True Faith: Beyond Appearance to Genuine Commitment
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the time when the people of God were under Roman occupation and subject to heavy taxation. The Pharisees, a group of religious elites known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, held significant influence over the people of God. Jesus, however, rebuked them for their hypocrisy, calling them "blind guides" and criticizing them for being clean on the outside but rotting on the inside. This led me to the second point of the sermon: a walk with Jesus is not about perfection, it's about direction. Jesus called upon ordinary people, like fishermen Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, to follow him. He didn't require them to be perfect, but to be willing to move in the direction he was leading.
The sermon also highlighted the conflict between Jesus and the religious elite, emphasizing that God is not fooled by outward appearances. Jesus was trying to make us understand that faith is about trusting God even when life challenges him. It's not just about believing in God, but believing that God is who he says he is, even when life tells a different story. The sermon differentiated between fans, who admire from a distance and whose commitment is superficial, and followers, who have a deep, unwavering commitment and trust that God will get them through their trials.
Key Takeaways:
- A walk with Jesus is not about perfection, it's about direction. Jesus calls upon ordinary people to follow him, not requiring them to be perfect, but to be willing to move in the direction he is leading (#!!54:55!!#).
- Faith is about trusting God even when life challenges him. It's not just about believing in God, but believing that God is who he says he is, even when life tells a different story (#!!51:15!!#).
- There's a difference between fans, who admire from a distance and whose commitment is superficial, and followers, who have a deep, unwavering commitment and trust that God will get them through their trials (#!!50:26!!#).
- God is not fooled by outward appearances. He knows our hearts and sees what's going on inside us (#!!48:53!!#).
- The work of transformation in followers of Jesus happens on the inside before it happens on the outside (#!!57:18!!#).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 23:1-39 - Jesus denounces the Pharisees and teachers of the law. #!!48:53!!#
2. Matthew 4:18-25 - Jesus calls his first disciples and begins his ministry. #!!54:12!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What were the main criticisms Jesus had against the Pharisees in Matthew 23?
2. How does Jesus' call to his disciples in Matthew 4 contrast with the behavior of the Pharisees?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees tell us about the nature of true faith and discipleship?
2. How does the response of the disciples in Matthew 4 illustrate the concept of following Jesus not being about perfection, but direction?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a time when you focused more on appearing religious rather than cultivating an authentic relationship with God, like the Pharisees?
2. How can you shift your focus from trying to be perfect to moving in the direction Jesus is leading, like the disciples in Matthew 4?
3. What is one way you can demonstrate your faith in God, even when life challenges it, this week?
4. Can you think of a situation where you acted more like a fan of Jesus rather than a follower? How can you change this behavior moving forward?
Devotional
Day 1: Faith is Trusting God Amidst Challenges
Faith is not just about believing in God, but believing that God is who He says He is, even when life tells a different story. It's about having an unwavering commitment, knowing that no matter what you're going through, God will see you through. This kind of faith is not superficial or fleeting, but deeply rooted and steadfast. [49:42]
Bible Passage: James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith in God help you through it?
Day 2: True Worship is a Lifestyle
True worship is not about looking good on the outside or when the cameras are on. It's about living a lifestyle that reflects God's love and teachings 24/7, 365 days a year. What's on the outside should be a reflection of what's on the inside. [51:56]
Bible Passage: Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Reflection: How can you make your worship a lifestyle, not just a Sunday routine?
Day 3: God's Work Begins Inside Us
God's work in us begins on the inside before it manifests on the outside. We shouldn't be fooled by those who look like they know Jesus but lack the love and kindness He teaches. [57:18]
Bible Passage: Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: In what ways has God's work begun inside you? How is it manifesting in your life?
Day 4: Following Jesus is About Direction, Not Perfection
Our walk with Jesus is not about being perfect, but about moving in the direction that Jesus is moving. It's about leaving behind our old ways and following Him, regardless of our past or present circumstances. [54:55]
Bible Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: How have you seen your life change direction since you started following Jesus?
Day 5: Jesus Calls Us Despite Our Imperfections
Jesus calls us to follow Him despite our imperfections. He doesn't look at our past or our present circumstances, but at our willingness to move in the direction He is moving. [56:31]
Bible Passage: 1 Timothy 1:15-16 - "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus calls you despite your imperfections affect your relationship with Him?
Quotes
1. "As followers of Jesus, there's a work that happens on the inside before it happens on the outside. We get fooled by people who look like they know Jesus, they got the right look, they use the right language, they carry themselves in a certain kind of way, but they're the most meanest." - 56:47
2. "Faith is trusting God even when life challenges him. You know quite clearly where you fall when the heat is on. You're a fan or a follower when you go through something that challenges your faith. A follower has a deep unwavering commitment. They know that whatever it is that I'm going through, God will get me through." - 50:26
3. "Faith isn't just believing in God, that's what fans do. Demons believe in God. It's believing God is who he says even when life is telling you a different story. A follower says now I've just got to hold on just a little while longer because even though it doesn't look like what he said, I've come through too many times in the past where I just can't walk away right now." - 51:15
4. "Our walk with Jesus is not about perfection, it's about direction. Jesus is saying y'all got this all wrong, now I've got to come in and set the record straight. I've got to come in and let y'all know." - 53:27
5. "Our walk with Jesus isn't about perfection, it's about direction. It's not about how perfect you are when you come to Jesus, it's about are you willing to move in the direction that Jesus is moving." - 56:31
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