Passion for God: Values, Growth, and Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, as we gather, I want to take a moment to recognize Memorial Day. This day is not just about those who served and are still living; that's Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a remembrance of those who gave their lives for our independence and freedom from tyranny. As we honor their sacrifice, let us also remember the martyrs who died for our faith in Jesus Christ, who gave us eternal life free from the tyranny of sin and death. Consider the words of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who died with mercy on his lips. Let us pray for the strength to live for our faith and to die with hope and mercy in our hearts.
Now, let's move on to today's activity. We have a fun competition for the kids involving corn shucking. Claire and Alara will have one minute to shuck corn and scrape the kernels into buckets. This activity is not just for fun; it serves as a metaphor for our spiritual lives. Just as the corn is peeled to reveal the kernels, God peels away our outer layers to expose our true selves. He gathers us, cleanses us from sin, and covers us with His love. This process prepares us for His banquet table, where we are valued and saved.
Passion is closely related to value. When we care deeply about something, we become passionate about it. For example, in a marriage, passion for each other creates a deep connection, while passion for the experience alone leads to isolation. Similarly, our passion for God should be rooted in our value for Him. Psalm 1:1-3 speaks of the happiness of those who do not follow wicked advice but delight in the Lord's instruction. Such a person is like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in its season. This is a picture of spiritual growth and prosperity.
Growing in passion for God involves investing time and energy in knowing Him. Our passion will produce fruit in accordance with what we value. If we value God, our lives will reflect His love and wisdom. However, if we value worldly things, our passion becomes idolatry. The wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away, but the righteous are watched over by the Lord.
Passion is derived from the Latin word "patior," meaning to suffer or endure for something. This reminds me of wedding vows, where couples commit to each other through all circumstances. Similarly, our passion for God should withstand trials and provoke us to action. Romans 8:18 tells us that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed. Our passion for God should lead us to worship, love others, and seek the lost.
Jeremiah, often called the suffering prophet, exemplified this passion. Despite ridicule and suffering, he could not contain the fire of God's word within him. Passion for God provokes us to action, just as it did for Jeremiah and Jesus, who turned the tables in the temple and took His passion to the cross.
Humility is essential in our passion for God. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Jesus showed humility by healing the leper and the blind beggar, and by praying in the garden, "Not my will, but yours be done." God's values are compassion, grace, patience, faithfulness, love, and truth. These were exemplified by Jesus on the cross, who suffered for the lost and broken.
In conclusion, let us be passionate for God, valuing what He values. Let our passion provoke us to action, to love others, and to seek the lost. As we stand and sing, consider your passions. Are they aligned with God's values? If not, repent and give them over to God. He loves you and is ready to receive you with open arms.
### Key Takeaways
1. Passion and Value: Passion is closely related to what we value. When we care deeply about something, we become passionate about it. This is evident in relationships, hobbies, and our faith. Our passion for God should be rooted in our value for Him, leading us to invest time and energy in knowing Him. This investment will produce spiritual fruit and growth. [15:20]
2. Spiritual Growth: Psalm 1:1-3 illustrates the happiness and prosperity of those who delight in the Lord's instruction. Such individuals are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in their season. This metaphor highlights the importance of being rooted in God's word and growing in our relationship with Him. [17:09]
3. Enduring Passion: Passion is derived from the Latin word "patior," meaning to suffer or endure for something. Our passion for God should withstand trials and provoke us to action. Romans 8:18 reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed. Our passion should lead us to worship, love others, and seek the lost. [20:48]
4. Humility in Passion: True passion for God requires humility. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Jesus exemplified humility by healing the leper and the blind beggar, and by praying in the garden, "Not my will, but yours be done." Our passion for God should reflect His values of compassion, grace, patience, faithfulness, love, and truth. [28:48]
5. Action Provoked by Passion: Passion for God should provoke us to action. Jeremiah's passion for God's word burned within him, leading him to speak despite suffering. Similarly, our passion for God should lead us to read the Bible, pray, and share our faith with others. This passion should drive us to love others and seek the lost, reflecting God's love and glory. [24:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Memorial Day Recognition
[03:29] - Benevolence Offering
[06:02] - Corn Shucking Activity
[11:42] - Passion and Value
[15:20] - Psalm 1:1-3 and Spiritual Growth
[17:09] - Investing in God's Wisdom
[20:48] - Enduring Passion
[22:57] - Passion Provokes Action
[24:44] - Jeremiah's Passion
[26:44] - Humility in Passion
[28:48] - Passion for God's Values
[30:33] - Jesus' Humility and Passion
[32:14] - God's Values and Character
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-3: "How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the company of mockers. Instead, his delight is in the Lord's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
2. Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us."
3. John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 1:1-3 say about the happiness and prosperity of those who delight in the Lord's instruction?
2. How does Romans 8:18 describe the relationship between present sufferings and future glory?
3. What does John the Baptist mean when he says, "He must increase, but I must decrease" in John 3:30?
4. In the sermon, what metaphor was used to describe how God peels away our outer layers to reveal our true selves? ([07:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of the tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1:1-3 relate to spiritual growth and prosperity? ([15:20])
2. What does it mean to have a passion for God that withstands trials, as described in Romans 8:18? ([20:48])
3. How does John the Baptist's statement in John 3:30 reflect the importance of humility in our passion for God? ([28:48])
4. How does the example of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, illustrate the concept of dying with mercy and hope in our hearts? ([01:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Psalm 1:1-3 talks about delighting in the Lord's instruction. What specific steps can you take this week to meditate on God's word day and night? ([15:20])
2. Romans 8:18 speaks about enduring present sufferings for future glory. Can you identify a current struggle in your life and how you can view it in light of this verse? ([20:48])
3. John 3:30 emphasizes the need for humility. What is one area in your life where you need to decrease so that Christ can increase? ([28:48])
4. The sermon mentioned that our passion for God should provoke us to action. What is one specific action you can take this week to show your passion for God, such as reading the Bible, praying, or sharing your faith? ([24:44])
5. Reflect on the metaphor of corn shucking used in the sermon. What are some "outer layers" in your life that God might be peeling away to reveal your true self? ([07:38])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of valuing what God values. Identify one value of God (e.g., compassion, grace, patience) and think of a practical way to incorporate it into your daily life. ([32:14])
7. Consider the martyrs who died for their faith. How can their example inspire you to live out your faith more boldly and with greater passion? ([01:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Passion Reflects Value
Our passion is a mirror of what we truly value. When we deeply care about something, it naturally ignites our passion. This is evident in our relationships, hobbies, and most importantly, our faith. Our passion for God should be rooted in our value for Him, leading us to invest time and energy in knowing Him. This investment will produce spiritual fruit and growth. When we prioritize God, our lives will reflect His love and wisdom, showing the world what we truly value. [15:20]
Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
Reflection: What are the things you are most passionate about? Do they reflect your value for God? How can you realign your passions to prioritize your relationship with Him today?
Day 2: Rooted in God's Word
Psalm 1:1-3 illustrates the happiness and prosperity of those who delight in the Lord's instruction. Such individuals are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in their season. This metaphor highlights the importance of being rooted in God's word and growing in our relationship with Him. When we invest in God's wisdom, we become spiritually prosperous, able to withstand life's challenges and bear fruit in due time. [17:09]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: Are you deeply rooted in God's word? What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding and delight in His instruction?
Day 3: Enduring Through Trials
Passion is derived from the Latin word "patior," meaning to suffer or endure for something. Our passion for God should withstand trials and provoke us to action. Romans 8:18 reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed. Our passion should lead us to worship, love others, and seek the lost, even in the face of adversity. [20:48]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How do you respond to trials and suffering? Can you see them as opportunities to deepen your passion for God and trust in His eternal promises?
Day 4: Humility in Passion
True passion for God requires humility. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Jesus exemplified humility by healing the leper and the blind beggar, and by praying in the garden, "Not my will, but yours be done." Our passion for God should reflect His values of compassion, grace, patience, faithfulness, love, and truth. Humility allows us to serve others and align our will with God's. [28:48]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice more humility? How can you serve others and reflect God's values in your daily interactions?
Day 5: Passion Provokes Action
Passion for God should provoke us to action. Jeremiah's passion for God's word burned within him, leading him to speak despite suffering. Similarly, our passion for God should lead us to read the Bible, pray, and share our faith with others. This passion should drive us to love others and seek the lost, reflecting God's love and glory. [24:44]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: How is your passion for God leading you to action? What specific steps can you take today to share your faith and serve others in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Passion is closely related to value. See, when we care deeply about something, we tend to be more passionate. If the value was to win, the corn would have been filled a lot faster. Passion is related to value. In this case, passion would have called upon their competitive nature because the prize would have had value." [11:42]
2. "Calling myself a Christian is a statement of value. I value my identity in Christ, my pursuit of Christ, and my reflection of Christ as more valuable than my identity in the world, more valuable than my pursuit of the world, and more valuable than my reflection of the world." [15:20]
3. "Passion is derived from the Latin verb patior, meaning to suffer for something, to endure for something, to fully and completely resign yourself for something. Honestly, it reminds me of wedding vows, to have and to hold through sickness and health, richer or poorer, in the good times, the hard times, through the loss and the joy, through the sleepless nights when babies cry, to the worried filled nights of an empty nest. Through it all, we commit to passion for one another, to suffer what may come and to endure for one another." [20:48]
4. "Passion provokes action. We don't sit idly by letting life just happen to us. Passion for God provokes action. It provokes us to read the Bible, to spend time in prayer, to go and seek the lost, to reveal our faith to others. Because without that action, they would not know Jesus. Passion burns within us." [24:44]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Growing in passion is simply this. You figure out who or what it is you value. You then invest time and energy to grow in wisdom and knowledge of that person or thing that you value. And then your passion will produce fruit in accordance to the thing that you value. If your passion is for the Lord, to follow Jesus Christ, and to share his love, then you will invest time and energy to grow in wisdom and knowledge of God. And your passion will produce fruit." [17:09]
2. "Passion for God's values implies humility because it means that you have to lose yourself. You need to resign yourself or identify yourself so fully with something or someone that others see less of you and more of what it is you value. That they see less of you and more of Jesus in you." [28:48]
3. "He exposes our hearts. He gathers us to him. We are not discarded as worthless, but we are saved and prepared for heaven because he sees value in us. He sees that we are worth the cost, even to the suffering on the cross. Will you say the same for him? Will you let his passions be your passions, his values, his will? You know it's worth the suffering. Eternal life is worth the endurance. It's worth it. It is the greatest value." [34:16]
4. "Humility is a value of others. Now, those who are humble don't need to knock themselves down, saying, look at how horrible I am. That's not humility. Again, that's just insecurity is the other side of pride. Humility doesn't need to knock yourself down. Instead, with humility, we lift others up without tearing ourselves down. As Christ followers, we lift up Christ. He gets our passion. He gets our worship. He gets our time and our devotion. He gets the glory. We want others to see more of him and less of us." [30:33]
5. "Be patient with others. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with God. Hey, he doesn't move on our timetable. Be slow to anger. Faithful in love and truth. Passionate for God. Seek his justice. But remember that his call for justice was met first and foremost by Jesus Christ's passion on the cross. Therefore, we lead people to justice on the cross. And have mercy in the meantime." [36:23]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 26, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?