Finding Joy and Boundaries in the Holiday Season
Summary
During the holiday season, individuals often face pressure from social gatherings and family expectations. The speaker in the sermon emphasizes the importance of not compromising one's values and living according to the word of God, much like Jesus, who set healthy boundaries and did not succumb to crowd pressure. The speaker suggests practical steps for maintaining boundaries, such as setting clear expectations, predetermining arrival and departure times at events, and using safe phrases to navigate conversations.
The congregation is encouraged to seek God's intervention in their lives, with many responding to the call for prayer over various personal challenges. The speaker assures them that God's presence can bring transformation and change. Additionally, the speaker addresses those who have lost their joy, offering prayers for its renewal and emphasizing that true joy comes from a relationship with God rather than worldly things.
The sermon also recounts the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the rediscovery of God's word, highlighting the joy of the Lord as a source of strength. The speaker relates this to the current season, offering prayers for those who have lost their joy. Jesus' example of setting boundaries with his family is discussed, illustrating his commitment to following his heavenly father's guidance over succumbing to external pressures.
The importance of financial responsibility during Christmas is highlighted, with the speaker urging the congregation to avoid debt and overspending. Biblical verses are cited to emphasize the negative consequences of borrowing and the value of contentment. The speaker also introduces the concept of investing in the Kingdom of God, comparing it to a mutual fund with eternal returns. The congregation is encouraged to give generously to the "heart for the house" offering, which supports various ministries.
A prayer of salvation and surrender to God is led, with the congregation acknowledging their sinfulness and expressing gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice. The speaker prays for the joy of the Lord to strengthen the people and for a renewed commitment to be present with God during the season.
The speaker shares personal experiences of sponsoring children in Ethiopia, highlighting the impact of connecting to something bigger than oneself. The church's significant role in child sponsorship is mentioned, along with the transformative effect of such connections on one's perspective.
The sermon series "A Grinch Christmas" is introduced, aiming to bring cheer and help navigate the distractions of the season. The speaker encourages the congregation to focus on Kingdom things and be present with loved ones, traditions, and God. The importance of traditions in recalling memories and being present with the Lord is discussed, with the speaker sharing a personal tradition and urging the congregation to maintain spiritual rhythms.
The "heart for the house" offering is introduced as a way for the church to give beyond their normal tithe, supporting various ministries. The challenges of dealing with difficult individuals, or "grinches," during the holiday season are addressed, with the speaker providing biblical guidance on relating to others and setting boundaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Establishing boundaries during the holiday season is crucial to maintaining one's values and avoiding undue pressure. Jesus' example of setting boundaries with his family and the crowds demonstrates the importance of following God's guidance over succumbing to external expectations. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, ensuring that one's actions align with their faith and personal convictions. [17:45]
- The power of God's presence to transform lives is a central theme in the Christian faith. The speaker's call for prayer and the congregation's response illustrate the collective belief in divine intervention. This belief holds that God's touch or word can change any situation, offering hope and reassurance to those facing challenges in their lives. [00:33]
- Joy is a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience, and its source is the relationship with God. The speaker's prayer for the renewal of joy among the congregation underscores the transient nature of worldly happiness. True joy is rooted in God's truth and way of living, and it is accessible to all who seek it, especially during times when it may feel lost. [42:37]
- Financial stewardship and the avoidance of debt during Christmas are practical applications of biblical teachings. The speaker's advice to prioritize people and experiences over material possessions reflects the Christian value of contentment. The concept of the "bigger picture" and the transformation that comes from within align with the Christian understanding of internal change as the catalyst for external actions. [23:23]
- The act of giving, particularly to Kingdom causes, is seen as an investment with eternal returns. The speaker's encouragement to contribute to the "heart for the house" offering and other ministries is an expression of the Christian belief in storing treasures in heaven. This perspective shifts the focus from earthly gains to the impact one can have on the world through generosity and faith-driven initiatives. [31:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 7:2-6 (NIV)
> "But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, 'Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.' For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Therefore Jesus told them, 'My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.'"
2. Proverbs 25:17 (NIV)
> "Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you."
3. Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
> "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
### Observation Questions
1. John 7:2-6: What was the reason Jesus' brothers wanted Him to go to Judea, and how did Jesus respond to their suggestion?
2. Proverbs 25:17: What does this proverb suggest about the importance of setting boundaries in relationships?
3. Nehemiah 8:10: What instructions did Nehemiah give to the people, and what reason did he provide for these instructions?
4. Sermon Content: What practical steps did the speaker suggest for maintaining boundaries during the holiday season? ([18:52])
### Interpretation Questions
1. John 7:2-6: Why do you think Jesus chose to set a boundary with His brothers instead of following their suggestion? How does this reflect His commitment to God's timing and guidance?
2. Proverbs 25:17: How can setting boundaries, as suggested in this proverb, help maintain healthy relationships during the holiday season?
3. Nehemiah 8:10: How does the joy of the Lord serve as a source of strength according to Nehemiah, and why is this significant for believers today?
4. Sermon Content: The speaker mentioned the importance of financial responsibility during Christmas. How does this align with biblical teachings on contentment and stewardship? ([24:02])
### Application Questions
1. Setting Boundaries: Reflect on a situation where you felt pressured to compromise your values during a social gathering. How can you apply Jesus' example of setting boundaries to handle similar situations in the future? ([17:45])
2. Financial Responsibility: What steps can you take to avoid overspending and debt during the holiday season? How can you prioritize people and experiences over material possessions? ([24:02])
3. Joy of the Lord: Have you experienced a loss of joy recently? What specific actions can you take to reconnect with the joy of the Lord as your strength? ([42:37])
4. Generosity: How can you contribute to Kingdom causes this season, such as the "heart for the house" offering? What impact do you hope your generosity will have? ([31:32])
5. Being Present: Identify one tradition or activity where you can be more present with your loved ones this Christmas. How can you minimize distractions to fully engage in that moment? ([35:36])
6. Safe Phrases: Think of a challenging conversation you might face during the holidays. What safe phrases or topics can you prepare in advance to navigate these interactions gracefully? ([20:09])
7. Spiritual Rhythms: How can you maintain your spiritual disciplines, such as daily Bible reading and prayer, amidst the busyness of the holiday season? What specific time or method will you use to ensure consistency? ([37:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humility in Service
True service requires a humble heart, one that serves without seeking recognition or reward. Humility is the cornerstone of service, as it aligns our hearts with the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve others. [12:05]
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: How can you serve someone today without expecting anything in return, and what might this act of humility look like?
Day 2: Trusting God's Timing
Patience is a virtue, especially when waiting on God's timing. Trusting in His perfect timing, even when it doesn't align with our own desires or schedules, is a testament to our faith and understanding of His sovereignty. [19:22]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you are struggling with impatience? How can you surrender this to God and trust in His timing?
Day 3: The Power of Godly Wisdom
Wisdom from above is pure, peace-loving, and considerate. Seeking God's wisdom in our decisions leads to a life that is fruitful and aligned with His will, rather than being led astray by the world's fleeting and often misguided counsel. [27:31]
James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's wisdom or rely on your own understanding? How can you incorporate seeking divine wisdom in future decisions?
Day 4: The Joy of Generous Giving
Generosity is not about the amount we give, but the joy and love with which we give it. Giving generously, as God gives to us, reflects His character and love to others, and it opens our hearts to the true joy that comes from selflessness. [34:47]
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is one way you can practice generous giving this week, and how can you ensure it is done with joy and not out of obligation?
Day 5: Living Out Authentic Faith
An authentic faith is lived out in daily actions and choices, not just in words or attendance at church services. It's a faith that permeates every aspect of life, influencing how we interact with others and how we face challenges. [42:59]
1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where your actions could better reflect your faith? How can you make a conscious effort to align your actions with your beliefs starting today?
Quotes
"You don't have to compromise; you live by the word of God. We don't have to look like the rest of the world." [17:45] (Download)
"Expectations vs. reality—what's the gap between them? Hurt. We can mitigate hurt by creating clear expectations with our families, with our kids, with our co-workers beforehand." [18:52] (Download)
"Pred decide when you're arriving and leaving. It's okay to pred decide. Jesus did that; he listened to a different voice, the voice of the Father." [19:30] (Download)
"Talking about boundaries: say no without excuse. There's a way to be nice but firm. We can say no without excuse and still maintain our peace and respect." [22:48] (Download)
"When we go in debt, the Bible says we actually enslave ourselves. It's better to be Godly and have little than to be evil and rich." [24:37] (Download)
"Let's predecide that we're not going to spend money we don't have to impress people we don't know with things we don't need. Instead, let's focus on people and experiences and being together." [25:11] (Download)
"Boundaries are not a bad thing. Just because we follow Jesus doesn't mean we have to be a pushover; we don't have to let people walk on us." [10:19] (Download)
"Jesus puts this link between our heart and our treasure, and if you don't believe me, just think about how your heart follows your treasure. If our treasure is in Kingdom things, then our heart naturally follows that as well." [34:27] (Download)
"Be present with the ones you love. What if instead of trying to capture every moment to post it, we just put our phone in the other room and actually just engaged? Let's be present." [36:09] (Download)
"Whenever we connect to something bigger than ourselves, it always puts everything else in perspective. When we can cause ourselves to connect to something bigger, all of the petty stuff starts to fade away." [27:03] (Download)
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