Living God's Way: Embracing Love and Long-Term Hope

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the transformative power of God's love and the importance of living according to His divine guidance. We rejoiced over the decisions made by individuals to follow Jesus, acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Our focus was on the necessity of building our lives on the solid foundation of God's ways, rather than our own, to withstand life's storms. We delved into the story of Peter at the Last Supper, where Jesus washed his feet, teaching us the blessings that come from obedience to God's ways.

We explored the concept of hope and the importance of playing the long game with a perspective rooted in Christ. We were reminded to ignore the voices of critics and cynics and to listen to the voice of God, as exemplified by Abraham's obedience, which led to blessings for generations to come. We discussed the story of Boaz and Ruth, highlighting the significance of doing things the right way, God's way, and the pitfalls of selfishness.

The sermon culminated in the revelation of Jesus as our ultimate model for living the long game, the right way, God's way. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection were presented as the ultimate acts of love and redemption, empowering us to live according to God's will. We were invited to accept Jesus' act of love and to receive salvation through faith, not by works.

Key Takeaways:

- God's ways are infinitely higher than our ways, and living according to His will is like building a house on solid rock. When we prioritize God's word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's guidance, we position ourselves for blessings and the ability to withstand life's challenges. [49:33]

- The long-term perspective of hope in Jesus Christ is essential. We must play the long game, understanding that temporary sacrifices can lead to eternal blessings. Abraham's obedience to God's call resulted in a legacy that extended beyond his lifetime, teaching us the value of faithfulness and long-term vision. [28:28]

- Integrity and righteousness in our actions lead to God's favor. Boaz's refusal to bypass ancient customs and his commitment to doing things the right way, even under pressure, serves as a powerful example of how we should conduct ourselves in all areas of life. [29:16]

- Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of living the long game, the right way, God's way. His willingness to leave heaven, live a perfect life, and sacrifice Himself for our sins demonstrates the depth of His love and the power of living according to God's will. [40:34]

- Marriage is a sacred covenant that reflects God's love and requires a commitment to doing things the right way. Boaz and Ruth's story teaches us the importance of love, responsibility, and dignity in relationships, and how these values contribute to a marriage that honors God and stands the test of time. [33:22]

In conclusion, let us embrace the lessons from Ruth and Boaz, and most importantly, from Jesus' life and sacrifice. Let us commit to living God's way, not our own, and to fostering relationships and making decisions that align with His divine purpose for our lives.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ruth 4:1-10 - The story of Boaz redeeming Ruth and the significance of doing things the right way.
2. Genesis 12:1-4 - Abraham's obedience to God's call and the resulting blessings.
3. John 13:1-17 - Jesus washing the disciples' feet and teaching the importance of obedience to God's ways.

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Boaz take to ensure he followed the proper customs when redeeming Ruth? ([15:00])
2. How did Abraham respond to God's call in Genesis 12, and what was the outcome of his obedience? ([27:01])
3. What was Peter's initial reaction to Jesus washing his feet, and how did Jesus explain the significance of this act? ([36:37])
4. How does the story of Boaz and Ruth illustrate the importance of integrity and righteousness in our actions? ([29:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Boaz chose to follow the proper customs and laws when redeeming Ruth, even though it might have been easier to bypass them? ([29:16])
2. How does Abraham's willingness to leave his comfort zone and obey God's call demonstrate the value of playing the long game with a perspective rooted in Christ? ([28:28])
3. In what ways does Jesus washing the disciples' feet at the Last Supper serve as a model for living according to God's ways? ([36:37])
4. How does the story of Boaz and Ruth challenge us to prioritize integrity and righteousness in our own lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions? ([29:16])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did you ensure that your actions were aligned with God's ways rather than taking an easier, less righteous path? ([29:16])
2. Abraham's obedience led to blessings for generations. What temporary sacrifices might God be calling you to make now for the sake of long-term blessings? ([28:28])
3. Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet was a demonstration of humility and obedience. How can you incorporate acts of humility and service into your daily life? ([36:37])
4. Boaz's integrity in redeeming Ruth is a powerful example. Are there areas in your life where you need to prioritize integrity and righteousness more? How can you start making changes today? ([29:16])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of listening to God's voice over critics and cynics. How can you better discern and follow God's guidance in your life? ([27:01])
6. Marriage was highlighted as a sacred covenant that requires commitment to doing things the right way. If you are married, how can you and your spouse work together to strengthen your relationship according to God's principles? If you are not married, how can you prepare yourself for a future relationship that honors God? ([33:22])
7. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of love and redemption. How can you live out this example of sacrificial love in your interactions with others this week? ([40:34])

Devotional

Day 1: Building on the Eternal Foundation
The wisdom of God surpasses all understanding, and when we choose to live by His decrees, we are like architects constructing our lives on an unshakeable foundation. This foundation is not merely a concept but a practical reality that involves daily decisions to engage with God's word, to communicate with Him through prayer, and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Such a life is resilient, capable of withstanding the tempests that life invariably brings. It is a life marked by blessings, not as a result of our own merit, but because of our alignment with the divine will. [49:33]

Matthew 7:24-25 ESV
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been relying on your own understanding instead of seeking God's guidance, and how can you begin to build that area on God's solid foundation?

Day 2: Embracing Hope Through the Long Game
Hope in Jesus Christ is not a fleeting sentiment but a steadfast anchor that requires a long-term perspective. This hope encourages believers to make sacrifices in the present with the understanding that these will yield eternal rewards. The biblical patriarch Abraham exemplifies this long game; his obedience to God's call not only shaped his own destiny but also left a legacy that has impacted countless generations. This teaches us the importance of faithfulness and a vision that extends beyond our immediate circumstances. [28:28]

Hebrews 11:8-10 ESV
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Reflection: How can you apply the 'long game' perspective in your current challenges, and what is one step you can take today to invest in your eternal future?

Day 3: Integrity Leads to Divine Favor
Righteousness and integrity are not merely moral choices; they are pathways to experiencing God's favor. Boaz, in the story of Ruth, demonstrates this principle by adhering to the customs of his time and honoring his commitments, even when other options might have been easier or more beneficial in the short term. His actions reveal the power of doing things God's way, which often requires patience and a steadfast commitment to what is right. This approach to life not only pleases God but also sets a standard for others to follow. [29:16]

Proverbs 11:3 ESV
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."

Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you might be tempted to compromise your integrity? How can you choose to uphold righteousness in this instance?

Day 4: Following Jesus' Ultimate Example
Jesus Christ is the epitome of living the long game, the right way, God's way. His journey from heavenly glory to the cross was marked by selfless love and obedience to the Father's will. His life, death, and resurrection are not only the foundation of our faith but also the ultimate model for how we should live our lives. By following His example, we are empowered to make choices that reflect His love and commitment to God's will, even when it requires sacrifice. [40:34]

Philippians 2:5-8 ESV
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: What is one way you can model Jesus' sacrificial love in your relationships or community this week?

Day 5: Honoring God in Sacred Covenant
Marriage is a divine covenant that mirrors God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The story of Boaz and Ruth illustrates the importance of love, responsibility, and dignity within this sacred union. These values are not just ideals but practical expressions of a commitment to doing things the right way, God's way. A marriage built on these principles is not only pleasing to God but also has the strength to endure through the trials and joys of life. [33:22]

Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to a marriage or relationship that honors God, and what is one action you can take today to strengthen this bond?

Quotes

1) "I want you to know that because he prioritized God's word, because he prioritized being obedient, blessing flowed." [28:28] (Download | )

2) "Do things the right way. Do things the God-honoring way. Prioritize integrity. Prioritize obeying God and obeying God's principles." [29:16] (Download | )

3) "When you build your life God's way, when you build it on a solid foundation, when the storms come, you'll be able to withstand those storms." [36:31] (Download | )

4) "Make it a priority to live God's way. Spend time in God's word, spend time in prayer, listen to godly counsel and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit." [37:37] (Download | )

5) "Jesus modeled playing the long game, the right way, God's way. He was willing in the Garden of Gethsemane to say, 'Father, not my will, but yours be done.'" [40:34] (Download | )

6) "Marriage is more than just fleeting emotions. It's a sacred covenant. It's ordained by God. It carries a higher calling to reflect God's love and to serve a spouse." [33:22] (Download | )

7) "God's way is greater than your way, than my way. Listen, you and I would be wise, before we let our feet hit the floor in the morning, to ask ourselves this simple question: Will we live this day God's way or my way?" [35:28] (Download | )

8) "We don't earn our salvation. The Bible says, by grace you have been saved through faith. Not of work so no one can boast. No, we receive it by putting our faith in him." [43:42] (Download | )

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Transcript
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