Finding True Blessings Through Community and Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the invitation to come to the house of God and be blessed. It emphasized the importance of community and support, especially in times of need. We were reminded of the story of Justine, a beloved member of our church, whose life exemplified love and kindness. Her legacy encourages us to support one another, particularly a family in our church currently facing financial difficulties. We are called to step in and help without hesitation, reflecting the love and support that God extends to us.
The message also delved into the teachings of Jesus about money, worry, and the true treasures of life. Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen, but to store up treasures in heaven. Our earthly treasures—money, possessions, and status—cannot provide the true value, security, and authority that only God can give. Jesus calls us to examine our motivations and to ensure that our actions are driven by a genuine desire to serve God, not to seek the approval of others.
We were reminded that worry and anxiety are prevalent in our society, often tied to our concerns about money and material possessions. Jesus reassures us that God, our Heavenly Father, knows our needs and will provide for us. We are encouraged to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met. This trust in God alleviates our worries and allows us to live a life of contentment and peace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Community Support and Love: We are called to support one another in times of need, just as God supports us. This is exemplified by the story of Justine, whose life was a testament to unconditional love and kindness. By stepping in to help a family in financial distress, we reflect God's love and fulfill our role as a supportive community. [25:17]
2. True Treasures: Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly treasures like money and possessions are temporary and can be destroyed or stolen. True value, security, and authority come from God alone. We must examine our motivations and ensure our actions are driven by a genuine desire to serve God. [42:25]
3. Worry and Anxiety: Worry and anxiety are often tied to our concerns about money and material possessions. Jesus reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. By seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, we can trust that all our needs will be met, alleviating our worries and allowing us to live a life of contentment and peace. [01:06:16]
4. Singular Focus on God's Kingdom: Our eyes reveal our intentions and the state of our hearts. Jesus calls us to keep our eyes fixed on God's kingdom and His purposes, rather than the things of this world. This singular focus helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His will. [59:42]
5. Redefining the Blessed Life: The blessed life, according to Jesus, is not about material wealth or earthly success. It is about being poor in spirit, mourning, making peace, and hungering and thirsting for righteousness. By redefining what it means to be blessed, we can align our lives with God's kingdom values and experience true joy and contentment. [01:22:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:52] - Invitation to Be Blessed
[24:01] - Remembering Justine
[25:17] - Supporting a Family in Need
[27:43] - The Purpose of Giving
[28:56] - Worship and Praise
[36:38] - The True Treasures
[42:25] - Jesus on Treasures and Worry
[50:12] - Security and Comfort
[59:42] - Singular Focus on God's Kingdom
[01:06:16] - Trusting God to Provide
[01:16:05] - Overcoming Anxiety
[01:22:09] - Redefining the Blessed Life
[01:24:09] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
2. Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three types of earthly treasures that Jesus mentions in Matthew 6:19-21, and what happens to them? [42:25]
2. According to Matthew 6:25-34, what examples does Jesus use to illustrate why we should not worry about our needs? [01:04:44]
3. How does Jesus describe the relationship between our treasures and our hearts in Matthew 6:21? [42:25]
4. What does Jesus say about serving two masters in Matthew 6:24, and how does this relate to our attitude towards money? [01:01:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth? How does this reflect our values and priorities? [42:25]
2. How does the story of Justine exemplify the call to support one another in times of need? What does this teach us about community support and love? [24:01]
3. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on worry and anxiety challenge our modern-day concerns about money and material possessions? [01:06:16]
4. How does keeping a singular focus on God's kingdom, as mentioned in the sermon, help us align our lives with God's will? [59:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the story of Justine, how can you personally step in to support someone in your community who is in need? What specific actions can you take this week? [24:01]
2. Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from accumulating material possessions to investing in spiritual and eternal values? [42:25]
3. Worry and anxiety are common struggles. What are some specific worries you have about money or material possessions, and how can you trust God more with these concerns? [01:06:16]
4. How can you keep your eyes fixed on God's kingdom and His purposes in your daily life? Identify one distraction that you can minimize this week to help you focus more on God's will. [59:42]
5. The sermon mentioned redefining the blessed life according to Jesus' teachings. How can you cultivate a mindset that values being "poor in spirit," "mourning," "making peace," and "hungering and thirsting for righteousness"? [01:22:09]
6. Think about a time when you sought the approval of others rather than serving God genuinely. How can you change your motivations to align more with serving God? [37:44]
7. Jesus reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. How can you practice seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness in your financial decisions and daily life? [01:06:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Community Support and Love
We are called to support one another in times of need, just as God supports us. This is exemplified by the story of Justine, whose life was a testament to unconditional love and kindness. By stepping in to help a family in financial distress, we reflect God's love and fulfill our role as a supportive community. Justine's legacy serves as a powerful reminder that our actions can have a lasting impact on those around us. When we extend a helping hand, we not only provide immediate relief but also strengthen the bonds within our community.
In times of need, it is easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. However, the church community is a place where we can find solace and support. By coming together to help those in distress, we create an environment of love and compassion. This collective effort not only alleviates the burden of those in need but also fosters a sense of belonging and unity among all members. Let us be proactive in identifying and addressing the needs within our community, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. [25:17]
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV): "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who may be in need of support. How can you extend a helping hand to them today, reflecting God's love and compassion?
Day 2: True Treasures
Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly treasures like money and possessions are temporary and can be destroyed or stolen. True value, security, and authority come from God alone. We must examine our motivations and ensure our actions are driven by a genuine desire to serve God. This teaching challenges us to reassess our priorities and focus on what truly matters in the eyes of God.
In a world that often equates success with material wealth and status, it is easy to lose sight of the eternal treasures that God offers. These treasures are not subject to decay or theft and provide a lasting sense of fulfillment and purpose. By aligning our actions with God's will and seeking to serve Him wholeheartedly, we can experience the true riches of His kingdom. Let us strive to invest in relationships, acts of kindness, and spiritual growth, which yield eternal rewards. [42:25]
Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities and motivations. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking earthly treasures over heavenly ones? How can you shift your focus to align with God's eternal values?
Day 3: Worry and Anxiety
Worry and anxiety are often tied to our concerns about money and material possessions. Jesus reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. By seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, we can trust that all our needs will be met, alleviating our worries and allowing us to live a life of contentment and peace. This trust in God requires a conscious effort to let go of our anxieties and place our faith in His provision.
In today's fast-paced society, it is common to feel overwhelmed by financial pressures and the desire for material security. However, Jesus calls us to a different way of living—one that is rooted in trust and dependence on God. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His kingdom, we can experience a sense of peace that transcends our circumstances. Let us practice surrendering our worries to God and trusting in His faithful provision. [01:06:16]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Identify a specific worry or anxiety you are currently facing. How can you actively surrender this concern to God and trust in His provision today?
Day 4: Singular Focus on God's Kingdom
Our eyes reveal our intentions and the state of our hearts. Jesus calls us to keep our eyes fixed on God's kingdom and His purposes, rather than the things of this world. This singular focus helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His will. By maintaining a clear and undivided focus on God's kingdom, we can navigate the distractions and temptations of this world with greater clarity and purpose.
The world offers countless distractions that can divert our attention away from God's purposes. Whether it is the pursuit of success, the allure of material possessions, or the desire for approval, these distractions can cloud our vision and lead us astray. Jesus invites us to fix our gaze on His kingdom, allowing His light to guide our path. By doing so, we can live a life that is centered on God's will and experience the fullness of His blessings. [59:42]
Matthew 6:22-23 (ESV): "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"
Reflection: Consider the areas in your life where you may be distracted by worldly pursuits. How can you refocus your attention on God's kingdom and His purposes today?
Day 5: Redefining the Blessed Life
The blessed life, according to Jesus, is not about material wealth or earthly success. It is about being poor in spirit, mourning, making peace, and hungering and thirsting for righteousness. By redefining what it means to be blessed, we can align our lives with God's kingdom values and experience true joy and contentment. This redefinition challenges us to embrace a countercultural perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling and blessed life.
In a culture that often equates blessing with prosperity and comfort, Jesus' teachings offer a radical alternative. The true blessed life is marked by humility, compassion, and a deep longing for righteousness. These qualities reflect the heart of God's kingdom and lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. Let us seek to embody these kingdom values in our daily lives, trusting that true blessing comes from living in alignment with God's will. [01:22:09]
Matthew 5:3-6 (ESV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of what it means to be blessed. How can you embrace Jesus' definition of the blessed life and incorporate these kingdom values into your daily actions and attitudes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As a father, I love giving my kids gifts. I love it. Sometimes too much, okay? Sometimes I spoil them. I give them too many gifts. I love to give my kids what they need and what they want. It makes me happy to see the joy on their faces. Your heavenly father knows what you need and wants to give it to you." [01:07:50] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says the cure for anxiety is to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and trust him that he is a father who loves you and cares for you. He doesn't say you don't ever have things to worry about. Trust me, there are things you should be worried about in life. There are things in this world we have every right to be worried about. But he says don't let those worries drag you down the road." [01:15:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. As a father, I love giving my kids gifts. I love it. Sometimes too much, okay? Sometimes I spoil them. I give them too many gifts. I love to give my kids what they need and what they want. It makes me happy to see the joy on their faces. Your heavenly father knows what you need and wants to give it to you." [01:07:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus says, if that's what you want, when you give to someone else in need, if what you want is for people to think you're great, you'll get it. People will think you're great, and that's all you'll receive. But he says there's something greater in the kingdom of God. There's a reward that is greater than the acclaim of man that we are able to store up for ourselves." [37:44] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says it can be taken away like this. And finally, there's thieves. And this is where money would come in for these people that he's speaking to. And money represents power and authority. Jesus' day, the only people who had spending money were people who had power. People who had authority. People who had systems. Most people were indentured servants. They weren't getting paid in money. They were getting paid in being able to live day to day." [50:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus says the cure for anxiety is to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and trust him that he is a father who loves you and cares for you. He doesn't say you don't ever have things to worry about. Trust me, there are things you should be worried about in life. There are things in this world we have every right to be worried about. But he says don't let those worries drag you down the road." [01:15:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus says, if that's what you want, when you give to someone else in need, if what you want is for people to think you're great, you'll get it. People will think you're great, and that's all you'll receive. But he says there's something greater in the kingdom of God. There's a reward that is greater than the acclaim of man that we are able to store up for ourselves." [37:44] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus says it can be taken away like this. And finally, there's thieves. And this is where money would come in for these people that he's speaking to. And money represents power and authority. Jesus' day, the only people who had spending money were people who had power. People who had authority. People who had systems. Most people were indentured servants. They weren't getting paid in money. They were getting paid in being able to live day to day." [50:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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