Transformative Power of Listening to Jesus Christ

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the transformative power of listening to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The voice from heaven commands us to "hear Him," emphasizing the profound impact that truly listening to Christ can have on our lives. We reflect on the transformation of individuals like Simon Peter and Saul of Tarsus, who became pillars of faith after heeding Christ's call. Peter, once impulsive and fearful, became a bold and steadfast leader, while Saul, a persecutor of Christians, transformed into Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles. This transformation is not limited to biblical figures; throughout history, countless individuals have experienced profound change by listening to and following Christ.

The message underscores that Jesus is God's final word to humanity. Unlike the prophets and patriarchs of old who pointed forward to a coming Messiah, Jesus points to Himself as the fulfillment of God's promises. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and in Him, we find the ultimate revelation of God's love and purpose for us. The urgency of the Gospel is highlighted, as there is no hope beyond Christ. He offers an unshakeable kingdom and eternal hope, contrasting with the despair of a life without Him.

The call to action is clear: we must listen to Jesus, not just hear His words but truly internalize and obey them. This involves denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. In doing so, we find rest, freedom from sin, and the assurance of eternal life. The invitation is extended to all, regardless of past sins or feelings of unworthiness, for Christ came to save those who recognize their need for Him. As we listen to Him, we are invited to rejoice in the salvation and forgiveness He offers and to live a life that reflects His love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through Listening: The transformation of Simon Peter and Saul of Tarsus illustrates the power of truly listening to Jesus. When we heed His call, we can experience profound change, becoming bold and steadfast in our faith. This transformation is available to all who choose to listen and follow Him. [42:04]

2. Jesus as God's Final Word: Jesus is the culmination of God's revelation to humanity. Unlike the prophets who pointed to a future Messiah, Jesus declares Himself as the fulfillment of God's promises. In Him, we find the ultimate expression of God's love and purpose. [47:07]

3. The Urgency of the Gospel: The message of Jesus is urgent because there is no hope beyond Him. He offers an unshakeable kingdom and eternal hope, contrasting with the despair of a life without Him. We are called to respond to His invitation with urgency. [47:49]

4. The Call to Discipleship: Following Jesus requires denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and committing to His path. This involves a radical reorientation of our lives, prioritizing His will above our own desires and ambitions. [51:39]

5. Rejoicing in Salvation: Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation to all, regardless of past sins or feelings of unworthiness. By listening to Him, we can rejoice in the assurance of eternal life and the freedom from sin that He provides. [52:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [40:07] - The Power of Jesus' Words
- [40:24] - Transformation of Simon Peter
- [41:12] - Peter's Boldness and Faith
- [42:04] - Saul's Encounter with Christ
- [43:01] - The New Man in Christ
- [43:39] - Augustine's Conversion
- [44:27] - Listening to Jesus Through History
- [45:02] - Jesus as God's Beloved Son
- [45:22] - The Law and the Prophets
- [46:23] - The Holy Spirit's Role
- [47:07] - Jesus as God's Last Word
- [48:28] - The Urgency of the Gospel
- [49:52] - The Call to Hear and Obey
- [51:39] - The Call to Discipleship
- [52:34] - Rejoicing in Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 17:5 - "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'"
2. Acts 9:3-6 - Saul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.
3. Romans 13:13-14 - Augustine's conversion passage.

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Observation Questions:

1. How did Simon Peter's character change from being impulsive and fearful to becoming a bold and steadfast leader? What specific events or actions contributed to this transformation? [41:12]

2. What was Saul of Tarsus's initial reaction when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and how did this encounter lead to his transformation into Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles? [42:25]

3. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus play in God's revelation to humanity, and how is this different from the role of the prophets and patriarchs? [45:02]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the urgency of the Gospel message and the consequences of not listening to Jesus? [49:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the transformation of Simon Peter and Saul of Tarsus illustrate the power of truly listening to Jesus? How might this apply to individuals today? [42:04]

2. How does the sermon describe Jesus as God's final word to humanity, and what implications does this have for how we understand the fulfillment of God's promises? [47:07]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of discipleship and the personal sacrifices it requires? How does this align with Jesus' call to deny oneself and take up the cross? [51:39]

4. How does the sermon convey the message of hope and salvation offered by Jesus, and what does it mean to truly rejoice in this salvation? [52:34]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt a significant change in your life after listening to Jesus. What was the situation, and how did His words impact you? [42:04]

2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of the Gospel. How can you prioritize sharing this message with others in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week? [49:52]

3. Consider the call to discipleship and the idea of denying oneself. What personal desires or ambitions might you need to reevaluate to align more closely with Jesus' teachings? [51:39]

4. The sermon speaks of rejoicing in salvation. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the forgiveness and eternal life Jesus offers? What practices can help you maintain this perspective? [52:34]

5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to listen to Jesus' guidance. What practical changes can you make to better hear and obey His voice? [49:52]

6. Reflect on the transformation of biblical figures like Peter and Paul. How can their stories inspire you to embrace change and growth in your own faith journey? [42:04]

7. How can you support others in your community who may feel unworthy of Jesus' love and forgiveness? What actions can you take to extend grace and encouragement to them? [52:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Listening
When we truly listen to Jesus, our lives can be transformed in profound ways. The sermon highlights the examples of Simon Peter and Saul of Tarsus, who underwent significant changes by heeding Christ's call. Peter, once impulsive and fearful, became a bold and steadfast leader, while Saul, a persecutor of Christians, transformed into Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles. This transformation is not limited to biblical figures; throughout history, countless individuals have experienced profound change by listening to and following Christ. The message encourages us to open our hearts and minds to Jesus' words, allowing His teachings to guide and reshape our lives. [42:04]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you need transformation. How can you begin to listen more intently to Jesus in this area today?


Day 2: Jesus as God's Final Word
Jesus is the culmination of God's revelation to humanity. Unlike the prophets and patriarchs of old who pointed forward to a coming Messiah, Jesus points to Himself as the fulfillment of God's promises. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and in Him, we find the ultimate revelation of God's love and purpose for us. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is God's final word to humanity, offering us a complete and perfect understanding of God's will. By focusing on Jesus, we can grasp the fullness of God's message and align our lives with His divine purpose. [47:07]

Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as God's final word change the way you approach your faith and daily decisions?


Day 3: The Urgency of the Gospel
The message of Jesus is urgent because there is no hope beyond Him. He offers an unshakeable kingdom and eternal hope, contrasting with the despair of a life without Him. The sermon underscores the importance of responding to Jesus' invitation with urgency, as He is the only source of true hope and salvation. By embracing the Gospel, we can find peace and assurance in the midst of life's uncertainties. The call to action is clear: we must prioritize our relationship with Jesus and share His message with others, recognizing the eternal significance of our response to His call. [47:49]

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to respond to the urgency of the Gospel in your own life and in sharing it with others?


Day 4: The Call to Discipleship
Following Jesus requires denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and committing to His path. This involves a radical reorientation of our lives, prioritizing His will above our own desires and ambitions. The sermon calls us to embrace the cost of discipleship, recognizing that true freedom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with Jesus' teachings. By committing to His path, we can experience the joy and peace that come from living in accordance with God's will. The call to discipleship is an invitation to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus, one that transforms every aspect of our lives. [51:39]

Luke 9:23 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 5: Rejoicing in Salvation
Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation to all, regardless of past sins or feelings of unworthiness. By listening to Him, we can rejoice in the assurance of eternal life and the freedom from sin that He provides. The sermon extends an invitation to all, encouraging us to embrace the salvation and forgiveness that Jesus offers. As we listen to Him, we are invited to live a life that reflects His love and grace, rejoicing in the new life we have in Christ. This message of hope and redemption is a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' love and the joy that comes from being in relationship with Him. [52:34]

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."

Reflection: How can you actively rejoice in the salvation and forgiveness Jesus offers you today, and how might this joy impact those around you?

Quotes


Look at him the self-confidence the men so full of Brado Doo the men of supreme self-confidence the impulsive Peter and yet weak as water the man who says one moment though all desert Thee I will never desert thee even if it means going through death with thee and yet in a few hours a servant girl challenges him and says aren't you From Galilee don't you belong to him and he said no he denied him three times with oathes and cursing that's the sort of men Simon Peter was a blunderer a bragard a muddle thinker who didn't understand has his flashes and then loses them but look at him in the book of The Acts of the Apostles look at him in his Epistles read the story of the men and see the transformation he becomes a new man speaks with boldness even in Jerusalem in spite of all the authorities defies them becomes a rock stable and dependable bold and fearless a man who gladly died for the name of Christ Christ later on what is it that made the difference to him there's only one answer he obeyed what God Said from the excellent glory and the Mount of transfigurations he heard Christ he listened to him he obeyed him he went after him and this is what Christ did to him [00:40:24]

Saul Saul why persecutest thou me and baffled and bewildered and amazed he says who art th Lord and back came the answer I am Jesus whom thou persecutest it is hard for thee to kick against the Pricks and Paul heard him he listen to him he believed and the blaspheming Pharisee become the great Apostle to the Gentiles the new men in Christ Jesus that's what happens when you listen to him and it's been the same ever since I could take you down the centuries and pick out the Great Mighty Men of God that stand out like Mighty mountain peaks and what's their secret will they've heard him that was you remember precisely the very method by which the Great Justin of Hippo was converted that great outstanding genius that brilliant philosopher who nevertheless was living an immoral life and kept his mistress and he gets troubled he's Disturbed he's been listening to Christian preaching and the conflict begins and he doesn't know what to do with himself he's wretched he sits in the garden and suddenly in his desperation he he say the voice rise and read and he rushes into the house and he picks up the book and there it is in the 13th of Romans not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness but put it all off and make no provision for the Flesh and he heard and he listened and he obeyed and he became that great doctor in the Christian church [00:42:04]

Moses and Elias there appear and speak with him on the Mount of transfiguration who are they they're the representatives of the Old Testament the law and the prophets and what did they talk about they all talked about him Moses spoke about me he says he said another Prophet will arise Elias the first of the prophets what are they speaking about well they're speaking about him they all point forward to him but he doesn't point forward he points to himself he says come unto me he doesn't say as they said wait until the Messiah comes he says I that speak unto thee am he come unto me ye have heard that it has been said by them of old time but I say unto you that's his speech I say it with reverence even the Holy Spirit speaks about him the Holy Spirit doesn't speak about himself he glorifies Christ Our Lord seiw he said he shall glorify me he points back to him he was sent to illuminate him to enable these men to Bear witness unto him and he opens our eyes to see him [00:45:22]

God has spoken finally in him every other Kingdom can be shaken and has be shaken has has been shaken here is a kingdom that cannot be shaken it's an everlasting Kingdom it's an everlasting gospel let the world go on and roll on let fresh discoveries be made let men become still more wonderful with all his science the world will remain as it is and there'll be nothing offered except him this he is God's last word to men nothing after Christ nothing Beyond Christ because in him God has given his own son has given himself and therefore I say to you this evening that if you don't listen to this son of God you will continue as you are you will die in your sins and you will go to hell which means a continuation of what you are now but much worse because there'll be no hope what's written over the portals of Hell according to Dante is this all ye that enter here abandon hope the Son of God himself has said that there's a great Gulf fixed eternally fixed Between Heaven and Hell and as long as the world does not listen to him it'll continue as it is there is no hope isn't it obvious that there is no hope apart from him but in him there is eternal hope [00:47:07]

Have you heard him Have you listened to him have you heard what he's got to say about a self-righteous proud Pharisee have you heard what he's got to say about people who rely on their good lives and all the wonderful things they do he condemns them with withering scorn have you heard him are you still in your sins are you still Mastered by them and controlled by the devil if you are you haven't heard him because if you hear him and listen to him you'll be delivered from that not that you'll become sinless and perfect but you'll no longer be under the Dominion of the devil are you we and heavy laden well if you are it must be that you're not listening to him because if you listen to him you'll have rest are you afraid of death in the grave are you horrified at the thought of them if so you haven't heard him because you know he's taken the sting out of death and he can enable us to smile in the very face of death have you you heard him or I'll put it in a final word in this way this is what he says to all If any man will be my disciple let him deny himself and take up the cross and follow me [00:49:52]

Do you know that you are sin are forgiven if you don't you haven't heard him because what he says is this that though you may have sinned to the very drgs that he has died for your sins if you say but I'm not good enough you haven't heard him he tells you that he's come to die for people who are not good enough the son of man he has come he says not to be ministered unto but to minister Minister and to give his life a ransom for many he has come the Good Shepherd to lay down his life for the sheep have you heard him have you heard him telling you that he's died for you died for your sins or if you've heard him rejoice in Salvation rejoice in sins forgiven have you heard him telling you that he has come to deliver his people from their sins are you being delivered are you delivered from that self-centeredness deny yourself he says take up the cross doesn't matter what the world says and follow me have you gone after him is it your Supreme desire tonight to know him and to walk closely with him wouldn't you like to live as he lived and go through this world as he went he invites you to do it have you heard him come he say follow me here him this evening the Son of God the savior of your soul do you hear the voice from the excellent Glory at this moment saying to you this is my b beloved Son hear him hear him do what he tells you go after him [00:51:39]

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Transcript
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