Finding Wholeness Amidst Life's Fragmentation

 

Summary

In moments when life feels like it's crumbling, when everything seems to be falling apart, it's crucial to understand that this is not just about experiencing pain or discomfort. It's about a deeper sense of fragmentation, a violation of wholeness. In these times, we must seek understanding and renewal. Dallas Willard, in his book "Renovation of the Heart," offers profound insights into how we can be renewed and transformed. He explains that God has created all things to be inherently intelligible, meaning that everything is made up of parts that form larger wholes, which in turn form even larger wholes. This structure applies to everything from atoms to galaxies, from thoughts to entire social units.

This interconnectedness is what the Bible refers to as "shalom," a state of harmony and mutual delight among God, people, and creation. Jesus spoke of this as the Kingdom of God, a vision of wholeness and unity that He brought through His life and teachings. Our destiny, as Dallas Willard beautifully puts it, is to be part of a tremendously creative team effort under Jesus' leadership, contributing to an ever-expanding cycle of productivity and joy.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in his writings, emphasizing that in Christ, all things hold together. This unity and integration are inherent in creation, making everything understandable. This understanding bridges faith and science, as both seek to explore the rational and creative nature of God's work.

In a world where things often feel like they are falling apart, as expressed by artists like Joan Didion, we are reminded that God is watching over us. The teaching of Jesus assures us that not even a sparrow falls without God's knowledge and care. This is the essence of shalom, the wholeness that God desires for us. When life feels disintegrated, we can find solace in the fact that God holds us together. We may not be able to hold ourselves together, but God can. In stillness before Him, we can find meaning and love, even amidst chaos. His eye is on the sparrow, and He watches over us, holding the whole world in His hands.

Key Takeaways:

- Life's fragmentation is not just about pain but a deeper violation of wholeness. In these moments, we must seek understanding and renewal, recognizing that God has created all things to be inherently intelligible, forming a harmonious whole. [00:52]

- The concept of "shalom" represents the harmony and mutual delight among God, people, and creation. Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God embody this vision of wholeness and unity, inviting us to be part of a creative team effort under His leadership. [04:09]

- The Apostle Paul emphasizes that in Christ, all things hold together, highlighting the inherent unity and integration in creation. This understanding bridges faith and science, as both explore the rational and creative nature of God's work. [05:53]

- In a world where things often feel like they are falling apart, we are reminded of God's watchful care. Jesus' teaching assures us that not even a sparrow falls without God's knowledge, emphasizing the wholeness and care inherent in creation. [08:41]

- When life feels disintegrated, we can find solace in God's ability to hold us together. In stillness before Him, we can find meaning and love, even amidst chaos, knowing that His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over us. [10:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - When Life Falls Apart
- [01:05] - Journey Through Renewal
- [01:43] - Understanding Creation
- [02:54] - Parts and Wholes
- [03:55] - The Concept of Shalom
- [04:27] - Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- [05:25] - Paul's Vision of Unity
- [06:09] - Faith and Science
- [07:03] - The World Falling Apart
- [08:09] - Joan Didion's Insight
- [08:56] - God's Watchful Care
- [09:38] - Spiritual Formation
- [10:08] - God's Sustaining Power
- [11:06] - Finding Solace in Stillness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:15-17 - "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
2. Matthew 10:29 - "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 1:15-17, what role does Christ play in the creation and maintenance of the universe? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about unity and integration in creation? [05:53]
2. How does the concept of "shalom" as described in the sermon relate to the biblical understanding of the Kingdom of God? [04:09]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and science, and how does this relate to the inherent intelligibility of creation? [06:09]
4. How does the teaching of Jesus about the sparrow in Matthew 10:29 provide comfort in times of personal disintegration, according to the sermon? [08:41]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding the interconnectedness of creation can lead to personal renewal and transformation? [01:05]
2. How does the Apostle Paul's statement in Colossians 1:17 about all things holding together in Christ challenge or support modern scientific understanding? [05:53]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of Jesus' teachings in bringing about the vision of wholeness and unity in the Kingdom of God? [04:27]
4. How might the idea that "God holds us together" influence a person's response to life's challenges and feelings of fragmentation? [10:08]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like your life was falling apart. How did you seek understanding and renewal during that period? What role did your faith play in that process? [00:38]
2. The sermon discusses the concept of "shalom" as harmony among God, people, and creation. What practical steps can you take to contribute to this harmony in your community or family? [04:09]
3. How can you integrate the understanding of faith and science in your daily life to appreciate the rational and creative nature of God's work? [06:09]
4. When faced with personal disintegration, how can you remind yourself of God's watchful care, as illustrated by the teaching of Jesus about the sparrow? [08:41]
5. Identify an area in your life where you feel fragmented. What specific actions can you take to bring stillness before God and seek His guidance for wholeness? [11:06]
6. How can you be part of the "creative team effort" under Jesus' leadership in your personal or professional life, as described in the sermon? [04:54]
7. Consider a relationship or situation in your life that feels disintegrated. What steps can you take to invite God's presence and seek His peace in that area? [10:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding Fragmentation and Wholeness
In moments of life's fragmentation, it's essential to recognize that this is not merely about experiencing pain or discomfort. It is a deeper violation of wholeness, a sense of disintegration that affects our entire being. God has created all things to be inherently intelligible, forming a harmonious whole. This understanding invites us to seek renewal and transformation, recognizing the interconnectedness of all creation. By embracing this perspective, we can begin to see the beauty in the complexity of life and find peace in the midst of chaos. [00:52]

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel fragmented or disintegrated? How can you seek God's renewal and understanding in these areas today?


Day 2: Embracing Shalom
The concept of "shalom" represents a state of harmony and mutual delight among God, people, and creation. Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God embody this vision of wholeness and unity, inviting us to be part of a creative team effort under His leadership. This vision calls us to actively participate in bringing about God's peace and harmony in our relationships and communities. By aligning ourselves with this divine purpose, we contribute to an ever-expanding cycle of productivity and joy. [04:09]

"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever." (Isaiah 32:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the harmony and peace in your community or relationships today? What steps can you take to embody the vision of shalom?


Day 3: Unity in Christ
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that in Christ, all things hold together, highlighting the inherent unity and integration in creation. This understanding bridges faith and science, as both explore the rational and creative nature of God's work. By recognizing the unity in Christ, we can find coherence and purpose in our lives, even when the world seems chaotic. This perspective encourages us to trust in the divine order and to seek understanding in both spiritual and scientific realms. [05:53]

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you explore the unity of faith and science in your own life? How does this understanding impact your view of the world and your place in it?


Day 4: God's Watchful Care
In a world where things often feel like they are falling apart, we are reminded of God's watchful care. Jesus' teaching assures us that not even a sparrow falls without God's knowledge, emphasizing the wholeness and care inherent in creation. This assurance invites us to trust in God's providence and to find comfort in His constant presence. By resting in this truth, we can face life's uncertainties with confidence and peace. [08:41]

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God." (Luke 12:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's watchful care over your life? What specific worries or fears can you surrender to Him today?


Day 5: Finding Solace in Stillness
When life feels disintegrated, we can find solace in God's ability to hold us together. In stillness before Him, we can find meaning and love, even amidst chaos, knowing that His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over us. This practice of stillness allows us to reconnect with God's presence and to experience His peace in our hearts. By prioritizing moments of quiet reflection, we can draw strength and guidance from the One who sustains us. [10:53]

"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.'" (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of stillness and reflection into your daily routine? What might God be saying to you in these quiet moments?

Quotes


In moments when life feels like it's crumbling, when everything seems to be falling apart, it's crucial to understand that this is not just about experiencing pain or discomfort. It's about a deeper sense of fragmentation, a violation of wholeness. In these times, we must seek understanding and renewal. [00:28:16]

God has created all things in such a way that they are inherently intelligible. Now that's a claim you may agree or disagree with. A lot of people who believe in the meaninglessness of the universe or absurdity or that we're just a random machine would contradict that. [00:108:39]

All things have parts. These parts have properties, which in turn make possible relationships between the parts to form larger wholes, which in turn have properties that make possible relationships between larger wholes that form still larger wholes and so on. This basic structure of created reality applies to everything. [00:132:08]

When you take everything together that God has created and web it together in harmony and mutual delight—God, people, and creation—that's called shalom. That's why we have this ache for things to be whole because everything was made to be a universe. [00:238:72]

Jesus talked about that as the Kingdom of God. He said He was bringing that vision, that reality of the wholeness, oneness, harmony of all things through Himself, through His life, through His teaching. That set about the revolution that we're all still a part of. [00:256:79]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that in Christ, all things hold together, highlighting the inherent unity and integration in creation. This understanding bridges faith and science, as both explore the rational and creative nature of God's work. [00:353:60]

In a world where things often feel like they are falling apart, we are reminded of God's watchful care. Jesus' teaching assures us that not even a sparrow falls without God's knowledge, emphasizing the wholeness and care inherent in creation. [00:529:51]

When life feels disintegrated, we can find solace in God's ability to hold us together. In stillness before Him, we can find meaning and love, even amidst chaos, knowing that His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over us. [00:606:32]

When your world is falling apart, your life can be held together. I know this is true. I've experienced this when it felt like things were melting down in the worst ways that I can imagine. To sit still before God and it's hard to put this into words but to have this sense I am still here. [00:612:32]

I can still pursue meaning and love even in the midst of things falling apart. Something hasn't fallen apart and of course that something is God. God is okay, and His eye is on the sparrow, and He watches me. [00:639:44]

You bring wherever it is in your world that it feels like things are falling apart in stillness before God for just a moment—that relationship, your body or your health, your finances, your job, your emotions. Jesus is my portion, my constant friend. [00:656:39]

His eye is on the sparrow. He is holding us together. He is holding all things together. He's got the whole world in His hands. [00:692:39]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?