Jesus: Fire, Division, and the Cost of Discipleship

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Hope on the Beach Church! Today, we delved into a profound and somewhat controversial topic as we continue our series on understanding Jesus' mission and teachings. We explored the challenging scripture from Luke 12:49-53, where Jesus speaks about bringing fire and division rather than peace. This passage can be perplexing, but it becomes clearer as we understand Jesus' agenda and the context of His words.

Jesus' declaration about bringing fire is not about destruction but about purification and judgment. He speaks of a "baptism of suffering" that He must undergo, referring to His impending crucifixion and resurrection. This ultimate sacrifice is the means by which He purifies and saves humanity. Jesus' longing for the fire to already be kindled reflects His eagerness for the Holy Spirit to come and transform hearts, as seen at Pentecost.

The fire Jesus speaks of is the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, working together to awaken, purify, and guide believers. This divine fire brings both peace and division. It unites those who accept Jesus but also divides families and communities because of the radical nature of His teachings and the call to obedience.

We are reminded that following Jesus involves embracing suffering and carrying our cross. This suffering is not without purpose; it brings us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and purifies our hearts. Jesus' mission is not just to save us but to continually transform us through His Word and Spirit.

In these end times, there is an urgency for the Kingdom of God. We must be vigilant, discerning the signs of the times, and committed to discipleship. Jesus calls us to be obedient, to let His Word rule in our hearts, and to live out our faith boldly, even in the face of rejection and suffering.

### Key Takeaways

1. Jesus' Fire is Purification and Judgment: Jesus' reference to bringing fire is about the Holy Spirit and the Word of God purifying and judging the world. This divine fire awakens hearts to righteousness and calls for a deep commitment to follow Jesus' teachings. [21:03]

2. The Baptism of Suffering: Jesus speaks of a "baptism of suffering," referring to His crucifixion and resurrection. This ultimate sacrifice is the means by which He purifies and saves humanity, highlighting the cost of our salvation and the depth of His love. [26:59]

3. The Holy Spirit and the Word: The Holy Spirit and the Word of God work together to transform and purify believers. This divine partnership is essential for understanding God's will and living a life that reflects His teachings. [30:37]

4. Embracing Suffering: Following Jesus involves embracing suffering and carrying our cross. This suffering brings us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and purifies our hearts, making us more like Christ. [46:02]

5. Urgency for the Kingdom of God: In these end times, there is an urgency to live out our faith boldly and be committed to discipleship. We must be vigilant, discerning the signs of the times, and obedient to Jesus' call, even in the face of rejection and suffering. [52:51]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:44] - Introduction and Connection
[03:21] - Series Overview
[03:46] - Devices Listening and Bible Verse
[04:21] - Prayer and Reflection
[05:57] - Embracing the Cross
[17:49] - Jesus' Agenda
[18:36] - Understanding Agendas
[19:13] - Evaluating Jesus' Agenda
[20:11] - Jesus' Fire and Judgment
[21:03] - The Meaning of Fire
[22:42] - The Master's Expectations
[24:07] - Judgment and Righteousness
[25:53] - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering
[26:59] - The Cost of Salvation
[29:22] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[30:37] - The Fire of the Holy Spirit
[31:50] - Purifying the Church
[32:23] - Pentecost and Transformation
[34:02] - Jesus' Mission to Save
[35:43] - Obedience and Authority
[37:27] - The Challenge of Obedience
[38:23] - Peace and Division
[39:12] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[40:10] - The Burden of Rejection
[41:53] - The Reality of Conflict
[43:25] - The Target on Christians
[45:31] - The Power of Suffering
[46:02] - Embracing Suffering
[47:13] - The Strength from Suffering
[48:44] - Dying to Self
[49:23] - Avoiding Suffering
[50:03] - The Hardness of Heart
[51:11] - God's Patience and Mercy
[52:19] - The Call to Repentance
[52:51] - Urgency for the Kingdom
[54:13] - The Need for Discipleship
[55:22] - The Cost of Discipleship
[56:01] - Obeying God Rather Than Men
[56:41] - Following God's Agenda
[57:21] - Confession and Repentance
[58:12] - Assurance of Forgiveness
[59:20] - Offering and Sacrifice
[59:51] - Announcements and Closing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 12:49-53: "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

2. 1 Peter 4:16: "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

3. John 12:46-47: "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says He has come to bring fire on the earth in Luke 12:49? [21:03]
2. According to the sermon, what is the "baptism of suffering" that Jesus refers to in Luke 12:50? [26:59]
3. How does the Holy Spirit and the Word of God work together to transform believers, as mentioned in the sermon? [30:37]
4. What does 1 Peter 4:16 say about suffering as a Christian, and how does it relate to the sermon’s message on embracing suffering? [04:21]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus' mission involve both bringing peace and causing division, as stated in Luke 12:51-53? How does this align with His overall mission? [38:23]
2. How does the concept of the "baptism of suffering" deepen our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and its significance for our salvation? [26:59]
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit's work through the Word of God bring about purification and transformation in a believer's life? [30:37]
4. How can the idea of suffering as a Christian, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:16, be seen as a privilege and a way to grow closer to God? [04:21]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when following Jesus caused division in your relationships. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? [39:12]
2. Jesus speaks of a "baptism of suffering" He must undergo. How can you embrace the suffering in your life as a way to grow closer to God and strengthen your faith? [26:59]
3. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of living out our faith boldly in these end times. What specific steps can you take this week to be more vigilant and committed to discipleship? [52:51]
4. How can you allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to work more effectively in your life to bring about transformation and purification? [30:37]
5. Think about a situation where you have been avoiding suffering or discomfort. How can you face it head-on, trusting that God will use it to purify and strengthen you? [46:02]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of obedience to Jesus' call, even in the face of rejection and suffering. What is one area of your life where you need to be more obedient to God's Word? [36:38]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to embrace suffering and carry their cross, as Jesus calls us to do? [05:57]

Devotional

Day 1: The Purifying Fire of Jesus
Jesus' reference to bringing fire is about the Holy Spirit and the Word of God purifying and judging the world. This divine fire awakens hearts to righteousness and calls for a deep commitment to follow Jesus' teachings. The fire Jesus speaks of is not about destruction but about purification and judgment. He speaks of a "baptism of suffering" that He must undergo, referring to His impending crucifixion and resurrection. This ultimate sacrifice is the means by which He purifies and saves humanity. Jesus' longing for the fire to already be kindled reflects His eagerness for the Holy Spirit to come and transform hearts, as seen at Pentecost. [21:03]

Malachi 3:2-3 (ESV): "But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord."

Reflection: What areas of your life need the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite God to refine you today?

Day 2: The Cost of Salvation
Jesus speaks of a "baptism of suffering," referring to His crucifixion and resurrection. This ultimate sacrifice is the means by which He purifies and saves humanity, highlighting the cost of our salvation and the depth of His love. Jesus' mission was not just to save us but to continually transform us through His Word and Spirit. This transformation often involves suffering and carrying our cross, which brings us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and purifies our hearts. [26:59]

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: Reflect on the cost of your salvation. How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice change the way you live your daily life?

Day 3: The Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit and the Word of God work together to transform and purify believers. This divine partnership is essential for understanding God's will and living a life that reflects His teachings. The fire Jesus speaks of is the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, working together to awaken, purify, and guide believers. This divine fire brings both peace and division. It unites those who accept Jesus but also divides families and communities because of the radical nature of His teachings and the call to obedience. [30:37]

John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: How can you be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions? What steps can you take to immerse yourself more in God's Word?

Day 4: Embracing Suffering for Christ
Following Jesus involves embracing suffering and carrying our cross. This suffering brings us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and purifies our hearts, making us more like Christ. Jesus' mission is not just to save us but to continually transform us through His Word and Spirit. In these end times, there is an urgency for the Kingdom of God. We must be vigilant, discerning the signs of the times, and committed to discipleship. [46:02]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are experiencing suffering? How can you see this suffering as a way to grow closer to Christ?

Day 5: Urgency for the Kingdom of God
In these end times, there is an urgency to live out our faith boldly and be committed to discipleship. We must be vigilant, discerning the signs of the times, and obedient to Jesus' call, even in the face of rejection and suffering. Jesus calls us to be obedient, to let His Word rule in our hearts, and to live out our faith boldly, even in the face of rejection and suffering. This urgency for the Kingdom of God requires us to be vigilant and committed to discipleship. [52:51]

Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV): "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to live out your faith more boldly? How can you be more vigilant in discerning the signs of the times and being obedient to Jesus' call?

Quotes

1. "Our only purpose here is really to, man, we just want to make it simple to connect to Jesus because He's longing to connect with you. We don't want to be in a way of that. We want to be a vessel of that. But we do want to recognize your presence with us. We truly believe that you are a gift." [02:44] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus' agenda is to suffer and be crucified for your judgment. That's his agenda. And Jesus, in one sense, is a little eager to get the pain over with. Think about when you have something that's painful or stressful that's out there in front of your calendar. That you know you have to do. You know it's going to come. what that does to you, it preoccupies you. It's on your mind." [27:54] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The fire that Jesus is talking about is the Holy Spirit and the Word. And if you want to add a little phrase, Jesus is the fire. It's the Holy Spirit and the Word. That is on mission. It is on mission, as Jesus pointed out, to bring his kingdom to seek what was lost. That it could be recovered. And so wherever you have the Holy Spirit, you have the Word. And the Word and the Holy Spirit work together." [30:37] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is reminding us as believers, we must embrace the fire of His Word that continues to save us as we keep running to the dark. Jesus is on mission not just for part of you. The blood on the cross didn't just save, as my parents would say, half your bottom. It saved the whole enchilada. It saved all of you. He delivers you all from the darkness, from your sin. And through the Holy Spirit that He's given you, He's made you a new creation." [34:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is saying, look, God saves you. And He is the Master and He is Lord. And He places you under His authority to save you. But being under the authority of the Lord now calls for obedience. Like, we trust Him. Not just trust, hey God, you're going to take care of eternity. Thank you very much. I'll go live my life. I got that. No, we trust Him for every day knowing that He knows best. That we trust Him enough that even when it doesn't feel good, that it's best." [36:38] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus is telling us, man, if you're following Jesus, and you're being truthful, and you're being obedient, you're going to have conflict. It's inevitable. You're going to have conflict, even amongst the ones that you love the most, that love you. I mean, this is a little bit too well-known for me. You know, you think people might reject you for being a Christian, but just go in a crowd and say you're a pastor, and watch people like roaches of light just scatter and run away from you." [41:53] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Being a Christian, it comes with a target on your back. If you're not a Christian, or you're just a lukewarm Christian, you're not going to have a target on your back. Satan doesn't need to mess with you, because you're already not a good witness. You're not moving the bar. You're not on the team. You're not following the mission. But if you say, God, I'm going to be obedient to your word. I'm going to let that word purify my heart, keep me out of the darkness, and live in your light, and live as that vibrant follower of Jesus is sharing your light, I'm going to tell you, you're going to get attacked." [43:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If they will do that to Jesus, why wouldn't they not do it to you? And the hard thing is for us to take on a love like Christ. Let's look, I'm going to forgive you. I'm going to love, I'm going to still love them. I mean, even the enemies, Jesus says, what? Love them. And so the challenge for us, the church and the suffering that takes on is we take on these burdens, we take on these pains and these relationships, and Jesus says, look, this is the burden and pain he took on for us." [44:29] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I mean, Jesus is sharing what a burden this is. It's a burden that, man, He loves and cares for all so much. He wants them to get it. And it's the same burden that we have here in our hearts for others, too. And it hurts to see that when they reject it, and the temptation is for us, and the temptation is for the church at all, to just change God's Word, to accommodate, so we don't have to go through the rejection. And we can just make peace in our own terms, and not have the burden." [40:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Despite rejection, God's agenda doesn't change. 2 Peter 3, 9 says, For the Lord is really being slow about His promise, His promise to return, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants, wants everyone to repent. I mean, we are in the end times. We've been in the end times. This world is broken. We are broken. And we are broken. And while God is holy and righteous, He can bring His judgment at any time, at any moment, and He would be right and righteous and holy because that's who He is." [51:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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