Reflecting on Faith and Expecting Transformation in 2025

 

Summary

As we gather on this final Sunday of 2024, we reflect on the series we've been exploring, aptly named "Christmastime." This season is often hailed as the most wonderful time of the year, not just for its music, decorations, and gift-giving, but for the deeper spiritual truths it embodies. Christmas is a time of hope, a reminder of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, our Savior. It is a time of traditions, where we pass down the story of Jesus to the next generation, and a time of celebration, acknowledging God's faithfulness in sending His Son. The wonder of Christmas is evident in the miraculous story of Jesus' birth, a testament to God's involvement in making the impossible possible.

Today, we delve into the themes of reflection and expectation, drawing from the often-overlooked part of the Christmas story in Luke 2:25-32. Here, Simeon, a devout man, encounters the infant Jesus and experiences both reflection and expectation. He reflects on God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise and looks forward with expectation to what Jesus will accomplish. This dual focus invites us to reflect on the past year, recognizing God's presence in both the highs and lows, and to look forward with expectation to what God will do in the coming year.

Reflection involves pausing to acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness. As we look back over 2024, we are encouraged to see God's hand in our lives, both on the mountaintops and in the valleys. It's a call to gratitude, ensuring we don't become like the nine lepers who forgot to thank Jesus for their healing. Instead, we are to be like the one who returned, acknowledging God's work in our lives.

Looking forward, we are called to have a sense of expectation. God is continually transforming us, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where we are being changed from glory to glory. This transformation is ongoing, and we are encouraged to set goals and take steps to grow in our relationship with God. Whether it's through baptism, joining a community group, or serving on the dream team, there is always a next step in our spiritual journey.

As we anticipate 2025, we are challenged to pray with expectation for what God will do in our lives, our families, and our church. This is not just wishful thinking but a call to action, to pray and seek God's presence and power. As we enter the new year, let's commit to prayer, fasting, and seeking God's will, trusting that He has great things in store for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reflection and Gratitude: Reflecting on the past year allows us to see God's faithfulness in both the highs and lows. It's essential to pause and thank God for His presence and provision, ensuring we don't become like the nine lepers who forgot to express gratitude. [44:02]

2. Expectation and Transformation: As we look forward, we are called to expect transformation in our lives. God is continually changing us from glory to glory, and we should set goals and take steps to grow in our relationship with Him. [52:00]

3. Prayer and Action: Our expectations for the new year should lead us to prayer and action. It's not just about wishful thinking but actively seeking God's presence and power in our lives, families, and church. [01:18:02]

4. Community and Service: Being part of a community and serving others is vital for spiritual growth. Whether through baptism, joining a group, or serving on a team, there is always a next step in our journey with God. [56:50]

5. Boldness and Evangelism: In a culture that often rejects the message of Jesus, we need boldness to share our faith. Praying for boldness and opportunities to evangelize is crucial for impacting those around us. [01:14:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Introduction to Christmastime Series
- [05:00] - The Joy and Traditions of Christmas
- [10:00] - Christmas as a Time of Hope
- [15:00] - The Wonder of the Christmas Story
- [20:00] - Reflection and Expectation
- [25:00] - Simeon's Encounter with Jesus
- [30:00] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
- [35:00] - The Importance of Gratitude
- [40:00] - Looking Forward with Expectation
- [45:00] - Transformation from Glory to Glory
- [50:00] - Setting Goals for Spiritual Growth
- [55:00] - The Power of Prayer and Action
- [01:00:00] - Community and Service Opportunities
- [01:05:00] - Boldness in Evangelism
- [01:10:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:25-32
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Psalm 46:10

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Simeon waiting for, and how did he recognize Jesus when he saw Him? ([40:04])
2. How does the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrate the importance of gratitude? ([48:08])
3. What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 say about the process of transformation in a believer's life? ([52:00])
4. How does Psalm 46:10 encourage us to reflect on God's presence in our lives? ([42:50])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Simeon's encounter with Jesus in Luke 2:25-32 demonstrate both reflection and expectation? What can we learn from his response? ([40:04])
2. In what ways does the story of the ten lepers challenge us to practice gratitude in our daily lives? ([48:08])
3. What does it mean to be transformed "from glory to glory" as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18? How does this transformation manifest in a believer's life? ([52:00])
4. How can the instruction to "be still and know that I am God" in Psalm 46:10 be applied in our fast-paced lives today? ([42:50])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the past year. Can you identify specific moments where you saw God's faithfulness in your life? How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude for these moments? ([49:47])
2. As you look forward to the new year, what specific areas of your life do you expect God to transform? What steps can you take to align with this transformation? ([52:00])
3. How can you incorporate regular times of stillness and reflection into your routine to better recognize God's presence and guidance? ([42:50])
4. What is one specific goal you can set for your spiritual growth in 2025, and what practical steps will you take to achieve it? ([55:12])
5. Consider your role in your church community. How can you actively participate in serving and supporting others in the coming year? ([56:50])
6. In what ways can you pray with expectation for your family, especially for those who may have strayed from their faith? How can you support them in their spiritual journey? ([01:06:09])
7. How can you contribute to the spiritual growth and outreach of your church in 2025? What specific actions can you take to support its mission and vision? ([01:09:27])

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
Reflection and gratitude are essential practices for recognizing God's presence in our lives. As we look back over the past year, we are encouraged to see God's hand in both the highs and lows. This reflection is not just about acknowledging the good times but also recognizing God's faithfulness during challenges. Like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, we are called to pause and express gratitude for God's work in our lives. This practice helps us avoid becoming like the nine lepers who forgot to thank Jesus for their healing. By reflecting on God's goodness, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and deepen our relationship with Him. [44:02]

"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!" (1 Chronicles 16:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a specific moment in 2024 where you saw God's faithfulness. How can you express gratitude for that moment today?


Day 2: Expecting Transformation
As we look forward to the new year, we are called to expect transformation in our lives. God is continually changing us from glory to glory, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18. This transformation is an ongoing process, and we are encouraged to set goals and take steps to grow in our relationship with Him. Whether it's through baptism, joining a community group, or serving on a team, there is always a next step in our spiritual journey. By setting intentional goals, we align ourselves with God's transformative work in our lives and open ourselves to His continued growth and change. [52:00]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you desire transformation? What step can you take today to align with God's transformative work?


Day 3: Praying with Expectation
Our expectations for the new year should lead us to prayer and action. This is not just about wishful thinking but actively seeking God's presence and power in our lives, families, and church. As we anticipate 2025, we are challenged to pray with expectation for what God will do. This involves committing to prayer, fasting, and seeking God's will, trusting that He has great things in store for us. By praying with expectation, we invite God's power into our lives and align ourselves with His purposes. [01:18:02]

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pray with expectation? How can you commit to seeking God's presence and power in that area today?


Day 4: Engaging in Community and Service
Being part of a community and serving others is vital for spiritual growth. Whether through baptism, joining a group, or serving on a team, there is always a next step in our journey with God. Engaging in community and service allows us to grow in our faith and build meaningful relationships with others. It also provides opportunities to use our gifts and talents to serve others and make a difference in the world. By actively participating in community and service, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience the joy of being part of His work. [56:50]

"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage more deeply in your community or serve others in the coming year? What specific step can you take today to get involved?


Day 5: Boldness in Sharing Faith
In a culture that often rejects the message of Jesus, we need boldness to share our faith. Praying for boldness and opportunities to evangelize is crucial for impacting those around us. As we anticipate the new year, we are challenged to be bold in sharing our faith and to pray for opportunities to do so. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God to give us the words and courage to share His love with others. By being bold in our faith, we can make a significant impact on those around us and help others experience the love and grace of Jesus. [01:14:19]

"Pray also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you feel called to share your faith with? How can you pray for boldness and an opportunity to share with them today?

Quotes



And so on the same day, again, one of these wonders, the same day that Mary and Joseph would have taken Jesus to the temple for this act of dedication, if you will, Simeon, it says, was led by the Spirit. And so he goes to the temple, and he's led to Mary and Joseph, they're there kind of just doing their thing, minding their own business. And Simeon walks up and asks if he could hold baby Jesus. And in that moment, the Holy Spirit reveals to him, this is the Messiah. [00:41:16] (29 seconds)


you this is the one that you've been waiting for and i want you to notice there's two things that simeon does he has a moment of reflection where he's thinking back like god you promised this to me and now you're fulfilling it you kept your word i can look back and see how you've been faithful and here's a perfect example you gave me this promise and now today you are fulfilling the promise and then he looks with expectation to the future as to what this child is going to be what he's going to accomplish he's bringing the light of the gospel not just to the nation of israel but to us to the gentiles and so in this moment there's both for simeon there's reflection on the goodness of god and faith looking forward to all that god is going to do and so today i want to spend some time doing that i want to spend some a few moments looking back and a few moments looking forward and so the first thing i want you to see is this idea of reflection and it's really just an opportunity for us to stop and to look at this past year, to look at the highs and to look at the lows. [00:41:45] (66 seconds)


Because I believe in both of them, we find that God was with us, right? We see God's hand. We see his blessing. We see his provision. In Psalms 46 and verse 10, it says this. He says, talking about God, be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I think for a moment on that phrase, be still and know that I am God. [00:42:50] (28 seconds)


I think so often in our world, our lives are so busy that we just run, run, run, run, run. We go, go, go. We've got all kinds of things going on. And if you're anything like me, you go through your day going, oh God, I need you here. And God, I need help here. And God, I need wisdom for this decision. And God, I need you to show me this. And God, I need help over here. And I just go through my day just kind of praying, God, I need your help. And you know what? He's faithful. [00:43:19] (23 seconds)


Time after time after time, prayer after prayer after prayer, he answers. But I wonder how often do we stop and say, God, I want to thank you. I see what you did here. And I see what you did there. And his encouragement to us here out of this passage in the Psalms is be still. Sometimes you've got to stop running. Sometimes you just got to get a pause for just a little bit. And here's my question for you. When is the last time you stop for just a few moments? To contemplate the goodness of God in your life? [00:43:34] (36 seconds)


And you're gonna be able to celebrate the mountaintops. And you're gonna be able to look at each other. And as you're talking about those valleys, go. But he was right there. Even in the valley. Even in the hard times. Even in the trials of our lives. We can, we can declare that he's never left us. Right. And so I want you to take some time to spend in reflection. Looking back over 2024. But then I also want you to begin to look forward. To have a sense of expectation about what is God gonna do? [00:49:07] (36 seconds)


And we all who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory. What's this talking about? It's talking about how we've come to know Jesus as children of God, as followers of Jesus Christ, people that have put our faith and our trust in Jesus. We've made him our Savior. We've made him our Lord. And we're contemplating, we're trying to grab a hold of and understand God's glory. It goes on and says, we are being transformed. We are being transformed. [00:51:12] (26 seconds)


Not we were transformed or one day we're gonna be transformed. We are being, we are now in the process, every one of us. You and I, as children of God, we are being, we are in the process right now today of being transformed, okay, into his image with an ever -increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. We're being transformed, we're being changed. And that word transformed, I want you to understand that the word in the Greek is metamorphou. [00:51:33] (33 seconds)


And it's the word that we use to get our word metamorphosis. It's the picture of the caterpillar who goes into cocoon and then after a period of time comes out and it's a butterfly. They're completely transformed. They're completely changed. It doesn't even look the same. And I want you to realize that some of us, all of us actually, as children of God, are in this process. We are being transformed. And there's a change that needs to be happening in our lives. [00:52:28] (29 seconds)


And so I'm going to ask you, a couple of questions with that in mind, this idea that every day you should be changing. Every day you should be growing. Here's a question for you. What are you expecting God to do in your life this year? What are you expecting God to do in, in you, in your life? And I know some of you are like, oh, pastor, you know, it's just, no, that sounds like a, like a new year's resolution kind of thing. I'm, I'm not really into new year's resolutions. Okay. I get it. That's fine. [00:54:25] (32 seconds)


And I want you to think about this. What would happen if our church, from front to back, side to side, both services, our online campuses, both services, if all of us, we're talking 900 to 1 ,000 people, if we'd all come together and start praying, crying out to God, God, touch my church this year. God, do something new, do something fresh. I mean, I'm gonna be praying that, and the staff's gonna be praying that, but what if all of us were praying that? [01:09:27] (30 seconds)


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Transcript
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