Eternal Perspectives: Embracing Hope, Service, and Peace
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truths found in John chapter 14, exploring the final moments Jesus shared with His disciples during the Last Supper. This chapter is pivotal as it captures the essence of Jesus' teachings and the legacy He intended to leave with His followers.
We began by reflecting on the significance of the Passover and its parallel to the Lord's Supper, which serves as a remembrance of the salvation and deliverance brought to us through Jesus' sacrifice. The disciples, gathered in the upper room, were about to face a future without Jesus' physical presence, and He knew the uncertainty and fear this would bring.
Jesus' response to their troubled hearts was to point them to the eternal perspective, reminding them of the hope of eternity and the home prepared for them in heaven. This shift from a temporal to an eternal mindset is crucial for understanding that our actions today are not just for the present but for eternity.
The conversation then turned to the role of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would come to dwell within believers, guiding and reminding them of Jesus' teachings. This indwelling presence is a profound truth that sets Christianity apart, as it signifies an ongoing, intimate relationship with God.
We also examined the nature of true servanthood as demonstrated by Jesus when He washed the disciples' feet, including those of Judas, who would betray Him. This act of humility and service is the pattern we are called to emulate in our own lives, serving not only those who are easy to love but also those who may betray or deny us.
Furthermore, we discussed the power of prayer and the assurance that God hears us. The ability to bring our requests before the Creator of the universe is one of the most miraculous aspects of our relationship with Him.
As we concluded, we were reminded that the peace Jesus offers is unlike any peace the world can give. It is a peace that comes from knowing God is in control, regardless of the circumstances we face.
Key Takeaways:
- The eternal perspective that Jesus taught His disciples is a reminder for us to live with eternity in mind. Our daily choices and actions should reflect a greater purpose beyond the temporal, knowing that we are working towards an everlasting kingdom. This mindset transforms how we approach life's challenges and our commitment to God's will. [30:29]
- The Holy Spirit's role as our Comforter and Advocate is a profound gift that provides us with constant guidance, wisdom, and the ability to recall God's Word in times of need. This indwelling presence is a testament to God's desire for an intimate relationship with us and should encourage us to be more attuned to His leading in our lives. [49:33]
- True servanthood, as modeled by Jesus, involves humility and a willingness to serve others, including those who may not reciprocate or deserve it. This selfless love is a powerful expression of the gospel and challenges us to look beyond our own interests to the needs of others. [24:40]
- Prayer is not just a religious exercise; it is a dynamic interaction with the living God. The assurance that He hears us should embolden us to approach Him with confidence and sincerity, trusting in His sovereign care and perfect timing. [39:38]
- The peace that Jesus offers is rooted in the unshakable truth of His sovereignty and love. It is a peace that stands firm in the face of life's storms, providing comfort and courage to face the unknown. As believers, we are called to embrace and share this peace, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. [57:18]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 14:1-27
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to His disciples in John 14:1-3 to comfort their troubled hearts?
2. How does Jesus describe His relationship with the Father in John 14:9-11?
3. What role does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will play in the lives of believers according to John 14:16-17?
4. How does Jesus differentiate the peace He offers from the peace the world offers in John 14:27?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus begins John 14 by telling His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled? How does this set the tone for the rest of the chapter? [28:30]
2. In what ways does the promise of the Holy Spirit as a Comforter and Advocate provide ongoing support for believers? How does this shape our understanding of God's presence in our lives? [46:01]
3. How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, including Judas', redefine the concept of servanthood and humility? What message was Jesus conveying through this act? [24:00]
4. What does Jesus mean when He says that believers will do greater works than He has done because He is going to the Father? How should this influence our view of our own potential in ministry? [35:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt troubled or uncertain about the future. How can Jesus' promise of preparing a place for you in heaven (John 14:1-3) provide comfort and hope in similar situations? [28:30]
2. The Holy Spirit is described as a Comforter and Advocate who will guide and remind us of Jesus' teachings. How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to listen more closely to His leading? [46:01]
3. Jesus demonstrated true servanthood by washing the feet of His disciples, including those who would betray and deny Him. How can you practice this kind of humility and service in your own relationships, especially with those who may not reciprocate or appreciate your efforts? [24:00]
4. Prayer is described as a dynamic interaction with God, where we can bring our requests before Him with confidence. How can you deepen your prayer life to make it more sincere and trusting? What specific prayer needs can you bring before God this week, believing that He hears you? [37:19]
5. Jesus offers a peace that is unlike any peace the world can give. Think about a current situation in your life that is causing you anxiety or stress. How can you embrace the peace of Christ in this situation, trusting that God is in control? [55:00]
6. The eternal perspective that Jesus taught His disciples encourages us to live with eternity in mind. How can you shift your daily mindset to focus more on eternal values rather than temporary concerns? What changes can you make in your daily choices and actions to reflect this perspective? [30:33]
7. Jesus emphasized the importance of keeping His commandments as an expression of love for Him. Identify one specific commandment of Jesus that you find challenging to follow. What steps can you take this week to better align your actions with this commandment? [39:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Eternal Purpose
The eternal perspective that Jesus taught His disciples is a reminder for us to live with eternity in mind. Our daily choices and actions should reflect a greater purpose beyond the temporal, knowing that we are working towards an everlasting kingdom. This mindset transforms how we approach life's challenges and our commitment to God's will. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate the distractions and pressures of the present with a steadfast heart, prioritizing what truly matters in the eyes of God. This perspective is not about dismissing the importance of our current lives but about infusing them with a purpose that aligns with God's eternal plan. It's about seeing beyond the immediate to the ultimate goal of our faith—the salvation and transformation of our souls for God's glory. [30:29]
Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: How can you make a decision today that prioritizes eternal values over temporary gain?
Day 2: Embracing the Comforter Within
The Holy Spirit's role as our Comforter and Advocate is a profound gift that provides us with constant guidance, wisdom, and the ability to recall God's Word in times of need. This indwelling presence is a testament to God's desire for an intimate relationship with us and should encourage us to be more attuned to His leading in our lives. The Holy Spirit's presence within us is a source of strength and comfort, especially when we face trials or decisions that challenge our faith. By recognizing the Holy Spirit's role, we can live with the confidence that we are never alone and that we have access to divine wisdom that guides us in all truth. This relationship with the Holy Spirit is meant to be active and dynamic, influencing every aspect of our lives and empowering us to live out the gospel with boldness and love. [49:33]
John 14:26 ESV
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be more attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
Day 3: The Heart of Servanthood
True servanthood, as modeled by Jesus, involves humility and a willingness to serve others, including those who may not reciprocate or deserve it. This selfless love is a powerful expression of the gospel and challenges us to look beyond our own interests to the needs of others. Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, even the feet of His betrayer, sets a standard for us that is counter-cultural and often difficult to embrace. Yet, it is in this very act of service that we find the true nature of greatness in the kingdom of God. Servanthood is not about the acknowledgment or rewards we may receive but about reflecting the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. As we adopt this mindset, we become vessels through which God's love and grace can flow to others, often in unexpected and transformative ways. [24:40]
Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Who is someone you find difficult to serve, and how can you show them Christ-like love this week?
Day 4: The Power of Prayerful Trust
Prayer is not just a religious exercise; it is a dynamic interaction with the living God. The assurance that He hears us should embolden us to approach Him with confidence and sincerity, trusting in His sovereign care and perfect timing. Our prayers are a vital link to the heart of God, allowing us to express our deepest desires, fears, and joys. This communication is not one-sided; it is a conversation where we also learn to listen and discern God's will for our lives. As we grow in our prayer life, we discover the miraculous nature of being able to bring our requests before the Creator of the universe and the peace that comes from surrendering our burdens to Him. Prayer becomes a lifeline, a source of strength, and a means of grace that sustains us through every season of life. [39:38]
1 John 5:14-15 ESV
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
Reflection: What is one specific situation where you need to trust God's timing, and how can you commit it to prayer today?
Day 5: The Peace of Christ in Turmoil
The peace that Jesus offers is rooted in the unshakable truth of His sovereignty and love. It is a peace that stands firm in the face of life's storms, providing comfort and courage to face the unknown. As believers, we are called to embrace and share this peace, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. This peace is not an absence of conflict or hardship but a deep-seated assurance that God is in control and that His purposes will prevail. It is a peace that transcends understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. By clinging to this peace, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with a calmness and confidence that bears witness to the hope we have in Christ. [57:18]
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a practice of peace in your daily life, even amidst challenges and uncertainties?
Quotes
1) "The greatest thing that you had, the greatest opportunity that you were afforded is that you get to know Christ. So knowing him, that understanding of your savior, that knowledge, that relationship growing. He said, that is the greatest thing that you could do." [33:12]
2) "God uses broken people to perform his work and that's great news for us, isn't it? Every single one of us in our own way are broken people. Every one of us have in our own way denied the Lord, in our own way have betrayed him, have gone away from the plan and the path that he has for us but what we understand is that God always makes a way of restoration for us to follow that path again." [28:32]
3) "We take those two things for granted, don't we? That we forget how powerful our prayers can be and we forget how much the Lord wants to speak to us and he wants to grow in our relationship with him. May we stop this morning to make a commitment to ourselves and to the Lord that we are going to continue in that relationship and we're going to be aware of the spirit of the Lord that is speaking to us, that is guiding us, and that is directing us in all moments of our lives." [59:44]
4) "It's really easy to say that we love somebody. It's really easy to say that we care about somebody. It's really difficult to live that out day to day because we've all been in situations and places where somebody says that they love us, but their actions just don't line up with that. Their actions don't show that they love us." [41:15]
5) "Why does he start off the chapter like this? Why does he say, let not your heart be troubled? Because he's talking to a group of men who are very uncertain about their future... And he said, but you have this hope of eternity and that changes everything. We begin to shift our mindset from a temporal mindset of what happens day to day to an eternal mindset of understanding that what I do today, what I do tomorrow is not about today and it's not about tomorrow, it's about eternity." [30:29]
6) "God is not finished continuing to work on the behalf of his people. He said, you need to know and understand that just because Jesus is no longer physically in this world, that God is still working, that God is still leading, and God is still guiding. May we stop and think to ourselves this morning. Do we really believe that God still works in our world?" [36:15]
7) "We'd rather see God do something miraculous. We'd rather see God fix the problem that I'm facing. We'd rather see God wipe this all away and make everything better than we would to know him, to understand him, to grow in our relationship with him. And that's where the disciples were after three and a half years. They say, yeah, just show us another miracle and we'll feel a lot better. And Jesus said, you have something much greater than seeing a miracle. You have the opportunity to know the savior." [34:10]
8) "He says again in verse number 28, you have heard how I said unto you, I go away and come again unto you. If you love me, you would rejoice because I said I go to my Father, for my Father is greater than I... But he said what you have to know and understand is that there is a peace that surpasses anything that we're going to go through. We understand that our father has a plan, that he has a purpose and that he's working in our life." [57:54]
9) "The Lord has placed us in a position of servanthood, not just to those who are good to us, not just to those who we have a good relationship with, not just to those who it's easy to love and it's easy to care for, but God has put us in a place of servanthood to those who will hate us, to those who will deny us, to those who will betray us." [25:10]
10) "The Holy Spirit indwells us. We're going to wrap it all up into one so that we know God better, that our relationship with him grows, that our relationship with his word continues to grow. Understand that God is trying to show himself to us. We've got it backwards a lot of times. A lot of times we feel that God is hiding himself from us, that God is somehow incredibly distant from us, incredibly veiled and shielded." [49:33]
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