God's Pursuit: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Summary

### Summary

Today, we celebrated the beautiful sacrament of baptism, a powerful symbol of our faith and commitment to Christ. Baptism is a public declaration of our new life in Jesus, and it brings immense joy to heaven. We also reflected on the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son from Luke 15, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy in their restoration. These stories illustrate that God values each of us deeply and seeks to bring us back into His fold, no matter how far we've strayed.

The parable of the lost coin, in particular, highlights the diligence and care with which God searches for us. Just as the woman in the story lights a lamp and sweeps her house to find her lost coin, God illuminates our lives and searches every corner to bring us back to Him. This parable teaches us that we are precious to God, and He will not rest until we are found.

We also discussed the concept of repentance, which is not a one-time act but a continual process of realigning ourselves with God's will. Repentance is like rerouting on a GPS; it redirects us back to our divine purpose. Even as Christians, we need to repent regularly to maintain our relationship with God and grow in Christ-likeness. This is not about earning God's favor but responding to His love and grace.

Finally, we explored the completeness of Christ's sacrifice. Jesus' death on the cross paid the debt of our sins once and for all. This sacrifice not only removes God's wrath but also brings us into a loving relationship with Him. We are now children of God, fully accepted and loved. Understanding this truth helps us live in the freedom and security of our identity in Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Relentless Pursuit: The parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son illustrate God's unwavering commitment to finding and restoring the lost. He values each of us deeply and rejoices when we return to Him. This teaches us about the immense worth we have in God's eyes and His relentless love for us. [43:37]

2. The Importance of Repentance: Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of realigning ourselves with God's will. It is like rerouting on a GPS, redirecting us back to our divine purpose. This ongoing repentance helps us grow in Christ-likeness and maintain a healthy relationship with God. [57:02]

3. The Completeness of Christ's Sacrifice: Jesus' death on the cross paid the debt of our sins once and for all. This sacrifice is complete and final, removing God's wrath and bringing us into a loving relationship with Him. Understanding this helps us live in the freedom and security of our identity in Christ. [01:00:06]

4. Our Identity in Christ: We are now children of God, fully accepted and loved because of Jesus' sacrifice. This new identity changes how we view ourselves and our relationship with God. It helps us battle life's challenges with the assurance that we are deeply loved and valued by God. [01:05:18]

5. Responding to God's Love: Our actions and works should be a response to God's love for us, not an attempt to earn His favor. Even when we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who intercedes for us. This understanding helps us live a life of gratitude and continual growth in Christ-likeness. [01:12:47]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[41:06] - Vacation Recap
[41:52] - The Importance of In-Person Fellowship
[42:18] - Recap of Last Week's Sermon
[43:37] - Context of Luke 15
[44:57] - The Pharisees' Perspective
[46:23] - Roman Taxation and Its Impact
[47:57] - The Parable of the Lost Coin
[49:33] - Personal Story of Loss
[50:56] - Life's Distractions and Losses
[52:26] - The Woman's Desperate Search
[53:57] - Heaven's Joy Over Repentance
[55:37] - The Gospel and Repentance
[57:02] - The Need for Christian Repentance
[58:32] - The Completeness of Christ's Sacrifice
[01:00:06] - Our Debt Paid in Full
[01:05:18] - Our Identity in Christ
[01:12:47] - Confession and Repentance
[01:20:12] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 15:1-10 (Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin)
2. Colossians 2:13-14 (Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt)
3. 1 John 1:8-9 (Confession and Forgiveness)

#### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the lost coin, what actions does the woman take to find her lost coin? ([47:57])
2. According to Colossians 2:13-14, what has Christ done with our transgressions and the debt against us? ([58:32])
3. What does 1 John 1:8-9 say about the nature of sin and confession for believers? ([01:12:47])
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of baptism in the life of a believer? ([41:06])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the parable of the lost coin teach us about God's diligence and care in seeking the lost? ([47:57])
2. How does understanding the completeness of Christ's sacrifice, as described in Colossians 2:13-14, impact our daily lives and sense of security in our faith? ([58:32])
3. Why is repentance described as a continual process rather than a one-time event, and how does this concept relate to the idea of "rerouting" on a GPS? ([57:02])
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between our actions and God's love, particularly in the context of not trying to earn His favor? ([01:12:47])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or distant from God. How did you experience His pursuit and restoration in your life? ([47:57])
2. In what ways can you practice regular repentance in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to "reroute" yourself back to God's will? ([57:02])
3. How does understanding that your sins are "paid in full" by Christ's sacrifice change the way you view your relationship with God and your identity in Christ? ([58:32])
4. Think about a recent situation where you acted in a way that was not Christ-like. How can you apply 1 John 1:8-9 to seek forgiveness and realign yourself with God's will? ([01:12:47])
5. How can you respond to God's love in your daily actions and decisions, ensuring that your works are a reflection of gratitude rather than an attempt to earn His favor? ([01:12:47])
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel stuck or not making progress in your walk with the Lord. What might the Holy Spirit be prompting you to change or address? ([01:20:41])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of your identity as a child of God and live out this truth in your interactions with others? ([01:05:18])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Relentless Pursuit
God's unwavering commitment to finding and restoring the lost is a testament to His immense love for us. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son in Luke 15 illustrate this beautifully. Each story highlights God's relentless pursuit of those who have strayed, emphasizing that no matter how far we wander, He is always seeking to bring us back into His fold. The parable of the lost coin, in particular, shows the diligence and care with which God searches for us. Just as the woman lights a lamp and sweeps her house to find her lost coin, God illuminates our lives and searches every corner to bring us back to Him. This teaches us that we are precious to God, and He will not rest until we are found. [43:37]

Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt lost or distant from God. How did you experience His pursuit and love during that period? How can you remind yourself of His relentless love today?

Day 2: The Importance of Repentance
Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of realigning ourselves with God's will. It is like rerouting on a GPS, redirecting us back to our divine purpose. This ongoing repentance helps us grow in Christ-likeness and maintain a healthy relationship with God. Even as Christians, we need to repent regularly to maintain our relationship with God and grow in Christ-likeness. This is not about earning God's favor but responding to His love and grace. Repentance is a vital part of our spiritual journey, helping us to stay on the path that God has set for us. [57:02]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need to realign with God's will. What steps can you take today to begin this process of repentance and redirection?

Day 3: The Completeness of Christ's Sacrifice
Jesus' death on the cross paid the debt of our sins once and for all. This sacrifice is complete and final, removing God's wrath and bringing us into a loving relationship with Him. Understanding this helps us live in the freedom and security of our identity in Christ. We are now children of God, fully accepted and loved because of Jesus' sacrifice. This new identity changes how we view ourselves and our relationship with God. It helps us battle life's challenges with the assurance that we are deeply loved and valued by God. [01:00:06]

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

Reflection: How does understanding the completeness of Christ's sacrifice change the way you view your relationship with God? What difference does it make in your daily life?

Day 4: Our Identity in Christ
We are now children of God, fully accepted and loved because of Jesus' sacrifice. This new identity changes how we view ourselves and our relationship with God. It helps us battle life's challenges with the assurance that we are deeply loved and valued by God. Knowing that we are God's children gives us a sense of belonging and purpose. It empowers us to live confidently and boldly, knowing that we are not defined by our past mistakes or failures but by our identity in Christ. [01:05:18]

1 John 3:1 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

Reflection: Reflect on your identity as a child of God. How does this truth impact the way you handle challenges and view yourself? What steps can you take to live more fully in this identity?

Day 5: Responding to God's Love
Our actions and works should be a response to God's love for us, not an attempt to earn His favor. Even when we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who intercedes for us. This understanding helps us live a life of gratitude and continual growth in Christ-likeness. Our response to God's love should be one of obedience and devotion, not out of obligation but out of a deep sense of gratitude for what He has done for us. This perspective shifts our focus from trying to earn God's favor to living in response to His incredible love and grace. [01:12:47]

1 John 2:1-2 (ESV): "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Reflection: How can you respond to God's love in your daily actions and decisions? What is one specific way you can show gratitude to God today?

Quotes

1. "So Tim talked last week about the lost sheep and what that means and kind of kind of what his his uh his context was that in the God's kingdom is devoted to committed to finding the lost and it delights in celebrating their return so in the kingdom of God Jesus telling the story about he's done these three stories about the lost sheep the lost coin the lost son and he's talking about how in heaven how it's celebrating the recovery of the lost we know the message of Jesus was that Jesus came to seek and save the lost so as God's people we should be about loving and caring about lost people and seeing them restored rejoicing when they're restored and you and and we wouldn't want to be we wouldn't want to be judgmental religious people because that's kind of the context" [42:18] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So what Jesus did the debt against us everything that every sin we've done and everything that we've done wrong Jesus took all of that and he nailed it to the cross and then he wrote across the bottom paid in full right paid in full so he's taken away he's taken away from the world and he's taking away from the world taken away the debt the debt has been paid in Christ we received that this debt we could never pay and it was paid before you were born right it was pain without your knowledge without your participation without your agreement it was paid in full by the perfect work of work of Christ so when you receive Jesus when we talk about receiving Jesus as your Savior and Lord you're receiving the work that he did for us that perfect work you're agreeing I believe the good news that" [01:00:06] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So what i want to talk about today is that the bible talks about this repentance and it doesn't seem to talk about it in a bad way because repentance means to change the direction right so you're going one direction and you repent and change direction it's kind of like have you ever used your maps program and maps programs are intolerant of you taking a break let's say you need to get gas and so you pull off of the highway you pull off of the highway siri or a lexa or whatever her name is she's going to get upset she's like because she knows you don't need that snack she's been tracking your exercise activities she knows how many steps you had yesterday she's saying keep off of the you don't need a snack she's up but she's going to immediately when you pull over she's going to say what rerouting rerouting and you're like just leave me alone okay i just have to go to the bathroom so that's all repentance is repentance is rerouting it's getting you back to your purpose in god you have an intended divine purpose from the foundation of the world in god god has a purpose in the design for you and it is fulfilled in christ and so he reroutes us so what i want to talk about in the few minutes i have left is do we as christians ever need to repent do we need to repent as christians" [57:02] (99 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So Jesus how often once and for all it's it's done once and for all right I how there's nothing like that never you ever cleaned your house once and for all it's done I'm gonna let's go get gas let's go get gas once and for all and you even and you feel like that something here's the only staan when you get close to feeling like that it's like Thanksgiving and you think I'll never eat again I'm done once and for all then you take a nap what's important you get up you have saute going to stories you the pastor type this thing works even for you football and you think, is there that turkey left? How about the pumpkin pie? Was there any pumpkin pie left? Right? It's not once and for all, but in Christ, it's the only thing. Jesus fulfilled once and for all, Hebrews 10, 14, for by one offering, he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. So it's done. It's finished. It's complete. Nothing, we can't add anything to it. It cannot, it doesn't need to be repeated. It's finished." [01:01:53] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So our actions and works should be responsive to God's love for us, not an attempt to earn his favor. So, so Christians, most Christians will acknowledge that we still sin. We lose our temper. We say things we shouldn't say. We do things we shouldn't do. We act in ways that are not Christ-like. So how do we deal then? How should we deal with daily stuff like that? How should we deal with, with those sins that are already covered by the blood of Jesus? I mean, it's not like they're going to bring them back under the blood of Jesus. In every sin that you did sin in the past, every sin that you are sinning right now, and every sin that you will sin is covered, already covered, totally covered, done, finished, nothing you can add to it by the work of Jesus. Christ. So why do we need to repent? If it's already a done deal, then why do we need to repent? Because Jesus says to the seven churches of Revelation, he says to them, hey guys, it's me, Jesus. You need to repent. And he just lists some things they need to repent of. So, so do we as Christians need to repent? And I'm going to say the answer that I believe is yes." [01:11:19] (90 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So confessing is not a payment. It's not a payment. It's not a condemnation even. There's therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. So confessing is not a payment. In other words, there's no, I can't, I can't buy any, I can't crawl on my hands and knees with, penitence, and make everything all right with God. I can't flagellate myself with a whip until I'm bloody so that I can't pay any of my own sins. There's no way I can pay for that. So even by repenting, I'm not paying for anything because it's already paid. You get that? Have we established that? So it's already paid. But my confession is, I'm just agreeing with God that what I did was ugly, maybe unworthy thing for a believer to do. You ever done anything ugly? Ever had been ugly? Had an ugly attitude? So that you would have godly sorrow and not worldly sorrow. Worldly sorrow, the Bible qualified, and I'll go to all of them, all of this, but worldly sorrow is condemnation." [01:14:12] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So what are you, he's going to, he's just going to deal with some stuff. He's going to point out some stuff because he loves us. You just say, what's repentance? Rerouting. I need to change direction. So, do I need to repent? I think sometimes we do. I think we do. And it's not about getting our salvation back. Because we can't lose it. It's not about starting all over again. You see, I grew up, I mean, I went to the altar as a kid all the time because I thought, well, I messed up. I got to start over again. And then I, I'm going to give my life to Jesus. And then, you know, I'd, I'd sin some great sin. I can't remember what they were, but it had to be great sins. I was 12 or 13 years old. And, would commit my life to Christ. And then I would, say, damn in the garage or something like that. And I'd say, well, I can't be a Christian. Apparently, I can't be a Christian because I can't not make mistakes. And, and if you're a Christian, because I never thought Christians made mistakes. So, I can't be a Christian because I keep making mistakes. I keep sinning. I must not be a Christian because I keep sinning. One night, when I was 19 years old, I understood, I think it was by revelation because I'd never been taught it. I understood that salvation was not based on me." [01:18:10] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "But on Jesus. And I received the complete work of Jesus in my life. And it's never been the same. He's still working on me, but He's not working on me in condemnation. He's working on me in love. And you know there's a difference. You know there's a difference. You feel it. If somebody loves you and they tell you, hey, you need to watch what you're eating. Someone who doesn't love you and tells you to watch what they're eating and you want to tell them, well, let me tell you something. I don't know if there's a few things that you haven't noticed about yourself. If that's what we're doing, if this is judgment hour, well, let's bring it on, right? Our security in the work of Christ. And we can rest in that. We can have peace in that. Amen." [01:19:40] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "There may be an area where the Holy Spirit has just been dealing with you. You know, the Holy Spirit has just been prompting you that maybe you feel kind of stuck in your walk with the Lord. You think, I don't feel like I'm making progress, but the Holy Spirit's been saying, hey, you know, you need to forgive this person over here. And you're like, no, not yet. It's not going to do it yet. Or you need to change this attitude or this, whatever. And I would say this, agree with God, about what He's doing in your life. Just say yes. Just work at saying yes to God. None of us do it all the time. I don't do it all the time. I should. I don't do it all the time. But the process of maturity and growth is often works, fruitfulness often works in our continuing surrender to the complete work of Christ on the cross." [01:20:41] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Father, in Jesus' name, I receive what you did. I believe in the gospel. I believe the good news of Jesus Christ, that you came and you lived and you died and defeated death, hell, and the grave and rose again and ascended to the Father on my behalf. And that sacrifice has been applied to me. And now I'm a child of God. I'm a son of God. I belong to you. And that is not going to change. It's done. It's a done deal. Once and for all." [01:21:40] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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