Transcending Earthly Ties: Embracing Our True Identity
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the significance of understanding where we are from, where we live, and where we stand, both physically and spiritually. As we continue our Lenten journey, it's essential to recognize the diverse backgrounds and traditions that shape our faith experiences. Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for Easter, a season to declutter our lives and focus on our relationship with Christ. We discussed how our cultural and geographical origins influence us, but ultimately, our identity as children of God transcends these earthly ties.
The Apostle Paul's letters to the churches in Philippi and Corinth remind us that our true citizenship is in heaven. We must be vigilant about what fills our lives and avoid letting earthly desires become our gods. The clutter in our lives, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can distract us from our true purpose. We are called to stand firm in our faith, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to discern God's will in our lives.
Jesus' lament over Jerusalem serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of praying for peace in our cities and communities. Our presence in the world should reflect Christ's love, living with no strings attached and pointing others to Him. We are encouraged to disciple those in front of us, to be present and engaged in the lives of those around us.
Finally, we must consider where we stand. What are the hills we are willing to die on? Our stance should be rooted in Christ, and our opinions should align with His teachings. Throughout history, Christians have faced challenges with politics and society, but there is a third way—a way of peace that transcends earthly divisions. As we journey through Lent, let us fill our days with scripture and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and deepen our relationship with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Our identity as children of God transcends our cultural and geographical origins. While our backgrounds shape us, our true citizenship is in heaven, and we must stand firm in our faith, focusing on our relationship with Christ. [35:01]
- The clutter in our lives, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can distract us from our true purpose. We must be vigilant about what fills our lives and avoid letting earthly desires become our gods. [42:43]
- Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reminds us of the importance of praying for peace in our cities and communities. Our presence in the world should reflect Christ's love, living with no strings attached and pointing others to Him. [51:55]
- We must consider where we stand and what are the hills we are willing to die on. Our stance should be rooted in Christ, and our opinions should align with His teachings, embracing a way of peace that transcends earthly divisions. [54:15]
- As we journey through Lent, let us fill our days with scripture and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and deepen our relationship with Christ. Embrace the Lenten season for what it is, and let God speak to you, reminding you of the journey you've been on with Him. [58:39]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to Lent
[03:15] - Diverse Perspectives on Lent
[07:45] - Where We Are From
[12:30] - Cultural and Geographical Influences
[18:00] - Paul's Letters to the Churches
[22:15] - The Clutter in Our Lives
[27:00] - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem
[32:45] - Praying for Peace
[37:30] - Living with No Strings Attached
[42:00] - Where We Stand
[46:30] - The Third Way of Peace
[51:00] - Embracing the Lenten Season
[55:30] - Benediction and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:20-21
2. Romans 12:2
3. Luke 13:31-35
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Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul speaks about our citizenship being in heaven. How does this idea challenge or support the way we view our earthly identities and affiliations? [35:01]
2. Romans 12:2 talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. What does the sermon suggest are some of the "clutters" in our lives that can prevent this transformation? [42:43]
3. In Luke 13:31-35, Jesus laments over Jerusalem. What does this passage reveal about Jesus' heart for cities and communities, and how does it relate to our call to pray for peace? [51:55]
4. The sermon mentions the idea of living with "no strings attached." What examples were given that illustrate this concept, and how does it relate to our presence in the world? [54:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of our true citizenship being in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21) influence the way we engage with cultural and geographical influences in our lives? [35:01]
2. Romans 12:2 encourages believers not to conform to the world. What might be some practical ways to discern God's will in a world filled with distractions and conflicting narratives? [46:11]
3. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35) highlights His desire for peace and reconciliation. How can this passage inform our approach to conflicts within our communities and churches? [51:55]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of knowing where we stand and the "hills we are willing to die on." How can believers ensure that their stances are rooted in Christ and not merely personal opinions? [54:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some cultural or geographical influences that have shaped your identity? How can you ensure that your identity as a child of God takes precedence over these influences? [35:01]
2. Identify one area of "clutter" in your life—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. What steps can you take this week to declutter and focus more on your relationship with Christ? [42:43]
3. Consider your community or city. What specific actions can you take to pray for peace and reflect Christ's love in your surroundings? How can you be more present and engaged with those around you? [51:55]
4. Think about a recent situation where you had to take a stand. Was your stance rooted in Christ's teachings? How can you better align your opinions with His teachings in future situations? [54:15]
5. During this Lenten season, what specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with Christ? How can scripture and prayer play a role in this journey? [58:39]
6. Reflect on a relationship or obligation that might be cluttering your life. How can you approach this situation with a mindset of living with "no strings attached"? What changes might you need to make? [54:15]
7. Identify one person in your life who you can disciple or engage with spiritually. What practical steps can you take to be present and supportive in their faith journey this week? [54:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Our Heavenly Citizenship Transcends Earthly Origins
Our identity as children of God transcends our cultural and geographical origins. While our backgrounds shape us, our true citizenship is in heaven, and we must stand firm in our faith, focusing on our relationship with Christ. This understanding calls us to look beyond the earthly ties that often define us and to embrace our spiritual identity. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the churches, emphasizes that our true home is not of this world. As we journey through life, it is crucial to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and our lives should reflect this heavenly citizenship. [35:01]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself overly attached to your cultural or geographical identity? How can you begin to shift your focus towards your heavenly citizenship today?
Day 2: Decluttering Our Lives to Focus on Christ
The clutter in our lives, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can distract us from our true purpose. We must be vigilant about what fills our lives and avoid letting earthly desires become our gods. This clutter can take many forms, from material possessions to emotional baggage, and it often prevents us from fully experiencing the peace and purpose that God intends for us. By identifying and removing these distractions, we create space for a deeper relationship with Christ, allowing His presence to fill our lives and guide our actions. [42:43]
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of clutter in your life that you can address this week? How will removing this clutter help you focus more on your relationship with Christ?
Day 3: Praying for Peace in Our Communities
Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reminds us of the importance of praying for peace in our cities and communities. Our presence in the world should reflect Christ's love, living with no strings attached and pointing others to Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, actively seeking the well-being of those around us. This involves not only praying for peace but also embodying it in our interactions and relationships. By doing so, we become conduits of God's love and grace, drawing others closer to Him. [51:55]
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you pray for today, specifically asking for peace and well-being in their life? How can you be an active peacemaker in your community this week?
Day 4: Standing Firm in Christ's Teachings
We must consider where we stand and what are the hills we are willing to die on. Our stance should be rooted in Christ, and our opinions should align with His teachings, embracing a way of peace that transcends earthly divisions. Throughout history, Christians have faced challenges with politics and society, but there is a third way—a way of peace that transcends earthly divisions. This path requires discernment and courage, as it often goes against the grain of societal norms and expectations. By standing firm in Christ's teachings, we become beacons of hope and truth in a divided world. [54:15]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What is one belief or value that you hold that is rooted in Christ's teachings? How can you stand firm in this belief in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 5: Embracing the Lenten Journey with Scripture and Prayer
As we journey through Lent, let us fill our days with scripture and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and deepen our relationship with Christ. Embrace the Lenten season for what it is, and let God speak to you, reminding you of the journey you've been on with Him. This season is an opportunity to draw closer to God, to reflect on His sacrifice, and to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. By immersing ourselves in His Word and seeking His presence through prayer, we open ourselves to transformation and renewal. [58:39]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate more scripture and prayer into your daily routine during this Lenten season? What specific steps will you take to ensure that you are drawing closer to God each day?
Quotes
"Where you're from speaks a lot about your background. Like the church in Corinth, the church in Philippi needed to be reminded of something though, that no matter where you are from, if you call yourself a Christian, you need to be reminded of who you are and who you're not. I need these reminders in my life constantly. Who I am and who I'm not. I am a child of God above and beyond anything else." [00:37:12] (41 seconds)
"What are the things that we allow in our society and in our lives to clutter what we see in front of us? We go through seasons where we try our very, very best to declutter our home. I don't know if anyone else does this because when you are surrounded by things, when you are surrounded by mess, when you are surrounded by chaos, it is hard to have peace." [00:39:52] (35 seconds)
"Do you ever feel like that in our lives? That like we have so little control over the narratives around us, over all the clutter around us, all the voices that are surrounding us, that like sometimes you're just like, this can't be real. The things I'm watching can't actually be real. And the more and more it happens, the harder it is to focus on Christ." [00:42:43] (30 seconds)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you might discern. You might discern what the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Again, Paul writes this to a specific church in a time where they are constantly going through the things we're going through now. This is not new." [00:46:11] (33 seconds)
"The more we allow Jesus to change who we are, the more our city becomes transformed. I propose to you that there's multiple ways to do that, but one for sure is to live a life with no strings attached. You don't need to do something with the string attached that they have to go to church afterwards." [00:52:06] (26 seconds)
"Best advice I was ever given as a pastor came from a friend. And he said, you have to disciple who's in front of you. Don't chase down people that aren't. Disciple who's in front of you. That's what God is entrusting to you right now. I remember when we were church planting." [00:52:56] (22 seconds)
"Where do I find myself physically, spiritually, mentally? What is important to me? Let me ask you this way: what is a hill you're willing to die on? Maybe theologically, maybe with your family, maybe there's a belief system you've held dear for years, but what are the hills you're willing to die on? That's where you stand." [00:55:48] (35 seconds)
"Throughout scripture and throughout church history, we have these centering points. We have these things that help us come back to reality because we can get off track and we can get so worked up about a certain teaching, we can get so worked up about something we read in a book, and it kind of drags us into these weird tangents." [00:56:44] (24 seconds)
"Whatever changes you make to your schedule, if any, I encourage you in these 40 days before Easter to take these days, fill them with scripture, walk through the story of Jesus, walk through the story of the early church, fill them with prayer, and I guarantee you that you will experience the Holy Spirit in a new way." [00:58:47] (33 seconds)
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