Experiencing God's Grace: Bringing Our Burdens to Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the vastness of God's grace and the depth of His mercy, using the metaphor of the ocean to illustrate how boundless and continuous His love is for us. As I spent time in prayer and reflection by the beach, I was struck by the idea that each wave represents God's mercy, constantly washing over us, reminding us of His love and plans for our lives. This led us into the theme of our upcoming series: "If you want to get to Jesus, you've got to go where He is." Over the next seven weeks, we will delve into biblical stories where people sought out Jesus and experienced life-changing encounters.
We also discussed the universal problem of sin, emphasizing that everyone has a sin problem that only Jesus can solve. Using Isaiah 1:18, we were reminded that though our sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow through Christ. We examined the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2, where Jesus first forgave the man's sins before healing him physically. This underscores the point that our greatest need is spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins, not just physical or material well-being.
We identified seven root sins—pride, envy, anger, lust, greed, gluttony, and slothfulness—that hinder our walk with Christ. These sins are the ugly "babies" we must confront and overcome through Jesus. We also discussed the importance of faith that is actionable, as seen in the friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Their faith was visible through their actions, and it was this faith that Jesus responded to.
Finally, we touched on the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly influences and being proactive in our spiritual lives. We must be diligent in our faith, obedient to Christ, and willing to take actionable steps to live out our beliefs. The sermon concluded with a call to bring our burdens to Jesus, symbolized by a "burden box" where we can leave our troubles and trust in God's provision and care.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Ocean as a Metaphor for Grace: The vastness of the ocean serves as a powerful metaphor for God's grace. Just as the ocean is boundless and its waves are continuous, so is God's grace and mercy towards us. Each wave that hits the shore can be seen as a reminder of God's unending love and His plans for our lives. This perspective helps us to remain humble and grateful, recognizing that we are small in the grand scheme of God's creation but immensely loved by Him. [22:26]
2. The Universal Problem of Sin: Every person has a sin problem that only Jesus can solve. Isaiah 1:18 reminds us that though our sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow through Christ. This underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness and spiritual healing above all else. Our greatest need is not material or physical well-being but the forgiveness of our sins, which only Jesus can provide. [24:47]
3. Actionable Faith: True faith is visible through our actions. The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 illustrates that faith must be actionable. The friends of the paralytic demonstrated their faith by taking extraordinary steps to bring him to Jesus. This kind of faith moves mountains and brings about divine intervention. We must be willing to take actionable steps in our faith journey, trusting that God will respond to our efforts. [32:21]
4. Surrounding Yourself with Godly Influences: The company we keep significantly impacts our spiritual journey. Bad company corrupts good character, and it is crucial to surround ourselves with friends who lead us closer to Christ. Parents, in particular, should be vigilant about their children's associations, as these relationships can shape their future. Being proactive in our spiritual lives and the lives of our loved ones is essential for maintaining a strong faith. [54:05]
5. Bringing Our Burdens to Jesus: We are encouraged to bring our burdens to Jesus and leave them at His feet. The "burden box" symbolizes this act of faith, where we can deposit our troubles and trust that God will handle them. This act of surrender is crucial for experiencing God's peace and rest. By laying down our burdens, we acknowledge our dependence on God and His ability to carry us through our struggles. [24:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:59] - Prayer and Reflection at the Beach
[21:42] - The Ocean as a Metaphor for Grace
[23:59] - Series Introduction: Getting to Jesus
[24:47] - The Universal Problem of Sin
[25:47] - The Ugly Babies of Sin
[30:05] - The Only Cure: Jesus
[31:28] - The Story of the Paralytic Man
[32:21] - Actionable Faith
[34:31] - Hindrances to Following Christ
[37:42] - Obedience and Doubt
[39:06] - Dealing with Sin
[40:06] - Faith and Perseverance
[41:21] - The Great Cloud of Witnesses
[42:36] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[44:02] - Preaching the Word
[45:27] - The Greatest Need: Forgiveness of Sin
[53:12] - Where Are Your Friends Taking You?
[54:05] - The Importance of Godly Influences
[57:45] - Parental Vigilance
[01:02:49] - Faith That Can Be Seen
[01:08:53] - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins
[01:16:43] - Breaking Religious Quagmires
[01:20:20] - Every Knee Will Bow
[01:22:35] - The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
[01:23:39] - Bringing Our Burdens to Jesus
[01:32:33] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
2. Mark 2:1-12 - The story of the paralytic man whose sins were forgiven and was healed by Jesus.
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
### Observation Questions
1. In Isaiah 1:18, what does God promise to do with our sins?
2. What actions did the friends of the paralytic man take to bring him to Jesus in Mark 2:1-12?
3. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are we encouraged to lay aside, and what should we focus on instead?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God uses the metaphor of scarlet and snow in Isaiah 1:18 to describe the transformation of our sins?
2. How does the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 illustrate the importance of actionable faith?
3. What does it mean to "lay aside every weight and sin" as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives?
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the metaphor of the ocean as God's grace, how can you remind yourself daily of God's continuous mercy in your life?
2. Identify one of the seven root sins (pride, envy, anger, lust, greed, gluttony, slothfulness) that you struggle with. What steps can you take this week to confront and overcome it through Jesus?
3. Think about a time when you needed to take actionable steps in your faith. What was the outcome, and how did it strengthen your relationship with God?
4. Who are the godly influences in your life that help you grow spiritually? How can you spend more time with them or seek their guidance this week?
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of bringing our burdens to Jesus. What is one burden you are currently carrying, and how can you symbolically leave it at Jesus' feet this week?
6. How can you be more proactive in your spiritual life, such as setting aside specific times for prayer, Bible reading, or serving others?
7. Reflect on the company you keep. Are there any relationships that are hindering your walk with Christ? What changes can you make to surround yourself with more godly influences?
Devotional
Day 1: The Ocean as a Metaphor for Grace
God's grace is as vast and boundless as the ocean. Just as the ocean's waves are continuous, so is God's mercy towards us. Each wave that hits the shore serves as a reminder of His unending love and His plans for our lives. This perspective helps us to remain humble and grateful, recognizing that we are small in the grand scheme of God's creation but immensely loved by Him. The ocean's vastness can make us feel insignificant, yet it also reminds us of the grandeur of God's grace that covers all our sins and shortcomings.
Reflecting on the ocean can help us understand the depth of God's grace. When we feel overwhelmed by our failures or the challenges of life, we can remember that God's grace is always there, washing over us, renewing us, and giving us hope. This metaphor encourages us to trust in God's continuous provision and to live in a state of gratitude and humility.
Isaiah 40:12 (ESV): "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?"
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can you remind yourself of God's boundless grace in those moments? [22:26]
Day 2: The Universal Problem of Sin
Every person has a sin problem that only Jesus can solve. Isaiah 1:18 reminds us that though our sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow through Christ. This underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness and spiritual healing above all else. Our greatest need is not material or physical well-being but the forgiveness of our sins, which only Jesus can provide. The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 illustrates this truth, as Jesus first forgave the man's sins before healing him physically. This shows that spiritual healing is paramount and that Jesus prioritizes our spiritual well-being over our physical or material needs.
Understanding the gravity of our sin problem helps us to appreciate the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice. It also reminds us that no matter how far we have strayed, Jesus is always ready to forgive and restore us. This realization should lead us to a place of repentance and a desire to seek Jesus earnestly, knowing that He is the only one who can cleanse us from our sins and make us whole.
Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Reflection: Reflect on a sin that you struggle with. How can you bring this to Jesus today and seek His forgiveness and healing? [24:47]
Day 3: Actionable Faith
True faith is visible through our actions. The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 illustrates that faith must be actionable. The friends of the paralytic demonstrated their faith by taking extraordinary steps to bring him to Jesus. This kind of faith moves mountains and brings about divine intervention. We must be willing to take actionable steps in our faith journey, trusting that God will respond to our efforts. Faith is not just a belief in our hearts but is demonstrated through our actions and decisions.
When we take steps of faith, we show our trust in God's promises and His ability to intervene in our lives. This kind of faith requires courage and determination, as it often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks. However, it is through these actions that we experience God's power and see His hand at work in our lives.
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to take a step of faith. What actionable step can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God? [32:21]
Day 4: Surrounding Yourself with Godly Influences
The company we keep significantly impacts our spiritual journey. Bad company corrupts good character, and it is crucial to surround ourselves with friends who lead us closer to Christ. Parents, in particular, should be vigilant about their children's associations, as these relationships can shape their future. Being proactive in our spiritual lives and the lives of our loved ones is essential for maintaining a strong faith. The story of the paralytic man also highlights the importance of godly friends who are willing to go the extra mile to bring us closer to Jesus.
Surrounding ourselves with godly influences helps us to stay on the right path and grow in our faith. It provides us with a support system that encourages us, holds us accountable, and helps us to navigate the challenges of life. Choosing our friends wisely and being intentional about our relationships can make a significant difference in our spiritual growth and overall well-being.
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Evaluate your current friendships. Are there any relationships that are hindering your walk with Christ? How can you seek out more godly influences in your life? [54:05]
Day 5: Bringing Our Burdens to Jesus
We are encouraged to bring our burdens to Jesus and leave them at His feet. The "burden box" symbolizes this act of faith, where we can deposit our troubles and trust that God will handle them. This act of surrender is crucial for experiencing God's peace and rest. By laying down our burdens, we acknowledge our dependence on God and His ability to carry us through our struggles. Jesus invites us to come to Him with our heavy loads, promising to give us rest and relief.
Bringing our burdens to Jesus requires humility and trust. It means recognizing that we cannot handle everything on our own and that we need God's help. This act of surrender allows us to experience the freedom and peace that comes from trusting in God's provision and care. It also strengthens our relationship with Him, as we learn to rely on His strength and not our own.
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today? How can you symbolically place them in the "burden box" and trust Jesus to handle them? [24:18]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have a sin problem. You have a sin problem. I have a sin problem. Everybody that you'll meet today has a sin problem. Everybody you'll see tomorrow, everywhere you go, you'll talk to somebody that's breathing, they have a sin problem. Everybody does. Nobody gets to moral high ground. Nobody does. We all come to the same level place, and that's at the foot of the cross, and we've got to deal with that." [24:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Here's the deal. You're a sinner. You're lost without Christ. You are destined for hell. That's the bottom line, guys. That's why we're here as a church, because people are destined for hell. It's not an alternative location. It's not a resort area. It's a serious place that God deals with the rebellion of mankind and all the demonization, and all the demons that rebelled against him. That's the company of hell." [26:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only answer is Jesus. The only cure for it is Jesus Christ. That's the only thing that we've got. There's nothing else. There's no motivational speech. There's not a pill. There's not a program. It's Christ or nothing. It's Jesus or nothing. It's Jesus. It's not Jesus and something. See, we got really good at the church. And in recent years of like saying, well, you got Jesus and something. No, it's not Jesus and anything. It's Jesus and him alone." [30:05] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Fix your eyes on Jesus. In the midst of that thing you can't talk about, fix your eyes on Christ. In the midst of that disappointment that you can't get over, fix your eyes on Christ. In the midst of that sin that keeps beating you up all the time, fix your eyes on Christ. Fix your eyes on Christ. That problem that you can't seem to overcome, fix your eyes on Christ. Get a good view of who he is." [43:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The greatest need that you have in your life is to be forgiven of your sin. What's the baby we're dealing with? The man of faith, Jesus, preached the word of faith, the scriptures, the Bible, if you will, to them. And I got to imagine, now I take a little creative liberty here, and I believe that when they came, he told them what to look for in the Messiah. Not because Jesus was confused about who he was, but so that they might recognize him for who he is." [45:27] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And to think about that's God's creation, and that God created that thing to move, and it has its own roots. It has its own rhythm, and it has its speech. And the Word of God tells us that the universe pours out its speech. It speaks to us every single day. Creation is speaking to us. And I was sitting there, and I was struck by the aweness of how vast that was, and I was thinking, what if God put this ocean here as a metaphor for grace?" [21:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There will always be a hindrance in your life. If you're following Christ, something is going to try to hinder you from doing it. There's going to be one excuse after another excuse, and one of the things you need to watch out for in that hindrance is the word pride. You need to look out for envy. You need to look out for jealousy. You need to look out for those things, because those are hindrances in the life of a Christian. Anger will keep you handcuffed, because you can't see anything but red." [34:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're not going to be obedient to Christ, don't expect him to do anything in your life. And we'll give you another one. Doubt. We all deal with doubt. We all battle doubt. Doubt's a hindrance to your walk. Doubt's a hindrance to your ministry. If you don't learn to deal with the doubts that you have in your life into something else, you're never going to know it all." [37:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith that can be seen is seen by action. Faith is actionable. You cannot say you have faith if you're not doing something. And I've got a long list of biblical foundation to support this. Hebrews 11 says this, Now faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. This is what the saints of God that went before us were commended for. It was their faith." [01:02:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you say yes to Christ and you receive him into your life, do you know what you get with that? You get the third person of the Trinity called the Holy Spirit to come and live inside of you. And so you're no longer, you no longer have an excuse for why you're confused about sin in your life because the Holy Spirit is in there. He's like that guy out here on 127 with the flags in the barrel. Stop. You can't go this way. This is not where Jesus is going. Jesus is going that way." [01:17:52] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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