Transformative Growth: Embracing Truth and Christ's Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the theme of growth in our spiritual journey, emphasizing that growth is a gradual process of transformation into the image of Jesus. This transformation requires intentional effort, strategy, and consistency. We are called to surrender our lives to Jesus daily, allowing the Holy Spirit and Scripture to shape us. This is not a passive process but an active engagement with our faith.
We also delved into the story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier who continued to fight World War II for 29 years after it ended, believing a lie. This story serves as a metaphor for how we can live our lives based on lies we've believed, affecting our relationships and our walk with God. We must regularly invite the Holy Spirit to reveal these lies and replace them with truth.
In our study of John 13, we examined the actions of Judas and Peter. Judas, despite being given every opportunity to choose Jesus, chose betrayal. This highlights the boundless love of Christ, who extends grace even to those who betray Him. Peter, on the other hand, was warned of his impending denial, teaching us the importance of self-awareness and humility in our faith journey. We are reminded that self-confidence can be dangerous without a deep understanding of our own hearts.
Finally, we are reminded that the work of Jesus is ongoing, and we are invited to participate in His mission. Our love for one another is a testament to the world of our discipleship. We are called to carry the message of Christ with urgency and passion, knowing that God desires everyone to come to repentance.
Key Takeaways:
1. Growth in Christ is a Gradual Process: Spiritual growth is not instantaneous but requires intentional effort and consistency. We must daily surrender to Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit and Scripture to transform us into His image. This process is akin to iron sharpening iron, requiring community and accountability. [00:05:00]
2. The Danger of Believing Lies: Like Hiroo Onoda, we can live our lives based on lies that keep us in bondage. Regularly inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal these lies is crucial for our freedom and growth. We must ask ourselves what lies we have believed that hinder our walk with Christ. [00:42:41]
3. The Boundless Love of Christ: Jesus extends His love and grace even to those who betray Him, as seen in His interactions with Judas. This demonstrates the limitless nature of His love and challenges us to extend grace to others, knowing that no one is too far gone for redemption. [01:00:30]
4. Self-Awareness in Our Faith Journey: Peter's denial of Jesus teaches us the importance of self-awareness and humility. We must be cautious of self-confidence that lacks a deep understanding of our own hearts, as it can lead to spiritual pitfalls. [01:02:36]
5. Participating in Jesus' Ongoing Mission: The work of Jesus is not finished, and we are invited to join in His mission. Our love for one another is a powerful testimony to the world, and we must carry the message of Christ with urgency and passion, knowing that God desires everyone to come to repentance. [01:08:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:05:00] - Introduction to Growth
- [00:10:00] - The Story of Hiroo Onoda
- [00:20:00] - Lies We Believe
- [00:30:00] - Exploring John 13
- [00:40:00] - Judas' Betrayal
- [00:50:00] - Peter's Denial
- [01:00:00] - The Love of Christ
- [01:10:00] - Self-Awareness in Faith
- [01:20:00] - Joining Jesus' Mission
- [01:30:00] - Invitation to Surrender
- [01:40:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 13:18-38
Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Jesus take to show His love and grace to Judas, even knowing Judas would betray Him? [01:00:30]
2. How did Peter respond when Jesus predicted his denial, and what does this reveal about Peter's understanding of his own heart? [01:02:36]
3. What metaphor was used in the sermon to illustrate the danger of believing lies, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [42:41]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Judas challenge our understanding of grace and redemption, especially in the context of betrayal? [01:00:30]
2. In what ways does Peter's denial highlight the importance of self-awareness and humility in our faith journey? [01:02:36]
3. How can the story of Hiroo Onoda serve as a warning about the lies we might believe in our own lives, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in revealing these lies? [42:41]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you believed a lie about yourself or your faith. How did it affect your relationship with God, and what steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to reveal and replace these lies with truth? [42:41]
2. Consider the people in your life who may be far from God. How can you extend grace and love to them, as Jesus did with Judas, and what practical steps can you take to show them the love of Christ? [01:00:30]
3. Peter's story reminds us of the dangers of self-confidence without self-awareness. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of your own heart to avoid spiritual pitfalls? [01:02:36]
4. The sermon emphasized the ongoing mission of Jesus and our role in it. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [01:08:27]
5. Reflect on your daily spiritual practices. How can you incorporate more intentional effort and consistency in your spiritual growth, akin to "iron sharpening iron"? [49:33]
6. How can you actively participate in your community to foster accountability and growth in your spiritual journey? What specific actions can you take to support others in their faith? [49:33]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of love as a testament to our discipleship. What is one way you can demonstrate Christ-like love to someone in your community this week? [01:08:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Transformation into Christ's Image
Growth in our spiritual journey is a gradual process that requires intentional effort, strategy, and consistency. It is not something that happens overnight but involves a daily surrender to Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit and Scripture to shape us. This transformation is an active engagement with our faith, where we are called to be proactive in our spiritual disciplines and community involvement. Just as iron sharpens iron, we need the accountability and support of fellow believers to grow into the image of Christ. [05:00]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to intentionally engage with your faith and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you?
Day 2: Breaking Free from the Lies We Believe
The story of Hiroo Onoda serves as a powerful metaphor for how we can live our lives based on lies that keep us in bondage. These lies can affect our relationships and our walk with God, hindering our spiritual growth. It is crucial to regularly invite the Holy Spirit to reveal these lies and replace them with truth. By doing so, we can experience true freedom and growth in our spiritual journey. [42:41]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What lies have you believed that are hindering your walk with Christ? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to reveal and replace them with truth today?
Day 3: Embracing the Boundless Love of Christ
The actions of Judas and Peter in John 13 highlight the boundless love of Christ, who extends grace even to those who betray Him. This demonstrates the limitless nature of His love and challenges us to extend grace to others, knowing that no one is too far gone for redemption. Jesus' love is a powerful reminder that we are called to love others as He loves us, with grace and compassion. [01:00]
Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to experience the grace and love of Christ through you? How can you extend that love to them today?
Day 4: Cultivating Self-Awareness and Humility
Peter's denial of Jesus teaches us the importance of self-awareness and humility in our faith journey. We must be cautious of self-confidence that lacks a deep understanding of our own hearts, as it can lead to spiritual pitfalls. By cultivating self-awareness and humility, we can better align our actions with our faith and avoid the dangers of pride and overconfidence. [01:02]
Proverbs 16:18 (ESV): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate greater self-awareness and humility? How can you seek God's guidance in these areas today?
Day 5: Joining in Jesus' Ongoing Mission
The work of Jesus is ongoing, and we are invited to participate in His mission. Our love for one another is a powerful testimony to the world, and we must carry the message of Christ with urgency and passion. God desires everyone to come to repentance, and we are called to be His ambassadors, sharing His love and truth with those around us. [01:08]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in Jesus' mission today? What steps can you take to share His love and truth with those around you?
Quotes
One consistent theme over 27 years of ministry and pastoral counseling for me personally is this: people living or behaving or responding a certain way because of a lie that they've believed. We see it in Jesus's kingdom time and time again. People showing up in their marriage because of a lie that they believed, people showing up a certain way in the workplace or in communities of faith because of a lie that they've believed. [00:50:39] (30 seconds)
There is no limit and no end to the perfect love of Christ. There's no beginning and no end to the love of Jesus. Through self-sacrificial love, both in word and indeed, Jesus did everything he could do to break through the lies and the deceit that had gripped Judas's heart. Judas pretended to be a follower of Jesus for three years. He played with sin, he put off salvation, he stole, he cheated, and ultimately chose to stay in his deception. [01:05:07] (35 seconds)
Peter's boast showed his lack of understanding of his own heart. Self-confidence is dangerous in the Christian life. And there's a bit of Peter in all of us. There's a little bit of self-confident boast in our faith in every single one of us. It shows up when there really isn't anything at stake. In rooms like this, we're bold and courageous to lift high the name of Jesus. But what about where it truly counts? Out there? [01:02:15] (41 seconds)
The work of Jesus is not finished. And we're invited to join in. You and I. You and me. I tell you this beforehand so that when it happens, you'll believe that I'm the Messiah, says Jesus to his disciples. I tell you the truth. Anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me. And anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me. [01:05:27] (28 seconds)
It is vital, absolutely significant, that we carry the message of Christ Jesus to those who know him not, so that they may welcome, accept, and receive Jesus. This still matters. To close with Christ and as such, to fully know God. 2 Peter 3 says it this way, Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years. A thousand years is as good as a day. [01:08:10] (31 seconds)
Holy Spirit, grip our hearts with holy turmoil today. An uncomfortable, inconvenient Christian passion that helps us see those who don't yet call on the name of the Lord. Burden our hearts for the lost and the hurting and the broken. Does the love of the Father fill us with holy turmoil that comes from love for someone else who's about to destroy their life or defame God? [01:09:07] (31 seconds)
Just as I've loved you, you are to love one another. And by this will the city of Edmonton know that Evolve Church are Jesus' disciples if we have the kind of love that fills us with holy turmoil to invite other people to come to the foot of the cross and be saved. But maybe there's a lie robbing you of saying yes to your part to play. [01:10:05] (30 seconds)
Your greatest sense of worth and identity doesn't come from your family of origin. It comes from the new family that you get to be found in. God still places the lost, the orphans, into his family. You belong to family. There's a new identity, a new nature that we experience through the righteousness of Christ that is extended to us as sons and daughters. There is nothing that can keep you from experiencing the love of Christ. Nothing. [01:11:18] (32 seconds)
There is no deceit, there is no accusation, there is no lie from the enemy that could convince any one of us that we're too far gone to experience the love of the Father. Jesus, have your way, where darkness and despair have held us in captivity, break through, break chains today in Jesus' name. Set captives free today in Jesus' name. Expose the lie of the enemy. We break agreement with the lie of the deceiver in Jesus' name. [01:17:49] (32 seconds)
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