Immersed in Love: Serving God Beyond Material Blessings

 

Summary

In my sermon, I began by drawing a parallel between the immersive nature of video games and the way we should engage with the Word of God. I emphasized that the Word is not meant to be approached passively but rather to be lived out and experienced fully, much like how one becomes absorbed in a game. I encouraged the congregation to immerse themselves in the Word, to find their purpose in it, and to understand that it is eternal and does not fade away like material possessions.

I then spoke about love, highlighting that love must be demonstrated through service. I pointed out that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not achieved through anointing but through serving others. I thanked those who had gone out to minister that morning, calling them great in the Kingdom for their service.

I continued by challenging the congregation to keep their hunger for God, to always seek more of Him, and to show their love through servitude. I questioned whether we truly love God, suggesting that we often have a transactional relationship with Him, expecting to receive without giving. I stressed that love is measurable and that if we truly love God, we will keep His commandments, love His Word, and love people.

I then addressed the issue of negativity among believers, stating that it is unnatural for a believer to live in negativity. I shared wisdom from my father, who encouraged us to ask how we can help the past and to align our personal visions with the vision God has for us, avoiding division within the church.

I spoke about the importance of not seeking approval from others but rather seeking to please God first. I explained that when we love God, there are things we don't have to ask for because they are given to us out of His love for us. I shared a personal story about my daughter's birthday, illustrating the nature of love that gives without being asked.

I concluded by reflecting on the conversation Jesus had with Peter, asking him if he loved Him more than the things he provided. I emphasized that Jesus was asking for a love that goes beyond the material, a love that is not based on what we receive but on a genuine relationship with Him. I urged the congregation to consider whether they would still love God if everything was taken away from them.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Word of God is designed to be immersive, not passive. We must actively engage with Scripture, allowing it to transform us and guide us to our divine purpose. Just as a video game requires active participation to progress, so does our spiritual journey with the Word. [07:51]

2. True greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by our service to others. Love must be demonstrated, and the greatest demonstration of love in the Kingdom is through serving one another. Our anointing is not a measure of our greatness; our willingness to serve is. [09:16]

3. Love is sacrificial and covenantal, not transactional. We must be willing to make sacrifices for those we love, including God. Our relationship with Him should not be based on what we can receive but on a genuine commitment to Him and His commandments. [13:12]

4. We must be cautious of a transactional relationship with God, where our faith is shaken when we do not receive what we expect. True love for God is steadfast, regardless of whether our prayers are answered or our desires are met. [58:46]

5. The question Jesus asked Peter about love is a question we must all answer: Do we love God more than His blessings? Our love for God should not be contingent on the material or the miraculous but rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with Him. [41:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 21:15-17 (NIV)
> When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

2. Psalm 119:96 (NIV)
> To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

3. Genesis 22:10-12 (NIV)
> Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus ask Peter three times in John 21:15-17, and how does Peter respond each time?
2. According to Psalm 119:96, how does David describe God's commands?
3. In Genesis 22:10-12, what does God say to Abraham after he shows his willingness to sacrifice his son?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him? What might this repetition signify? [31:15]
2. How does the concept of sacrificial love in Genesis 22:10-12 relate to the idea of loving God more than His blessings? [41:24]
3. What does Psalm 119:96 suggest about the nature of God's Word compared to material possessions? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the eternal nature of God's Word? [07:51]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily engagement with the Word of God. How can you make your study of Scripture more immersive and less passive, similar to how one engages with a video game? [07:51]
2. Think about a recent act of service you performed. How did it demonstrate your love for others and for God? How can you increase your acts of service in your community? [09:16]
3. Consider your relationship with God. Are there times when it feels more transactional than covenantal? What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to God beyond what you receive from Him? [13:12]
4. Reflect on a time when you faced negativity or division within the church. How did you handle it, and what can you do to align your personal vision with God's vision for unity in the church? [03:44]
5. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than the material blessings He provided. If you were to lose all your material possessions, would your love for God remain steadfast? How can you cultivate a love for God that is not dependent on material blessings? [41:24]
6. How do you seek approval from others in your daily life? What changes can you make to prioritize seeking God's approval over human approval? [47:16]
7. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate sacrificial love this week, either to God or to someone in your life. What will you do, and how will you ensure it is a genuine act of love? [13:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Engage with Scripture Actively
Immersing oneself in the Word of God is akin to how a gamer becomes absorbed in a video game. It requires active participation, a willingness to delve deep into the narrative, and to allow the experience to transform one's understanding and actions. The Word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and when engaged with intentionality, it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It is not enough to simply read the Bible; one must live it, breathe it, and let it guide every step towards one's divine purpose. This active engagement is a journey of transformation that leads to a deeper, more profound relationship with God. [07:51]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

Reflection: How can you make your daily Bible reading more interactive and engaging to allow God's Word to transform you?

Day 2: Service Defines Kingdom Greatness
In the Kingdom of God, true greatness is not measured by one's anointing or spiritual gifts but by the willingness to serve others. Love is the currency of the Kingdom, and it must be demonstrated through acts of service. This service is not a begrudging obligation but a joyful expression of the love that flows from a heart transformed by Christ. Serving others is a tangible way to live out the commandments of God, showing that love is not just a feeling but an action. Those who serve are considered great in the Kingdom because they embody the servant heart of Jesus. [09:16]

"But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." - Mark 10:43

Reflection: What is one act of service you can perform this week to demonstrate the love of Christ to someone in your community?

Day 3: Love Beyond Transactions
Love for God is not a transactional affair; it is a sacrificial and covenantal relationship. It is not about what one can receive but about a genuine commitment to God and His commandments. This love is measured by the sacrifices made and the steadfastness of one's faith, even when prayers seem unanswered or desires unmet. To love God is to keep His commandments, to cherish His Word, and to extend that love to others, reflecting the nature of God's unconditional love for humanity. [13:12]

"And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it." - 2 John 1:6

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate a sacrificial love for God that goes beyond expecting blessings in return?

Day 4: Steadfast Love in Faith
A transactional relationship with God is one where faith is contingent on receiving specific answers to prayers or fulfilling desires. However, true love for God is steadfast and does not waver based on circumstances. It is a love that endures through trials, disappointments, and periods of waiting. This steadfast love is rooted in trust and a deep understanding of God's character, knowing that He is good, regardless of the immediate outcomes of our prayers. [58:46]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." - Habakkuk 3:17-18

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where your faith is tested? How can you show steadfast love to God in this situation?

Day 5: Love God Beyond His Blessings
The love that God seeks from His followers is one that transcends material blessings and miraculous signs. It is a love that is rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with Him, independent of what He provides. This love is exemplified in the conversation Jesus had with Peter, asking if he loved Him more than these. To love God in this way is to cherish Him above all else, to seek His presence and favor more than His gifts. [41:24]

"Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'" - John 21:15

Reflection: Reflect on your love for God. Would your love for Him change if all material blessings were removed from your life?

Quotes

"So we have the word of God. Amen? Let's see. I'll bring something down so we can probably understand something. How many of y'all played video games before? At some level, right? Come Yeah, you did. It's okay. You got it. I'm old school, you know. I don't do these new things, huh? But listen to this. Listen to this. Watch this. Video games are not passive. Video games are immersive. You put your mind. In the game and you leave one realm and enter into another. But I said we have the word of God. A lot of us handle it, read it, operate it passively. But it's designed to be immersive." [06:13]( | | )

"Love never fail. Everybody say love never fail. So, so. So love must be demonstrated. If you love someone, there has to be a demonstration. Amen. And the demonstration in the kingdom. Watch this is service is service. You don't become great by your anointing. You become great by your service. I want to thank everybody that went outside of these walls this morning. And ministered. I want to thank everyone that went out and ministered this morning. See, I could call you great. In the kingdom." [09:16]( | | )

"Love is a covenant, not a contract. A contract has a time differentiation in it. It has a limitation. The contract has run out. But a covenant does not. A covenant is for life until death. See, some of our marriages might just be in contract. And not covenant. Y'all all right? God is a God of covenant. Ain't that right? I'm in covenant, Renika, with you. I'm in covenant. That means this right here is till death do us part." [13:12]( | | )

"Many believers. And here's where I want to go. Listen to this. You love me more than the miracles. Love me. Too many believers. I'm going to say too many. Have a transactional relationship with Jesus. Transactional relationship with Jesus. This is why when there is problems, the first thing that is affected is your relationship with God. When believers have a problem, they still go. Watch this. This is they still go to work." [58:46]( | | )

"Can you do? me see who's doing. Can you do what you're called to do without being honored by people? All that you do. Can you do that and not be honored by people? This is when he says to Shana. Loveth thou me more? Than what you're doing without being honored by people, without being recognized by people. Question. Ask yourself that what you're doing for God. If you're not doing got to get something to do and then ask him you're never if no one never tells you you're doing wonderful. Will you still serve him?" [55:00]( | | )

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 15, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

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