Transforming Our Stories: Understanding God and Ourselves
Summary
### Summary
Greetings, Menlo Church! Today, we delved into the power of the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and about God. These narratives shape our identities and influence our interactions with others. Often, these stories are rooted in our past experiences and can either uplift us or hold us back. The theologian John Calvin emphasized that true wisdom consists of knowing both God and ourselves. This dual knowledge is crucial because understanding our need for God helps us grasp what is most true about ourselves.
We explored the importance of the story we tell ourselves about God, which is the most significant narrative we can hold. This story is revealed through the Bible and, most importantly, through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, and through His life, we see the character of God. We examined several stories from the New Testament that illustrate God's nature: His interruptibility, His compassion, His power, His presence, and His desire for a relationship with us.
Jesus' interactions with people—whether healing the sick, calming storms, or showing compassion to sinners—reveal a God who is deeply involved in our lives. He is never too busy for us, He does not condemn us, and He is always with us. These stories remind us that God is powerful and ever-present, even in our most challenging circumstances.
We also discussed how Jesus uses parables to teach us about God and ourselves. For instance, the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value shows that God is our most valuable possession and that we are incredibly valuable to Him. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection demonstrate our worth to God, who pursues us relentlessly.
As we reflect on these stories, we are encouraged to read the Gospels and let the narratives of Jesus shape our understanding of God and ourselves. By doing so, we can transform our lives and align our stories with the truth of who God is and who we are in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Personal Narratives: The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves have a profound impact on our lives. These narratives, often rooted in past experiences, shape our self-perception and influence our interactions with others. Reflecting on these stories and aligning them with God's truth can lead to personal transformation. [22:08]
2. God's Interruptibility: One of the most profound aspects of God's character is His willingness to be interrupted. Jesus' interactions with people, such as healing the hemorrhaging woman while on His way to heal a dying girl, show that God always has time for us. This challenges the notion that our needs are too insignificant for God. [30:52]
3. God's Compassion and Non-Condemnation: Jesus' response to the woman caught in adultery illustrates God's compassion and refusal to condemn. This story teaches us that no matter our past sins or current struggles, God offers forgiveness and a fresh start. We are not disqualified from a relationship with Him. [32:13]
4. God's Presence in Our Lives: The story of Jesus calming the storm and casting out demons highlights God's power and His presence with us. Even in the midst of life's storms, God is with us, offering peace and assurance. This presence is a constant, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. [35:00]
5. Our Value to God: The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value reveal that we are incredibly valuable to God. Jesus' sacrifice demonstrates our worth, and understanding this can transform how we view ourselves and our relationship with God. We are treasured by Him, and He pursues us relentlessly. [45:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:08] - The Stories We Tell Ourselves
[23:57] - Intersection of Self-Knowledge and God-Knowledge
[25:34] - Prayer and Openness to God
[26:13] - Exploring Our Stories About God
[28:56] - Jesus Reveals God
[30:52] - God is Interruptible
[32:13] - Compassion and Non-Condemnation
[35:00] - God's Presence in Life's Storms
[37:10] - God is With Us
[39:26] - God Wants Us to Be With Him
[41:01] - The Eternal Conversation of the Trinity
[42:13] - Jesus' Parables About God and Us
[45:09] - Our Value to God
[49:15] - Reflecting on the Gospels
[51:40] - Silent Reflection and Prayer
[52:12] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:18 - "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."
2. Colossians 1:15 - "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."
3. Matthew 13:44-46 - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:18 tell us about Jesus' role in revealing God to us?
2. According to Colossians 1:15, how is Jesus described in relation to God?
3. In the parables found in Matthew 13:44-46, what actions do the individuals take upon finding the treasure and the pearl? What does this signify about their value?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) impact our perception of God's character? [28:56]
2. Reflect on the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). What do these parables teach us about the value of the kingdom of heaven and our worth to God? [43:57]
3. How does the story of Jesus calming the storm and casting out demons (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27) illustrate God's power and presence in our lives? [35:00]
### Application Questions
1. Think about the stories you tell yourself about yourself. Are there any narratives that you need to align more closely with God's truth? How can you start this process? [22:08]
2. Jesus demonstrated that God is interruptible and always has time for us. How can you remind yourself of this truth in your daily life, especially when you feel insignificant or overlooked? [30:52]
3. Reflect on a time when you felt condemned or unworthy. How does Jesus' response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) challenge those feelings? How can you embrace God's forgiveness and compassion? [32:13]
4. In what ways can you become more aware of God's presence in your life, especially during challenging times? How can the story of Jesus calming the storm encourage you? [35:00]
5. The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value show that we are incredibly valuable to God. How does this understanding change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? [45:09]
6. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection demonstrate our worth to God. How can you live out this truth in your interactions with others this week? [46:23]
7. Consider reading through one of the Gospels this week. How can immersing yourself in the stories of Jesus help you reshape the narratives you tell yourself about God and yourself? [49:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Personal Narratives
The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves have a profound impact on our lives. These narratives, often rooted in past experiences, shape our self-perception and influence our interactions with others. Reflecting on these stories and aligning them with God's truth can lead to personal transformation. The theologian John Calvin emphasized that true wisdom consists of knowing both God and ourselves. This dual knowledge is crucial because understanding our need for God helps us grasp what is most true about ourselves. By examining the stories we tell ourselves and comparing them to the truths found in Scripture, we can begin to see ourselves as God sees us, leading to a more accurate and uplifting self-narrative.
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who had to confront and change their personal narratives. For example, Moses saw himself as inadequate and unworthy of leading the Israelites out of Egypt, but God saw him as a chosen leader. Similarly, Gideon saw himself as the least in his family, but God called him a mighty warrior. These stories remind us that our self-perception can be flawed and that aligning our narratives with God's truth can lead to a transformed life. [22:08]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: What is one negative story you tell yourself about who you are? How can you replace this narrative with a truth from God's Word today?
Day 2: God's Interruptibility
One of the most profound aspects of God's character is His willingness to be interrupted. Jesus' interactions with people, such as healing the hemorrhaging woman while on His way to heal a dying girl, show that God always has time for us. This challenges the notion that our needs are too insignificant for God. Jesus demonstrated that no matter how busy or important His mission seemed, He always made time for individuals in need. This aspect of God's character assures us that we are never a burden to Him and that He is always available to listen and respond to our needs.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to feel like our problems are too small to bring to God. However, the stories of Jesus' life show us that God values each of us deeply and is never too busy to be interrupted by our concerns. Whether it's a small worry or a significant crisis, God invites us to come to Him with everything. This understanding can transform our prayer life and our relationship with God, knowing that He is always ready to listen and act on our behalf. [30:52]
Mark 5:30-34 (ESV): "And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, 'Who touched my garments?' And his disciples said to him, 'You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, "Who touched me?"' And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt your needs were too insignificant to bring to God. How can you approach Him today, knowing He is always willing to be interrupted for you?
Day 3: God's Compassion and Non-Condemnation
Jesus' response to the woman caught in adultery illustrates God's compassion and refusal to condemn. This story teaches us that no matter our past sins or current struggles, God offers forgiveness and a fresh start. We are not disqualified from a relationship with Him. Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery is a powerful example of God's grace. Instead of condemning her, Jesus offered her a new beginning, showing that God's love and forgiveness are available to all, regardless of their past.
This story challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of God's grace. It reminds us that our worth is not determined by our past mistakes but by God's unending love and mercy. By accepting God's forgiveness and extending it to others, we can experience and share the transformative power of His grace. [32:13]
John 8:10-11 (ESV): "Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'"
Reflection: Is there a past sin or current struggle that makes you feel unworthy of God's love? How can you embrace His forgiveness and start anew today?
Day 4: God's Presence in Our Lives
The story of Jesus calming the storm and casting out demons highlights God's power and His presence with us. Even in the midst of life's storms, God is with us, offering peace and assurance. This presence is a constant, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. Jesus' ability to calm the storm with a word demonstrates His authority over all creation and His ability to bring peace into our chaotic lives. This story reassures us that no matter what we face, God is in control and is always with us.
Understanding God's constant presence can bring immense comfort and strength. It reminds us that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. By trusting in God's power and presence, we can face life's challenges with confidence and peace, knowing that He is always by our side. [35:00]
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: What storm are you currently facing in your life? How can you invite God's presence and peace into this situation today?
Day 5: Our Value to God
The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value reveal that we are incredibly valuable to God. Jesus' sacrifice demonstrates our worth, and understanding this can transform how we view ourselves and our relationship with God. We are treasured by Him, and He pursues us relentlessly. These parables illustrate that God's kingdom is worth everything, and in turn, we are worth everything to God. Jesus' willingness to give His life for us is the ultimate demonstration of our value to Him.
Recognizing our worth in God's eyes can change how we live and interact with others. It can give us a sense of purpose and confidence, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator. This understanding can also inspire us to share God's love with others, helping them see their worth in His eyes. [45:09]
Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV): "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Reflection: How does knowing your immense value to God change the way you see yourself and your purpose? How can you live out this truth in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "We may never tell anyone else these stories, but they're often what we let define us. They're often what we believe to be most true of us. These stories we tell ourselves about ourselves have incredible power in how we show up with people, how we show up with our friends and coworkers and at school, classmates, the places that we serve, the neighbors that we know." [22:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What's the story you tell yourself about yourself? And what kind of power does it hold over you? And then, what's the story you tell yourself about God? Because these two stories about yourself and about God intersect. And they matter more than you know." [23:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must know ourselves to know our need for God. And we must know God, to know what is most true about ourselves. We must know God, to know what is most true about ourselves. What is the story you're telling yourself? About God? About yourself?" [24:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Well, it's not going to surprise you, that I believe the story we tell ourselves about God is the most important story we tell ourselves. The story of God, of course, is contained in the Bible. And it is revealed to us in Jesus." [26:55] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is interruptible. We think God is too busy for our needs. Surely a dying child trumps my request. But almost every time Jesus heals or comforts or teaches, it's because of an interruption. Tell yourself this story. God always has time for me. God always has time for me. He's interruptible." [31:31] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Tell yourself this story. That shame, that guilt that you carry, that you've told yourself disqualifies you from any real intimate relationship with God. That thing, that thing, we all have that thing. When you bring it to God, you hear him say, I do not condemn you. I do not find you useless." [33:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God is powerful. That thing that is so beyond your control, your future, a child, a diagnosis, a broken marriage, an impending loss. God is powerful. But to me, the most powerful, miraculous thing that happened in that boat was not that Jesus commanded wind and waves and then later demons. But that he was there." [35:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God does not need you to feel him for him to be with you. Repeatedly, the Bible tells us that God is with us. God sees us. Deuteronomy 31 says, It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." [37:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Tell yourself this story, God is with me. God is in me. God is with me in my commute, in the cafeteria, in that hard conversation when the rejection comes, when the diagnosis is not good, when I don't know what to do, when I don't have any control and we have far less control than we think we do. God is powerful and he is with me." [38:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Tell yourself this story. God listens to me. God listens to me. God speaks to me. Through his word, by his spirit, through the community of the church God speaks to me. What is the story that you tell yourself about God?" [41:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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