Navigating Longing: Embracing Grace in Our Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Discomfort for Spiritual Growth

Embracing discomfort is a vital part of spiritual growth. Often, the journey of faith involves stepping into areas that challenge our comfort and confront our deepest fears and desires. This process of embracing discomfort is not about seeking pain for its own sake but about allowing God to refine and shape us through our experiences. As we navigate our personal longings and the teachings of Scripture, we are called to a life of continual self-denial and renewal in Christ. This journey is marked not by achieving perfection but by progressing in our relationship with God, learning to depend more fully on His grace and strength each day. [22:30]

James 1:2-4 ESV: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What discomfort in your life might God be using to grow your faith? How can you more fully embrace this process?

Day 2: Freedom and Service in Christ

The freedom we receive in Christ is a profound gift, not meant for self-indulgence but for serving others in love. This principle challenges us to look beyond our desires and consider how we might contribute to the well-being of our community. In Christ, we find the freedom to serve, to give, and to love without the constraints of selfish desires. This is a reminder that our salvation is not just about personal fulfillment but about participating in God's larger redemptive plan for humanity. As we live out this freedom, we embody the love of Christ in a world in desperate need of compassion and grace. [29:28]

Galatians 5:13-14 ESV: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection: How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve someone in your community this week?

Day 3: The Deceitfulness of the Heart

Our hearts can lead us astray if we are not vigilant. The prophet Jeremiah warns us about the deceitfulness of the heart, urging us to critically evaluate our motivations and desires. This calls for a disciplined life of discernment and submission to God's ways, even when it contradicts our natural inclinations. By understanding the treacherous nature of our desires, we can guard against the temptation to follow paths that lead away from God's will. This vigilance is crucial in maintaining a life that is aligned with the truth of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. [31:16]

Jeremiah 17:9-10 ESV: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the deceitfulness of your heart? How can you cultivate a practice of discernment in your daily life?

Day 4: Longings as a Reflection of Divine Discontent

Our deepest longings can be seen as a reflection of a divine discontent planted within us by God. These unfulfilled desires are not meant to frustrate us but to point us toward a greater fulfillment that can only be found in God. They remind us of the imperfection of this world and the perfection of the heavenly kingdom we are called to seek. By recognizing these longings as signposts, we can navigate our lives with a clearer sense of purpose and direction, always moving towards the ultimate fulfillment found only in God's presence. [41:03]

Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

Reflection: What are some of the deeper longings in your life that might be pointing you towards God? How can you pursue these in a way that aligns with His will?

Day 5: The Narrow Path of Faithfulness

Choosing to follow Jesus means embracing a narrow path marked by faithfulness and sacrifice. This path, while difficult, leads to true life and freedom from the power of sin. It requires a daily commitment to deny ourselves and follow the teachings of Christ, trusting that He will lead us to our ultimate home with Him. As we walk this path, we discover the true meaning of freedom and life, which are found not in the broad ways of the world but in the narrow way of Christ. [46:21]

Matthew 7:13-14 ESV: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Reflection: What does taking up your cross and following Jesus look like in your current life circumstances? What might you need to deny in order to follow Him more closely?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, I explored the profound theme of longing, particularly as it relates to our spiritual journey and the challenges of embodying a Christian sexual ethic in a complex world. We delved into the tensions between our earthly desires and heavenly callings, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and navigating these tensions with grace and truth.

We began by acknowledging the diverse experiences and backgrounds present within our congregation, emphasizing that despite our differences, we are united in our need for grace and understanding. This series, "Wonderfully Made," aimed to provide compassionate clarity on issues of body, gender, and sexuality, challenging us to approach these topics with a heart centered on Jesus and Scripture.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the internal and external conflicts faced by early Christians in Galatia, as described in the book of Galatians. The Apostle Paul's teachings reminded us that while we are called to freedom, we must not use this freedom to indulge the flesh but to serve one another in love. This historical context parallels our current struggles with legalism and license, urging us to find a balance that honors God while being true to our convictions.

Throughout the sermon, I highlighted the universal nature of our longings—whether they be for physical healing, reconciliation in relationships, or a deeper sense of purpose and identity. These longings, while often rooted in good intentions, can lead us astray if not aligned with God's will. We discussed the dangers of following our hearts without discernment, as our desires can deceive us and lead to sin.

In addressing the practical implications of these teachings, I encouraged the congregation to consider how we might bridge the gap between our intellectual understanding of faith and its real-life application. This involves recognizing the potential for disconnects between what we know and how we live, and taking intentional steps to align our actions with our beliefs.

Finally, we concluded with a call to embrace the narrow path of following Jesus, which often requires us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. This path is not about exclusion but about choosing a way of life that leads to true fulfillment and eternal life, even as it challenges us in the present.

Key Takeaways

1. denial and renewal in Christ. This process is not about achieving perfection but about progressing in our journey with God. [22:30]
2. Freedom and Service in Christ: The freedom we receive in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving others in love. This principle challenges us to look beyond our desires and consider how we might contribute to the well-being of our community. It's a reminder that our salvation is not just about personal fulfillment but about participating in God's larger redemptive plan.

3. The Deceitfulness of the Heart: Our hearts can lead us astray if we are not vigilant. The prophet Jeremiah's warning about the heart being deceitful reminds us to critically evaluate our motivations and desires. It calls for a disciplined life of discernment and submission to God's ways, even when it contradicts our natural inclinations.

4. Longings as a Reflection of Divine Discontent: Our deepest longings can be seen as a reflection of a divine discontent planted within us by God. These unfulfilled desires are not meant to frustrate us but to point us toward a greater fulfillment that can only be found in God. They remind us of the imperfection of this world and the perfection of the heavenly kingdom we are called to seek.

5. The Narrow Path of Faithfulness: Choosing to follow Jesus means embracing a narrow path marked by faithfulness and sacrifice. This path, while difficult, leads to true life and freedom from the power of sin. It requires a daily commitment to deny ourselves and follow the teachings of Christ, trusting that He will lead us to our ultimate home with Him.

** [22:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:40] - Celebrating Community Achievements
[20:35] - Introduction to Final Week's Theme
[23:12] - Prayer and Longings
[27:21] - Addressing Personal and Collective Longings
[29:13] - Freedom and Service in Christ
[31:01] - The Deceitfulness of the Heart
[36:36] - The Role of Jesus in Our Salvation
[40:48] - Divine Discontent and Longing
[46:06] - Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV) — > "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

2. Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)
> "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

3. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
> "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

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Observation Questions

What does Paul mean by "freedom" in Galatians 5:13-14, and how should it be used according to the passage?
How does Jeremiah describe the human heart in Jeremiah 17:9, and what implications does this have for following our desires?
In Matthew 7:13-14, what are the characteristics of the narrow and wide gates, and what do they represent in the context of following Jesus?

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of freedom in Christ challenge the idea of self-indulgence, and what does it mean to serve one another in love? ([29:28])
Why is it important to recognize the deceitfulness of the heart, and how can this awareness impact our decision-making and spiritual growth? ([31:16])
What does it mean to walk the narrow path of faithfulness, and why is it described as difficult yet leading to life? ([46:21])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt a strong longing or desire. How did you navigate it, and what role did your faith play in that process? ([27:36])
In what ways can you embrace discomfort for spiritual growth in your current life situation? What specific steps can you take to align your actions with your beliefs? ([22:30])
How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others in your community this week? Identify one practical way to put this into action. ([29:28])
Think of a recent decision you made based on your desires. How might you evaluate that decision in light of Jeremiah's warning about the deceitfulness of the heart? ([31:16])
What are some practical ways you can pursue the narrow path of faithfulness in your daily life? Consider one specific area where you can deny yourself and follow Jesus more closely. ([46:21])
Identify a longing or desire in your life that may be pointing you toward a deeper spiritual hunger. How can you seek fulfillment in God rather than in earthly things? ([41:03])
How can you bridge the gap between your intellectual understanding of faith and its real-life application? Share one area where you see a disconnect and discuss steps to align your actions with your beliefs. ([43:46])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "When I was in high school, the moment that I got my driver's license, I was free. I was free of an abusive father. I was free of an overwhelmed mother. I spent as little time as possible from that moment forward at my house as I could. And I was going to get as far away from there and as fast as I could as possible, which I took a little too literally based on my high school driving record, right? I wanted an adventure with safe people that wanted to know me. I wanted to be known." [32:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "We live in a culture that is regularly evangelizing you to this worldview. This isn't about any single group, by the way. We all face this temptation, all of us. And really, here's just a quick caution in maximizing pleasure. It will never be enough. Whatever pleasure you think you can get through that action, activity, identity, it's like chasing the sun." [43:46](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "Our lives are supposed to show the forever promise of living with longings today that can never be satisfied without eternity. I want to finish with an excerpt from Ruth Cho Simon's book, Now and Not Yet, in which she provides a liturgy for when expectations are unmet." [46:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Our deepest desires, usually to become people of goodness and love, are often sabotaged by the stronger surface-level desires of our flesh. All healthy, free people self-edit this inner mix of desires." [32:48](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "All earthly longings point to heavenly hunger. Now, in the same letter, the Apostle Paul, he expounds on the concept of how we make a choice about which desire we will honor in our lives. Not just our instant appetite, but our heavenly hunger, which can only be satisfied in God." [33:54](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. Who can understand it? We are all sexually broken. And this list reminds us that we are all completely broken without Jesus. That without Jesus, there is no performing to the level necessary to get to God on our own." [31:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

4. "For you are called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. The flesh here is one of the three enemies that the New Testament describes that we really should be cognizant and looking out for as we're trying to follow Jesus." [29:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

5. "Your desire for more of God than you have right now, your longing for love, your need for deeper levels of spiritual transformation than you have experienced so far is the truest thing about you. You might think that your woundedness or your sinfulness is the truest thing about you, or that your giftedness or your personality type or your job title, your identity as a husband, wife, mother, father. Somehow defines you. But in reality, it is your desire for God and your capacity to reach for more of God than you have right now that is your deepest essence of who you are." [42:20](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

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