Orienting Our Lives Towards Christ This Christmas
Summary
In this sermon, we explore the lives of three men from the Bible: the wise men, Herod, and Simeon, each offering unique insights into how we can orient our lives towards Jesus. As we approach the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday, beyond the carols and commercialism, and focus on aligning our lives with Christ.
The wise men, often misrepresented as kings, were actually magi who oriented their lives towards Jesus. They sought wisdom from above, which led them to seek out and worship the newborn King. Their journey was not just a physical one but a spiritual pursuit of aligning their lives with God's word. They read and believed the scriptures, recognized the worth of Christ, humbled themselves in worship, and obeyed God rather than man. Their story challenges us to consider what we are aligning our lives to and whether it leads us to a life of worship and joy.
In contrast, Herod represents a disoriented life, one that is confused and lost. Despite knowing the prophecies, Herod's fear of losing control led him to oppose God's word and see Jesus as an inconvenience. His actions were driven by a perverted faith, one that sought to maintain power rather than submit to God's authority. Herod's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing control and self-interest over faith and obedience.
Simeon, on the other hand, exemplifies a patient faith. He waited for the consolation of Israel, trusting in God's promises and positioning himself in the presence of God. Simeon's life was marked by the Holy Spirit, and he recognized the saving power of Christ. His story encourages us to have a soft heart, to wait patiently for God's timing, and to trust in His promises.
These three men point us to Jesus, the King of kings, who offers us comfort and direction. As we navigate our own lives, we are invited to orient ourselves towards Christ, seeking His wisdom and guidance. By doing so, we can find true peace and live a life that pleases God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Orienting Towards Jesus: The wise men teach us the importance of aligning our lives with Jesus. They sought wisdom from above, which led them to seek and worship Christ. This challenges us to consider what we are aligning our lives to and whether it leads us to a life of worship and joy. [25:09]
2. The Dangers of Disorientation: Herod's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of being disoriented. Despite knowing the prophecies, his fear of losing control led him to oppose God's word. This reminds us of the importance of submitting to God's authority rather than prioritizing control and self-interest. [32:05]
3. The Power of Patient Faith: Simeon exemplifies a patient faith, waiting for the consolation of Israel and trusting in God's promises. His life was marked by the Holy Spirit, and he recognized the saving power of Christ. This encourages us to have a soft heart and to trust in God's timing. [46:35]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us towards Christ. Just as the wise men were guided by a star, we are guided by the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand God's word and align our lives with His truth. [27:54]
5. Finding True Peace: True peace comes from orienting our lives towards Jesus. By believing in Him, reading and believing His word, and asking for a soft heart, we can find comfort and direction in our lives. This peace is different from what the world offers and is rooted in a life oriented towards Christ. [52:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [21:39] - Misleading Christmas Carols
- [22:46] - Encouragement for the Week
- [25:09] - The Wise Men's Orientation
- [25:57] - Wisdom from Above
- [26:54] - Seeking the King
- [27:54] - Pursuing Faith
- [29:17] - Recognizing Christ's Worth
- [31:01] - Obeying God Over Man
- [32:05] - Herod's Disorientation
- [32:44] - Personal Disorientation
- [33:35] - God of Peace and Direction
- [35:38] - The Challenge of Control
- [36:46] - Reorienting with God's Word
- [38:15] - Becoming Co-Heirs with Christ
- [39:40] - Pursuing vs. Perverted Faith
- [41:04] - Herod's Control and Fear
- [42:09] - God's Plan Through Perverted Faith
- [43:30] - Lessons from Herod
- [45:36] - Simeon's Patient Faith
- [46:35] - Simeon's Encounter with Jesus
- [47:58] - Lessons from Simeon
- [49:57] - Orienting Towards Jesus
- [51:08] - Prayer for Reorientation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-12
2. Luke 2:25-32
3. Micah 5:2-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did the wise men take to orient their lives towards Jesus, and how did their journey reflect their spiritual pursuit? [25:09]
2. How did Herod's reaction to the news of Jesus' birth demonstrate a disoriented life, and what were his motivations? [32:05]
3. Describe Simeon's response upon meeting Jesus. What does this reveal about his faith and understanding of God's promises? [46:35]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers towards Christ? [27:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways do the wise men's actions challenge modern believers to align their lives with Jesus? Consider the significance of their journey and worship. [29:17]
2. How does Herod's story serve as a warning against prioritizing control and self-interest over faith and obedience? What are the potential consequences of such a mindset? [39:40]
3. Simeon exemplified patient faith. How can his example encourage believers to trust in God's timing and promises, even when they are not immediately fulfilled? [47:58]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's word. How can believers cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit to better align their lives with Christ? [27:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life orientation. Are there areas where you need to realign your focus towards Jesus, similar to the wise men's journey? What steps can you take this week to make that shift? [25:09]
2. Consider a situation where you might be prioritizing control or self-interest over faith. How can you submit this area to God's authority and trust in His plan? [32:05]
3. Simeon waited patiently for God's promise. Is there a promise or prayer you are waiting on God to fulfill? How can you practice patience and trust during this waiting period? [46:35]
4. The wise men recognized the worth of Christ and worshiped Him. How can you express your recognition of Christ's worth in your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [29:17]
5. Herod saw Jesus as an inconvenience. Are there aspects of your life where you might be viewing Jesus as an inconvenience rather than a savior? How can you change this perspective? [43:30]
6. The Holy Spirit guides believers towards Christ. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in a specific area of your life where you need direction or clarity? [27:54]
7. True peace comes from orienting our lives towards Jesus. Identify a specific distraction that prevents you from experiencing this peace. What practical steps can you take to minimize this distraction? [52:02]
Devotional
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Day 1: Aligning Our Lives with Divine Wisdom
The wise men, often referred to as magi, exemplify the pursuit of divine wisdom. Their journey to find Jesus was not merely a physical trek but a spiritual quest to align their lives with God's word. They diligently studied the scriptures, recognized the immense worth of Christ, and humbled themselves in worship. Their obedience to God, even when it meant defying earthly authority, challenges us to examine what we are aligning our lives to. Are we seeking wisdom from above that leads us to a life of worship and joy? The wise men's story invites us to orient our lives towards Jesus, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all that we do. [25:09]
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek divine wisdom? How can you begin to align this area with God's word today?
Day 2: The Perils of Self-Centered Control
Herod's life serves as a stark warning about the dangers of being disoriented by self-interest and control. Despite his knowledge of the prophecies, Herod's fear of losing power led him to oppose God's word and view Jesus as a threat. His actions were driven by a perverted faith that prioritized maintaining control over submitting to divine authority. This narrative reminds us of the importance of surrendering our desire for control and self-interest to God's authority. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of a disoriented life and embrace a path of faith and obedience. [32:05]
"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." (Proverbs 28:26, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where you are struggling to relinquish control. How can you practice surrendering this to God today?
Day 3: Embracing Patient Faith
Simeon exemplifies the beauty of patient faith, waiting for the consolation of Israel and trusting in God's promises. His life was marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and he recognized the saving power of Christ when he encountered Jesus. Simeon's story encourages us to cultivate a soft heart, to wait patiently for God's timing, and to trust in His promises. In a world that often demands immediate results, Simeon's patient faith serves as a powerful reminder of the peace and fulfillment that come from trusting in God's perfect timing. [46:35]
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you are waiting on? How can you actively cultivate patience and trust in His timing today?
Day 4: Guided by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us towards Christ, much like the star that led the wise men. The Spirit helps us understand God's word and align our lives with His truth. By being attuned to the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of life with divine guidance and wisdom. This guidance is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His purposes. As we seek to be led by the Spirit, we are invited to open our hearts and minds to His influence, allowing Him to direct our paths. [27:54]
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more attuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to invite His influence more fully?
Day 5: Discovering True Peace in Christ
True peace is found in orienting our lives towards Jesus. By believing in Him, reading and believing His word, and asking for a soft heart, we can find comfort and direction in our lives. This peace is distinct from what the world offers, as it is rooted in a life oriented towards Christ. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we are invited to seek the peace that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, trusting in His promises and guidance. [52:02]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you seek the peace of Christ in your current circumstances? How can you cultivate a heart that is open to His comfort and direction today?
Quotes
"These men, you see, travelled a long distance. Some would say afar, or from afar. You might say because they had a star to guide them, that it was easy. Well, we also have a God, the Holy Spirit. And he points us to Jesus and helps us understand his word." [00:27:31] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. It's powerful. You know, and there are many people, maybe here tonight, seeking to find. There are people I know in this city that are seeking to find." [00:29:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You see, worshipping someone else, like worshipping Jesus, requires a humility. It requires us, to humble ourselves, and we see here in the text, that these wise men humbled themselves. And number five, they obeyed God rather than man." [00:30:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Maybe you feel like you've lost your sense of direction, or you're confused. I want you to know tonight that God is not a God of confusion. So you can be comforted that we serve a God who is a God of peace and direction. He's to be trusted." [00:33:48] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Through Jesus Christ, our saviour. So that being justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Jesus Christ can reorient your life. Did you hear some of that? We come from this place of foolishness and we can reorient, we can be reoriented towards him." [00:37:45] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Are there areas where fear, control or selfishness are stopping you from pursuing Jesus? From having a pursuing faith? Is there something in your faith that is perverted? That still wants control?" [00:41:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You see, Simeon had a patient faith. He patiently waited. And he understood that he could position himself in the presence of God. He oriented his life so that he would experience the presence of God. He trusted in God's promises." [00:46:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"These men in the story point to one man, Jesus, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the one that takes our discomfort, the one that takes our disorientation and comforts, and orient it towards our Heavenly Father." [00:49:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I encourage you to orient your life towards Jesus. Believe in Him, read and believe in His word, ask for a soft heart, ask for the Spirit to help guide you and orient you towards the truth." [00:50:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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