Standing Firm: The Hills We Choose to Die On

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the theme of "The Hills We Die On," reflecting on the things in life that are so important to us that we are willing to stand our ground and fight for them. I began by discussing the significance of Palm Sunday and the new series we are embarking on, which will challenge us to consider what we hold most dear in our spiritual lives.

I shared personal anecdotes about my own "hills," such as my initial reluctance to use AI technology like ChatGPT and my eventual compromise on having a pet dog in the house. These examples served to illustrate how we all have principles and values that we are passionate about defending.

The core of the sermon delved into the historical and contemporary issues people have had with Jesus. I recounted the story of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, which caused contention with the Jewish leaders who were focused on the letter of the law rather than its spirit. I emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, highlighting Jesus' message that the rules were created to serve humanity, not to enslave it.

I also addressed the Roman perspective, noting that while they did not have a personal issue with Jesus, they were concerned with maintaining peace and order. The political tension Jesus' presence created led to his crucifixion, as the Romans sought to silence a potential troublemaker.

Furthermore, I shared my own "beefs" with Jesus, such as wishing He had explained things more clearly and why He doesn't physically reveal Himself to us today. I discussed the importance of the Holy Spirit and the blessing that comes from believing without seeing, as Jesus told Thomas.

As we approach Easter, I encouraged the congregation to lean into their relationship with Jesus, to wrestle with their doubts and struggles, and to be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Key Takeaways:

- The Sabbath was created as a gift to humanity, a time for rest and connection with God. Jesus' healing on the Sabbath was a demonstration of prioritizing human need over legalistic interpretations of the law. This challenges us to consider how we might be adhering to the letter of religious practices while missing their heart and purpose. [51:13]

- Jesus' mission was paradoxical; He came to serve and ultimately to give His life for many. His willingness to die on the hill of humble service, despite misunderstanding and opposition, calls us to reflect on the ways we can embody selfless love in our own lives. [45:20]

- Our struggles and "beefs" with Jesus are part of a genuine relationship with Him. It's through wrestling with these issues that we grow in faith and understanding. This week, let us name our struggles and invite the Holy Spirit to work through them, deepening our connection with Christ. [01:11:16]

- The Holy Spirit's role in our lives is to guide us into all truth, convict us of righteousness, and empower us to live out our faith. Jesus' departure made room for the Spirit's work within us, reminding us that God's presence is not confined to the written word but is actively speaking into our lives today. [01:07:16]

- Believing without seeing is a blessed state, as Jesus affirmed to Thomas. Our faith is not dependent on physical proof but on the trust we place in God's character and promises. This unseen faith is what sustains us and draws us closer to the heart of God. [01:09:04]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Hills We Die On"

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 2:27 - "Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'"
2. John 16:7-8 - "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."
3. John 20:29 - "Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' response to the Jewish leaders when they criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath? (Mark 2:27)
2. According to John 16:7-8, why did Jesus say it was beneficial for Him to go away?
3. In John 20:29, what does Jesus say about those who believe without seeing?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 challenge the Jewish leaders' understanding of the Sabbath? What does this reveal about the purpose of religious laws? [50:37]
2. What role does the Holy Spirit play according to John 16:7-8, and how does this impact our understanding of Jesus' departure? [51:13]
3. Why might Jesus consider those who believe without seeing to be blessed, as stated in John 20:29? How does this relate to our faith today? [01:09:04]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you might have prioritized religious rules over the needs of people. How can you shift your focus to the heart and purpose of these practices? [50:37]
2. Jesus' mission was one of humble service and sacrifice. In what ways can you embody selfless love in your daily life, even when it is misunderstood or opposed? [45:20]
3. Identify a personal struggle or "beef" you have with Jesus. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work through this struggle to deepen your faith? [01:11:16]
4. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth and empowers us to live out our faith. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions and actions? [01:07:16]
5. Believing without seeing is a blessed state. Think of a situation where you are struggling to trust in God's promises. How can you strengthen your faith in this area? [01:09:04]
6. Pastor Mike shared his reluctance to use AI technology and his compromise on having a pet dog. What are some "hills" in your life that you are willing to stand your ground on, and why? [35:24]
7. As we approach Easter, how can you lean into your relationship with Jesus and wrestle with your doubts and struggles? What steps can you take this week to be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance? [01:11:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Sabbath as Humanity's Gift
The Sabbath was never meant to be a burden but a blessing, a divine invitation to rest and reconnect with the Creator. It is a time to set aside the demands of the world and focus on what truly nourishes the soul. In a society that often values productivity over well-being, the Sabbath stands as a counter-cultural act of resistance, reminding us that we are more than what we do; we are valued for who we are. This understanding of the Sabbath challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and to ensure that our practices align with the intention of bringing life and joy, rather than restriction and burden. It invites us to consider how our adherence to religious or societal norms may be hindering the very life they were meant to promote. [51:13]

Mark 2:27-28 ESV
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Reflection: How can you honor the Sabbath in a way that truly reflects its purpose as a time for rest and reconnection with God and loved ones?

Day 2: The Paradox of Servant Leadership
Jesus' mission on earth was characterized by a radical form of leadership that turned the world's expectations upside down. He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This selfless act of love is the hill on which He chose to die, setting an example for all who would follow Him. As His followers, we are called to embody this same self-giving love in our lives, to find our hills of humble service where we are willing to stand firm. This may mean stepping out of our comfort zones, advocating for the marginalized, or simply being present for someone in need. It is in these acts of service that we reflect the heart of Christ to the world. [45:20]

Matthew 20:26-28 ESV
But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Reflection: What is one way you can practice servant leadership in your community this week, following the example of Jesus?

Day 3: Wrestling with Our Doubts
A genuine relationship with Jesus includes moments of struggle and doubt. These are not signs of a weak faith but of an engaged and honest one. Wrestling with our "beefs" with Jesus can lead to deeper understanding and growth. It is through questioning and seeking that we often find a more profound sense of God's nature and His purposes for our lives. This week, as we name our struggles, we invite the Holy Spirit to work through them, not to erase them but to transform our understanding and deepen our connection with Christ. [01:11:16]

Habakkuk 2:1 ESV
I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Reflection: What is one struggle or doubt you have about your faith, and how can you bring this before God in prayer this week?

Day 4: The Active Presence of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's life, guiding us into all truth, convicting us of righteousness, and empowering us to live out our faith. The departure of Jesus from the earth made room for the Spirit's work within us, a reminder that God's presence is not confined to the written word but is actively speaking into our lives today. This dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit means that we are never alone and that we have access to divine wisdom and strength in every situation we face. [01:07:16]

John 16:13-14 ESV
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance today, and how can you be more attentive to His voice?

Day 5: Blessed by Unseen Faith
Believing without seeing is a blessed state, as Jesus affirmed to Thomas. Our faith is not dependent on physical proof but on the trust we place in God's character and promises. This unseen faith sustains us and draws us closer to the heart of God. It is a faith that endures through trials and uncertainties, a testament to the enduring hope we have in Christ. As we walk by faith and not by sight, we are reminded that the most profound truths are often those that are unseen and that our belief is a powerful force that shapes our reality. [01:09:04]

1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, even when you cannot see the immediate evidence of His work in your life?

Quotes

"The whole heart behind the series is what are the things that we would fight for that are so important to us we're going to plant our flag on this hill and we will battle for it because it's so strategic and so important to us." [34:48]( | | )

"Jesus told his disciples if anyone would come after me let him deny himself take up his cross and follow me for whoever would save his life will lose it... but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." [01:04:10]( | | )

"Here's one of the beefs that I have with Jesus: why didn't you explain things more clearly God? I sit there in life groups and I sit and talk with people and even when I'm reading your word myself and some of it is confusing." [01:05:33]( | | )

"Jesus said this nevertheless I tell you the truth it is to your advantage that I go away for if I do go away the helper will come to you... when he comes he will convict the world concerning righteousness and judgment." [01:07:16]( | | )

"Jesus said to them this is from Mark um chapter 2 verse 277 Jesus said to the the leaders the Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath his point being listen when God gave the Israelite people these these these laws these rules he did it for them for you." [51:13]( | | )

"Jesus was just willing to die on the hill of humble service and yet he died so let's let's together let's look historically and let's look inwardly and ask ourselves what is everyone's big beef with Jesus what was the problem with him." [45:20]( | | )

"Most of the people found him they wanted Jesus to restore their nation and improve their life we see other examples of times when Jesus is healing and he's reaching people and they're like yes we'll follow you this guy I'm going to follow you and then Jesus is like cool come follow me." [01:03:29]( | | )

"Let's build and grow a relationship my prayer go sometimes people say my prayer is I'm just going to pray it God here's my prayer my prayer is that each and every one of us listening to this today if we know you already and we felt your presence that we would be that it would help to reinforce that." [01:11:48]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?