Perception: The Key to Spiritual Clarity and Response
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of perception and how it influences our spiritual journey. Jesus, in his teachings, emphasized the importance of perceiving him and his message correctly. He reminded us that in this world, we will face trials, but we should take heart because he has overcome the world. This assurance is a call to fix our eyes on Jesus, just as Peter did when he walked on water. When Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water, but when he looked at the storm, he began to sink. This illustrates the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus amidst life's challenges.
We delved into the story of Jonah and the Ninevites, highlighting how their perception of God's message led them to repentance. Similarly, the Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to witness Solomon's wisdom, and she left praising God. These stories serve as reminders that our perception of Jesus and his message dictates our response to him. Jesus is the light of the world, and how we perceive him determines whether our lives are filled with light or darkness.
The message also challenged us to consider how we are portraying Jesus to the world. Just as the first-century Jewish people had Jesus, today’s culture has the church. We are called to be the light, to show the world who Jesus truly is. This involves not only perceiving Jesus correctly in our own lives but also helping others to see him for who he truly is. We are encouraged to pray and work towards changing the perception of those around us, so they may see Jesus as the light of the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: Just as Peter walked on water when he focused on Jesus, we too can overcome life's storms by keeping our eyes on him. When we focus on the chaos around us, we begin to sink, but when we focus on Jesus, we find peace and strength. [52:23]
2. Perception Dictates Response: Our perception of Jesus and his message directly influences how we respond to him. Like the Ninevites who repented at Jonah's message, we must perceive Jesus correctly to respond with humility and repentance. [01:16:54]
3. Jesus as the Light of the World: Jesus is the lamp that shines for all to see. Our spiritual perception determines whether we walk in his light or remain in darkness. A healthy spiritual eye perceives Jesus rightly and is filled with his light. [01:21:04]
4. The Role of the Church: As the church, we are called to portray Jesus accurately to the world. Just as the Queen of Sheba and the Ninevites responded to God's message, we must help others perceive Jesus correctly through our actions and words. [01:27:26]
5. Praying for Changed Perceptions: We are encouraged to pray for those around us to perceive Jesus correctly. By doing so, we can help change their lives and lead them to the light of Christ. Our influence can be a powerful tool in bringing others to Jesus. [01:30:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [52:23] - Trials and Overcoming
- [53:34] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
- [54:14] - Beauty from Chaos
- [56:32] - Emmanuel: God With Us
- [58:44] - Introduction to Perception
- [01:00:41] - Physical and Emotional Perception
- [01:03:40] - Spiritual Perception
- [01:04:47] - Perceiving Jesus
- [01:05:35] - The Sign of Jonah
- [01:08:25] - Old Testament Examples
- [01:10:05] - The Queen of Sheba
- [01:13:48] - Nineveh's Repentance
- [01:16:54] - Perception and Response
- [01:21:04] - Jesus, the Light of the World
- [01:25:59] - Saul's Transformation
- [01:28:06] - The Church's Role
- [01:30:50] - Praying for Changed Perceptions
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 11:29-36
- Matthew 12:38-40
- Jonah 3:4-10
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, what example is given to illustrate the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus during life's storms? ([52:23])
2. How did the Ninevites respond to Jonah's message, and what does this reveal about their perception of God? ([01:13:48])
3. What was the reaction of the Queen of Sheba upon witnessing Solomon's wisdom, and how does this relate to the sermon’s theme of perception? ([01:10:05])
4. According to the sermon, what role does the church play in portraying Jesus to the world today? ([01:27:26])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Peter walking on water serve as a metaphor for our spiritual journey and the importance of focusing on Jesus? ([52:23])
2. What does the "sign of Jonah" represent in the context of Jesus' message to the people, and how does it challenge their perception? ([01:08:25])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our spiritual perception can influence whether we walk in light or darkness? ([01:21:04])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between a healthy and unhealthy spiritual eye, and what implications does this have for our lives? ([01:21:04])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your focus on Jesus or lack thereof affect your response to that situation? ([52:23])
2. Consider your current perception of Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you might be misperceiving His message or character? How can you address this? ([01:04:47])
3. The Ninevites responded to Jonah's message with repentance. Is there a message from God that you have been resisting? What steps can you take towards repentance? ([01:13:48])
4. How can you actively portray Jesus as the light of the world in your daily interactions? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([01:27:26])
5. Think of someone in your life who may not perceive Jesus correctly. How can you pray for them and influence their perception positively? ([01:30:50])
6. The sermon emphasizes the role of the church in changing perceptions. How can you contribute to your church’s mission in portraying Jesus accurately to the community? ([01:27:26])
7. Reflect on the concept of a "healthy spiritual eye." What practical steps can you take to ensure your spiritual perception remains healthy and focused on Jesus? ([01:21:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Focus on Jesus Amidst Life's Storms
When Peter walked on water, his ability to do so was directly linked to his focus on Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to defy the natural order and walk on water. However, the moment he shifted his gaze to the storm around him, he began to sink. This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. In life, we are often surrounded by chaos and challenges that threaten to overwhelm us. Yet, the key to overcoming these trials lies in where we choose to focus our attention. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we find peace and strength to navigate through life's storms. This focus is not just a passive act but an active choice to trust in Jesus' power and presence in our lives. [52:23]
Matthew 14:29-31 (ESV): "He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"
Reflection: What current storm in your life is causing you to lose focus on Jesus? How can you actively choose to fix your eyes on Him today?
Day 2: Perception Shapes Our Response to Jesus
Our perception of Jesus and His message profoundly influences how we respond to Him. The story of Jonah and the Ninevites illustrates this truth. When the Ninevites heard Jonah's message, their perception of God's warning led them to repentance. Similarly, the Queen of Sheba's journey to witness Solomon's wisdom resulted in her praising God. These narratives highlight the importance of perceiving Jesus correctly. When we see Him as He truly is, our hearts are moved to respond with humility and repentance. This perception is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, spiritual understanding that transforms our actions and attitudes. [01:16:54]
Jonah 3:5-6 (ESV): "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes."
Reflection: How do you perceive Jesus in your life today? What steps can you take to ensure your perception aligns with His true nature?
Day 3: Walking in the Light of Jesus
Jesus is described as the light of the world, a lamp that shines for all to see. Our spiritual perception determines whether we walk in His light or remain in darkness. A healthy spiritual eye perceives Jesus rightly and is filled with His light. This light is not just for personal illumination but is meant to be shared with others. When we walk in the light of Jesus, our lives reflect His love, grace, and truth to those around us. This calls for a continual examination of our spiritual perception and a commitment to align our lives with His light. [01:21:04]
John 8:12 (ESV): "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel you are walking in darkness? How can you invite Jesus' light into these areas today?
Day 4: The Church's Role in Portraying Jesus
As the church, we have a significant responsibility to portray Jesus accurately to the world. Just as the first-century Jewish people had Jesus, today's culture has the church. We are called to be the light, to show the world who Jesus truly is through our actions and words. This involves not only perceiving Jesus correctly in our own lives but also helping others to see Him for who He truly is. Our role is to be a living testimony of His love and truth, guiding others to a correct perception of Jesus. [01:27:26]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you be an ambassador for Christ in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to portray Jesus accurately to those around you?
Day 5: Praying for Changed Perceptions
We are encouraged to pray for those around us to perceive Jesus correctly. By doing so, we can help change their lives and lead them to the light of Christ. Our influence can be a powerful tool in bringing others to Jesus. This involves a commitment to intercede for others, asking God to open their eyes to His truth and love. As we pray, we also become more attuned to opportunities to share Jesus with those around us, becoming active participants in God's work of transformation. [01:30:50]
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Reflection: Who in your life needs a changed perception of Jesus? How can you commit to praying for them and being a light in their life this week?
Quotes
"It's easier said than done, isn't it? You know, Jesus, with his disciples, as he was speaking to them, said that he wanted to share with them so that they may have peace. And he said, in this world, you're going to face trials of many kinds. But he says, take heart because I have overcome the world." [00:52:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"That when we fix our eyes upon Jesus and we come close to him, we draw near to him in prayer, we draw near to him in his word, we keep our eyes fixed on him. The Bible says that we'll be at perfect peace." [00:52:57] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand so that those who come in, may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your whole body is full of darkness." [01:06:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"See, the Pharisees, how many of you guys know, they believed that they, they had light within them. They believed they saw, they saw Jesus correctly. They believed that they had the right perception, but we know that they were so far wrong in perceiving who Jesus really was." [01:24:12] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Are you praying and working so that the loss around you will perceive Jesus correctly? See, my youth leaders always told me, when I was in high school, they said that you guys are Jesus with skin on." [01:30:38] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Many in our community are not perceiving Jesus correctly. And it's the church's job to go to them just as Jesus came to us and to reveal who he really is." [01:32:07] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Father, I just thank you for this church I thank you for our continual heart not just for discipleship But our continual heart to see the loss in our community come to know you There's so many different means and lord this year As we read in the text lord some see the light and reject it some see the light and they receive it It's all about perception god." [01:32:41] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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