Hope and Humility: Embracing Christ's Presence Together

 

Summary

In the spirit of Palm Sunday, we reflect on the profound comfort and hope found in Jesus Christ, who, despite knowing the trials ahead, entered Jerusalem as the celebrated King of Kings. This act of unwavering commitment assures us that Jesus is deeply involved in our lives, offering hope amidst our anxieties and struggles. Embracing the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of the glory and grace of God, which empowers and restores us, preparing us to live out this hope in our communities.

As a church, we strive to be a welcoming community, deeply rooted in the gospel, and committed to sharing the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. Our financial health is strong, allowing us to plan for future ministry endeavors. We invite everyone to join us in prayer as we seek God's guidance in using our resources to fulfill His mission.

Reflecting on 1 Peter, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the power of the gospel, which transcends our circumstances. The gospel reveals our deep need and brokenness, yet assures us of God's immense love. This truth calls us to live with humility, embracing our need for God and His grace. Humility is not about humiliation but about experiencing God's grace and truth, allowing us to live with hope and confidence.

The church is a community of faith, where leaders are called to shepherd with humility, serving as examples of Christ's love. Leadership in the church is not about power or greed but about nurturing and protecting the flock. We seek leaders who embody calling, character, competence, and chemistry, ensuring they lead with humility and integrity.

Peter's exhortation to humility extends to all believers, emphasizing the importance of honest and vulnerable relationships within the church. Pride, whether expressed as anxiety or arrogance, undermines our witness and hope. We are encouraged to cast our anxieties on God, trusting in His care, and to resist the lies of Satan, who seeks to deceive us.

Ultimately, God promises to restore, establish, strengthen, and support us, even in our suffering. Our hope is anchored in the eternal glory of God, who has dominion over all things. As we partake in communion, we confess our humility and confidence in Christ, remembering His sacrifice and the hope it brings.

Key Takeaways:

- The Comfort of Christ's Presence: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday symbolizes His unwavering commitment to us, offering comfort and hope amidst our struggles. His presence assures us that He is deeply involved in our lives, providing strength and encouragement. [00:00]

- The Power of the Gospel: The gospel reveals our deep need and brokenness, yet assures us of God's immense love. Embracing this truth with humility allows us to live with hope and confidence, transcending our circumstances. [30:51]

- Humility in Leadership: Church leaders are called to shepherd with humility, serving as examples of Christ's love. Leadership is not about power or greed but about nurturing and protecting the flock, ensuring a safe and loving community. [33:12]

- The Dangers of Pride: Pride, whether expressed as anxiety or arrogance, undermines our witness and hope. We are encouraged to cast our anxieties on God, trusting in His care, and to resist the lies of Satan, who seeks to deceive us. [33:12]

- God's Promise of Restoration: God promises to restore, establish, strengthen, and support us, even in our suffering. Our hope is anchored in the eternal glory of God, who has dominion over all things, providing us with strength and confidence. [01:06:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:00:30] - Acknowledging Christ's Presence
- [00:02:00] - Embracing Hope and Comfort
- [00:04:00] - Church Community and Financial Update
- [00:06:30] - Preparing for Easter
- [00:09:00] - Reflecting on 1 Peter
- [00:12:00] - The Power of the Gospel
- [00:15:00] - Living with Humility
- [00:18:00] - Shepherding with Humility
- [00:21:00] - The Role of Church Leaders
- [00:24:00] - Embracing Vulnerability
- [00:27:00] - The Dangers of Pride
- [00:30:00] - God's Promise of Restoration
- [00:33:00] - Communion and Confession
- [01:06:10] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Communion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 4:19-5:11
2. Romans 1:16
3. John 8:44

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 1 Peter 5:6-7 say about how we should handle our anxieties? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on casting our cares on God? [33:12]

2. In the sermon, how is the role of church leaders described in terms of humility and service? What specific qualities are highlighted for leaders? [33:12]

3. According to Romans 1:16, what is the power of the gospel, and how does this align with the sermon’s message about the gospel’s role in our lives? [30:51]

4. How does the sermon describe the nature of Satan’s lies, and what does John 8:44 reveal about his character? [33:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of humility in 1 Peter 5:5-6 challenge common perceptions of leadership both in the church and in the world? [33:12]

2. The sermon mentions that anxiety can be a form of pride. How does this perspective change the way one might approach their own worries and fears? [33:12]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel empowers believers to transcend their circumstances? How does this relate to the idea of living with hope and confidence? [30:51]

4. How does the sermon interpret the promise of restoration in 1 Peter 5:10, and what implications does this have for understanding suffering in the Christian life? [01:06:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current anxiety or worry in your life. How can you practice casting this care on God this week, trusting in His care for you? [33:12]

2. Consider the qualities of humility and service in leadership discussed in the sermon. How can you embody these qualities in your own roles, whether at church, work, or home? [33:12]

3. The sermon emphasizes the power of the gospel to reveal our need and God’s love. How can you remind yourself of these truths daily, especially when facing challenges? [30:51]

4. Think about a time when you believed a lie about yourself or others. How can you seek God’s truth to counteract these lies and live in the freedom of His grace? [33:12]

5. The sermon discusses the importance of vulnerability and honest relationships within the church. How can you foster such relationships in your small group or church community? [33:12]

6. Reflect on the promise of restoration in 1 Peter 5:10. How does this promise encourage you in your current season of life, especially if you are experiencing suffering? [01:06:10]

7. Identify one area in your life where pride might be manifesting as anxiety or arrogance. What steps can you take to address this and embrace humility before God? [33:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Commitment in Our Struggles
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is a profound symbol of His unwavering commitment to humanity, even in the face of impending trials. This act of courage and dedication assures us that Jesus is deeply involved in our lives, offering comfort and hope amidst our anxieties and struggles. His presence is a constant reminder that we are not alone, and He provides the strength and encouragement we need to face our challenges. As we reflect on this, we are invited to embrace the presence of the Holy Spirit, which empowers and restores us, preparing us to live out this hope in our communities. [00:00]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to invite Jesus' presence to bring comfort and hope today?


Day 2: The Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel reveals our deep need and brokenness, yet it assures us of God's immense love. This truth calls us to live with humility, embracing our need for God and His grace. By acknowledging our brokenness, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the gospel, which transcends our circumstances and allows us to live with hope and confidence. This humility is not about humiliation but about experiencing God's grace and truth, enabling us to live a life that reflects His love and mercy. [30:51]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace your brokenness today to allow the gospel to transform your life and circumstances?


Day 3: Humble Leadership in the Church
Church leaders are called to shepherd with humility, serving as examples of Christ's love. Leadership in the church is not about power or greed but about nurturing and protecting the flock, ensuring a safe and loving community. Leaders are encouraged to embody calling, character, competence, and chemistry, leading with humility and integrity. This approach to leadership fosters an environment where the church can thrive as a community of faith, deeply rooted in the gospel and committed to sharing the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. [33:12]

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly." (1 Peter 5:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you support and encourage your church leaders to lead with humility and integrity?


Day 4: Overcoming Pride with Trust in God
Pride, whether expressed as anxiety or arrogance, undermines our witness and hope. We are encouraged to cast our anxieties on God, trusting in His care, and to resist the lies of Satan, who seeks to deceive us. By acknowledging our dependence on God, we can overcome pride and live a life that reflects His love and grace. This trust in God allows us to experience His peace and assurance, even in the midst of life's challenges. [33:12]

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of pride in your life that you need to surrender to God today, trusting in His care and guidance?


Day 5: God's Promise of Restoration
God promises to restore, establish, strengthen, and support us, even in our suffering. Our hope is anchored in the eternal glory of God, who has dominion over all things. This promise provides us with strength and confidence, knowing that God is in control and that He will fulfill His promises to us. As we partake in communion, we confess our humility and confidence in Christ, remembering His sacrifice and the hope it brings. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith and renews our commitment to live a life that honors God. [01:06:10]

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you anchor your hope in God's promise of restoration today, even amidst your current struggles?

Quotes

"As we acknowledge your presence here with us, Lord Jesus, by your Holy Spirit, it's with the Holy Week in mind that as on this Palm Sunday, we remember that you were celebrated as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, that you were welcomed with joy entering into Jerusalem, knowing what that next week would hold. We find a great deal of comfort." [00:21:13] (29 seconds)


"Comfort in the fact that you did not flee from that destiny, and that means you will not flee from us, that you are engaged, that you are aware, that you are within our stories and within our circumstances. Today, we find a great deal of comfort in that. Lord, because we're all coming with various anxieties, various struggles, various temptations, various concerns and worries for ourselves and for others and even for our world. But to know that you are involved in our lives and in our world, Lord, it is something that gives us such great hope. So today, Lord Jesus, we embrace the hope that you grant us through your presence." [00:21:43] (50 seconds)


"We embrace the work of the Spirit to continually remind us of your glory, to continually draw us into your grace, continually speak your truth to us, Lord, that we might be encouraged, that we might be empowered, that we might be strengthened, that we might be restored, that we might be prepared to live out that hope in the world and in the places that you have us." [00:22:31] (29 seconds)


"The gospel, this wonderful, beautiful truth that we have a Savior in Jesus, is what informs and directs our lives. It is not just a doctrine. It is a power. It is something we believe and then experience. The book of Romans tells us that. Paul says, I'm not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation." [00:29:56] (26 seconds)


"That our enemies, our spiritual enemies, sin and Satan and death, are conquered by this power of the gospel. Therefore, we don't need to be ashamed of it. Instead, we need to embrace it and let it inform and direct our lives. Because it takes us into the truth. The truth of who God is, who we are, and what that means as we live our lives. The gospel tells us two very, very important things." [00:30:22] (29 seconds)


"That we are more needy and broken than we care to admit. And that we are more loved than we could ever imagine. Those two things, those two truths, are wonderful. If we have the humility to embrace them. But by humility and embracing those, we get to live with a hope that says, I am a person in need. I don't need to be in denial of that. I don't need to lie to myself or lie to others. The thing is, is that I am maybe a little more fragile than I would care to admit. But I am more loved than I could even imagine." [00:30:54] (43 seconds)


"Paul finishes his letter with this encouragement to enter into life with humility. With an acceptance of the truth, humility. A humility though that is not about humiliation. That is not our God. Our God does not humiliate. He might humble in order that he might restore us. He does not humiliate us and it's an important but subtle distinction that I think we need to make because often when we hear that word humility, we think humiliation. That is what the world says humility is and it says throw off all humiliation." [00:33:19] (41 seconds)


"I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the suffering of Christ as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed shepherd God's flock among you not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly as God would have you not out of greed for money but eagerly not lording over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock and when the chief shepherd appears you will receive the unfading crown of glory in the same way you are younger you who are younger be subject to the elders all of you clothe yourselves with humility towards one another because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that so that he may exalt you at the proper time casting all your cares on him because he cares about you be sober -minded be alert your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour resist him firm in the faith knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore establish strengthen and support you after you have suffered for a little while to him be glory and to him be dominion forever amen" [00:34:27] (76 seconds)


"Peter calls the leaders to be humble then calls everybody to be humble did you get that he's basically setting culture within the church he's saying humility should be kind of what defines all of you no one is greater than anybody else you may be called to different things you may have different levels of maturity but but everybody is equal therefore humble yourselves together before God why because the church demands relationships that are honest that are vulnerable church demands relationships where there's curiosity where where we want to understand and get to know one another because that's what God's done for us we says we've come to know God and actually be known by God Paul says and in the same way we want to know one another and be known by one another and that's a very threatening thing but if there's humility in our midst it's something that we trust we trust that if we risk vulnerability if we risk authenticity we can do so because the person that we're living that life in front of is humble enough and loves us and demonstrates Christ in that sense and Paul is basically Peter oh my gosh today Peter is basically saying pride's gonna kill all of that pride's gonna kill your witness because it's gonna kill your hope and then he identifies two expressions of pride that I think are very relevant and important for us two expressions of pride that Peter identifies anxiety and arrogance" [00:49:39] (93 seconds)


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Transcript
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