Transformative Encounters: The Journey of Salvation

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Encountering Jesus

Zacchaeus' life was radically changed when he met Jesus. Despite his wealth and status, he felt an inner void that only Jesus could fill. This encounter led him to repentance and restitution, showing that true transformation begins with a personal encounter with Christ. Zacchaeus' story reminds us that no matter our past or present circumstances, an encounter with Jesus can bring about profound change and fulfillment. When we truly meet Jesus, our lives are never the same. We are called to seek Him earnestly, just as Zacchaeus did, and allow His presence to transform us from the inside out. [36:27]

Luke 19:5-6 (ESV): "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.' So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully."

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt an inner void or lack of fulfillment. How can you seek a deeper encounter with Jesus today to fill that void?

Day 2: Stages of Salvation

Salvation involves several stages: regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Regeneration is the Holy Spirit's work of drawing us to Christ and convicting us of our sins. Justification is the full acquittal of our sins through Jesus' sacrifice. Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, and glorification is the future promise of eternal life with Him. Understanding these stages helps us appreciate the comprehensive nature of salvation and the continuous work of God in our lives. Each stage is a testament to God's grace and love, guiding us from our initial encounter with Christ to our ultimate union with Him in eternity. [49:19]

Titus 3:5-7 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: Reflect on which stage of salvation you feel you are currently in. How can you actively participate in God's work in this stage of your spiritual journey?

Day 3: Evidence of True Repentance

Zacchaeus' willingness to repay those he had wronged fourfold and give half of his goods to the poor is a powerful example of true repentance. It shows that genuine repentance involves not just feeling sorry for our sins but taking concrete steps to make things right and live a transformed life. True repentance is marked by a change in behavior and a commitment to restitution and generosity. Zacchaeus' actions demonstrate that repentance is not merely an internal feeling but an outward expression of a changed heart. [44:46]

Acts 26:20 (ESV): "But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance."

Reflection: Is there someone you need to make amends with or a wrong you need to right? What steps can you take today to demonstrate true repentance in your life?

Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our salvation, from drawing us to Christ to convicting us of our sins and leading us to repentance and faith. This divine work is essential for our transformation and growth in Christ. The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and teacher, continually working in us to shape us into the image of Christ. Recognizing the Holy Spirit's role helps us to rely on His power and guidance in our daily walk with God. [49:19]

John 16:8-11 (ESV): "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged."

Reflection: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's work in your life recently? What can you do to be more attuned to His guidance and conviction?

Day 5: Continuous Growth in Sanctification

Sanctification is an ongoing process that involves obedience, worship, and service. As we grow in our knowledge and wisdom of God, we become more like Christ. This process requires us to be open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and to actively participate in our spiritual growth. Sanctification is not a passive journey but an active pursuit of holiness and Christlikeness. It involves daily decisions to follow Jesus, surrendering our will to His, and allowing His Word to transform our minds and hearts. [53:58]

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to God for sanctification? How can you actively pursue growth in these areas starting today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate various milestones within our church family, including a heartfelt baptism and a prayerful send-off for Hayden Moore as he embarks on his journey with the Army National Guard. We also acknowledged the transitions many families are experiencing this summer, and we prayed for those undergoing significant life changes, including those awaiting critical surgeries.

Our focus today was on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, exploring the doctrine of salvation. Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, was a man of wealth but lacked joy and fulfillment. His encounter with Jesus transformed his life, leading him to repentance and restitution. This story illustrates the stages of salvation: regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

Regeneration is the Holy Spirit's work of drawing us to Christ, convicting us of our sins, and leading us to repentance and faith. Justification is the full acquittal of our sins through Jesus' sacrifice. Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ through obedience, worship, and service. Finally, glorification is the future promise of eternal life with Christ.

We are reminded that salvation is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and transformation. As we reflect on Zacchaeus' story, we are encouraged to examine our own lives, embrace our salvation, and actively participate in our sanctification process. Whether you are new to faith or have been walking with Christ for years, there is always room for growth and deeper commitment.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Transformative Power of Encountering Jesus: Zacchaeus' life was radically changed when he met Jesus. Despite his wealth and status, he felt an inner void that only Jesus could fill. This encounter led him to repentance and restitution, showing that true transformation begins with a personal encounter with Christ. [36:27]
2. Stages of Salvation: Salvation involves several stages: regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Regeneration is the Holy Spirit's work of drawing us to Christ and convicting us of our sins. Justification is the full acquittal of our sins through Jesus' sacrifice. Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, and glorification is the future promise of eternal life with Him. [49:19]
3. Evidence of True Repentance: Zacchaeus' willingness to repay those he had wronged fourfold and give half of his goods to the poor is a powerful example of true repentance. It shows that genuine repentance involves not just feeling sorry for our sins but taking concrete steps to make things right and live a transformed life. [44:46]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our salvation, from drawing us to Christ to convicting us of our sins and leading us to repentance and faith. This divine work is essential for our transformation and growth in Christ. [49:19]
5. Continuous Growth in Sanctification: Sanctification is an ongoing process that involves obedience, worship, and service. As we grow in our knowledge and wisdom of God, we become more like Christ. This process requires us to be open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and to actively participate in our spiritual growth. [53:58]
### [53:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:40] - Baptism Celebration
[26:19] - Prayer for Hayden Moore
[29:21] - Acknowledging Family Transitions
[31:23] - Children's Church Dismissal
[32:23] - Introduction to Zacchaeus' Story
[36:27] - Zacchaeus' Encounter with Jesus
[39:20] - Zacchaeus' Repentance and Restitution
[43:06] - Evidence of True Repentance
[44:46] - Zacchaeus' Generosity
[46:19] - Confirmation of Zacchaeus' Salvation
[47:51] - Four Stages of Salvation
[49:19] - Regeneration Explained
[50:44] - Justification Explained
[53:58] - Sanctification Explained
[57:00] - Glorification Explained
[58:28] - Embracing Salvation and Sanctification
[61:20] - Invitation to Respond
[62:50] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus despite the crowd? ([34:59])
How did Jesus respond to Zacchaeus when He saw him in the sycamore tree? ([36:27])
What was Zacchaeus' reaction after his encounter with Jesus? ([43:06])
What did Zacchaeus promise to do as a sign of his repentance? ([44:46])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Zacchaeus, a wealthy man, felt the need to see Jesus? What might this suggest about his inner state? ([37:44])
How does Zacchaeus' willingness to repay those he wronged and give to the poor demonstrate true repentance? ([44:46])
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of salvation, as illustrated in Zacchaeus' story? ([49:19])
How does the story of Zacchaeus illustrate the stages of salvation: regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification? ([47:51])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt a strong need to seek Jesus. What circumstances led you to that point, and how did you respond? ([37:44])
Zacchaeus made a public declaration of his repentance by promising restitution. Is there an area in your life where you need to make amends or seek forgiveness? How can you take a concrete step towards that this week? ([44:46])
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in drawing us to Christ and convicting us of our sins. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's work in your life recently? ([49:19])
Sanctification is an ongoing process. What specific steps can you take this week to grow in your obedience, worship, or service to become more like Christ? ([53:58])
Zacchaeus' story shows that salvation is a continuous journey. How can you actively participate in your sanctification process, whether through small group study, personal devotion, or community service? ([58:28])
Think about someone in your life who might be feeling an inner void like Zacchaeus. How can you share the transformative power of encountering Jesus with them this week? ([36:27])
Reflect on the future promise of glorification. How does this hope influence your daily life and decisions? ([57:00])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "A thought occurred to me when I was in there when we were finishing up. I asked Caleb, I said, does this make your circle complete now? He said, yeah, all three girls are baptized now. He said, they're all potty trained and baptized, so it's all good. It made me remember several years ago, I hadn't been here very long and Tara Tidrow got saved and baptized. When they presented her in front of the church, I just took a chance. I just took the mic and handed it to Kenny. I said, so what's happened now? He said, my family is complete. I said, yeah. We're going to do something special about that when everyone in your family has come to know the Lord." [26:19] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Zacchaeus must not have been a happy man. He must not have been one that was filled with joy because there was something stirring in his inner man that told him something was going on where Jesus was and he needed to get to where Jesus was. If you look back, and I would encourage you to do so this week, look back to the previous chapter, chapter 18. You'll see Jesus teaching in some parables. You'll also see Jesus' legendary encounter with the rich young ruler. You'll also see him healing a beggar. Those kind of things. And so some really cool things were happening here with Jesus and his ministry. And Zacchaeus obviously is, like many others, hearing about this." [39:20] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Aren't you thankful that Jesus knows where we are when we're in the furthest away from him that we could go? Aren't you thankful that no matter where you were, when Jesus called you, he could find you anywhere. You couldn't run far enough away to hide. And in the same way, Zacchaeus was drawn. Now, those that were naysayers around were saying, this guy isn't worthy of Jesus. Love. And that's where they were wrong. He was just the kind of person that needed Jesus and what an effect he could have with what Jesus has done in his life." [47:51] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The first stage of salvation is what we call regeneration. Regeneration. Regeneration is, as you can just imagine, it is a regenerating. It is a new life coming in. It's a work of the Holy Spirit. A rebirth, to be born again. This is where we get these terms, to be born again, to be saved by the Holy Spirit pursues us. And it includes five different elements that some of these happen pretty rapidly, almost simultaneously. There's, first of all, there's a drawing by the Holy Spirit. We see that. John 6, 44 tells us, no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." [49:19] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The question of the day is this. You've heard all about salvation. You've heard the stages of it. The first question we each need to ask ourselves is, have I been saved? Have I been born again? Have I been regenerated? And if you have, then praise God and thank him for that. Let's not get over the fact that we're saved. Let's not let it just be a part of our routine. Let us be conscious to thank him for it. And if you have not, then we want to give you that opportunity to respond to that today." [57:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So Zacchaeus was a Jew who was here in first century Rome trying to make his way. It was an unusual time in history. And Zacchaeus found his way to make his fortune like several others had done. He became a tax collector. And so not only was he not well thought of, but he was a tax collector. He was a tax collector because he was a Jew living in a Roman society. But he was also looked down upon because he was a tax collector. And why would a tax collector be looked down upon? I mean, other than the obvious. But in this society, there were very few regulations legally to what a tax collector could do and very few restrictions on what they would do to make a buck." [37:44] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The second stage of salvation is what we call justification. Again, another legal term. Justification is basically a full acquittal. It means the terms have been met. The penalty for sin is death. Jesus, offered his death in place of yours. God the Father, the judge, accepts that as payment if you will embrace it. There you are justified. Some people will say justified. It's like saying, just if I had never sinned. It's a full acquittal. It is a cleansing of your record. It is the erasure of all the things that have tarnished your record in the past, you've been justified." [52:08] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The third stage of salvation is sanctification, sanctification. If you know Christ, if you are a Christian, if you are a believer, this is the process that you are in right now. It starts from the time that you confess Christ until God takes you home or until Christ returns, whichever comes first. Being sanctified is being set apart. You have been set apart as one of his. Set apart and enabled to progress through the work of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit." [53:58] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The fourth step of this salvation is the one that we haven't gotten to yet. It's the glorification. One of these days when either our life on this earth ends or Jesus returns for his children, we will head towards that stage of glorification. Glorification, Colossians 3, 4 says, when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory, and that will be forever and ever and ever and ever. Amen. The longer I live, the more I long for that glorification, don't you? Even so, Lord Jesus, come." [55:31] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you need someone to pray with you there will be many people who would love to do that. So let's pray and then we're going to give it God opportunity to move here. Father we love you today and we're so thankful for salvation. What a joy it is to walk with you. Lord there that doesn't mean there's not challenges there certainly are. But a day of big challenges with Jesus is still better than any other day. I'm going to pray with you. I'm going to pray with you. I'm going to pray with you. the work of calling people to yourself today Lord Jesus. I know that's who you are but we're we're asking you to do it. Also Lord do the work of sanctification in our lives. Draw us closer to you. Reveal to us the things that need to be moved out of our life and allow you to have more room to run freely and teach us." [01:02:50] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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