Transforming Pain into Purpose: The Pearl of Great Price
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound parable of the pearl of great price from Matthew 13, delving into its rich symbolism and relevance for our lives today. This parable, along with others in the chapter, provides a glimpse into the nature of the kingdom of God and the church age we are currently living in. The pearl, representing the church, is a unique and precious entity that Christ purchased with His sacrifice. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are formed from living beings, symbolizing the church's dynamic and living nature, composed of believers from every nation and tongue.
The process of a pearl's formation is a powerful metaphor for turning pain into purpose. Just as a pearl is formed through the irritation of a grain of sand within an oyster, our trials and sufferings can lead to the creation of something beautiful and lasting. This transformation is a testament to God's ability to bring beauty from ashes and purpose from pain. The church, like a pearl, is complete in Christ, lacking nothing essential for its spiritual identity and mission.
We are reminded that the church is a diverse and unified body, drawn from the sea of nations, reflecting the beauty of God's creation. As believers, we are called to engage with the world, spreading the gospel and living out our faith. The church is not a static entity but one that is continually being built, layer by layer, as we grow in our relationship with Christ.
Ultimately, the pearl of great price challenges us to view our hardships through the lens of faith, trusting that God is at work in our lives, shaping us into His image. Our pain, when surrendered to God, can leave a legacy of beauty and impact that extends far beyond our lifetime.
Key Takeaways:
- The parable of the pearl of great price illustrates the church's unique and precious nature, purchased by Christ's sacrifice. This parable reminds us of the church's living and dynamic nature, composed of believers from every nation and tongue. [03:50]
- Just as a pearl is formed through the irritation of a grain of sand, our trials and sufferings can lead to the creation of something beautiful and lasting. This transformation is a testament to God's ability to bring beauty from ashes and purpose from pain. [07:36]
- The church is a diverse and unified body, drawn from the sea of nations, reflecting the beauty of God's creation. As believers, we are called to engage with the world, spreading the gospel and living out our faith. [13:20]
- The church is continually being built, layer by layer, as we grow in our relationship with Christ. This ongoing process reminds us that we are complete in Him, lacking nothing essential for our spiritual identity and mission. [16:31]
- Our pain, when surrendered to God, can leave a legacy of beauty and impact that extends far beyond our lifetime. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can transform our hardships into a lasting legacy that blesses future generations. [19:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer
- [01:45] - Upcoming Events and Outreach
- [03:50] - Introduction to the Parable of the Pearl
- [05:20] - The Church as the Pearl of Great Price
- [07:36] - The Unique Nature of Pearls
- [09:15] - The Church's Global Diversity
- [11:00] - The Complete and Indivisible Church
- [13:20] - Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone
- [15:00] - Building the Church Layer by Layer
- [16:31] - The Future of the Church
- [18:00] - Turning Pain into Purpose
- [19:44] - The Legacy of Beauty from Pain
- [22:54] - God's Presence in Our Trials
- [26:05] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 13:45-46 (The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price)
- 1 Peter 2:9 (A Chosen Generation)
- Colossians 2:10 (Complete in Him)
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the pearl in the parable from Matthew 13, and how does it relate to the church? [03:50]
2. How does the process of a pearl's formation serve as a metaphor for turning pain into purpose, as discussed in the sermon? [19:44]
3. According to the sermon, what makes the church similar to a pearl in terms of its composition and diversity? [13:20]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the church is continually being built, layer by layer? [16:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable of the pearl of great price challenge believers to view their hardships through the lens of faith? [19:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's diversity reflects the beauty of God's creation? [13:20]
3. How does the concept of being "complete in Christ" influence a believer's understanding of their spiritual identity and mission? [16:31]
4. What does the pastor mean by saying that our pain, when surrendered to God, can leave a legacy of beauty and impact? [22:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial or hardship in your life. How can you begin to see it as an opportunity for God to create something beautiful and lasting? [19:44]
2. The sermon emphasizes the church's role in engaging with the world. What specific steps can you take this week to spread the gospel and live out your faith in your community? [13:20]
3. Consider the idea that the church is continually being built. How can you contribute to this ongoing process in your local church community? [16:31]
4. Think about a time when you felt incomplete or lacking in your spiritual journey. How does the truth that you are "complete in Christ" change your perspective on that experience? [16:31]
5. Identify a person or group in your life that represents a different nation or tongue. How can you reach out to them and reflect the church's diverse and unified nature? [13:20]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of leaving a legacy. What legacy do you want to leave for future generations, and what steps can you take now to start building it? [22:54]
7. How can you practically surrender your pain to God this week, trusting Him to transform it into a legacy of beauty and impact? [22:54]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Living Pearl
The parable of the pearl of great price illustrates the church's unique and precious nature, purchased by Christ's sacrifice. This parable reminds us of the church's living and dynamic nature, composed of believers from every nation and tongue. The church is not a static entity but a vibrant, living organism that grows and evolves as believers from diverse backgrounds come together in unity. This unity is a testament to the beauty of God's creation, as the church reflects the diversity of the world while maintaining a singular purpose in Christ. The pearl, formed from living beings, symbolizes this dynamic nature, reminding us that the church is continually being shaped and refined by the Holy Spirit. [03:50]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and growth of your local church community today?
Day 2: Beauty from Pain
Just as a pearl is formed through the irritation of a grain of sand, our trials and sufferings can lead to the creation of something beautiful and lasting. This transformation is a testament to God's ability to bring beauty from ashes and purpose from pain. In the same way that an oyster transforms an irritant into a pearl, God can use our hardships to shape us into His image, creating a legacy of beauty and impact. This process requires faith and surrender, trusting that God is at work even in our most challenging moments. By embracing our trials with a perspective of faith, we can find purpose in our pain and allow God to use it for His glory. [07:36]
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5, ESV)
Reflection: What current trial in your life can you surrender to God, trusting Him to bring beauty and purpose from it?
Day 3: The Church's Global Diversity
The church is a diverse and unified body, drawn from the sea of nations, reflecting the beauty of God's creation. As believers, we are called to engage with the world, spreading the gospel and living out our faith. This diversity is a strength, as it allows the church to reach people from all walks of life and demonstrate the inclusivity of God's love. By embracing our differences and working together in unity, we can more effectively fulfill the Great Commission and be a light to the world. The church's global diversity is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the unifying work of the Holy Spirit. [13:20]
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with and support the diverse body of Christ in your community and beyond?
Day 4: Building the Church Layer by Layer
The church is continually being built, layer by layer, as we grow in our relationship with Christ. This ongoing process reminds us that we are complete in Him, lacking nothing essential for our spiritual identity and mission. As we deepen our relationship with Christ, we contribute to the growth and strengthening of the church, both individually and collectively. This growth is not just about numbers but about spiritual maturity and depth, as we become more like Christ and reflect His love to the world. By investing in our spiritual growth and the growth of others, we help build a strong and vibrant church that can withstand the challenges of the world. [16:31]
"In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:22, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ and contribute to the growth of the church?
Day 5: Legacy of Beauty from Pain
Our pain, when surrendered to God, can leave a legacy of beauty and impact that extends far beyond our lifetime. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can transform our hardships into a lasting legacy that blesses future generations. This legacy is not just about what we leave behind but about how we live our lives today, allowing God to use our experiences for His glory. As we surrender our pain to God, we open ourselves to His healing and transformation, creating a ripple effect that can impact others for eternity. By embracing this perspective, we can find hope and purpose in our struggles, knowing that God is at work in and through us. [19:44]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your past experiences of pain and healing to bless and comfort others today?
Quotes
And so I mentioned this last week that I believe the parable of the pearl is us, the church. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is that precious pearl that Christ purchased. How many know Jesus was never purchased? You know, right? He wasn't bought, but the church was. The church was bought. [00:06:12] (21 seconds)
Now this thing about this pearl is the pearl is beautiful, a naturally formed one. And the merchant was willing to sell everything that he had to buy this pearl. And I believe the merchant man is the Lord Jesus. You know, the Bible says, God so loved the world, he what? He gave. [00:06:37] (21 seconds)
Jesus wasn't forced to go to the cross. He willingly went. He says in John 10, he said, no one takes my life from me. I lay it down willingly. So when it says that God gave him, he gave him as an offering, as a gift, as a sacrifice. Nobody forced Jesus to come do this. [00:07:24] (21 seconds)
And if you travel much, it may be a small group, just a handful, or a larger group, but it's all the family of God, whether it's in the Davyton Township back in 1990 in South Africa that we did some meetings, or Ismail, Ukraine, on the Danube, where we did a large water baptism, or going to northern parts of Sri Lanka, Jaffna, areas that were war-torn, or even in the business district of Osaka, Japan, that we presented the gospel and had a crusade. [00:10:20] (39 seconds)
Now, no matter how large or small a pearl it is, it's one complete unit. Here's the thing. All of the gems, they have to be cut. They have to be ground. They have to be polished. But when a pearl is discovered, it is already complete. Now, I want you to think about that. Colossians 2 .10 tells us that we are, present tense, Colossians 2 .10, and we are complete in him. [00:11:30] (23 seconds)
It actually means to fill up, made full, or brought to wholeness. Now, what are you saying, Pastor Mike? The idea is this, that through Jesus, his life, his death, and his resurrection, watch this, believers lack nothing essential for their spiritual identity, salvation, or relationship with God. In other words, you've got it all right now. [00:12:03] (25 seconds)
And one interpretation of this at the very beginning of the church, the Bible says in Ephesians 2 .20, there is no other foundation that can be laid but that which is of Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. So we could say that the pearl, the church exists because of the stone, Jesus Christ. [00:13:19] (20 seconds)
Matthew 16, 18, the scripture says, Jesus said, I will, excuse me, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. How many know gates are a defensive position? Not offensive. Amen. And so as the kingdom of God, we move forward. We're not the church as a gate. No, we're on the offense. [00:15:02] (23 seconds)
And he's going to lift his church. He's going to bring his bride back. He will lift us out of the earth. He will take us to heaven with him. And here's the thing. It's impossible to know how close we are to this day. Some believe it's any moment. I talk to some people sometime, and I've talked to them even, I think of stories and encounters I've had 30 years ago. [00:15:53] (23 seconds)
And so really what we could say from this, and it's really I want to get into these next few weeks, from its pain, watch this, came its purpose. And from its pain came so much beauty. Stand with me if you would please. [00:21:06] (17 seconds)
There is a purpose in our pain. There's a purpose. Sometimes it's hard to see. I'll be the first. submit. Because I think one of the greatest things that, you know, I've always struggled with about you is this thing about suffering. And we know that there's sin in this world. We know that there's destruction. And you see people and go through certain things that it's just, man, they're good people. They love the Lord. And so much pain. So much suffering. [00:22:21] (31 seconds)
And just like a pearl. So, our disappointments, our hardships, adversity, suffering, discomfort, persecution. They can all leave, if we allow the Holy Spirit, they can all leave a lasting beauty. They can leave a legacy of lasting beauty. That if the Lord should tarry 150 years from now, someone will go through and Google and go, that was great, great, great, great grandma. She went through a lot. Here's her story. But her life affected so-and-so down the road. And that changed the nation. [00:24:46] (33 seconds)
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