Living in the Victory of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound truth that we are either fighting for victory or from victory. This concept, though familiar, often eludes our daily practice. We know intellectually that the battle is already won through Jesus, but we frequently forget and try to handle things on our own. The enemy uses distractions to pull us away from our focus on Jesus, but we must remember that the battle is already won. Our prayer should be for God to help us step into this victory and deny the lies of the enemy.
We also discussed the importance of caring more about what God thinks than what others think. This shift in focus can transform our lives and our church community. When we prioritize God's opinion, we align ourselves with His will and purpose, leading to a more authentic and powerful walk with Him.
Furthermore, we delved into the miraculous nature of God's work in our lives. Everything God does is miraculous, from the breath we take to the thoughts He gives us. Recognizing these daily miracles helps us appreciate the constant presence and power of God in our lives.
We then examined the roles Jesus fulfills as the great apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher. These roles are not just historical but are active and present in our lives today. Jesus, as the original apostle, was sent by God, and in turn, He sends us out as His disciples. This apostolic calling means we are all missionaries, sent to share the transformative power of Jesus with the world.
Finally, we were challenged to believe, follow, and obey Jesus fully. This involves recognizing Jesus not just as our Savior but also as our Lord. It means being willing to go wherever He sends us, even if it disrupts our comfort and plans. Our ultimate goal is to live a life of obedience to Jesus, driven by our love for Him and His love for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Victory in Jesus: We often forget that the battle is already won through Jesus. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we should pray for God to help us step into His victory and deny the lies of the enemy. This shift in perspective can transform our daily struggles into opportunities to experience God's power and grace. [26:30]
2. Prioritizing God's Opinion: Caring more about what God thinks than what others think can radically change our lives. When we focus on God's opinion, we align ourselves with His will and purpose, leading to a more authentic and powerful walk with Him. This shift can also transform our church community, making it a place where God's will is prioritized above all else. [31:58]
3. Recognizing Daily Miracles: Everything God does is miraculous, from the breath we take to the thoughts He gives us. Recognizing these daily miracles helps us appreciate the constant presence and power of God in our lives. This awareness can deepen our relationship with God and increase our faith in His ongoing work in our lives. [38:06]
4. Apostolic Calling: Jesus, as the original apostle, was sent by God, and in turn, He sends us out as His disciples. This apostolic calling means we are all missionaries, sent to share the transformative power of Jesus with the world. Understanding this calling can give us a sense of purpose and urgency in our daily lives. [44:35]
5. Belief, Follow, and Obey: We are challenged to believe, follow, and obey Jesus fully. This involves recognizing Jesus not just as our Savior but also as our Lord. It means being willing to go wherever He sends us, even if it disrupts our comfort and plans. Our ultimate goal is to live a life of obedience to Jesus, driven by our love for Him and His love for us. [58:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:30] - Victory in Jesus
[27:17] - Distractions from the Enemy
[28:01] - Weird Thoughts During Worship
[28:23] - Controlling Our Reactions
[28:56] - Competing for Your Time
[29:39] - Denying the Enemy's Lies
[30:27] - Focused on Jesus
[31:58] - Prioritizing God's Opinion
[32:44] - Preparing for Breakthrough
[33:28] - Receiving Breakthrough
[37:16] - Understanding Miracles
[38:06] - Recognizing Daily Miracles
[39:16] - The Miracle of God's Love
[39:44] - Knowing Jesus Personally
[40:25] - Relationship Over Religion
[41:19] - The Pharisees' Mistake
[42:05] - What Makes Jesus, Jesus?
[42:44] - Ephesians 4: Gifts to the Church
[43:47] - The Role of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers
[44:35] - Apostolic Calling
[45:25] - Misconceptions About Church
[46:11] - The Right Stuff Doesn't Define You
[47:48] - The Golf Analogy
[49:13] - Playing the Game
[50:10] - Christians and Identity
[51:24] - Understanding Jesus
[51:59] - No Kudos for Staying Power
[52:27] - Jesus as Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher
[52:55] - Missionary Mindset
[53:23] - Temporary Assignment
[54:08] - Following Jesus' Example
[54:44] - Modern-Day Misconceptions
[55:15] - Mindset of Availability
[56:17] - Debt and Disobedience
[57:21] - Growing Up in Church
[57:48] - Setting Up the Month
[58:27] - Belief, Follow, and Obey
[59:24] - Jesus as Savior and Lord
[01:00:14] - Overwhelmed by God's Love
[01:01:06] - Understanding Salvation
[01:01:32] - Jesus as the Great Apostle
[01:02:04] - God Sent His Son
[01:02:35] - Apostolic Ministry
[01:03:06] - Apostolic Living
[01:03:36] - Missionary Mindset
[01:04:11] - Platform for Mission
[01:04:36] - Following Jesus on Mission
[01:05:03] - Sent by God
[01:05:27] - Jesus' Mission
[01:05:54] - Jesus Sent His Disciples
[01:06:19] - Apostolic Continuation
[01:06:47] - The Kingdom of God
[01:07:16] - Misconceptions About the Holy Spirit
[01:07:44] - Purpose of Miracles
[01:08:10] - Relationship Over Education
[01:08:33] - Making Followers of Jesus
[01:09:00] - Knowing Your Mate
[01:09:30] - Experience vs. Understanding
[01:09:54] - Jesus Knows Us
[01:10:22] - Revealing Jesus' Heart and Mind
[01:10:43] - Making Jesus Known
[01:11:07] - Validating Jesus' Identity
[01:11:29] - Jesus is Sending You
[01:11:54] - Reciprocating Process
[01:12:12] - The Great Commission
[01:12:29] - All Authority Given to Jesus
[01:12:50] - Following God's Call
[01:13:16] - Obedience Over Comfort
[01:13:39] - Following God, Not a Job
[01:14:02] - Not From Here
[01:14:24] - Loose Grip on Earthly Things
[01:14:48] - Willingness to Follow
[01:15:10] - Sacrificing for God's Call
[01:15:30] - Responding to God's Call
[01:15:54] - Trusting God's Provision
[01:16:15] - Obedience and Disobedience
[01:16:38] - The Roller Coaster of Faith
[01:17:08] - Sent Ones
[01:17:27] - Gather, Grow, Go
[01:18:02] - Getting in the Game
[01:18:32] - Sent by Jesus
[01:18:54] - Building on the Foundation
[01:19:19] - Will You Believe?
[01:19:40] - Trading Your Life for Jesus
[01:19:59] - Will You Follow?
[01:20:26] - Blank Check Obedience
[01:20:45] - Will You Obey?
[01:21:06] - Obedience to a Person, Not a Process
[01:21:29] - Personal Obedience to Jesus
[01:21:53] - Experiencing God's Love and Grace
[01:22:11] - Quick Repentance
[01:22:35] - Partnering in Faith
[01:22:58] - Committing to the Next Step
[01:23:15] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV): "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
2. Romans 10:9 (NIV): "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
3. John 20:21 (NIV): "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:11-13, what roles did Christ give to the church, and for what purpose?
2. In Romans 10:9, what two actions are required for salvation?
3. How does John 20:21 describe the mission Jesus gives to His disciples?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of distractions the enemy uses to pull us away from focusing on Jesus? ([27:17])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Christ gave specific roles (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) to the church? How do these roles contribute to the unity and maturity of the body of Christ? ([43:47])
2. What does it mean to declare "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead? How does this belief impact a person's life? ([58:27])
3. How does understanding that we are sent by Jesus (John 20:21) change our perspective on our daily lives and interactions with others? ([01:05:03])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of caring more about what God thinks than what others think. How can this shift in focus transform our lives and our church community? ([31:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you tried to handle things on your own instead of stepping into the victory that Jesus has already won. How can you remind yourself to rely on God's power in similar situations in the future? ([26:30])
2. Identify one area in your life where you are more concerned about others' opinions than God's. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize God's opinion? ([31:58])
3. Think about a daily miracle you often overlook, such as the breath you take or a thought that comes to mind. How can recognizing these miracles deepen your relationship with God? ([38:06])
4. Jesus sends us out as His disciples. What is one specific way you can live out your apostolic calling in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles this week? ([01:05:03])
5. Reflect on the concept of Jesus as both Savior and Lord. Are there areas in your life where you accept Jesus as Savior but struggle to follow Him as Lord? How can you work on fully surrendering to His Lordship? ([58:27])
6. The sermon challenges us to believe, follow, and obey Jesus fully. What is one specific step of obedience you feel God is calling you to take, even if it disrupts your comfort and plans? ([01:20:45])
7. How can you cultivate a mindset of availability to God's call, being willing to go wherever He sends you? What might be holding you back from this level of obedience? ([01:14:24])
Devotional
Day 1: Living in Victory
We often forget that the battle is already won through Jesus. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we should pray for God to help us step into His victory and deny the lies of the enemy. This shift in perspective can transform our daily struggles into opportunities to experience God's power and grace. The enemy uses distractions to pull us away from our focus on Jesus, but we must remember that the battle is already won. Our prayer should be for God to help us step into this victory and deny the lies of the enemy. [26:30]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel defeated? How can you remind yourself today that Jesus has already won the victory in that area?
Day 2: Aligning with God's Opinion
Caring more about what God thinks than what others think can radically change our lives. When we focus on God's opinion, we align ourselves with His will and purpose, leading to a more authentic and powerful walk with Him. This shift can also transform our church community, making it a place where God's will is prioritized above all else. By prioritizing God's opinion, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and direction in our lives. [31:58]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking the approval of others over God's approval? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's opinion today?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Daily Miracles
Everything God does is miraculous, from the breath we take to the thoughts He gives us. Recognizing these daily miracles helps us appreciate the constant presence and power of God in our lives. This awareness can deepen our relationship with God and increase our faith in His ongoing work in our lives. By acknowledging the small miracles, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and wonder towards God's continuous involvement in our lives. [38:06]
Psalm 77:14 (ESV): "You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."
Reflection: What are three small miracles you can recognize in your life today? How can acknowledging these miracles change your perspective on God's presence in your daily life?
Day 4: Embracing Our Apostolic Calling
Jesus, as the original apostle, was sent by God, and in turn, He sends us out as His disciples. This apostolic calling means we are all missionaries, sent to share the transformative power of Jesus with the world. Understanding this calling can give us a sense of purpose and urgency in our daily lives. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, sharing His love and truth with those around us. [44:35]
John 20:21 (ESV): "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"
Reflection: How can you embrace your role as a missionary in your daily life? What is one specific way you can share the love of Jesus with someone today?
Day 5: Believing, Following, and Obeying Jesus
We are challenged to believe, follow, and obey Jesus fully. This involves recognizing Jesus not just as our Savior but also as our Lord. It means being willing to go wherever He sends us, even if it disrupts our comfort and plans. Our ultimate goal is to live a life of obedience to Jesus, driven by our love for Him and His love for us. This commitment requires a willingness to surrender our own desires and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives. [58:27]
Luke 9:23 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You're either fighting for victory or from victory. You've heard that? And so I know this to be true in my brain all the time. I know it to be true. But sometimes I find myself, this is the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, right? Sometimes I find myself forgetting though. You know how you can commit something to memory and still forget it? I've committed to memory that the battle is already over. The battle is already won. But I don't always live like the battle is won." [26:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God never speaks in a way that isn't life-changing. Do you know this? Now, you may not hear and heed that. But God never just speaks small. He never just does small things. Everything he does is huge. So, Lord, this is the prayer. So, Lord, in these next few moments, would you prepare my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus to receive whatever breakthrough, you want to provide for me?" [33:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What a miracle that human beings... Because you know you. That this infinite, perfect God said, I love you. And I'm like, are you sure? And do you know? Because if you knew, I feel like... Somehow that would change things a little bit. No. It's like the Bible says that even before the foundations of the earth were established, God knew you and loved you. That even before you were born into sin and to sin, Jesus died for you. That's a miracle." [39:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Will you trade your life that has no hope, no destination, good anyway, no purpose, except eternal separation from the Lord? That's your first step. That's all there is for you in the end. Were you willing to walk away from trying so hard to figure your life out and to make something good before you're gone? Will you trade that in and receive this gift of salvation by believing and trusting in Jesus, not just as Savior because he's the only one who can save, but also as Lord." [01:19:40] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You were lost. Now you're found. You were blind. And now you, you were dumb. And still sometimes you're dumb. Yeah. But the other two are right. So what we have to do is we have to understand that Jesus is not just savior. You can't, you can't divide him up. You can't be like, I like him as savior, but I'm really sure he's, he's one person. You got to take him as savior and Lord." [01:01:06] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Can you imagine that if every single day you were striving to live your life because you cared about what God says about you and what God thinks about you more than what a church says or what a denomination says or what a pastor says or what an author says or what your friends say? It's not that those things aren't valuable. It's just that they can't be the priority." [31:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christians, you can have the right stuff. You can own a Bible and subscribe to all kinds of Christian podcasts and swear on your life that you watch a thousand different preachers online and you can read all the books and you can go to all the conferences. You can buy all the Christian t-shirts, preferably TC shirts, but you can buy all the Christian t-shirts, go to all the Christian concerts. You can have all the posters on your wall. You can have all the right jewelry. You can say all the right things. You can belong to all the right clubs. Listen to me very carefully. And that does not mean anything regarding your identity as a Christian." [50:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So when you look at Jesus, what makes Jesus, Jesus? Because if I don't get this, then it completely affects who I think I am because I got that wrong for a lot of years. I was trying so hard to look at Jesus and try to be and do, but then trying to do my own thing in Jesus' name and it was just in so much conflict. So to the degree that you understand the simplicity, Jesus was not complicated. To the degree that you and I understand the simplicity of who Jesus is, only then will we understand who we are and then how we're supposed to respond as a result." [51:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is sending you out because you are an apostolic people. You are sent ones. What is the point of gathering if you don't go? You know, part of our mission, vision, value stuff, gather, grow, go. It is way easy to gather. Let's just get together. Growing, that takes a little work because we've got to know each other. Go? Yeah, that's for other people. I'm not a goer. I'm really not a goer. I'm more like a prayer for the goers." [01:17:08] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Will you follow part that Lordship is to follow wherever he would go. So, Lord, I believe you. And there's some areas of my life that I have not followed you and I'm ready to follow you wholly, completely, and totally. And I'm not even sure I know what it's going to cost, but blank check. If you wipe me out, it's all yours anyway. So all you did was take your stuff back. It doesn't matter. I mean, it's all yours anyway. So if you take it all, it's okay." [01:20:26] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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