Finding Fulfillment in Christ: Our Journey Together

 

Summary

Finding fulfillment in life is a journey that begins and ends with Jesus Christ. As we gather to worship, our primary purpose is to lift up the name of Jesus, recognizing that in doing so, He lifts us up. Our identity and worth are not found in the fleeting things of this world but in the eternal truth of who we are in Christ. Ephesians 1:3-4 reminds us that we are chosen by God, blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. This choosing is not based on our merit but on God's sovereign will, established before the foundation of the world.

The concept of being chosen by God can be challenging to grasp, especially when considering theological debates like Calvinism and Arminianism. However, the focus should remain on Jesus Christ, who is the center of God's plan for salvation. God chose Jesus first, and through Him, we are chosen. This divine selection is not just about individual salvation but about being part of the collective body of believers, the church. Our fulfillment is not found in isolation but in community, serving and growing together in Christ.

The church is not merely a place we attend but a family we belong to. It is within this community that we find accountability, support, and the opportunity to serve. We are called to be more than spectators; we are participants in God's mission. As we engage with the church, we experience the fullness of life in Christ, moving beyond self-centeredness to a life of purpose and service.

Ultimately, our fulfillment is rooted in the transformative work of Jesus. He left heaven, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again, offering us justification and the promise of glorification. This journey of faith is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. As we embrace this truth, we find our true worth and purpose in Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chosen in Christ: Our identity and worth are found in being chosen by God through Jesus Christ. This divine selection is not based on our actions but on God's sovereign will, established before the foundation of the world. Embracing this truth brings eternal significance to our lives. [32:01]

2. The Centrality of Jesus: Any theology that does not start and end with Jesus Christ misses the mark. Jesus is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Our salvation and fulfillment are found in Him alone, not in our efforts or merits. [46:07]

3. Community in the Church: Fulfillment in Christ is experienced within the community of believers. The church is not just a place to attend but a family to belong to, where we find accountability, support, and opportunities to serve. [50:04]

4. The Process of Sanctification: Salvation is the beginning of a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. This process involves being justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. Our growth in Christ is a continuous journey of transformation. [37:42]

5. Living for Jesus: Our fulfillment is not found in the things of this world but in living for Jesus. As we surrender our lives to Him, we experience true joy and purpose. This involves daily choosing to follow Him and finding our worth in His love and grace. [58:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:17] - Introduction and Announcements
- [28:48] - Finding Fulfillment in Christ
- [31:23] - The Significance of Being Chosen
- [32:55] - God's Goodness and Gifts
- [34:15] - Understanding God's Choosing
- [37:42] - The Process of Sanctification
- [46:07] - The Centrality of Jesus
- [47:56] - The Role of the Church
- [49:02] - Finding Fulfillment in Jesus
- [50:04] - Community and Accountability
- [51:16] - The Importance of Serving
- [52:09] - Joining a Church Community
- [53:11] - Embracing Responsibility
- [56:23] - The Gospel Message
- [58:11] - Invitation to Follow Jesus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:3-4
- Romans 8:29-30
- 1 Peter 2:4

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 1:3-4, what are the spiritual blessings mentioned, and how are they connected to being chosen in Christ? [28:48]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned a specific theological debate. What are the two main perspectives discussed, and how do they relate to the concept of being chosen by God? [37:42]

3. How does the pastor describe the role of the church in finding fulfillment in Christ? What is the significance of the word "us" in this context? [50:04]

4. What does Romans 8:29-30 say about the process of becoming more like Jesus, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on sanctification? [37:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of being chosen by God before the foundation of the world impact a believer's understanding of their identity and worth? [32:01]

2. The pastor emphasized the centrality of Jesus in salvation. How does this focus on Jesus challenge or affirm your current understanding of salvation? [46:07]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that community within the church contributes to a believer's fulfillment in Christ? [50:04]

4. How does the process of sanctification, as described in Romans 8:29-30, influence a believer's daily life and spiritual growth? [37:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of being chosen by God. How does this truth affect your daily life and decisions? [32:01]

2. The sermon highlighted the importance of Jesus being the center of our theology. How can you ensure that your faith and actions consistently reflect this centrality? [46:07]

3. Consider your involvement in your church community. What steps can you take to become more engaged and find fulfillment through serving others? [50:04]

4. The pastor mentioned the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. What specific area of your life do you feel called to grow in, and how can you take practical steps towards that growth? [37:42]

5. How do you currently find your worth and identity? Are there areas where you need to shift your focus from worldly things to your identity in Christ? [28:48]

6. The sermon discussed the balance between receiving blessings and taking on responsibilities within the church. How can you embrace both aspects in your spiritual journey? [53:11]

7. Reflect on the transformative work of Jesus in your life. How can you share this journey with others to encourage them in their faith? [58:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Our Identity in Christ's Choosing
Our identity and worth are deeply rooted in the fact that we are chosen by God through Jesus Christ. This divine selection is not based on our actions or merits but on God's sovereign will, established before the foundation of the world. Embracing this truth brings eternal significance to our lives, as it assures us that our value is not determined by the transient things of this world but by the eternal love and purpose of God. Understanding that we are chosen in Christ allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that our lives have meaning and direction beyond what we can see or achieve on our own. [32:01]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle with self-worth. How does knowing you are chosen by God change your perspective on this area today?


Day 2: Jesus at the Center
The centrality of Jesus in our theology and life is paramount. Any belief system that does not start and end with Jesus Christ misses the mark. Jesus is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Our salvation and fulfillment are found in Him alone, not in our efforts or merits. By focusing on Jesus, we align ourselves with God's ultimate plan for salvation and find true fulfillment. This understanding calls us to continually place Jesus at the center of our lives, ensuring that our actions, thoughts, and beliefs are rooted in His teachings and example. [46:07]

Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make Jesus the center of your daily routine this week?


Day 3: Community in Christ
Fulfillment in Christ is experienced within the community of believers. The church is not just a place to attend but a family to belong to, where we find accountability, support, and opportunities to serve. Being part of this community means moving beyond self-centeredness to a life of purpose and service. It is within this collective body that we grow, learn, and experience the fullness of life in Christ. Engaging with the church community allows us to live out our faith in tangible ways, supporting one another and working together to fulfill God's mission. [50:04]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Identify one person in your church community you can encourage or support this week. How will you reach out to them?


Day 4: The Journey of Sanctification
Salvation is the beginning of a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. This process involves being justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. Our growth in Christ is a continuous journey of transformation, where we are called to become more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and character. This journey requires intentionality and commitment, as we seek to align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. Embracing this process of sanctification allows us to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace in our lives. [37:42]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow or change? How can you take a step towards that transformation today?


Day 5: Living for Jesus
Our fulfillment is not found in the things of this world but in living for Jesus. As we surrender our lives to Him, we experience true joy and purpose. This involves daily choosing to follow Him and finding our worth in His love and grace. Living for Jesus means prioritizing His will and purpose above our own desires, allowing His love to guide our actions and decisions. By doing so, we discover a life of meaning and fulfillment that transcends the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this world. [58:11]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes

"Well, today, let me give you the most encouraging news I can give anybody in the world. Today, if you're a believer, you're chosen in Jesus Christ, and that's the greatest choosing that could ever happen. So, I'm going to look at just a few words and ideas out of verse 4." [00:32:01]

"Folks, we serve a good God. Don't let anybody ever tell you otherwise. Don't. Don't look at the circumstances of this world and try to figure out that God cannot be good. God is good. He always has been good and he always will be good. That's what the Bible reveals to us about our God." [00:34:20]

"God has set it up so that anybody who comes to faith in Christ Jesus is justified, sanctified and glorified. In other words, we will be like Jesus. John says that in first John chapter three he says brethren it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he appears we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is." [00:37:42]

"Getting saved is not the end it's just the start it's the start of a life lifelong lifetime process of loving Jesus living for Jesus growing in Jesus becoming more like Jesus Christ here's what Romans says about Romans 8 28 29 29 30 now I got the wrong verses now Romans 29 30 says this for whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." [00:42:44]

"Any theology that starts with man whether it's talking about being free to reject man or whether it's talking about being depraved as a man any theology that starts with man is a theology that doesn't start and end with Jesus Christ and that's not word of the bible starts and ends the bible doesn't start with man and whether you're depraved or whether you accept christ or any of those things the bible starts with Jesus." [00:46:07]

"Boy, people look to everything and anything else to find their fulfillment and their worth and their value. The truth is, if you want to, if you work hard enough at it, you can even turn church into some sort of an idol and try to find your value through it. And nothing fills that void except Jesus Christ." [00:49:02]

"Maybe, just maybe, one of the reasons we have so much trouble finding fulfillment in Christ is we're thinking only about us and not everybody else around us. Somebody wrote a book recently, Abigail Shire wrote it, and wrote a book talking about therapy and how over -therapy, over -emphasis on therapy is a bad thing for you because focusing only on yourself and only on your problems all the time makes them worse." [00:51:16]

"Find you a church, plug yourself in, serve the Lord with a bunch of other people. I'd recommend choosing Mount Carmel, but I don't get to make that choice for you. If you're not a member here, that's all right. Listen, find you a good church and serve the Lord. I think Mount Carmel is the best church around." [00:52:09]

"We want the benefits and the blessings of having a relationship with Jesus Christ, but we don't want the responsibility and the accountability that comes from being a part of a local body of believers, the church. And we wonder why we don't find fulfillment in Jesus. We want all the benefits. All the blessings, but none of the responsibility, none of the accountability." [00:53:11]

"Can I tell you what Jesus did for you? Jesus left heaven where He was worshipped, served, and adored. And He came to this earth for a special unique kind of birth, a virgin birth. We just celebrated that at Christmas time. Then Jesus lived a sinless, spotless life. Something you and I could never do. Jesus did for us. And then He died on the cross. That sinless, spotless sacrifice." [00:56:23]

"On the third day He rose from the dead. He is victorious over sin, death, hell, and the grave. He ascended to the right hand of the Father. And one day He's coming back to receive all those unto Himself who believe in Him. That glorification that we talked about earlier in the sermon." [00:57:09]

"If you're willing to, if you'll accept Jesus Christ, what'll happen is this. God will take your sinfulness and He places it on Jesus Christ, that sacrifice on the cross. And He takes Jesus' righteousness and He gives it to you. He replaces your sinfulness with Jesus' righteousness. And it's as if you've never sinned. The penalty for your sins is paid by Jesus Christ." [00:58:11]

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Transcript
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