Finding Hope and Purpose in Jesus Amid Division

Summary

In this season of political tension and division, it's crucial to remember where our true hope and trust should lie. As we navigate the complexities of the election season, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Unlike the imperfect candidates we often have to choose between, Jesus is the perfect candidate who fulfills every promise. He embodies the ultimate slogan, "How much more," reminding us that no matter how good or challenging our circumstances may be, Jesus offers something greater, more complete, and more fulfilling.

Jesus lifts the burden of earning, reminding us that we are not defined by our achievements or failures but by our identity as beloved children of God. This truth liberates us from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn love and acceptance, both from others and from God. Instead, we are invited to rest in the assurance of His unconditional love and grace.

Moreover, Jesus eliminates our debt, offering us a clean conscience and freedom from the guilt and shame that often weigh us down. Through His sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are no longer bound by the debts of our past. This freedom allows us to live joyfully and purposefully, serving others as Jesus served us.

Jesus also replaces rules with relationship. The heart of God is not about imposing rules for the sake of control but about inviting us into a loving relationship with Him. This relationship is the foundation of our faith, where we find true fulfillment and purpose.

Finally, Jesus calls us to serve others, not out of obligation but out of the overflow of the love and grace we have received. As we serve, we experience transformation and become agents of change in our communities and the world. This is the essence of living under the reign of Jesus, where we are free to love, serve, and live in harmony with one another.

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Key Takeaways

- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: In times of uncertainty and anxiety, focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He completes what He starts, and by fixing our eyes on Him, we find peace and hope beyond our circumstances. [01:19]

- The Burden of Earning is Lifted: Jesus invites us to rest from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn love and acceptance. We are not defined by our achievements but by our identity as beloved children of God. This truth liberates us to live joyfully and authentically. [13:03]

- Debt is Eliminated: Through Jesus' sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are freed from the guilt and shame of our past. This freedom allows us to live with a clean conscience, serving God and others with joy and purpose. [21:31]

- Relationship Over Rules: God's heart is for relationship, not rigid adherence to rules. He invites us into a loving relationship where we find true fulfillment and purpose, replacing the burden of legalism with the joy of knowing Him. [24:24]

- Serve from the Overflow: As recipients of God's love and grace, we are called to serve others. This service is not out of obligation but from the overflow of what we have received, leading to transformation in our lives and communities. [33:21]

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Youtube Chapters

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:19] - Encouragement in Election Season
- [05:26] - The Power of Slogans
- [07:32] - Jesus: The Perfect Candidate
- [10:53] - How Much More
- [13:03] - The Burden of Earning
- [14:50] - God's Gift to Israel
- [16:03] - Boundaries and Love
- [18:11] - The Lie of Earning Love
- [20:04] - Receiving God's Gift
- [21:31] - Debt Elimination
- [22:57] - The Freedom of Confession
- [24:24] - Relationship Over Rules
- [33:21] - Serving from the Overflow
- [34:59] - Prayer for Transformation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 9:11-14
- Deuteronomy 6:1-3
- Romans 12:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Hebrews 9:11-14, what role does Jesus play in our redemption, and how is it different from the old sacrificial system? [10:53]

2. In Deuteronomy 6:1-3, what is the purpose of the commandments given to the Israelites, and how does this relate to their identity as God's people? [13:03]

3. How does the sermon describe the concept of "earning" in relation to our identity as children of God? [18:11]

4. What does the pastor mean by saying Jesus replaces "rules with relationship," and how is this illustrated in the sermon? [24:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "perfect candidate" challenge the way we view leadership and authority in our lives? [07:32]

2. What does it mean for Jesus to lift the "burden of earning," and how might this change one's perspective on personal achievements and failures? [20:04]

3. In what ways does the elimination of debt through Jesus' sacrifice provide freedom, and how can this freedom impact one's daily life? [21:31]

4. How does the idea of serving from the "overflow" of love and grace received from Jesus transform the way we approach service and community involvement? [33:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by the need to earn love or acceptance. How can the truth of your identity as a beloved child of God change your perspective in similar situations? [18:11]

2. Consider the areas in your life where you might be holding onto guilt or shame. How can the message of Jesus eliminating our debt help you find freedom and peace? [21:31]

3. Identify a specific rule or expectation you have been following that might be hindering your relationship with God. How can you shift your focus from rules to a deeper relationship with Him? [24:24]

4. Think about a person or group in your community that you feel called to serve. How can you serve them from the overflow of love and grace you have received from Jesus? [33:21]

5. In what ways can you fix your eyes on Jesus during times of uncertainty and anxiety? Identify a practical step you can take this week to focus more on Him. [01:19]

6. Reflect on the concept of "how much more" in your life. What is one area where you can invite Jesus to bring greater fulfillment and purpose? [10:53]

7. How can you actively participate in creating harmony and unity within your community, especially during times of political tension and division? [34:59]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus, the Anchor of Our Faith

In times of uncertainty and anxiety, it is essential to focus on Jesus, who is described as the author and perfecter of our faith. Unlike the transient and often unreliable nature of worldly leaders and circumstances, Jesus offers a steadfast hope that transcends our immediate situations. By fixing our eyes on Him, we are reminded of His faithfulness and the peace that comes from trusting in His promises. This focus allows us to navigate life's challenges with a sense of calm assurance, knowing that He completes what He starts. [01:19]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What specific worries or uncertainties are you facing today? How can you intentionally shift your focus to Jesus and trust Him with these concerns?

Day 2: Rest in Your Identity as a Beloved Child of God

The burden of earning love and acceptance is lifted through Jesus, who invites us to rest in our identity as beloved children of God. This truth liberates us from the exhausting cycle of trying to prove our worth through achievements or fearing failure. Instead, we are called to embrace the unconditional love and grace that define us, allowing us to live joyfully and authentically. This shift in perspective transforms how we view ourselves and our relationships with others. [13:03]

1 John 3:1 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel the pressure to earn love or acceptance? How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ today?

Day 3: Embrace the Freedom from Past Debts

Through Jesus' sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are freed from the guilt and shame of our past. This freedom allows us to live with a clean conscience, serving God and others with joy and purpose. By embracing this truth, we can let go of the burdens that weigh us down and step into a life of freedom and service, reflecting the grace we have received. [21:31]

Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

Reflection: Is there a past mistake or regret that you struggle to let go of? How can you embrace the freedom and forgiveness Jesus offers you today?

Day 4: Cultivate a Relationship Over Rules

God's heart is for relationship, not rigid adherence to rules. He invites us into a loving relationship where we find true fulfillment and purpose, replacing the burden of legalism with the joy of knowing Him. This relationship is the foundation of our faith, where we experience the depth of His love and the freedom to live out our faith authentically. [24:24]

Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel bound by rules rather than relationship? How can you deepen your relationship with God today?

Day 5: Serve Others from the Overflow of Grace

As recipients of God's love and grace, we are called to serve others. This service is not out of obligation but from the overflow of what we have received, leading to transformation in our lives and communities. By serving others, we become agents of change, reflecting the love and grace that have been poured into our lives. This is the essence of living under the reign of Jesus, where we are free to love, serve, and live in harmony with one another. [33:21]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today out of the overflow of God's love and grace? What specific action can you take to bless them?

Quotes

1. "And what that tells me is that y 'all are out here doing this. You're living this. You're embodying this. We're putting our hope and our trust in Jesus. We're placing everything, every anxiety. That's what Scripture tells us to do. Don't be anxious about things. Instead, take them to Jesus. He cares. He'll provide. We're putting our hope and our faith in him. We're seeing each other as members of God's family, not as opponents. Or enemies. Or the problem. We're loving. We're serving. We're living at peace with one another. And we're forgiving. Well done. Well done, Paradox." [00:01:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I want to just say, keep on going. This is what Hebrews 11 says. It's that Jesus is the author and the perfecter of our faith. He completes what he starts. So what you've begun doing, continue to do. See it through. Fix your eyes on him. When uncertainty and insecurity and hopelessness. Or fear and anxiety come in over the next couple of weeks. Go back to him. Fix your eyes on him. He's the author. He's the perfecter. We can put everything under him as we've been doing." [00:01:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And today, we are a church that is actually, this is the answer to prayer. Many, many years of prayer. We are a very diverse church. Racially. Ethnically. Generationally. There's so many different, and even politically. We're a diverse church that is brought together, united under Jesus and his mission, his kingdom, here on earth. And no matter who your party, who your tribe, who your person of choice is, he or she, let's admit it, if we're going to humble ourselves, is not perfect. They're not perfect." [00:05:59] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Who do we put our hope in? Who do we put our trust in? We put our trust in Jesus because Jesus is who he said he was. The son of God, without sin, born of a virgin, came from heaven to embody, deliver perfectly God's law, fulfill God's law, and lay down his life as a perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus is who he said he was. And he has done what he said he would do. He has the character to accomplish it. He has the desire to accomplish it. And he alone has the ability to accomplish it. Today I want to say, put your trust in him. Cast your vote of confidence for him. It will relieve so much of the pressure you might feel today." [00:07:41] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If Jesus is the candidate. If Jesus were to reign. As he is. And I hope that he is in your life, too. In our country, yes, but in your life, in your heart. If under the reign of Jesus, the burden of earning will be lifted. The burden of earning will be lifted. I want to go over to that verse that Mike read as we dedicated children, our children, our children to the Lord today in Deuteronomy chapter 6. This is coming out of, this is a new commandment. And it's coming out of this place where, the people of Israel were in slavery in Egypt. And they cried out to the Lord, similarly to what we already read and prayed. They cried out to the Lord. And God hears their cries, cares about their cries, and delivers a solution to them." [00:11:41] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You did not always do something wrong. There are times when you you've been wronged, and it's okay to be angry about those things, but here's the thing that I found in me. Maybe you find it in you too. When we believe those things in all of our relationships, we tend to put them on God as well, and when we feel distant, or when things start to go wrong in our lives, we go, I must have done something wrong. God is punishing me. I must have done something wrong. That's why there's distance. I didn't do enough good stuff, so I'm going to, I'm going to, I'm going to earn God's favor. I'm going to earn God's love. That will lead to exhaustion. It will lead to resentment. It will lead to anger, and it will only increase the distance between you and God. I promise you." [00:19:28] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jesus came, and he says, I want to ease the burden of earning. I'm going to lift that, you're not what you have. You're not what you earn. You're not what you do. You're a beloved child of God, and there's nothing that you can do to change that. Now, you could definitely receive it or reject it. You could say, no, thank you. I will earn more of that. I do this all the time. As ridiculous as that sounds, I do it all the time. There's people in my life that love me, that care about me, that say, hey, can I help? And I go, no. I mean, seriously, I'll do it myself. No, thank you." [00:20:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We continue to go back to this, though, and go, there is nothing that I need to earn in the economy of Jesus. As Matthew 5, 5 says, he says, the more we trust in him, we're actually blessed and find ourselves the owner of everything that can't be bought in his kingdom. I love the way the message puts that. We're blessed. We find ourselves the owners of everything that can't be bought. They can't be earned. There is so much more joy in receiving this gift of relationship, specifically. More joy." [00:20:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Jesus will eliminate your debt. He will eliminate your debt. I know this is a hot topic. It's one that we've discussed culturally as well, but again, in Hebrews chapter 9, verse 14, this comes up again, and it says, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works? All of our works, remember, lead to death, but then we're free to serve the living God. Our conscience is actually purified. Our debt is eliminated because of Jesus." [00:21:51] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Jesus just keeps, he keeps on serving and loving and giving and as we give it, the more we do that for others, the more he seems to do it for us. John 13, Jesus washes his disciples' feet. He kneels down. He humbles himself, and he serves them, and he says, the way that I am loving you, I want you to love others. I'm calling you to do the same. That's what Romans 12 says, is that instead of offering sacrifices at a temple, there's a reason you don't bring goats to Paradox, okay?" [00:31:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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