Filling Our Lives with Christ's Abundant Vision
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today is Vision Sunday, a day where we focus on the vision that guides our church. As someone with Jersey roots, I understand the skepticism that can come with terms like "Vision Sunday." However, vision is not just a one-day event; it's a daily guide for our lives. For followers of Jesus, our vision is to follow Him and share His message, fulfilling the Great Commission. Vision is what motivates us and directs us towards our goals.
Vision is everywhere in our world, from social media influencers to career goals. But the vision Jesus offers is unique—it’s a vision for abundant life. John 10:10 tells us that while the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came to give us life abundantly. The thief, representing worldly distractions and false promises, offers visions that lead to bondage rather than freedom. These false visions can rob us of true joy and fulfillment.
Our church's vision is to "fill this space" with the love of Christ. This means filling our hearts, homes, and church seats with the gospel. We are created as empty vessels, ready to be filled with experiences and visions. However, only the vision of Jesus can truly satisfy and bring about fullness of life.
We need to consider what is currently fueling our lives. Are we running on empty, overwhelmed, or filled with the wrong things? Haggai 1:5-6 challenges us to consider our ways and what we are filling our lives with. Many of us may be running on fumes or overwhelmed by busyness, filling our lives with things that don't truly satisfy.
To fill this space with the love of Christ, we need to make space in our lives. This might mean cutting back on certain activities or distractions to create room for God. We aim to fill this space through personal connections like prayer, community, and spiritual practices, as well as collaborative efforts to invite others into this vision.
Our goal is to see every heart filled with the glory of God, every home filled with equipped disciples, and every seat filled with those who hear and share the gospel. This vision calls us to be intentional and invitational, recognizing that God is already at work drawing people to Himself. We are invited to participate in this process, offering the hope and love of Christ to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Vision as Daily Guidance: Vision is not confined to a single day but is a daily guide for our lives. For followers of Jesus, our vision is to follow Him and share His message, fulfilling the Great Commission. This vision motivates us and directs us towards our goals, providing a sense of purpose and direction. [02:06]
2. Jesus' Vision vs. The Thief's Vision: Jesus offers a vision of abundant life, contrasting with the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief's vision leads to bondage and false promises, while Jesus' vision leads to true joy and fulfillment. Understanding this contrast helps us choose the right path for our lives. [06:50]
3. Filling Our Lives with the Right Fuel: We need to consider what is currently fueling our lives. Are we running on empty, overwhelmed, or filled with the wrong things? Haggai 1:5-6 challenges us to consider our ways and what we are filling our lives with, urging us to seek the things that truly satisfy. [22:00]
4. Making Space for God: To fill our lives with the love of Christ, we need to make space. This might mean cutting back on certain activities or distractions to create room for God. It's less about doing more and more about surrendering to God's will and creating space for His presence in our lives. [29:06]
5. Intentional and Invitational Living: Our vision calls us to be intentional and invitational, recognizing that God is already at work drawing people to Himself. We are invited to participate in this process, offering the hope and love of Christ to those around us. This involves both personal spiritual practices and collaborative efforts to reach out to others. [42:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:06] - Vision as Daily Guidance
[03:47] - The Reality of Vision
[04:56] - Why Vision and Why Now
[06:50] - Jesus' Vision vs. The Thief's Vision
[09:23] - The Thief's False Promises
[11:45] - The Cost of False Visions
[13:03] - Our Responsibility as the Church
[14:11] - Fill This Space at Commonplace
[19:23] - Heart, Home, Seat
[20:57] - Running on Empty
[22:00] - Haggai's Challenge
[24:42] - The Wrong Type of Fuel
[26:19] - Overwhelmed and Tanked
[29:06] - Making Space for God
[33:28] - Personal Space Fillers
[40:26] - Collaborative Space Fillers
[42:56] - Being Intentional and Invitational
[47:27] - Practical Reminders
[51:27] - Benediction and Charge
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10 (ESV) - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
2. Haggai 1:5-6 (ESV) - "Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10:10, what are the contrasting visions offered by Jesus and the thief? How do these visions impact our lives? [06:50]
2. In Haggai 1:5-6, what are the people being challenged to consider about their ways and what they are filling their lives with? [22:00]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the primary vision for followers of Jesus, and how does it relate to the Great Commission? [02:06]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of worldly distractions and false promises on our lives? [09:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have "life abundantly" as described in John 10:10? How does this abundant life differ from the life offered by the thief? [06:50]
2. How can the message in Haggai 1:5-6 be applied to our modern lives? What are some examples of "bags with holes" in today's context? [22:00]
3. The sermon emphasizes the need to "make space for God." What are some practical steps we can take to create this space in our daily lives? [29:06]
4. How does the concept of being "intentional and invitational" play a role in fulfilling the church's vision? What are some ways we can live this out in our communities? [42:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life. Are there any areas where you feel like you are "running on empty" or overwhelmed? What steps can you take to fill these areas with the love of Christ? [20:57]
2. Consider the distractions and activities that occupy your time. Are there any that you need to cut back on to make more space for God? How will you go about doing this? [29:06]
3. Think about the people in your life who may be seeking or in need of the hope and love of Christ. How can you be intentional and invitational in reaching out to them this week? [42:56]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of personal spiritual practices like prayer and community. What specific practices can you incorporate into your routine to deepen your relationship with God? [33:28]
5. Reflect on the vision of filling every heart, home, and seat with the gospel. How can you contribute to this vision in your church and community? What specific actions will you take? [19:23]
6. The sermon challenges us to consider what is fueling our lives. Are you filling your life with things that truly satisfy? What changes can you make to ensure you are fueled by the right things? [22:00]
7. How can you support others in your church community who may be feeling empty or overwhelmed? What practical steps can you take to offer them encouragement and support? [28:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Vision as Daily Guidance
Vision is not confined to a single day but is a daily guide for our lives. For followers of Jesus, our vision is to follow Him and share His message, fulfilling the Great Commission. This vision motivates us and directs us towards our goals, providing a sense of purpose and direction. Vision is not just a lofty idea but a practical guide that shapes our daily decisions and actions. It helps us prioritize what truly matters and align our lives with God's will.
In a world filled with distractions and competing visions, it's crucial to stay focused on the vision Jesus has for us. This vision is not about achieving worldly success but about living a life that reflects His love and grace. By keeping this vision at the forefront of our minds, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and direction. [02:06]
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV): "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to align your daily actions with the vision of following Jesus and sharing His message?
Day 2: Jesus' Vision vs. The Thief's Vision
Jesus offers a vision of abundant life, contrasting with the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief's vision leads to bondage and false promises, while Jesus' vision leads to true joy and fulfillment. Understanding this contrast helps us choose the right path for our lives. The thief represents worldly distractions and false promises that can lead us away from God's purpose for our lives.
Jesus' vision is unique because it offers true freedom and fulfillment. While the world may offer temporary pleasures and success, only Jesus can provide lasting joy and abundant life. By recognizing the difference between these two visions, we can make better choices that align with God's will and lead to a more fulfilling life. [06:50]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have been following the thief's vision. How can you shift your focus to embrace Jesus' vision of abundant life?
Day 3: Filling Our Lives with the Right Fuel
We need to consider what is currently fueling our lives. Are we running on empty, overwhelmed, or filled with the wrong things? Haggai 1:5-6 challenges us to consider our ways and what we are filling our lives with, urging us to seek the things that truly satisfy. Many of us may be running on fumes or overwhelmed by busyness, filling our lives with things that don't truly satisfy.
It's essential to evaluate what we are allowing to fuel our lives. Are we seeking fulfillment in material possessions, career success, or social status? Or are we seeking the things that truly satisfy, such as a relationship with God, meaningful connections with others, and a sense of purpose? By filling our lives with the right fuel, we can experience true joy and fulfillment. [22:00]
Haggai 1:5-6 (ESV): "Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes."
Reflection: What are you currently filling your life with that doesn't truly satisfy? How can you replace it with something that aligns with God's vision for your life?
Day 4: Making Space for God
To fill our lives with the love of Christ, we need to make space. This might mean cutting back on certain activities or distractions to create room for God. It's less about doing more and more about surrendering to God's will and creating space for His presence in our lives. Making space for God requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of things that may be hindering our spiritual growth.
Creating space for God can involve setting aside time for prayer, reading the Bible, and engaging in spiritual practices that draw us closer to Him. It may also mean reevaluating our priorities and making changes to our daily routines to ensure that we are giving God the time and attention He deserves. [29:06]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What specific activities or distractions can you cut back on this week to create more space for God in your life?
Day 5: Intentional and Invitational Living
Our vision calls us to be intentional and invitational, recognizing that God is already at work drawing people to Himself. We are invited to participate in this process, offering the hope and love of Christ to those around us. This involves both personal spiritual practices and collaborative efforts to reach out to others. Intentional living means being purposeful in our actions and decisions, aligning them with God's vision for our lives.
Invitational living involves actively seeking opportunities to share the love of Christ with others. This can be through simple acts of kindness, sharing our faith, or inviting others to join us in our spiritual journey. By living intentionally and invitationally, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those around us and help fulfill the Great Commission. [42:56]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to experience the love of Christ. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week and invite them into your spiritual journey?
Quotes
1. "Vision is every Sunday. Vision is every day. You see, the reality is we are operating constantly in this reality of, of vision, right? Because vision is what? Vision is what motivates us. Vision is what takes us to the place we, we want to be and where we want to go. Vision is kind of how we operate. We operate with a vision every day of our lives. And so for the follower of Jesus, we, we do have a vision. We have a vision every day. Our vision is to, to follow Jesus, is to tell others about Jesus, right? The Great Commission." [02:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus offers this world a vision for life. He offers a vision for life. He offers this world a vision for life. It's a vision that declares that in him, and in him alone, we actually can have life. We can experience life. Jesus' vision is that through him, we might have life and have it abundantly. This is what it says in John chapter 10, verse 10. Look what it says. The thief comes to only steal and kill and destroy. Jesus says this, I came that you may have life and you may have it abundantly." [05:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The thief makes this promise of life, right, of obtaining life, but in actuality, what's happening is we're actually getting robbed of life. We're actually getting robbed of our life. We're actually getting robbed of our joy. We're actually, it's, it's destroying and keeping us from actually receiving true fullness of life in Christ." [09:23] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We desire to fill the space that God gives us in our lives with the love of Christ. Plain and simple. Because here's what we're acknowledging. We're acknowledging that as created beings. We enter this world as these, these empty vessels ready to be filled. Ready to be filled. Formed." [14:11] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How amazing is it of Jesus to enter, enter into our world. And actually provide some sort of, of offer. Right? It's counter to the thief. Praise God for that. And it will actually give fullness. And actually give abundance of life. It's that through the gospel we can have this restored relationship with God. Through what Christ has done. And so we can experience that. The life. From a space of life. Abundance." [15:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I think the majority of the world around us, we're probably finding ourselves maybe, especially in this area, running on empty. Right? The reality is, it's possible that for many of us, this daily grind of life has been met with the dreaded warning that our tank is on E. Or maybe the fun like check engine light that comes up. We recognize that we're not operating the way that we're designed to." [20:57] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So often, that's our day to day. We just get tanked. We're overwhelmed from continuing to add more and more to our lives in hopes of, like, fullness of life and fulfillment. We're buying the vision of the thief. That as long as we just keep ourselves busy, as long as we have all the materials put in place, we will be fulfilled. But what's actually taking place? We're filling the space that God's giving us with the wrong items. And so I know for many of us, we are exhausted. We're exhausted. We're tanked." [27:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We want to provide things like Bible reading plans. We want to have a list of recommended reading plans. We want to do a one year in the Bible reading plan together as a church. Here's what I love right now. I know that Corey and a group of the teenage boys are filling the space in their lives. They're doing a Bible study, a Bible plan together from the You app right now, YouVersion app. And I think that's so vital, such a vital resource." [38:56] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We want to offer content that connects us towards Christ. It's part of what we do here as equipping disciples. We can fill that space that we already have with content that draws us closer to life, to Christ. And now if you go to our website, which you probably can't do right now because the internet is not great in this place, but when you get a chance with good internet, go to our website and you'll see that we have a place that says fill this space. And what you're going to see on that page is there's going to be playlists that have music that we've created as a church." [37:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We need reminders to help us see those the way that God sees. Invitation to come know him. And reminders that the gospel work is the most important work that we can participate in. It's because the gospel work pays eternal dividends. People's eternal standings change when we are faithfully inviting and sharing and serving those God has placed in our lives." [45:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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