Finding God in Everyday Life and Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In this passage from Luke, we witness Jesus working diligently with His disciples, who are struggling to grasp the profound lessons He is imparting. The narrative captures the disciples' moments of insight and their frequent lapses into misunderstanding, a reflection of our own spiritual journeys. The story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus' appearance changes and He converses with Moses and Elijah, serves as a powerful reminder of the divine glory and the human tendency to cling to extraordinary experiences. Peter's desire to build tents to preserve the moment highlights our longing for mountaintop experiences, where everything seems clear and perfect.

However, life is not lived on the mountaintop but in the valleys, where faith is tested and lived out daily. Jesus instructs His disciples to descend from the mountain, emphasizing that true spiritual growth occurs in the everyday challenges and interactions. The Transfiguration is not about seeking proof of God's existence but about embracing hope, peace, love, and joy in our lives. Spiritual truth is not a set of facts but a transformative journey that requires us to live out our faith in meaningful ways.

The story encourages us to find God in the ordinary, to listen to scripture with fresh ears, and to experience the divine through community and shared life. It is in these moments of vulnerability, love, and support that we encounter the presence of God. Our spiritual journey is not about achieving perfection but about striving to live like Jesus, continually seeking encounters with the divine in our daily lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The disciples' struggle to understand Jesus' teachings mirrors our own spiritual journeys, where moments of clarity are often followed by confusion. This reminds us that spiritual growth is a process, not a destination. [22:23]

- The Transfiguration story illustrates our desire for mountaintop experiences, where everything seems perfect. However, true spiritual growth happens in the valleys of everyday life, where faith is lived out in the mundane and challenging moments. [28:36]

- Spiritual truth differs from scientific truth; it is not about facts but about a transformed life. Our faith journey is about living out hope, peace, love, and joy, rather than seeking proof of God's existence. [30:50]

- Encountering God is not limited to extraordinary experiences but is found in the ordinary moments of life, through scripture, community, and shared experiences. Listening to scripture with fresh ears allows us to hear God's voice anew. [34:50]

- Living like Jesus involves striving to be the best versions of ourselves, loving one another, and supporting each other through trials. It is in these acts of love and vulnerability that we experience the presence of the divine. [35:52]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:23] - Disciples' Struggles
[22:54] - The Transfiguration
[23:31] - Moses and Elijah
[24:34] - The Healing of a Boy
[25:30] - Community Acknowledgments
[26:03] - A Joke and Its Context
[27:13] - The Joke's Punchline
[28:07] - Peter's Exclamation
[28:36] - Longing for Mountaintop Experiences
[29:09] - The Meaning of Transfiguration
[30:17] - Scientific vs. Spiritual Truth
[31:07] - Seeking Proof vs. Seeking Hope
[32:40] - Life in the Valley
[34:50] - God in the Ordinary
[35:52] - Living Like Jesus

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 9:28-43

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event takes place on the mountain with Jesus, Peter, John, and James? How does this event impact the disciples? [22:54]
2. How does Peter react to the Transfiguration, and what does his reaction reveal about human nature? [23:46]
3. What happens when Jesus and the disciples come down from the mountain, and how does Jesus respond to the situation? [24:34]
4. How does the sermon describe the disciples' understanding of Jesus' teachings, and how does this reflect our own spiritual journeys? [22:23]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Peter have wanted to build tents during the Transfiguration, and what does this suggest about our desire for spiritual experiences? [28:07]
2. How does the sermon contrast scientific truth with spiritual truth, and what implications does this have for our faith journey? [30:17]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true spiritual growth occurs in the valleys of life rather than on the mountaintops? [32:57]
4. How does the sermon encourage us to find God in ordinary moments, and what role does community play in this process? [34:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "mountaintop" moment in your faith. How did you feel when it ended, and how did you carry that experience into your daily life? [28:36]
2. The sermon suggests that spiritual truth is about a transformed life rather than a set of facts. How can you focus on living a transformed life this week? [30:50]
3. Consider the ordinary moments in your life. How can you be more intentional about encountering God in these moments? [34:50]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in experiencing the divine. How can you engage more deeply with your faith community this week? [35:07]
5. Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you apply the lessons from the sermon to find hope, peace, love, and joy in this situation? [31:25]
6. How can you support someone in your community who is going through a difficult time, and what specific actions can you take to show love and support? [35:52]
7. Reflect on the idea of living like Jesus. What is one specific way you can strive to be the best version of yourself in your interactions with others this week? [35:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Growth as a Journey, Not a Destination
In the journey of faith, moments of clarity often alternate with confusion, much like the disciples' struggle to understand Jesus' teachings. This mirrors our own spiritual paths, where growth is a continuous process rather than a final destination. The disciples' experiences remind us that spiritual understanding unfolds over time, requiring patience and perseverance. As we navigate our spiritual journeys, we are encouraged to embrace both the insights and the misunderstandings, trusting that each step contributes to our growth. [22:23]

"For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little." (Isaiah 28:10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent moment of confusion in your spiritual journey. How can you embrace it as part of your growth process today?


Day 2: Embracing the Valleys for True Spiritual Growth
The story of the Transfiguration highlights our longing for mountaintop experiences, where everything seems perfect and clear. However, true spiritual growth occurs in the valleys of everyday life, where faith is tested and lived out in mundane and challenging moments. It is in these valleys that we learn to apply the lessons from the mountaintop, growing in resilience and depth. By embracing the valleys, we allow our faith to mature and become more authentic, rooted in the realities of daily life. [28:36]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth today?


Day 3: Spiritual Truth as a Transformative Journey
Spiritual truth is distinct from scientific truth; it is not about accumulating facts but about experiencing a transformed life. Our faith journey is about living out hope, peace, love, and joy, rather than seeking proof of God's existence. This transformation requires us to engage with our faith actively, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes. By focusing on the transformative aspects of faith, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of spiritual truth that transcends mere intellectual knowledge. [30:50]

"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." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you desire transformation. What steps can you take today to allow your faith to shape this area?


Day 4: Finding God in the Ordinary
Encountering God is not limited to extraordinary experiences but is found in the ordinary moments of life, through scripture, community, and shared experiences. Listening to scripture with fresh ears allows us to hear God's voice anew, inviting us to discover the divine in the everyday. By cultivating an awareness of God's presence in the ordinary, we deepen our relationship with Him and enrich our spiritual lives. This practice encourages us to seek God in all aspects of life, recognizing His hand in both the mundane and the miraculous. [34:50]

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a routine activity you do daily. How can you invite God's presence into this ordinary moment today?


Day 5: Living Like Jesus Through Love and Vulnerability
Living like Jesus involves striving to be the best versions of ourselves, loving one another, and supporting each other through trials. It is in these acts of love and vulnerability that we experience the presence of the divine. By emulating Jesus' example, we create a community of support and encouragement, where God's love is made tangible. This way of living calls us to be intentional in our relationships, seeking to reflect Christ's love in all we do. [35:52]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify someone in your life who needs support. How can you show them love and vulnerability today, reflecting Jesus' example?

Quotes


in this section of Luke Jesus is working hard with the disciples they have a lot to learn and not much time left to learn it but they're not getting it factor is quite amazing Luke's tone betrays him shaking his head and chuckling as he writes thinking about how foolish the disciples can be at times and of course he's probably thinking of himself too just as he hopes his readers will when they read about the things that the disciples say and do one moment seeing and hearing glorious things the next moment missing the point entirely [00:22:12]

now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him just as they were leaving him Peter said to Jesus Master it is good for us to be here let us set up three tents one for you one for Moses and one for Elijah not really realizing what he was saying while he was saying this a cloud came and overshadowed them and they were terrified as they entered the cloud then from the cloud came a voice that said this is my son My Chosen listen to him [00:23:31]

Peter's exclamation to Jesus to say Let Me Wait let me build three places for you to be one for Moses one for Elijah and one for you Jesus because this moment is so fantastic this moment is so great on this Mountaintop I just don't want it to end he didn't say all that but that was the intention I don't know about you but there's been times in my my life I've longed for a Mountaintop experience literally longed for that that idea that I would have this Mountaintop experience of God and that all would be right with the world [00:28:07]

I believe what we're seeking has something more to the sound of Hope, peace, love and joy Peter was so taken with that moment so taken with that Mountaintop experience that he wants it to last forever he wants to stay right there let's just stay right here in this moment let's let's build these Tabernacles let's build these tents what whatever you want to call them and whatever translation you use he wanted to capture the moment and it said right in the Gospel of Luke that Peter didn't know what he was saying [00:31:40]

do you ever notice everything about Jesus and all that we understand about him in the gospels is that he's always on the move right it doesn't matter what happens what wonderful thing happens he's always on the move until of course he was on a cross Jesus instructs the disciples to to go down to the Mount go down from the mountain to go down into the valley because really that's where life is life isn't in those Mountaintop experiences if we're lucky to have one life is in the valley the daytoday life the daytoday grind of life where Faith matters [00:32:39]

when we talk about spiritual truth when we talk about faith it's different it's not about a list of facts that we would all believe although some religious entities might have you believe that it's not about right belief it's about a transformed life it's about living a transformed life it's different so I wonder when we think of what happened on that mountain and we look at the Transfiguration of Christ is it truly proof that we need are you seeking proof that God is God and Jesus is Jesus [00:30:17]

we have opportunities to encounter God in different ways in our lives whether it be through scripture like David read for us today and David always do such a nice job reading scripture for us doesn't he just reads it with such presence and and and it matters right these stories matter they're not meant to be literal experiences of God God that means if you look at it the story of the Resurrection is told four different ways in the four different gospels truth when you start to apply a scientific method to that you lose it [00:33:36]

spiritual truth all four of those stories are incredibly transformational if you live them if you breathe them if you listen to them over over and over you hear nuggets that you haven't heard the first time that you never heard the first time I can tell you myself does it happened to you too I can read the SC same scripture passage year after year day after day and each time there's something I didn't see before God is speaking to me in a different way God is still speaking through scripture [00:34:50]

God is speaking when we all gather together as community learning scripture together sharing life together loving one another through our trials and our tribulations and trying to be the best present the best examples of ourselves that we can to one another that's how we're Experiencing God and that's what Living Like Jesus looks like it looks just like what we've been doing we don't always get it right sometimes there is harm and hurt but we keep trying with that North Star in front of us we keep striving [00:35:52]

and I'll tell you that for me I've had them with some of you there's been that sense of a presence of the presence of the Divine with some of you the way I've seen you love one another the way I've seen you share your most vulnerable sore and tender spots with me and with others the way you've held each other's hands the way you've held each other [00:36:52]

Jesus answered you faithless and perverse Generations how much longer must I be with you and put up with you bring your son here while he was being brought forward the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions but Jesus rebuked the unclean Spirit healed the boy and gave him back to his father and all were astounded at the greatness of God [00:24:54]

the Transfiguration story is all about looking for that moment that moment that almost provides us with a sense of proof a connection to God that is so tangible it can cannot be denied every year in the lurgical calendar Transfiguration Sunday comes and it's always right before we begin lent it's as if the producers of the lurgical calendar believe that if you all see that the disciples saw this and they believed it and they saw it then you're going to have all the proof that you need to know that God is real [00:29:12]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?