Longing for the Creator: The Transformative Power of the Gospel

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that even in cultures steeped in idolatry, there exists an innate longing for the Creator. This longing is a testament to the divine imprint within every human heart, a yearning for the genuine God, as seen in the story of the Santal people of India. Despite generations of idol worship, they held onto a prophecy about the true God, which was fulfilled when they received the Gospel. This narrative illustrates that God has placed an awareness of Himself in every culture, and when people seek Him, He reveals Himself more fully.

We delved into the power of the Gospel as the light that transforms and illuminates even the darkest minds. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation, offering hope and transformation in a world that often chooses darkness over light. We are reminded of the importance of being rightly related to God, ourselves, others, and creation. This right relationship is the essence of righteousness, and it is through the Gospel that we are restored to this state.

The sermon also addressed the consequences of rejecting God, as outlined in Romans 1. When people choose to worship created things rather than the Creator, God allows them to experience the consequences of their choices. This withdrawal of His presence is a form of His wrath, leading to a spiral of moral and social decay. Yet, even in this, there is hope, as the Gospel offers a way back to God, a way to be rightly related once more.

We are called to examine our own lives for any idols we may be worshiping, whether they are obvious or subtle. Our sin problem is ultimately a worship problem, and we must be vigilant against the disordered desires that lead us away from God. The enemy seeks to exploit these desires, but through repentance and the power of the Gospel, we can resist and remain aligned with our Creator.

In closing, we are reminded of the urgency to maintain our allegiance to Jesus, to be true worshipers, and to lead by example in a world that desperately needs the light of the Gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- Innate Longing for God: Even in idolatrous cultures, there is an inherent longing for the Creator, as seen in the Santal people's story. This longing is a divine imprint, a testament to God's presence in every culture, waiting to be revealed when sought earnestly. [01:23]

- Power of the Gospel: The Gospel is the transformative power of God, capable of illuminating the darkest minds and offering hope and salvation. It is the light that shines in the darkness, bringing restoration and right relationship with God. [04:29]

- Consequences of Idolatry: Rejecting God leads to a withdrawal of His presence, resulting in moral and social decay. This is a form of His wrath, allowing people to experience the consequences of their choices, yet the Gospel offers a way back to Him. [11:24]

- Worship and Sin: Our sin problem is fundamentally a worship problem. When we worship anything other than God, it leads to disordered desires and a spiral of sin. True worship aligns us with God and restores us to righteousness. [22:24]

- Urgency of Allegiance to Jesus: It is crucial to maintain our allegiance to Jesus, resisting the distractions and idols of the world. Through repentance and the power of the Gospel, we can remain true worshipers and lead by example in a world that needs the light of Christ. [33:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:23] - Innate Longing for the Creator
- [04:29] - The Power of the Gospel
- [05:20] - Righteousness and Right Relations
- [06:45] - The Consequences of Rejecting God
- [09:46] - Idolatry and Its Effects
- [11:24] - God's Wrath and Withdrawal
- [13:27] - Restoration Through the Gospel
- [14:55] - Reflecting God's Glory
- [22:24] - Worship and Sin
- [24:30] - The Slide into Darkness
- [25:26] - The Revelation of Wrath
- [26:22] - The Loving Father
- [27:13] - The Flood as an Image of Wrath
- [28:27] - Israel's Idolatry and Dispersion
- [30:32] - The Gospel as the Solution
- [31:28] - Regression and Idolatry
- [33:07] - Urgency of Allegiance to Jesus
- [33:49] - True Worship and Repentance
- [38:25] - Spiritual Warfare and Disordered Desires
- [42:40] - Choices in the Current of Decline
- [44:13] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 1:16-32
- Acts 17:22-31

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Observation Questions:

1. How did the Santal people of India demonstrate an innate longing for the Creator despite their idolatrous culture? [01:23]

2. What does Romans 1:16-17 say about the power of the Gospel, and how is it described in the sermon? [04:29]

3. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of rejecting God as outlined in Romans 1? [11:24]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between worship and sin? [22:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the story of the Santal people illustrate the concept of an innate longing for God in every culture? [01:23]

2. How does the sermon explain the transformative power of the Gospel in contrast to the darkness of idolatry? [04:29]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's wrath and its implications for those who reject Him? [11:24]

4. How does the sermon connect the idea of disordered desires with the concept of idolatry and sin? [22:24]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any subtle idols that might be drawing your attention away from God? How can you address these distractions? [33:49]

2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of maintaining allegiance to Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your relationship with Him? [33:07]

3. Consider the power of the Gospel in your life. How have you experienced its transformative effects, and how can you share this with others? [04:29]

4. The sermon discusses the consequences of rejecting God. How can you ensure that your daily choices align with God's will and avoid these consequences? [11:24]

5. In what ways can you actively seek to be a true worshiper, as described in the sermon, in your everyday life? [33:49]

6. How can you identify and resist the disordered desires that may lead you away from God? What role does repentance play in this process? [22:24]

7. The sermon calls for leading by example in a world that needs the light of the Gospel. What specific actions can you take to be a light in your community this week? [33:49]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Imprint in Every Heart
In every culture, regardless of its practices or beliefs, there exists an innate longing for the Creator. This longing is a testament to the divine imprint within every human heart, a yearning for the genuine God. The story of the Santal people of India exemplifies this truth. Despite generations of idol worship, they held onto a prophecy about the true God, which was fulfilled when they received the Gospel. This narrative illustrates that God has placed an awareness of Himself in every culture, and when people seek Him, He reveals Himself more fully. This divine imprint is a reminder that God is always near, waiting to be discovered by those who earnestly seek Him. [01:23]

Acts 17:26-27 (ESV): "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us."

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt a deep longing for something greater than yourself. How might this longing be a reflection of your innate desire for God?

Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The Gospel is the transformative power of God, capable of illuminating even the darkest minds and offering hope and salvation. It is the light that shines in the darkness, bringing restoration and right relationship with God. In a world that often chooses darkness over light, the Gospel stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. It reminds us of the importance of being rightly related to God, ourselves, others, and creation. This right relationship is the essence of righteousness, and it is through the Gospel that we are restored to this state. [04:29]

2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV): "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the transformative light of the Gospel to shine? How can you invite God to illuminate these areas today?

Day 3: The Consequences of Idolatry
Rejecting God leads to a withdrawal of His presence, resulting in moral and social decay. This is a form of His wrath, allowing people to experience the consequences of their choices. When people choose to worship created things rather than the Creator, they enter a spiral of moral and social decay. Yet, even in this, there is hope, as the Gospel offers a way back to God, a way to be rightly related once more. This understanding calls us to examine our own lives for any idols we may be worshiping, whether they are obvious or subtle. [11:24]

Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

Reflection: Identify one thing in your life that you may be placing above God. What steps can you take to realign your priorities and place God at the center?

Day 4: Worship and Sin
Our sin problem is fundamentally a worship problem. When we worship anything other than God, it leads to disordered desires and a spiral of sin. True worship aligns us with God and restores us to righteousness. The enemy seeks to exploit these desires, but through repentance and the power of the Gospel, we can resist and remain aligned with our Creator. This calls for vigilance against the disordered desires that lead us away from God and a commitment to true worship that aligns us with Him. [22:24]

Psalm 115:4-8 (ESV): "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily habits and routines. Are there any that might be leading you away from true worship of God? How can you adjust these habits to foster a deeper relationship with Him?

Day 5: Urgency of Allegiance to Jesus
It is crucial to maintain our allegiance to Jesus, resisting the distractions and idols of the world. Through repentance and the power of the Gospel, we can remain true worshipers and lead by example in a world that needs the light of Christ. This urgency calls us to be vigilant in our faith, to examine our lives for any idols, and to lead by example in a world that desperately needs the light of the Gospel. By maintaining our allegiance to Jesus, we can be true worshipers and reflect His light to those around us. [33:49]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate your allegiance to Jesus today, in your actions or words, to those around you?

Quotes

Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:

1. "So I mean, even in idolatrous cultures, and I'm not just talking about America, or if you think about Athens, when Paul came in Acts chapter 17 and says, wow, I see your city is full of idols. Wow, I wish you just knew the unknown God, and I want to reveal that unknown God to you. But even in the past, reading a little bit of a book, I've read it many times, but Don Richardson's got a book called Eternity in Their Hearts. And he mentions this group of people, the Santal people of India." [00:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Savior Jesus Christ as we announce this message people say well that's what we've been looking for the creator God has revealed himself he's made himself known and has drawing us to himself and through the work and for the person of Jesus Christ well when it seems like when people seek more light God gives them more light and when they seek darkness they just keep going into darkness it seems to be the pattern of humanity and so we're asking for a revelation of God among our friends how many of you ask that God would be revealed in your friends and family members hearts like I just show up show up show out show off be be gracious to them right and as we think about the Santal people that then grew and grew and grew and then we need more missionaries we need more support we need more workers because this just grew and grew and grew as you think about this we need more missionaries we need more support we need more workers because this just grew and grew and grew and grew and then we need more missionaries we need more workers because this about that account and think about what Paul is saying in Romans chapter 1 he's saying even in a world of darkened minds the gospel has the power to illuminate and transform so I'm going to read a passage here in a minute that's like oh wow well nothing could ever happen how could how could anything go right after something like that and he's actually saying remember he's saying I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because the power of God unto salvation for all who believe to the Jew first and also to the Greek and then he's going to go into the gospel of Christ and he's going to go into the gospel of Christ and he's going to go into the gospel of Christ and he's this other passage as like that's the solution to this decline that I'm just about to talk about so I kind of want you to hold the power of the gospel here even as we talk about the wow wow it could never get better it could never get better he's he's putting the gospel front and center and then talking about the wow wow wow the decline because there is hope for transformation this longing for resolution revelation and the and we'll look at the the light of revelation contrasted with the desire for darkness people people like that want to sin prefer darkness rather than light typically until the end of the regression or progress or whatever we call it but then there's a revelation of wrath" [02:14] (134 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "so here's my deep conviction when God addresses the core problems in you and in your country and your city and your society and your family when God addresses the core problems in you this is good news oh you're going the wrong way your darkness, your sin your rebellion is just going and when he offers the good news in the face of that that's awesome when God convicts you of sin causing you to turn to him this is amazing news you should want that you should court that is there anything more you could say to me because I want that when God treats you as children and disciplines you that's a Hebrews 12 passage if you're not a child that is being corrected by God you're an illegitimate child and he doesn't care about you you're an illegitimate child so no discipline is pleasant but" [06:45] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "know it's painful but later on it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained up under it like don't you want to be treated as children or just like hey whatever whatever whatever so this is a good thing when he retreats from you that's the worst news ever when God backs away his loving presence his face turns away whoa when he backs away and leaves you to your own devices that is not good news when he gives you over to your own darkened thinking this is terrible news and we'll see that Paul says this is the revelation the apocalypse of his wrath the apocalypse of his anger is the backing away the giving over let's listen to it it's one of those passages that doesn't need a lot of explanation and maybe we next week I'll go through the passage again and we'll pull out another theme so just know I know there's going to be a lot left on the table but Paul is just saying look this is what's happening here the wrath of God is apocalypse" [07:46] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled, listen, with all manner of unrighteousness. Evil, covetousness, malice. They're full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. Now, in case you were wondering, this is not the same, like, so if you give yourself over to unnatural sexual desires, then you become envious, murderous, strife. He's talking about when you worship other gods, they will twist you according to your disordered desires." [22:59] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "And exhibit A is, hey, guys, this is disordered. This is not rightly related to God, even to yourself, certainly not to others, and certainly not into the creation and the created world. But now we're seeing some other distortions, too. Now we're talking about, full of, like, all kinds of unrighteousness. Evil, covetousness, malice. I mean, we could kind of push on those terms a little bit, but evil, right? I think we got that. Covetousness. Really desiring. This is more of the Ten Commandments stuff. Now I want what they have, and I gotta have what they have. And it's not just keeping up with the Joneses and appearances. It's like I can't sit well unless I have, what that person has. Malice. Really desiring ill and speaking ill of other people." [23:48] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "When God gives people over, this is a form of His wrath. The withdrawal allows us to experience the full consequences of our choices. Now, when I was a kid, I'm sure my dad looked out the window and said, well, that's just dumb. What I was doing. But he was also a dad. Now, my mom would say, we've got to stop it. Understood. My dad would just be like, this will be interesting. He's built a ramp for his bike. This is just going to be interesting. I'll see how this, see how this, see how this goes." [26:04] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Think about it this way. So I've been thinking about the flood, the narrative of the flood. This is early in Genesis. As one of those moments where God has done the work in creation and he separated the waters. The water comes to here and no further. And the land goes to here and no further. And God separates the waters. But then wickedness is so bad. Everybody does what's right in their own eyes and evil all the time everywhere. And he says, you don't want me? What happens if I step back? What happens to the flood? What happens to the waters, right? Just kind of an image of the apocalypse of his wrath is to just..." [27:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called. sons of God. Now we're grafted into this story. One thing to be looking for, and it's not the most noticeable here, but it's something I have my eye on as we're going through Romans, is that Paul, the apostle, might be thinking that in order to get all of the 10 tribes back, we're just going to have to go to all the nations because they're all mixed in there anyway. And so maybe the restoration of Israel is just the gospel message to the Gentile nations. And that's how this whole picture, and in this way, all Israel will be saved. It's possible as we move forward. We're a few chapters behind that right now, but we'll take a look." [28:50] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So this is the solution. This giving over state, like the gospel is the solution to this. He's been given over, given over, given over. Just halt the problem. In the progress of the cancer, you respond to Jesus as Lord and Savior. So I guess the main point is this, and what I'm trying to say is that we've got this idolatry, which is the rejection of God. So 10th commandment, number one, you shall have no other gods before me, resulting in a spiral of moral and then social decay. Okay." [29:52] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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