Finding True Joy and Holiness in Christ

Jun 01, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: You Cannot Serve Two Masters

Every day, we are faced with choices about where to place our loyalty and trust. The world offers us many things to treasure—money, status, power, and fleeting pleasures—but these cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. True joy and comfort are found only in our sovereign Lord, not in the approval or opinions of others. When we try to serve both God and the world, we end up divided, restless, and unsatisfied. Instead, let your heart rest in God, who alone is worthy of your devotion and who gives lasting happiness that circumstances cannot take away. [12:21]

Matthew 6:24, 21 (ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to seek comfort or identity apart from God? How can you intentionally shift your focus to treasure Christ above all today?

Day 2: Store Up Treasures in Heaven

The things of this world—possessions, achievements, and even relationships—are temporary and can be lost or destroyed. But when we invest our hearts in God and His kingdom, we are storing up treasures that last forever. This means sacrificing secular pleasures and choosing to find our fulfillment in God’s promises. Even when it’s hard to let go of what seems shiny and attractive, God’s grace is sufficient, and He offers something better in Himself. Let your heart be set apart for God, seeking His approval above all else. [14:29]

Matthew 6:19-21 (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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one “earthly treasure” you are holding onto that God may be calling you to surrender? What would it look like to invest that energy or affection into your relationship with Him?

Day 3: Beware of Using Grace as a License for Sin

God’s grace is abundant and freely given, but it is not a license to continue in sin. The temptation to twist grace into permission for immorality is real, and the consequences are serious. The examples of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, and Korah remind us that God calls His people to holiness and warns against living a lukewarm or compromised faith. Instead of excusing sin, let us allow God’s grace to transform our desires and empower us to live set apart for Him. [15:39]

Jude 1:4-7 (ESV)
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

Reflection: Is there a pattern in your life where you have been excusing sin because of God’s grace? What step can you take today to repent and pursue holiness instead?

Day 4: God’s Mercy Is Greater Than Our Sin

No matter how far we have strayed or how deeply we have sinned, God’s mercy is greater still. Even those who once opposed God—like Paul, who called himself the worst of sinners—can be forgiven and transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. When we come to God with a repentant heart, He pours out His love and forgiveness, using even our failures as testimonies of His patience and power. Let this assurance give you hope and courage to return to God, trusting that He welcomes you with open arms. [23:33]

1 Timothy 1:12-16 (ESV)
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”

Reflection: Is there a past failure or sin that makes you doubt God’s love for you? How can you receive His mercy afresh today and let it shape your story?

Day 5: Living Set Apart—Letting God Control Our Desires

God calls His people to be holy and set apart, not blending in with the world but reflecting His character in every area of life. This means letting go of desires and habits that are not fit for those who belong to Christ, and allowing God to shape our hearts and actions. Even when it feels difficult or countercultural, God’s Spirit empowers us to live differently, finding our identity and purpose in Him. As you surrender your desires to God, trust that He will give you the strength to walk in His ways, both publicly and privately. [21:16]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV)
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

Reflection: What is one desire or habit you sense God asking you to surrender so you can be set apart for Him? How can you invite Him to help you make that change today?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of things that seem fun and attractive, but not everything that glitters is meant for us. True joy and comfort are not found in people, possessions, or fleeting pleasures, but in our sovereign Lord. When our happiness is rooted in God, we are not easily shaken by the words or actions of others. Yet, it’s easy to see how many people, even those who claim faith, place their treasure in things other than Christ—money, status, or the approval of others. The heart always follows its treasure, so the call is to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.

Scripture warns us about the danger of living a double life—professing Christ while indulging in sin, using God’s grace as a license to do whatever we want. The book of Jude reminds us that God’s grace is not permission for immorality, and that there are real consequences for those who reject His authority. Even the strongest and wisest—like Samson and Solomon—fell when they let their desires rule over them. The challenge is to recognize the subtle ways we compromise, lingering too long in temptation or justifying small sins, and to remember that we are called to be set apart, holy, and different from the world.

But there is hope. God’s mercy is abundant, and Christ came into the world to save sinners—even the worst of us. When we turn back to God, truly repent, and let go of our ungodly desires, forgiveness is assured. The grace of Jesus is not just a safety net, but a transforming power that calls us to new life. We are invited to confess our sins, receive assurance of forgiveness, and live with a renewed focus on Christ, letting Him shape our desires and actions. In community, we celebrate those who have mentored and encouraged us in faith, recognizing that Christ-like leadership leaves a lasting impact. Through it all, our lives are meant to reflect the joy, mercy, and holiness of our Savior.

Key Takeaways

1. True joy is found in God, not in people or possessions. When happiness is anchored in Christ, the opinions and actions of others lose their power to define us. This frees us to live with genuine joy and resilience, regardless of our circumstances. [14:29]
2. Where we place our treasure reveals the true orientation of our hearts. If our deepest investments are in earthly things—money, status, or pleasure—our hearts will inevitably follow. But when we treasure God above all, our lives become aligned with His purposes, and our desires are transformed. [15:39]
3. God calls us to be set apart, holy, and distinct from the world, even when what the world offers seems attractive. The temptation to compromise is real, but holiness means saying “no” to what is not fit for us as God’s people, even if it sparkles and shines. [17:35]
4. Grace is not a license to sin, but a call to transformation. Using God’s mercy as an excuse to indulge in sin is a denial of Christ’s lordship. Instead, we are called to pick up our cross daily, living out our faith both publicly and privately, trusting that God’s grace empowers true change. [20:15]
5. No matter how far we have strayed, God’s mercy is greater. Christ came to save sinners, and His patience and forgiveness are available to all who turn back to Him in repentance. Our failures do not disqualify us from God’s love; rather, they become opportunities for His grace to shine even brighter in our lives. [23:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:38] - The Joy of the Lord vs. Worldly Joy
[12:21] - No One Can Serve Two Masters
[14:29] - Where Is Your Treasure?
[15:39] - Warnings from Jude: Grace and Immorality
[17:35] - Set Apart: The Call to Holiness
[18:26] - The Subtlety of Compromise
[20:15] - Grace, Sin, and True Repentance
[21:16] - Prayer and Reflection
[23:33] - The Gospel: Mercy for Sinners
[25:49] - Confession and Assurance
[27:26] - Faith and Forgiveness
[32:37] - Profession of Faith
[35:31] - Worship and Song
[39:52] - Reflections on Community and Mentorship
[46:04] - Memories and Gratitude
[47:00] - Honoring Christ-like Leadership
[48:23] - Stories of Care and Encouragement
[49:57] - Celebration and Blessing
[51:37] - Closing Song and Farewell
[62:32] - Final Thanks and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:19-21

"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."

Jude 1:4-8, 11, 14-15

(Selections from the book of Jude as read in the sermon)
"For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord... In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire... Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion... See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

1 Timothy 1:12-16

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 6:19-21, what is the connection between where we store our treasure and the orientation of our hearts?
In the reading from Jude, what are some of the ways people misuse God’s grace, and what are the consequences described? [15:39]
The sermon mentioned that even strong and wise people in the Bible, like Samson and Solomon, fell when they let their desires rule over them. What does this show us about the danger of compromise? [17:35]
In 1 Timothy 1:12-16, how does Paul describe his past and the mercy he received from Christ?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus warns us so strongly about storing up treasures on earth? What are some modern examples of “earthly treasures” that can capture our hearts? [14:29]
The book of Jude talks about people who “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” What does it look like today when someone uses God’s grace as an excuse to keep sinning? [15:39]
The sermon pointed out that holiness means being set apart, even when the world offers things that seem attractive. Why is it so hard to say “no” to things that “sparkle and shine” but aren’t good for us? [17:35]
Paul says that Christ came to save sinners, “of whom I am the worst.” How does this perspective shape the way we view our own failures and God’s mercy? [23:33]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “True joy and comfort are not found in people, possessions, or fleeting pleasures, but in our sovereign Lord.” Is there something in your life right now that you tend to look to for happiness instead of God? What would it look like to shift your focus? [14:29]
Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If someone looked at your calendar, your spending, or your thoughts, what would they say your treasure is? Is there a change you feel called to make? [14:29]
The sermon warned about living a double life—professing Christ but indulging in sin. Are there areas where you find yourself justifying “small” sins or lingering too long in temptation? What’s one step you could take to address this? [18:26]
The book of Jude reminds us that grace is not a license to sin. When have you been tempted to use God’s forgiveness as an excuse to keep doing something you know is wrong? How can you remind yourself that grace is meant to transform, not excuse? [20:15]
The sermon shared that “no matter how far we have strayed, God’s mercy is greater.” Is there a failure or regret in your life that you have trouble believing God can forgive? How does Paul’s story in 1 Timothy encourage you? [23:33]
The message celebrated Christ-like mentors and leaders who encourage us in faith. Who has been a mentor or encourager in your spiritual journey? How can you thank or encourage them this week? [47:00]
The call to holiness means being “set apart” from the world. What is one practical way you can live differently this week to reflect Christ’s joy, mercy, or holiness in your daily life? [17:35]

Sermon Clips

“No one can serve two masters you will hate one, you will love the other or despise one and love the other.”

“But that's not because I find my joy in Frankie. It's not because I find my joy in Katie or Emma or anybody else on this world. But because my joy, my comfort, my happiness rests on our sovereign Lord.”

“If my happiness came in what people said to me or thought of me, number one, I would not be so social in the hallway. And number two, my day would have been done for.”

“For where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Is there treasure in money, status, and power, or in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Do you enjoy bringing others down or bringing God to the highest?”

“Transitioning to a life of godliness might be hard, but God has grace and there's a substitute for every secular thing in the word of the Lord. So let's find our heart in God. Let's sacrifice our secular pleasures for God. Let's store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and brethren do not destroy, where thieves do not break in and steal, but where our treasure is, our heart will be also.”

“God wants us to be set apart from the rest. God calls us every single day in our life to be holy, so why do we neglect that?”

“It's just so easy to throw away our faith for things that aren't fit for us. It doesn't give us the right to at all.”

“So let's stop using God's sufficient grace to do what we want. Jesus says you have to pick up your cross to follow him, but he doesn't take it off your back. You still have to behave like you follow Christ, publicly and privately.”

“Do you believe in Jesus? Put in effort to let go of these ungodly things we do so much, and that's let God control our desires from now on. May our focus be on him, not ourselves.”

“I thank Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

“We've all used grace as a license at some point, and on the cross, Jesus knew this. When we come back to God after our sin and truly turn away from it, we will be forgiven, and we will realize that, God, you are the way through you alone.”

“Deacon has proved himself to be more than a staff minister. Deacon is a mentor, a friend, a teacher, and, above all else, a Christ -like person.”

“Deacon's leadership doesn't rub off as just himself. Deacon has enabled his family to also show Christ -like traits.”

“She often were the first person to strike up conversations with my family after service, and still is. But to me, this wasn't the best memory I have of Ms. Schrader. It's about to get really emotional. April 8th, 2024, hatched like seven or something chickens in our classroom. And although Sir Colin Jr. was first and never made it out of the egg and was thrown away, he was the first one to die, too. I still managed to bring home two little chickens. Sir Colin Jr., the second, and Butterscotch. And I don't have them now. They didn't die, but I gave them away because they were illegal. But I'm not kidding. I have three new ones now. Doofus, silly, and goofball. Hopefully more.”

“It is with great honor and privilege, I am officially able to pronounce you both king and queen deacon. Thank you. I hope you saved those crowns. Forever and ever.”

“I haven't been here my whole life, like a lot of you have. Well, maybe a lot of you. I don't really know. But it's been, what, a little over a year and a half, maybe? I wrote this letter, because they're leaving. And the first thing I wrote, the Schraders, but the second thing I wrote, I am currently writing this with a Pirates of the Caribbean pen.”

“Deacon was not only a staff minister and a math teacher. And a deacon, but he was a mentor. I remember sitting in the back of class with my comically large pencil, Luca calling you Mr. Deacon, and the devotions we'd have before class at the start of the year. And I graduated, right? But his mentorship, he didn't stop after I graduated. Deacon has constantly made himself available to talk to you for any reason, or even to pick me up from school. Pastor did that, too.”

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