Nourishing Our Daily Bread: Following Jesus' Teachings
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today marks the beginning of a new semester of ministry with various activities kicking off, including Sunday school, youth group, confirmation classes, and adult faith formation. We also have a midweek Bible study starting this Wednesday, and a new member milestone lunch on September 8th. We are still in need of volunteers for our children's ministry, so please consider helping out.
Today's sermon focuses on the culmination of our series on "Nourishing Our Daily Bread," where we have explored Jesus as the Bread of Life. We have paralleled this with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, discussing how Jesus meets our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Jesus first nourishes our bodies, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000. He then provides us with a sense of security and safety, even in the midst of life's storms. Jesus connects us to meaningful relationships within the church and helps us see our worth through His eyes.
Today, we delve into the concept of self-actualization, which Maslow describes as the highest level of human fulfillment. Jesus nourishes not just our bodies but our spirits, offering us a sense of identity and purpose. However, not everyone accepts this teaching. In today's Gospel, many disciples find Jesus' teachings too difficult and turn away. Jesus asks the twelve if they also wish to leave, to which Simon Peter responds, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Following Jesus is simple to understand but difficult to follow. It requires us to love like Jesus, even our enemies, which is challenging. Joshua's call to "choose this day whom you will serve" reminds us to renew our covenant with God, focusing on our own commitment rather than judging others. As we navigate life's complexities, we must remember that following Jesus is not about what we give up but what we gain—becoming who we are truly meant to be, expressions of Jesus Christ in this world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Nourishes Our Bodies and Spirits: Jesus first meets our physical needs, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000, and then provides us with spiritual nourishment. This holistic approach ensures that we are fully equipped to live out our faith. [28:52]
2. The Challenge of Following Jesus: While the teachings of Jesus are simple to understand, they are difficult to follow. Loving like Jesus, especially loving our enemies, requires a level of commitment and transformation that many find challenging. [32:08]
3. Renewing Our Covenant with God: Just as Joshua renewed the covenant with God, we too must continually renew our commitment to follow Jesus. This involves recognizing the distractions and influences that can lead us astray and choosing to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. [33:41]
4. The Importance of Community and Relationships: Jesus connects us to meaningful relationships within the church, emphasizing that we are not meant to live in isolation. These relationships are vital for our spiritual growth and for living out the love of God in community. [28:52]
5. Self-Actualization Through Christ: True self-actualization, as described by Maslow, is achieved through Jesus. By allowing our lives to be shaped by His teachings and His body, we become who we are truly meant to be—expressions of Jesus Christ in this world. [30:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:50] - New Member Milestone Lunch
[09:17] - Sunday School Volunteers Needed
[14:12] - Sharing the Peace
[27:06] - Gospel Reading: John 6
[28:52] - Jesus Nourishes Our Bodies
[30:30] - Self-Actualization Through Christ
[32:08] - The Challenge of Following Jesus
[33:41] - Renewing Our Covenant with God
[35:08] - The Ten Commandments
[36:39] - Joshua's Call to Serve the Lord
[38:02] - The Danger of Following the Wrong Path
[39:45] - As for Me and My Household
[41:24] - The Words of Eternal Life
[43:00] - Becoming Who We Are Meant to Be
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 6:56-69
2. Joshua 24:15
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them"? ([27:06])
2. How did the disciples react to Jesus' teaching about being the Bread of Life? ([30:30])
3. What was Simon Peter's response when Jesus asked if the twelve also wished to leave? ([27:06])
4. What choice does Joshua present to the people in Joshua 24:15? ([33:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think many disciples found Jesus' teaching about the Bread of Life difficult to accept? ([30:30])
2. How does Jesus' approach to meeting our needs compare to Maslow's hierarchy of needs? ([28:52])
3. What does it mean to "renew our covenant with God" in the context of Joshua's call to choose whom to serve? ([33:41])
4. How does the concept of self-actualization through Christ differ from Maslow's idea of self-actualization? ([30:30])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus nourishes both our bodies and spirits. How can you ensure that you are seeking both physical and spiritual nourishment in your daily life? ([28:52])
2. Following Jesus is simple to understand but difficult to follow. What are some specific challenges you face in loving like Jesus, especially loving your enemies? ([32:08])
3. Joshua's call to "choose this day whom you will serve" is a reminder to renew our commitment to God. What are some distractions or influences in your life that might lead you astray, and how can you address them? ([33:41])
4. Jesus connects us to meaningful relationships within the church. How can you actively build and nurture these relationships in your church community? ([28:52])
5. True self-actualization is achieved through Christ. What steps can you take to allow your life to be shaped by Jesus' teachings and become who you are truly meant to be? ([30:30])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or off course in your spiritual journey. How did you find your way back, and what can you do to stay on the right path moving forward? ([38:02])
7. Simon Peter said, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life." How can you remind yourself of this truth when you face doubts or challenges in your faith? ([27:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Nourishes Our Bodies and Spirits
Jesus first meets our physical needs, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000, and then provides us with spiritual nourishment. This holistic approach ensures that we are fully equipped to live out our faith. Jesus' actions demonstrate that He cares about every aspect of our well-being. By addressing our physical hunger, He shows His compassion and understanding of our human needs. But He doesn't stop there; He also offers us spiritual sustenance, which is essential for our growth and fulfillment.
In John 6, Jesus declares Himself as the Bread of Life, emphasizing that those who come to Him will never go hungry, and those who believe in Him will never be thirsty. This statement highlights the completeness of His provision. He satisfies our deepest longings and equips us to face life's challenges with strength and purpose. As we partake in His spiritual nourishment, we are empowered to live out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. [28:52]
John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt both physically and spiritually nourished. How did this experience equip you to serve others and live out your faith more fully?
Day 2: The Challenge of Following Jesus
While the teachings of Jesus are simple to understand, they are difficult to follow. Loving like Jesus, especially loving our enemies, requires a level of commitment and transformation that many find challenging. Jesus calls us to a radical way of living that goes against our natural inclinations. He asks us to love unconditionally, forgive endlessly, and serve selflessly. This path is not easy, and it often requires us to confront our own prejudices, fears, and insecurities.
In the Gospel of John, many disciples find Jesus' teachings too difficult and turn away. When Jesus asks the twelve if they also wish to leave, Simon Peter responds, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life." This response highlights the profound truth that, despite the challenges, following Jesus is the only path to true life and fulfillment. It is a journey that demands our all but promises eternal rewards. [32:08]
Luke 6:27-28 (ESV): "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life whom you find difficult to love. What steps can you take today to show them the love of Jesus, even if it feels challenging?
Day 3: Renewing Our Covenant with God
Just as Joshua renewed the covenant with God, we too must continually renew our commitment to follow Jesus. This involves recognizing the distractions and influences that can lead us astray and choosing to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. In the book of Joshua, the leader calls the people to "choose this day whom you will serve," urging them to reaffirm their dedication to God. This call to renewal is a reminder that our faith journey requires ongoing commitment and intentionality.
In our daily lives, we face numerous distractions and temptations that can pull us away from our devotion to God. It is essential to regularly evaluate our priorities and make conscious decisions to align our lives with His will. By renewing our covenant with God, we strengthen our relationship with Him and reaffirm our identity as His followers. This process helps us stay focused on our spiritual growth and remain steadfast in our faith. [33:41]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on the distractions and influences in your life that may be pulling you away from your commitment to God. What steps can you take to renew your covenant with Him today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community and Relationships
Jesus connects us to meaningful relationships within the church, emphasizing that we are not meant to live in isolation. These relationships are vital for our spiritual growth and for living out the love of God in community. The church is described as the body of Christ, where each member plays a unique and essential role. Through our connections with one another, we experience support, encouragement, and accountability.
In the early church, believers devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread together, and praying for one another. This sense of community was foundational to their faith and mission. By building strong relationships within the church, we create an environment where we can grow spiritually and serve others effectively. These connections help us navigate life's challenges and celebrate its joys, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey of faith. [28:52]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think about your current relationships within the church. How can you invest more deeply in these connections to foster spiritual growth and mutual support?
Day 5: Self-Actualization Through Christ
True self-actualization, as described by Maslow, is achieved through Jesus. By allowing our lives to be shaped by His teachings and His body, we become who we are truly meant to be—expressions of Jesus Christ in this world. Self-actualization involves realizing our full potential and living out our unique purpose. In Christ, we find our true identity and calling, which goes beyond our personal ambitions and desires.
Jesus offers us a sense of identity and purpose that is rooted in His love and mission. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we discover the gifts and talents He has given us to serve others and glorify God. This process of self-actualization is not about self-centered fulfillment but about becoming more like Christ and reflecting His character in our lives. By embracing His teachings and living out His example, we fulfill our highest potential and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom. [30:30]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Consider the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use them to serve others and fulfill your purpose in Christ today?
Quotes
1. "Following Jesus is simple to understand, I think, but difficult. To follow. Simple to understand, but difficult to follow. At least that's what I believe. When I hear God is love, God is love. Okay. That's simple to understand. God is love on some level. But to love like Jesus, that's difficult to follow." [32:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's more difficult for me to look for the good in people, especially people that maybe I don't like so much. It's difficult for me to love like Jesus loves. To love even my enemies. That's difficult. Simple to understand, difficult to follow. So I understand why these disciples in today's gospel, they turned away because they heard the message of Jesus and it was just too hard." [32:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Choose this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Now, what's going on here in Joshua is a covenant is being renewed. A covenant, a covenant is like a promise. And usually in the Hebrew scriptures, it's a promise between God and the people of God. So God's going to be faithful to that covenant. The people of God, eh, not so much." [33:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think in life, we can get lost. We can follow the wrong directions because we think this is what we're supposed to be doing, because this is what everyone around us is doing. It's not even seemingly bad things. We just, keep signing up. We keep saying yes, because is this what you're supposed to do at this season in life? Isn't this where you're supposed to be?" [38:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As for me and my household, that's all I can do. I can't control what other people do. I can't control how other people go. All I can say is, as for me and my household, we're going to try as best, as imperfectly as we can to follow the Lord. That's all we can do. As for me and my household." [39:45] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Sometimes, and I think especially those who walked away from Jesus in today's gospel, we think about what we're giving up to follow Jesus. But it's really what we're gaining. It's really what we're becoming. Letting our life be shaped by Jesus and his body is becoming who we truly are. Becoming who we were truly meant to be. Expressions of Jesus Christ in this world." [41:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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