Finding Healing Through God's Redemption and Community
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by addressing the theme of our current series, "My Enemy, the Church," which focuses on the hurt that many of us carry, not just from the church, but from various aspects of our lives. I shared my personal experiences of hurt from toxic church environments and how stepping into a healthy church didn't immediately resolve the wounds I had ignored. I emphasized the importance of seeking help and not trying to heal alone, as personal healing is not just a solitary journey but one that requires the support of others.
I then moved on to discuss the vision of Joshua the high priest in Zechariah chapter three. I highlighted how Joshua, despite being a spiritual leader, was depicted standing before God in filthy clothes, symbolizing his sin and hypocrisy. Satan was there to accuse him, but God's response was not condemnation but redemption. God defended Joshua, removed his filthy garments, and reclothed him, symbolizing restoration and the reaffirmation of his true identity as belonging to God. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of how God responds to our messiness and brokenness by defending, restoring, and redeeming us.
I continued by discussing the concept of truth and reality, noting how personal truths can often conflict with one another, as illustrated by the humorous debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza. I stressed that when our personal truths contradict God's truth, we must remember that God's truth is absolute because He is the creator of truth. I cited John 14:6 and Ephesians 2:10, which refer to us as God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do good works. This identity as God's masterpiece is crucial to understanding how God views us, even amidst our brokenness.
I then addressed the need for the right relationships to help us heal. I invited two professionals, David and Claire, to share their insights on processing hurt. We discussed the importance of having a variety of relationships, including therapy, grow groups, and friends who can offer different perspectives and challenge us to look beyond our pain and point us back to God.
As I concluded, I encouraged the congregation to take practical steps towards healing by writing down the name of someone they can invite into their hurt and placing it on the wall in the lobby. I also urged them to consider reaching out to others who may be carrying religious or other forms of hurt, offering them an opportunity to find healing within our community.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our identity in God is not defined by our messiness or brokenness, but by His redemption and restoration. Like Joshua the high priest, we may stand accused and filthy before God, but His response is to reclothe us in righteousness and declare us His own. This truth should empower us to live confidently as His masterpiece. [44:45]
2. The concept of personal truth can be misleading when it contradicts God's absolute truth. Our experiences and the words of others can shape a bleak self-identity, but God's truth about us remains unchanging. We must align our understanding of ourselves with the truth that God declares over us, as seen in Ephesians 2:10. [46:59]
3. Healing from hurt is not a journey we can undertake alone. We need the help of others, including professionals, grow groups, and friends, to gain perspective and support. These relationships are essential in helping us process our pain and point us back to God's truth. [48:06]
4. Seeking out the right relationships is critical for healing. We must find people who will not simply echo our pain but will challenge us and help us grow. These individuals should direct us back to God and encourage us to obey Him, as obedience leads to joy, fulfillment, peace, and purpose. [57:16]
5. Taking practical steps towards healing is necessary. Writing down the name of someone to invite into our hurt and reaching out to others who may need help are ways to begin the healing process. We must be proactive in seeking support and offering it to others, trusting God and His people to walk beside us. [01:03:56]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Zechariah 3:1-5 - "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?' Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes.' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.' Then I said, 'Put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by."
2. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
3. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
#### Observation Questions
1. In Zechariah 3:1-5, what is the significance of Joshua the high priest standing in filthy clothes before the angel of the Lord?
2. How does God respond to Satan's accusations against Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-5?
3. According to John 14:6, what does Jesus claim about Himself?
4. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about our identity and purpose in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the vision of Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-5 teach us about God's response to our sin and brokenness? [43:54]
2. How does understanding Jesus as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) impact our perception of personal truth versus God's truth? [46:00]
3. In what ways does Ephesians 2:10 help us understand our value and purpose despite our past mistakes and current struggles? [46:59]
4. How can the support of others, as discussed in the sermon, aid in our healing process from personal and church-related hurt? [48:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt accused or unworthy like Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-5. How did you experience God's redemption and restoration in that situation? [43:54]
2. How can you align your personal truths with God's absolute truth as described in John 14:6? Are there specific areas in your life where you struggle with this alignment? [46:00]
3. Ephesians 2:10 describes us as God's masterpiece. How does this truth change the way you view yourself and your purpose? What steps can you take to live out this identity? [46:59]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of seeking help from others for healing. Who are the people in your life that you can turn to for support, and how can you actively involve them in your healing journey? [48:06]
5. Think about someone you know who might be carrying hurt, whether from the church or other areas of life. How can you reach out to them and offer support this week? [01:03:56]
6. The pastor encouraged writing down the name of someone to invite into your hurt. Who is that person for you, and what steps will you take to share your struggles with them? [01:03:56]
7. How can you be proactive in seeking out and building the right relationships that will challenge and support you in your walk with God? What practical steps can you take this week to foster these connections? [57:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Redefining Identity in Redemption
Our identity is not rooted in our flaws or failures, but in the transformative power of God's redemption. Like Joshua the high priest, we may find ourselves burdened by the weight of our own shortcomings, standing accused in the presence of the Almighty. Yet, it is in this place of vulnerability that God's grace shines brightest. He does not leave us in our soiled garments; instead, He offers us a divine exchange—our rags for His righteousness. This act of restoration is not merely a change of clothes but a profound declaration of our true identity as His beloved children. As we embrace this new identity, we are empowered to live with confidence, knowing we are His masterpiece, designed for a purpose that transcends our past imperfections. [44:45]
Zechariah 3:4 (ESV)
And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as God's redeemed change the way you view yourself and your past mistakes?
Day 2: Aligning with Absolute Truth
In a world where personal truths often clash, it's vital to recognize that God's truth stands supreme. Our experiences and the voices around us can shape a distorted self-image, but God's declaration over us remains steadfast and unchanging. We are His workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus for good works. This identity is not subject to the whims of personal opinion or cultural trends. It is an eternal truth that anchors us in the midst of life's storms. By aligning our self-perception with God's absolute truth, we find stability and clarity, enabling us to live out our divine purpose with conviction and grace. [46:59]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to replace a personal truth with God's absolute truth?
Day 3: The Necessity of Community in Healing
Healing from deep-seated hurt is a journey that cannot be undertaken in isolation. It requires the presence and support of a compassionate community—friends, professionals, and grow groups—who can offer wisdom, perspective, and encouragement. These relationships are God's instruments, helping us navigate the complexities of our pain and pointing us back to His truth. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that through shared experiences, we can find strength and hope. As we open ourselves up to the support of others, we allow God's healing to work through the hands and hearts of those He has placed in our lives. [48:06]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can reach out to for support in your healing journey, and how will you approach them?
Day 4: Seeking Growth-Oriented Relationships
The path to healing is paved with relationships that challenge and refine us. It is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who not only empathize with our pain but also inspire us to grow beyond it. These are the people who direct us back to God, encouraging us to walk in obedience to His will. Such obedience is the gateway to joy, fulfillment, peace, and purpose. By intentionally seeking out and cultivating these growth-oriented relationships, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of what God has in store for us—a life marked by transformation and renewal. [57:16]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Reflection: Identify a relationship in your life that has been instrumental in your spiritual growth. How can you foster similar relationships to aid in your healing?
Day 5: Proactive Steps Toward Healing
Healing is an active pursuit that requires us to take concrete steps toward wholeness. It involves not only seeking support for ourselves but also extending a hand to those around us who are in need. By identifying someone we can invite into our journey and reaching out to others who may be struggling, we create a dynamic of mutual support and encouragement. This proactive approach to healing fosters a community where individuals are seen, heard, and loved—a reflection of God's heart for His people. As we engage in these practical actions, we trust in God's promise to walk beside us, guiding us toward restoration and peace. [01:03:56]
James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to move towards healing, and who can you encourage to join you in this journey?
Quotes
"We need the right people, people that will speak truth to us, people that won't just tell us what we want to hear, but what we need to hear to begin that process of healing. And so today I want to talk with you guys about why we need other people to heal and the types of relationships we need to seek out." [49:01]
"I think these two thoughts that you guys shared go hand in hand and I can even share from my own life. Last week I shared with you guys some of my hurt when it's come to church and processing it. And I was in a lot of toxic environments with toxic leaders that really caused a lot of hurt for me." [01:01:03]
"I would be sitting in meetings, we'd be talking about something and I would just, some random benign thing would be said and I would feel my emotions just ramp up inside of me. I was getting angry, all this stuff that I could, in my mind I knew this makes no sense. I should not be this angry, just sitting here in this moment, but I couldn't control it." [01:01:40]
"I connected with a counselor that gave me the resources and tools I needed because it wasn't like all of a sudden there weren't challenges in my life. I just needed the right tools to be able to process that in a healthy way to prepare myself for challenging situations." [01:02:32]
"We need God's help to identify the reality we live in rather than be distracted of all the filth and hurt of our world. Instead, we can know that we are his masterpiece. We need God's help in order to identify reality, but we also need help of other people." [48:06]
"God sees all of that mess and he still defends you and reclothes you and restores you and redeems you and reminds you of your true identity. That you are his. And so whenever there's circumstances in life, when our truth intersects and contradicts with God's truth, we can trust that God's truth is the absolute, is the ultimate truth because God made truth." [46:00]
"For you, we are God's masterpiece. We aren't God's oops, or as we say here in Indiana, oh, we aren't God's mistake. We're not God's beta version before the final product. We are his masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things. He planned for us long ago." [46:59]
"You've got to find somebody that won't tell you what you want to hear. They'll tell you what you need to hear. And that's to point you back to God. If we heal back to where we are sinfully, we're not healing. We're just staying put. We need people to challenge us. It should be challenging to take a step outside of pain." [57:16]
"put your name on the wall. And I mean, a couple hundred of you guys slapped your names up on the wall and we're so grateful that you would be honest and trust us with that. But this week we have different colored name tags because we want you to put something different on the wall." [01:03:56]
"you cannot heal on your own. You cannot heal on your own. You need help from other people. Last week, we started in the series, My Enemy, the Church. And so if you join us, if you're new to the church, my name is TC. I'm one of the pastors on the team here." [39:20]
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