Finding True Satisfaction in Christ, the Bread of Life

Devotional

Day 1: The Temporary Nature of Worldly Pursuits

Worldly pursuits like money, clothes, and relationships are temporary and will never truly satisfy our deepest longings. Jesus teaches us not to labor for food that perishes but to seek the food that endures to everlasting life. This means that while it is natural to have needs and desires in this world, we should not let them become our primary focus. Instead, we should prioritize our spiritual well-being and seek what is eternal.

Jesus used the imagery of food to illustrate this point, emphasizing that physical hunger and satisfaction are temporary. Just as a steak-eating challenge might fill us up for a moment, it won't keep us satisfied forever. In the same way, worldly achievements and possessions might bring temporary happiness, but they cannot fulfill our deepest spiritual needs. Only Jesus, the Bread of Life, can offer us true and lasting satisfaction. [06:08]

John 6:27 (ESV): "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal."

Reflection: What are some worldly pursuits that you find yourself focusing on more than your spiritual growth? How can you begin to shift your focus towards seeking eternal satisfaction in Jesus?

Day 2: Faith Over Good Works

Jesus made it clear that no amount of good works can earn us eternal life. Just as a dirty child cannot enter a clean house without first being cleaned, we cannot enter heaven based on our good deeds alone. True satisfaction and eternal life come only through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a humbling truth that reminds us of our dependence on God's grace.

Many people believe that by doing good deeds, they can earn their way into heaven. However, Jesus teaches that it is not our actions but our faith in Him that grants us eternal life. This gift is both free and undeserved, given by God's grace. It is complete and requires nothing else for our salvation. This understanding should lead us to a deeper reliance on Jesus and a greater appreciation for His sacrifice. [13:19]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your good works to earn God's favor? How can you shift your mindset to rely more on faith in Jesus for your salvation?

Day 3: The Free and Undeserved Gift of Eternal Life

The most satisfying gifts are those that are both free and undeserved. God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this. It is given by grace and requires nothing else from us, making it the most complete and satisfying gift we can receive. This truth should fill us with gratitude and lead us to live lives that reflect our appreciation for God's grace.

Understanding that eternal life is a free gift helps us to see the depth of God's love for us. It is not something we can earn or deserve, but something that is given out of God's abundant grace. This realization should transform the way we live, leading us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a greater desire to share His love with others. [22:12]

Romans 6:23 (ESV): "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: How does knowing that eternal life is a free and undeserved gift change the way you view your relationship with God? How can you express your gratitude for this gift in your daily life?

Day 4: Jesus as the Bread of Life

Jesus declared Himself as the Bread of Life, stating that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. This signifies that in Jesus, we find all of life's purpose and fulfillment. We don't need to seek approval or satisfaction from worldly things because we are complete in Christ. This truth should bring us a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that our deepest needs are met in Jesus.

When Jesus says that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst, He is speaking about a spiritual satisfaction that goes beyond physical needs. In Him, we find everything we need for a fulfilling and meaningful life. This understanding should lead us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, knowing that He is the source of true satisfaction. [27:44]

John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking satisfaction from worldly things instead of Jesus? How can you begin to seek fulfillment in Him alone?

Day 5: An Eternal Perspective

Knowing that we have eternal life through Jesus should radically change our perspective on life. Temporary setbacks and challenges should not affect us deeply because we have the promise of eternal joy and satisfaction in heaven. This eternal perspective brings hope, joy, peace, and confidence, allowing us to navigate life's difficulties with a sense of purpose and assurance.

Having an eternal perspective means that we view our current circumstances in light of eternity. This doesn't mean that our struggles and challenges are insignificant, but it does mean that they are temporary. Knowing that we have an eternal future with Jesus gives us the strength to endure and the hope to persevere. This perspective should influence the way we live, leading us to focus on what truly matters. [33:42]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How does having an eternal perspective change the way you view your current challenges? What steps can you take to focus more on the eternal promises of God in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the concept of true satisfaction in life through the lens of Jesus' teachings in John 6:22-40. We began with a personal anecdote about a steak-eating challenge to illustrate how physical hunger and satisfaction are temporary. This led us to the broader theme of how worldly pursuits—whether food, clothes, money, or relationships—are ultimately unsatisfying because they are temporary. Jesus used the imagery of food to teach us about spiritual satisfaction, emphasizing that only He, as the Bread of Life, can truly fulfill our deepest longings.

We examined three key questions posed by the people to Jesus and His responses. The first question revealed that people often seek Jesus for temporary benefits, like physical food, rather than for eternal satisfaction. Jesus responded by urging them to seek the "food which endures to everlasting life," highlighting that worldly pursuits will never truly satisfy.

The second question focused on what actions are required to obtain this everlasting food. Jesus clarified that it is not through good works but through faith in Him that one can receive this eternal gift. This gift is both free and undeserved, given by God's grace, and it is complete, requiring nothing else for our salvation.

The third question asked for a sign to prove Jesus' claims. Jesus explained that He is the true bread from heaven, offering eternal life, unlike the manna provided by Moses, which was temporary. He emphasized that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst, signifying that in Him, we find complete and everlasting satisfaction.

In conclusion, the sermon underscored that true satisfaction comes only from Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, who offers eternal life and fulfills our deepest spiritual needs.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Worldly Pursuits Are Temporary: Jesus teaches us not to labor for food that perishes but to seek the food that endures to everlasting life. Worldly pursuits like money, clothes, and even relationships are temporary and will never truly satisfy our deepest longings. Instead, we should focus on what is eternal. [06:08]
2. Good Works Cannot Earn Eternal Life: Jesus made it clear that no amount of good works can earn us eternal life. Just as a dirty child cannot enter a clean house without first being cleaned, we cannot enter heaven based on our good deeds alone. True satisfaction and eternal life come only through faith in Jesus Christ. [13:19]
3. The Gift of Eternal Life is Free and Undeserved: The most satisfying gifts are those that are both free and undeserved. God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this. It is given by grace and requires nothing else from us, making it the most complete and satisfying gift we can receive. [22:12]
4. Jesus is the Bread of Life: Jesus declared Himself as the Bread of Life, stating that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. This signifies that in Jesus, we find all of life's purpose and fulfillment. We don't need to seek approval or satisfaction from worldly things because we are complete in Christ. [27:44]
5. Eternal Perspective Changes Our Lives: Knowing that we have eternal life through Jesus should radically change our perspective on life. Temporary setbacks and challenges should not affect us deeply because we have the promise of eternal joy and satisfaction in heaven. This eternal perspective brings hope, joy, peace, and confidence. [33:42]
### [33:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - The Nature of Physical Hunger
[03:09] - Context of John 6:22-40
[04:40] - First Question: Seeking Temporary Satisfaction
[06:08] - Pursuing Eternal Satisfaction
[12:11] - Second Question: What Must We Do?
[13:19] - Faith Over Good Works
[19:47] - The Free and Undeserved Gift
[24:41] - The Completeness of God's Gift
[25:19] - Third Question: Seeking a Sign
[27:44] - Jesus as the Bread of Life
[31:33] - The Promise of Eternal Life
[33:42] - Eternal Perspective
[37:42] - Conclusion: True Satisfaction in Christ

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What did Jesus mean when He said, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life"? (John 6:27) [06:08]
How did Jesus respond to the people's question about what they must do to work the works of God? (John 6:28-29) [12:11]
What was the significance of Jesus declaring Himself as the "Bread of Life"? (John 6:35) [27:44]
According to Jesus, what is the will of the Father who sent Him? (John 6:39-40) [31:10]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasized that worldly pursuits are temporary and will never truly satisfy? (John 6:27) [06:08]
How does the concept of faith over good works challenge common perceptions about earning eternal life? (John 6:29) [13:19]
What does it mean for Jesus to be the "Bread of Life" in the context of our daily lives and spiritual needs? (John 6:35) [27:44]
How does having an eternal perspective, as described in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, change the way we handle daily challenges and setbacks? [33:42]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life. Are there any worldly pursuits you are currently prioritizing that may be temporary and unsatisfying? How can you shift your focus to what is eternal? [06:08]
Jesus said that good works cannot earn us eternal life. How does this understanding affect your approach to doing good deeds and serving others? [13:19]
Think about a time when you received a gift that was both free and undeserved. How did that make you feel? How does this relate to the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ? [22:12]
Jesus declared that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. In what areas of your life are you seeking satisfaction outside of Christ? How can you turn to Jesus to fulfill those needs? [27:44]
How does knowing that you have eternal life through Jesus change your perspective on temporary setbacks and challenges? Can you share a recent experience where this perspective brought you peace or hope? [33:42]
Identify one specific way you can cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the eternal promises in Christ? [33:42]
Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." How can you incorporate this truth into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually nourished and satisfied? [27:44]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We strive for things in this world that we think will satisfy us. And if we think that something is not right, will satisfy us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and we will do anything and invest everything we have, our time, our efforts, our resources, just to get more of it to try to satisfy the longings of our hearts, minds, and even stomach. Because God created us and knows how we are wired to discuss the topic of how to be fully satisfied in life." [03:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you because God the Father has set His seal on Him. The first thing Jesus says is, don't pursue things that perishes, meaning don't strive for things that will spoil, die, or have a shelf life, or will perish. Basically, don't pursue things that are temporal." [06:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus clearly states that there is only one way to obtain the everlasting bread which leads to eternal life. And that is by believing or placing their trust in Jesus Christ, the one God the Father in heaven has sent. This is God's free gift for all people in the person of Jesus Christ. And this gift is given because of him. Because of his grace." [19:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus said to them, Most assuredly I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Jesus reminded the people that what Moses provided to the people was only temporary and it was just physical food. But what Jesus is offering is from God Himself and it is from heaven, note the phrase, and gives life to the world." [26:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. The people finally realized they needed this bread that provides eternal life and not just the physical bread that temporarily satisfies. And upon this request for the living bread, Jesus makes the revelation to them that He is the bread of life. In Jesus is found the way to eternal life." [27:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The things of the world will never truly satisfy because they are temporal. This is a message that Jesus will repeat over and over and over again throughout His earthly ministry because He loves us and wants us not to waste our time and our lives on earth pursuing these temporary things." [10:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "A gift that truly satisfies is one that is both free and undeserved. Free and undeserved. Let me ask you a question. If on your birthday, your parents give you the gift of a brand new laptop worth 100,000 pesos or about $2,000, would you be happy? I certainly would. But what if your parents, after they've given you the gift, then told you, oh, by the way, you need to pay us back for this laptop? Or what if they said, oh, we took the money from your bank account to pay for this laptop. Happy birthday. Would your birthday gift be so satisfying after you hear that? Of course not." [20:35] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "My friends, if you're looking for satisfaction in life that will bring joy and true happiness in your life and hearts, look no further than to Jesus Christ. And if you already have Jesus Christ in your heart, then stop trying to find satisfaction in the temporal things. You have eternity in heaven that awaits you. Now live like this is true in your life." [36:32] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you have the living bread of Christ in your life, a bad day shouldn't really affect you. That's how eternity changes our mindset. I once saw in New York City this car bumper sticker. Happiness is five green lights in a row. So I translated that here in Manila. Happiness is no traffic on EDSA that can get from QC to BGC in 25 minutes. Now translated for life, happiness is to know that we will be in heaven for all eternity because of Jesus Christ." [34:11] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life and I will raise Him up at the last day. In these beautiful verses, Jesus continues with the greatness of the spiritual bread He provides. It is available to all. He will by no means cast out anyone who comes to Him." [31:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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