Redirect, Refocus, Relabel: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflect on the journey of the Christian life, drawing inspiration from the book of Jeremiah. The Christian life is not a single moment but a lifelong journey of growing in faith and holiness. God's grace is active in our lives even before we are aware of it, guiding us through various stages of spiritual growth. Jeremiah's message to Israel, during a time of crisis, serves as a powerful reminder for us to reevaluate our lives. Israel had forsaken God, trading the fountain of living water for cracked cisterns that hold no water. This is a call for us to examine our own lives and ask three critical questions: Do I need to redirect, refocus, or relabel my life?
Redirecting is for those whose lives are headed in a destructive direction. It involves repentance and turning towards Jesus. Refocusing is for those who may not be doing anything overtly wrong but have let their priorities slip. It requires a recommitment to what truly matters, such as our relationship with God and our loved ones. Relabeling involves rethinking how we view our daily tasks and seeing them as opportunities to serve Christ. Whether it's in our jobs, our roles as students, or even in retirement, every action can be an act of worship and service to God.
Jeremiah's call to Israel is a call to us as well. We are invited to remember who we are in Christ and to live lives that reflect that identity. Whether it's through redirecting, refocusing, or relabeling, the goal is to align our lives more closely with God's will and purpose. This journey requires constant reevaluation and a willingness to change course when necessary. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and live lives that are truly fulfilling and meaningful.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Lifelong Journey of Faith: The Christian life is not a single moment but a lifelong journey of growing in faith and holiness. God's grace is active in our lives even before we are aware of it, guiding us through various stages of spiritual growth. This journey requires constant reevaluation and a willingness to change course when necessary. [59:06]
2. The Call to Redirect: For those whose lives are headed in a destructive direction, God invites you to redirect your life. This involves repentance and turning towards Jesus. Whether it's addiction, criminal behavior, or any other form of self-destruction, God offers a way out and a new direction. [01:02:21]
3. The Need to Refocus: Even if you're not doing anything overtly wrong, it's easy to let your priorities slip over time. Refocusing involves recommitting to what truly matters, such as your relationship with God and your loved ones. This requires regular self-examination and a willingness to make necessary adjustments. [01:06:21]
4. Relabeling Your Daily Tasks: How you view your daily tasks can transform them into acts of worship and service to God. Whether it's your job, your role as a student, or even in retirement, every action can be an opportunity to serve Christ. This shift in perspective can bring new meaning and purpose to your everyday life. [01:10:34]
5. Remembering Who You Are: Jeremiah's call to Israel is a call to us as well. We are invited to remember who we are in Christ and to live lives that reflect that identity. By aligning our lives more closely with God's will and purpose, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and live lives that are truly fulfilling and meaningful. [01:15:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[56:15] - Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 2
[57:42] - God's Accusation Against Israel
[59:06] - The Lifelong Journey of Faith
[01:00:51] - Jeremiah's Call for Reevaluation
[01:02:21] - Redirecting Your Life
[01:03:58] - Personal Story: The Wrong Turn
[01:06:21] - Refocusing Your Priorities
[01:07:08] - The Importance of Community
[01:07:50] - Small Groups and Accountability
[01:08:29] - Supporting Each Other in Difficult Times
[01:09:24] - The Power of Simple Words
[01:10:34] - Relabeling Your Daily Tasks
[01:11:32] - Being a Christian in the Workplace
[01:12:40] - Turning Work into Ministry
[01:13:49] - No Retirement from Discipleship
[01:14:36] - Jeremiah's Call to Remember
[01:15:45] - Remember Who You Are
[01:16:51] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Jeremiah 2:1-13: "The word of the Lord came to me saying, go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, thus says the Lord: I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the first fruits of his harvest. All who ate of it were held guilty; disaster came upon them, says the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves? They did not say, 'Where is the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that no one passes through, where no one lives?' I brought you into a plentiful land to eat its fruits and its good things. But when you entered, you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, 'Where is the Lord?' Those who handle the law did not know me; the rulers transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after things that do not profit. Therefore once more I accuse you, says the Lord, and I accuse your children's children. Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look; send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has ever been such a thing. Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the two evils that the people of Israel committed according to Jeremiah 2:13?
2. How does the sermon describe the Christian life? ([59:06])
3. What are the three critical questions the sermon suggests we ask ourselves to reevaluate our lives? ([01:02:21])
4. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the need for redirecting one's life? ([01:03:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the need for constant reevaluation in the Christian journey? ([01:00:51])
2. How does the concept of "cracked cisterns" relate to modern-day distractions or false securities in our lives? ([57:42])
3. What does it mean to "relable" our daily tasks, and how can this change our perspective on work and service? ([01:10:34])
4. How can the story of the father reconnecting with his son after three years serve as an example of refocusing priorities in our relationships? ([01:09:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life direction. Are there areas where you need to redirect your focus towards Jesus? What steps can you take to make this change? ([01:02:21])
2. Think about your daily priorities. Have any important aspects of your life, such as your relationship with God or loved ones, been neglected? How can you refocus on what truly matters? ([01:06:21])
3. Consider your daily tasks and responsibilities. How can you relabel these activities to see them as opportunities to serve Christ? ([01:10:34])
4. In what ways can you remember and live out your identity in Christ more fully in your everyday life? ([01:15:45])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God's grace has been active, even before you were aware of it. How can you acknowledge and respond to this grace in your current stage of spiritual growth? ([59:06])
6. How can you support others in your community who may need to redirect, refocus, or relabel their lives? What practical steps can you take to offer this support? ([01:07:50])
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt disconnected from your purpose or identity in Christ. What actions can you take to realign yourself with God's will and purpose? ([01:15:45])
Devotional
Day 1: The Lifelong Journey of Faith
The Christian life is a continuous journey of growth in faith and holiness. It is not confined to a single moment of conversion but involves a lifelong process of spiritual development. God's grace is at work in our lives even before we are aware of it, guiding us through various stages of spiritual growth. This journey requires constant reevaluation and a willingness to change course when necessary. By remaining open to God's guidance, we can navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and direction. [59:06]
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stagnant in your faith journey? How can you invite God's grace to guide you towards growth in that area today?
Day 2: The Call to Redirect
For those whose lives are headed in a destructive direction, God offers an invitation to redirect their path. This involves repentance and turning towards Jesus. Whether it's addiction, criminal behavior, or any other form of self-destruction, God provides a way out and a new direction. Redirecting your life means acknowledging your need for change and taking active steps towards a healthier, more Christ-centered path. It is a call to leave behind harmful behaviors and embrace the transformative power of God's love. [01:02:21]
Isaiah 55:7 (ESV): "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Reflection: Is there a destructive habit or behavior in your life that you need to turn away from? What steps can you take today to begin redirecting your life towards Jesus?
Day 3: The Need to Refocus
Even if you're not doing anything overtly wrong, it's easy to let your priorities slip over time. Refocusing involves recommitting to what truly matters, such as your relationship with God and your loved ones. This requires regular self-examination and a willingness to make necessary adjustments. By refocusing, you can ensure that your life aligns with your core values and spiritual goals. It is a call to prioritize your faith and relationships, making them the central focus of your daily life. [01:06:21]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What are the top three priorities in your life right now? Are they aligned with your faith and values? How can you refocus your time and energy to better reflect these priorities?
Day 4: Relabeling Your Daily Tasks
How you view your daily tasks can transform them into acts of worship and service to God. Whether it's your job, your role as a student, or even in retirement, every action can be an opportunity to serve Christ. This shift in perspective can bring new meaning and purpose to your everyday life. By relabeling your tasks, you can see them as opportunities to glorify God and serve others, turning mundane activities into meaningful acts of worship. [01:10:34]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. How can you relabel one of your regular tasks to see it as an act of worship and service to God? What practical steps can you take to make this shift in perspective?
Day 5: Remembering Who You Are
Jeremiah's call to Israel is a call to us as well. We are invited to remember who we are in Christ and to live lives that reflect that identity. By aligning our lives more closely with God's will and purpose, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and live lives that are truly fulfilling and meaningful. Remembering who you are in Christ means embracing your identity as a beloved child of God and allowing that identity to shape your actions and decisions. [01:15:45]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How does your identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and actions? What is one specific way you can live out this identity more fully today?
Quotes
1. "The Christian life is a journey. It lasts a whole lifetime. Now, there are some people in the world who say, well, really, Christianity is about one moment. It's about that period of time when, well, you get saved, where you accept Christ as your Savior, and that's the end of the story. We Methodists think of it differently. We think of God's grace as being active in our lives even before we're aware of it. We call that prevenient grace." [59:06] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You have forsaken living water with the Lord, and you've bought these cracked jars that don't even hold water at all. You traded the goodness of God for an empty life. Jeremiah is inviting them to reevaluate what's the point of their life. I suggest that God is inviting you to that same kind of reevaluation." [01:01:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The idea of redirecting your life is really applied to people whose lives are headed in a really bad direction. If your life is headed toward hell, you need to repent. You need to turn your life around and head toward Jesus. You need to repent to Jesus. There are people, and some may be here today, whose lives are a wreck. You might have wandered in here, and you're struggling with drug addiction. You're maybe dealing drugs. You're an alcoholic. You're engaged in domestic violence. You're doing criminal behaviors. There are all kinds of ways in which you can ruin your life, and God is inviting you to turn it around, to redirect and go in a different direction." [01:02:21] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the same way, your relationship to God requires a rebalancing of your priorities. I'm amazed at how many Christians in America today think they can be a good Methodist or a good Baptist or a good Christian and go to church once a month. Friends, Jesus' followers worship God with the community of faith every Sunday. Oh, there are excused absences. If you're paralyzed and can't get out of your bed, you've got an excused absence. But for most of us, being a part of a church, being a part of a worshiping community is a crucial step." [01:07:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As a bishop of the Global Methodist Church, I'm traveling the world teaching that every Christian ought to be a part of a small group. That in that small group, there ought to be somebody looking you right in the eye and saying, how is it with your soul? Where were you closest to Christ this last week? Where did you fall short in your discipleship? Where is God calling you to be a disciple?" [01:07:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Friends, I want to suggest to you that if whatever you're doing, you might do it in such a way that it's part of your service to Christ. Well, I read a devotional every morning from Seedbed.com called The Wake Up Call. On Saturdays they do a Holy Spirit story and yesterday's was written by Mike Cowart. Mike tells the story that when his wife died, he knew he needed to get out of the house, so he volunteered to work at Target running the self-checkout line. Mike is a Christian. He decided that he would try to bring joy into people's lives, and so he would ask people things and one day ask a woman named Linda, what's the best Christmas gift you got?" [01:12:40] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "People, if you said yes to Jesus, if you said you would follow him, I'm calling on you today. Re-evaluate your life, redirect, refocus, relabel, and remember who you are." [01:16:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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