Empowered by the Spirit: Living in Eternal Hope
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Menlo Church. Today, we continue our series "Beyond the Basics" as we delve into Romans chapter 8, one of the most profound chapters in the Bible. Before diving into the scripture, I provided an update on our restorative justice process, emphasizing our commitment to making Menlo a safe place for everyone.
As we explore Romans 8, we are reminded that Jesus offers eternal hope to everyone, regardless of their past. Following Jesus is not just about a future destination but about what God wants to do in our lives today. We also discussed the dangers of following our impulses, which often lead us away from God's best for us.
Paul's letter to the Romans emphasizes the power that resides within us through the Holy Spirit. This power is not just for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. The Spirit of God dwells in us, empowering us to live differently and to face life's challenges with divine strength. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a mark of our belonging to Christ, a belonging that is both relational and possessive in a divine sense.
We also touched on the inevitability of death and the hope we have in Christ. Even though our bodies are decaying, the Spirit gives us life because of righteousness. This righteousness is not our own but Christ's, and it empowers us to live in a way that glorifies God.
Paul's message is clear: God's power is bigger than our problems and closer than we think. This power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us. It enables us to face life's challenges not with our strength but with God's. We are called to live in light of this power, to trust in God's plan, and to seek His direction in our lives.
In conclusion, the invitation is to live in the power we've been given, to trust the Holy Spirit, and to walk closely with God. Whether you've been following Jesus for moments or decades, this power is available to you. Let's embrace it and live differently because of it.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Offers Eternal Hope: Jesus' offer of eternal hope is available to everyone, regardless of their past. This hope is not just about a future destination but about what God wants to do in our lives today. Embracing this hope transforms our present and future. [24:14]
2. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, empowering us to live differently. This indwelling is not for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. It marks our belonging to Christ and enables us to face life's challenges with divine strength. [31:13]
3. Life in the Spirit: Living according to the Spirit means being empowered by the Holy Spirit in our daily choices. This is not about achieving moral perfection but about surrendering to God's power within us. It transforms our actions and decisions, aligning them with God's will. [38:19]
4. God's Power in Us: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. This power is bigger than our problems and closer than we think. It enables us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is working in and through us. [47:52]
5. Belonging to Christ: Our belonging to Christ is both relational and possessive in a divine sense. We are His, and this belonging comes with the promise of His power and presence in our lives. It calls us to live in light of this truth, trusting in God's plan and direction. [52:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:52] - Restorative Justice Update
[24:14] - Eternal Hope in Jesus
[25:32] - Recap of Previous Weeks
[26:50] - Power Beyond Our Use
[28:21] - Belonging Before Belief
[29:43] - Living in the Spirit
[31:13] - Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
[32:32] - Possessive Belonging
[34:04] - Destroying Self-Righteousness
[35:27] - Reframing Our Identity
[36:49] - Finding Life in Death
[38:19] - Life in the Spirit
[39:35] - Divine Desire for Eternity
[40:55] - Ambassadors of a Different Kingdom
[42:20] - Glorifying God with Our Bodies
[43:49] - Facing Challenges with God's Power
[45:03] - Realizing the Power Within
[46:16] - Power of the Resurrection
[47:52] - Living in the Power of the Spirit
[49:21] - Divine Power for Life and Godliness
[51:20] - Following the Holy Spirit's Steps
[52:43] - Inheritance of God's Presence
[54:23] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:9-11 (ESV): "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:9, what is the condition for not being "in the flesh" but "in the Spirit"?
2. What does Paul say about the body and the Spirit in Romans 8:10?
3. How does Paul describe the power of the Spirit in Romans 8:11?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have the Spirit of God dwelling in you, as mentioned in Romans 8:9? How does this affect a believer's identity? [31:13]
2. How does Paul’s statement in Romans 8:10 about the body being dead because of sin but the Spirit being life because of righteousness shape our understanding of Christian living? [36:49]
3. In Romans 8:11, Paul talks about the Spirit giving life to our mortal bodies. How does this promise impact our view of physical and spiritual life? [47:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus offers eternal hope to everyone, regardless of their past. How does this truth affect your view of your own past and your future? [24:14]
2. The sermon emphasized the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your daily life? [31:13]
3. Paul warns against following our impulses, which can lead us away from God's best. Can you identify a recent situation where following your impulses led to a negative outcome? How might you handle it differently in the future? [25:32]
4. The sermon mentioned that God's power is bigger than our problems and closer than we think. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you rely on God's power rather than your own strength to overcome it? [43:49]
5. The concept of belonging to Christ was described as both relational and possessive. How does this understanding of belonging change the way you view your relationship with God and others in the church? [32:32]
6. The sermon discussed the inevitability of death and the hope we have in Christ. How does this perspective influence the way you live your life today? [36:49]
7. The invitation was to live in the power we've been given and to trust the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take this week to walk more closely with God and live in the power of the Holy Spirit? [54:23]
Devotional
### Day 1: Jesus Offers Eternal Hope
Theme: Eternal hope transforms our present and future.
Description: Jesus' offer of eternal hope is available to everyone, regardless of their past. This hope is not just about a future destination but about what God wants to do in our lives today. Embracing this hope transforms our present and future. Jesus' message is clear: no matter where you come from or what you have done, His hope is for you. This hope is not merely a distant promise but a present reality that can change how we live each day. It invites us to see our lives through the lens of God's eternal plan, giving us purpose and direction.
When we accept this hope, we begin to see our circumstances differently. We understand that our struggles and challenges are temporary and that God is working in and through them for our good. This perspective allows us to live with confidence and joy, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. Embracing this hope means trusting that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding us, and providing for us every step of the way. [24:14]
Bible Passage: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Reflection: Think about a situation in your life where you feel hopeless. How can you invite Jesus' eternal hope into that situation today?
### Day 2: Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Theme: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live differently.
Description: The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, empowering us to live differently. This indwelling is not for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. It marks our belonging to Christ and enables us to face life's challenges with divine strength. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is a constant reminder that we are never alone. He guides us, comforts us, and gives us the strength to overcome obstacles that we could not face on our own.
Living with the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to influence our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It means being open to His leading and trusting that He knows what is best for us. This divine empowerment is not about achieving perfection but about surrendering to God's power within us. As we do this, we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [31:13]
Bible Passage: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." - John 14:16-17 (ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment? How can you invite Him to guide you today?
### Day 3: Life in the Spirit
Theme: Surrendering to God's power transforms our daily choices.
Description: Living according to the Spirit means being empowered by the Holy Spirit in our daily choices. This is not about achieving moral perfection but about surrendering to God's power within us. It transforms our actions and decisions, aligning them with God's will. When we live in the Spirit, we are no longer driven by our selfish desires or impulses. Instead, we seek to honor God in everything we do, trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own.
This transformation is a daily process of choosing to follow the Spirit's leading rather than our own inclinations. It requires humility and a willingness to admit that we need God's help. As we make these choices, we begin to see the impact of the Spirit's work in our lives. Our relationships improve, our attitudes change, and we experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. Living in the Spirit is about allowing God's power to shape us into the people He created us to be. [38:19]
Bible Passage: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." - Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you struggle to follow the Spirit's leading? How can you surrender this area to God today?
### Day 4: God's Power in Us
Theme: God's power within us is greater than our challenges.
Description: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. This power is bigger than our problems and closer than we think. It enables us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is working in and through us. This divine power is not something we have to earn or strive for; it is a gift given to us through our relationship with Christ. It is a constant source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
When we tap into this power, we can face even the most difficult situations with hope and courage. We can trust that God is in control and that He is using our circumstances to shape us and grow us. This power is not just for overcoming external challenges but also for transforming our inner lives. It helps us to break free from negative patterns, to heal from past wounds, and to become more like Christ in our character and actions. [47:52]
Bible Passage: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you rely on God's power within you to overcome it?
### Day 5: Belonging to Christ
Theme: Our divine belonging calls us to trust in God's plan.
Description: Our belonging to Christ is both relational and possessive in a divine sense. We are His, and this belonging comes with the promise of His power and presence in our lives. It calls us to live in light of this truth, trusting in God's plan and direction. Being in a relationship with Christ means that we are not just followers but also beloved children of God. This identity shapes how we see ourselves and how we live our lives.
Knowing that we belong to Christ gives us a sense of security and purpose. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, one that God is writing for His glory and our good. This belonging is not based on our performance or worthiness but on God's grace and love. It invites us to trust Him fully, to seek His guidance, and to rest in His promises. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we find the strength to live out our faith with boldness and joy. [52:43]
Bible Passage: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that you belong to Christ change the way you view your current circumstances? What steps can you take to trust in God's plan for your life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "First, Jesus offers eternal hope to everyone. Even if you're not a follower of Jesus, you feel like, man, I walked away years ago. It's still available to you today. That's really good news. Jesus is a direction and a destination. It's not just about where we go someday. It's about what God wants to do in our life today." [24:14] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of the things that we say a lot at Menlo is that we want to be a place where people can belong before they believe. And I love seeing so many of you, make space in your life as followers of Jesus for men and women, for students, for boys and girls who are not followers of Jesus yet, to be in relationship and connected to you." [28:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you don't know that, if you're not a follower of Jesus yet, all those could be true of you today, if you made a choice to believe. Follow him. There's a reassuring sense of belonging without belief, for sure, but there's an even greater sense of belonging within belief." [34:04] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Even if you aren't a Christian or a Bible person, this verse jumps off the page. The foundation of our faith, is that Jesus Christ didn't stay dead. He really came back from the dead, literally raised from the dead. And here Paul is clarifying that that same power that raised Him from the dead lives in you and me." [47:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "That's the good news that Jesus offers to each and every one of us. That's the good news that we see over and over and over again in Romans 8. See, God, who would empower kings to lead armies with the power of the Holy Spirit, has placed that spirit in each and every follower of Jesus today, whether you've been following him for moments, days, or decades." [52:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Rome and he wants them to understand the types of choices that they make are not just sort of natural expressions of their worldview with natural consequences from their choices, but that these choices reveal the power that we are under and the power that is within us." [26:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Surrendering whatever self-constructed view of your own identity to Jesus, and surrendering it to who we are in Jesus is the path towards life for all of us." [35:27] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Every problem that you have right now can remind you of a promise of renewal, that your failing body will be restored, that the world you feel abandoned by will be made right, and your inability to live fully and faithfully under God's influence will find its full and final place of rest in God. That's the good news." [43:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Remember where we started. God's power is bigger than your problems and closer than you think. No matter how big the challenges are in front of you, God's power is within you. And his power is working even beyond your capacity to comprehend it. Aren't you glad for that?" [43:49] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are heirs of this divine power and people of a greater plan because of Jesus. You can live differently. You can love differently. You can leave a different impact because God's power is bigger than your problems and closer than you think." [51:20] (-1445 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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