the ancient world because they brought into it a stream of Life at its deepest along with the best information possible on the most important matters [00:04:33]
the early message was accordingly not experienced as something its hearers had to believe or do because otherwise something bad something with no essential connection with real life would happen to them the people initially impacted by that message generally concluded they would be fools to disregard it that was the basis of their conviction and then this invitation comes today and the question is what are the thoughts that come to your mind when you think of this man Jesus and his basic message that life with God life under guidance and wisdom is now available on this day [00:05:24]
individual Christians still hear Jesus say whoever hears these words of mine and does them is like those intelligent people who build their houses upon the rock standing firm against every pressure of life how life-giving it would be if their understanding of the Gospel allowed them simply to reply I will do them I will find out how I will devote my life to it this is the best life strategy I ever heard of [00:06:28]
and George McDonald wrote about this years ago in a way that's always been very very helpful and centering to me his character in one of his books supposed to be a pastor but realizes he don't even know what he believes and the question that both handsome and then centers him and turns his life around is this have I ever done one single thing because Jesus said to do it and he realized he never he never had he called himself a Christian but he never actually uh done one thing because Jesus said to do it [00:07:50]
and one of the problems there is often the way that we think about obedience we need second thoughts about obedience we think about obedience as just Mindless compliance Lemmings sheep jumping off a cliff no no no no no obedience rightly understood as full of initiative and creativity and Imagination and possibility it it builds on and does not detract from our Humanity but it does take from Jesus wisdom about how to live and to do what he said to become a person that loves God and loves other people to desire to bless including blessing those that curse me [00:08:38]
to lay aside anger as a means for revenge and bitterness to trust that God is with me enough today so that I can be with generous so that I can be generous to other people to look other folks in the eyes and see within them image Bearer image Bearer image Bearer and offer them kindness and encouragement and courageous truth from one moment to the next that's what lies before you today so the invitation right now is to say this is the best opportunity I have ever had I will do it I will do what he says I will find out how [00:09:13]
now today when anger comes or fatigue comes or fear comes or confusion comes or enthusiasm comes or you see another person or you have a problem that you do not know how to solve or you want to lash out or you want to hurt somebody or you want to be impatient to pause and say now my friend Jesus would you be my teacher can I walk with you through this day to look at this as a day of divine opportunity to be a spiritual 49er the best invitation ever given to the human race and it's yours today [00:09:53]
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