Finding True Rest and Purpose in Christ
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of finding rest in Christ, not just in religious acts or church membership. I highlighted that salvation and rest are given freely by Jesus, not sold. I also discussed the significance of serving in the local church and how it can provide guidance and purpose. I stressed that our contentment and happiness are not based on our geography or material possessions, but on what we do for Christ. I also urged the congregation to pray for those in need and to support each other in times of hardship.
Key Takeaways:
- Salvation and rest are freely given by Jesus, not sold. [ 45:51]
- Serving in the local church can provide guidance and purpose. [ 01:03:05]
- Contentment and happiness are based on what we do for Christ, not on our geography or material possessions. [ 01:05:04]
- We should support each other in times of hardship and pray for those in need. [ 29:30]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:58 [01:03:05]
2. Matthew 11:28-30 (implied from the three invitations of Jesus mentioned) [01:15:22]
Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Corinthians 15:58 mean when it says "your labor is not in vain in the Lord"?
2. How does the speaker describe the relationship between service and learning in the Christian life?
3. What are the three invitations that Jesus Christ extends as mentioned in the sermon?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of laboring for the Lord in 1 Corinthians 15:58 relate to the idea of serving Christ as discussed in the sermon?
2. How does the speaker's experience in Honduras illustrate the three invitations of Jesus?
3. What does it mean to "rest in Christ" and how does this relate to serving and learning from Him?
Application Questions:
1. How can you apply the principle of being "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" in your daily life?
2. Can you think of a situation where you felt like you were in the "center of God's will"? How did that impact your sense of contentment and purpose?
3. What is one way you can serve others this week in a way that you haven't before?
4. How can you create an "outlet" for the spiritual knowledge you've gained, instead of being like the Dead Sea the speaker mentioned?
5. How can you practically accept Jesus' invitation to rest, to serve, and to learn from Him in your current life situation?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of God's Word
God's Word is not just a book, but a living, active force that can transform lives and societies. It is so powerful that even governments recognize its influence and use it to bring about change. This is evident in the story of the Honduran government sponsoring Bible distribution and Vacation Bible School. [01:14:47]
Bible Passage: Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: How can you actively use God's Word to bring about transformation in your community?
Day 2: Resting in Christ
Resting in Christ is not just about physical rest, but also about spiritual rest. It is about trusting in God's love and provision, and not striving to earn His love. This rest is available to both the lost and the saved. [48:15]
Bible Passage: Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of rest in Christ in your daily life?
Day 3: The Danger of Religious Performance
Religious performance, or trying to earn God's love through good works, is a dangerous trap. It is not our works that earn us God's love, but His grace alone. We must first rest in Christ before we can truly serve Him. [57:03]
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's love through your actions? How can you rest in His grace instead?
Day 4: The Joy of Serving Christ
Serving Christ is not a burden, but a joy. Once we have rested in Christ and received His love, we are then empowered to serve Him with energy and delight. [58:20]
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: How can you serve Christ with joy in your current season of life?
Day 5: The Call to Action
God's Word is not just meant to be heard, but also to be acted upon. Whether it's resting in Christ, serving Him, or sharing His Word with others, we are all called to respond to His invitations in our lives. [01:17:29]
Bible Passage: James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Reflection: What specific action is God calling you to take in response to His Word this week?
Quotes
1. "First Corinthians 15 58 therefore my beloved Brethren be steadfast unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I've never seen a Christian go through midlife crisis knowing that they're in the center of God's will." - 01:03:05
2. "Your happiness is not based on your geography. Your happiness and your contentment is based on what you do for Him." - 01:05:04
3. "There is nothing that I can do to make God love me more, there's nothing that I can do to make God love me less. We need to learn as Christians to rest in Christ." - 48:58
4. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart, ye shall find rest unto your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - 43:50
5. "You can't gain Christ's affection, it has to be given to you. Just like the twins here, they were adopted, they could not force their way into my home, I had to invite them in voluntarily. No one paid me to do so, they're my kids, I chose them." - 57:43
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