Trusting God: Embracing Grace and Resurrection Hope
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound truth of leaning not on our own understanding but trusting in the Lord with all our hearts, as highlighted in Proverbs 3:5-6. This principle was illustrated through a humorous yet poignant video clip where a woman leaned on a porch column, only for it to give way, symbolizing how our self-reliance can lead to unexpected downfalls. This serves as a reminder that our own understanding is often fragile and unreliable, and we must instead place our trust in God, who is steadfast and true.
We delved into the story from John 21, where Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. This narrative is a powerful reminder of the importance of beginning with the end in mind. As we approach the Lenten season, a time traditionally focused on reflection and preparation for Easter, we are encouraged to remember the resurrection and the hope it brings. The disciples, instructed by Jesus to wait in Galilee, returned to fishing, not out of abandonment of faith, but as a way to occupy themselves while awaiting further revelation from Christ. This teaches us that sometimes, in our waiting, we must engage in familiar tasks, trusting that God will reveal more in His time.
Peter's response to Jesus' presence on the shore is particularly significant. Despite his previous denial of Christ, Peter does not let his past failures prevent him from jumping into the water to reach Jesus. This act of eagerness to be in Jesus' presence, despite his shortcomings, is a powerful lesson for us. It reminds us that our past mistakes should not hinder us from seeking closeness with God. Jesus meets us where we are, providing for our needs and inviting us to partake in His grace and love.
As we prepare for Lent, let us focus on the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and the new life it offers. We are reminded that our journey with Jesus begins with acknowledging our sin and accepting His invitation to rest in His grace. This season is an opportunity to deepen our faith, reflect on our spiritual journey, and anticipate the joy of Easter with renewed hope and trust in the Lord.
Key Takeaways:
- Trusting in the Lord rather than our own understanding is crucial, as our self-reliance can lead to unexpected downfalls. We must lean on God's wisdom, which is steadfast and true. [03:58]
- The story of Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection reminds us to begin with the end in mind, focusing on the hope and transformation that the resurrection brings. [09:32]
- Peter's eagerness to reach Jesus, despite his past denials, teaches us that our past mistakes should not prevent us from seeking closeness with God. Jesus meets us where we are, offering grace and love. [27:33]
- As we approach Lent, we are encouraged to reflect on our spiritual journey, acknowledging our sin and accepting Jesus' invitation to rest in His grace. This season is an opportunity for deepening our faith. [36:32]
- Our journey with Jesus begins with acknowledging our sin and accepting His invitation to rest in His grace. This season is an opportunity to deepen our faith, reflect on our spiritual journey, and anticipate the joy of Easter with renewed hope and trust in the Lord. [23:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:02] - Prayer for Open Hearts
[02:26] - Lean Not on Your Own Understanding
[04:50] - Trust in the Lord
[06:20] - The Giant Slayer Reminder
[07:11] - Preparing for Lent
[09:32] - Beginning with the End in Mind
[10:07] - Jesus Appears to the Disciples
[12:26] - The Third Appearance of Jesus
[14:32] - Returning to Galilee
[17:22] - More to Be Revealed
[20:11] - The Miraculous Catch
[23:05] - Remembering Our Beginning with Jesus
[27:33] - Peter's Eagerness to Reach Jesus
[31:34] - Jesus Meets Our Needs
[36:32] - Reflecting on Lent and Resurrection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- John 21:1-14
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, a video clip was mentioned where a woman leaned on a porch column that gave way. How does this illustrate the message of Proverbs 3:5-6? [03:23]
2. What were the disciples doing when Jesus appeared to them in John 21, and why is this significant? [10:45]
3. How did Peter react when he realized it was Jesus on the shore, and what does this tell us about his character? [11:35]
4. What was the significance of the miraculous catch of fish in John 21, and how did it relate to a previous event in Peter's life? [20:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to trust in the Lord rather than our own understanding, according to the sermon and Proverbs 3:5-6? [05:08]
2. How does the story of Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection encourage us to "begin with the end in mind"? [09:32]
3. What does Peter's eagerness to reach Jesus, despite his past denials, teach us about dealing with our own past mistakes? [27:33]
4. How can the Lenten season be an opportunity for us to deepen our faith and reflect on our spiritual journey? [36:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own understanding and it led to an unexpected downfall. How can you learn to trust in God's wisdom more in similar situations? [03:58]
2. As we approach Lent, what familiar tasks or routines can you engage in while waiting for God's revelation in your life? [16:19]
3. Peter did not let his past failures prevent him from seeking closeness with Jesus. Is there a past mistake that is hindering your relationship with God? How can you overcome it? [29:27]
4. The sermon encourages us to focus on the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. What specific steps can you take this Lenten season to reflect on your spiritual journey and prepare for Easter? [36:32]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to lean more on God's understanding rather than your own. What practical steps can you take this week to trust in the Lord in that area? [05:08]
6. How can you remind yourself daily of the hope and transformation that the resurrection brings, especially during challenging times? [09:32]
7. Think of a person in your life who might be struggling with their past mistakes. How can you encourage them to seek closeness with God, just as Peter did? [27:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting Beyond Understanding
In life, we often rely on our own understanding and judgment to navigate challenges and make decisions. However, this self-reliance can sometimes lead to unexpected downfalls, as our understanding is limited and fragile. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. This trust in God is not blind faith but a conscious decision to rely on His wisdom, which is steadfast and true. By placing our trust in God, we acknowledge that His ways are higher than ours and that He sees the bigger picture. This trust allows us to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that God is guiding our steps. [03:58]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are relying solely on your own understanding? How can you begin to trust God more in this area today?
Day 2: Hope in the Resurrection
The story of Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection is a powerful reminder of the hope and transformation that the resurrection brings. As the disciples waited in Galilee, they returned to fishing, not out of a lack of faith, but as a way to occupy themselves while awaiting further revelation from Christ. This narrative encourages us to begin with the end in mind, focusing on the hope and transformation that the resurrection brings. As we approach the Lenten season, we are reminded to reflect on the resurrection and the new life it offers. This reflection helps us to live with purpose and anticipation, knowing that our journey with Christ is leading us to a glorious end. [09:32]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: How does the hope of the resurrection influence your daily life and decisions? What is one way you can live with the end in mind today?
Day 3: Embracing Grace Despite Failures
Peter's eagerness to reach Jesus, despite his past denials, is a powerful lesson for us. It reminds us that our past mistakes should not prevent us from seeking closeness with God. Jesus meets us where we are, offering grace and love. Peter's response to Jesus' presence on the shore shows us that our failures do not define us, and we are always welcome to return to Jesus. This act of eagerness to be in Jesus' presence, despite shortcomings, encourages us to embrace God's grace and love, knowing that He is always ready to forgive and restore us. [27:33]
"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Hebrews 8:12, ESV)
Reflection: What past mistake or failure is holding you back from seeking closeness with God? How can you embrace His grace and move forward today?
Day 4: Reflecting on Our Spiritual Journey
As we approach Lent, we are encouraged to reflect on our spiritual journey, acknowledging our sin and accepting Jesus' invitation to rest in His grace. This season is an opportunity for deepening our faith and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. By reflecting on our spiritual journey, we can identify areas where we need growth and seek God's guidance in those areas. This reflection helps us to be intentional in our walk with Christ, allowing His transformative power to work in our lives. [36:32]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual journey that needs reflection and growth? How can you intentionally seek God's guidance in this area during Lent?
Day 5: Beginning with Acknowledgment and Grace
Our journey with Jesus begins with acknowledging our sin and accepting His invitation to rest in His grace. This acknowledgment is not about dwelling on our shortcomings but recognizing our need for a Savior. As we accept Jesus' invitation, we are invited to partake in His grace and love, which transforms our lives. This season is an opportunity to deepen our faith, reflect on our spiritual journey, and anticipate the joy of Easter with renewed hope and trust in the Lord. By beginning with acknowledgment and grace, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and the new life it offers. [23:23]
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What sin or struggle do you need to acknowledge before God today? How can you accept His invitation to rest in His grace and begin anew?
Quotes
and it shows a lady go out in a porch and she's talking to her landscaper and she leans up against anybody see this leans up against the column on her porch just really cool like hey how's it going the column gives way she Tumbl PS down the steps just about to smack her head on the concrete walkway and the landscaper appears in the video and he cradles her head and he's like are you okay and then go back to reading the title lean not on your own understanding watch this Lord that's the reality that's the reality for me for all people is we think we've got something really solid we're we're just just really leaning on ourselves but we don't realize how close we are to it giving away and the terrible terrible demise that can come [00:03:12]
Proverbs 3:5 and6 says that trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding acknowledge Him in all your ways and he will direct your paths so let's go to prayer with that father as we go into your word uh scriptures say that this is comes from your mouth 2 Timothy 3:16 that this is what the scripture is for it's to train us to equip us to correct us and to keep us father in a place where we will know what you want for us and we can be blessed in that so father as we read your word today would your Holy Spirit uh incline our hearts lean us more away from those columns and pillars and things that we put our trust in and help help us to lean more today into you and into your word we ask this in Jesus name amen [00:05:01]
now as we go into this time of year it's uh we're approaching the Lenton period which is the period before Easter um and it's typically you know is comes out of the dark days of winter and the Lenton period typically Focus is on the things that are going on under the soil or in the case of Christ in the Tomb or in our lives the depth and darkness even of sin and the grave and so uh I didn't know this for sure so I I was that it begins Wednesday March 5th which is just U about 10 days away and it is a 40-day period how many of you knew that but the qu the problem with it is is it's not 40 days doesn't count Sunday doesn't count Sundays that's a trivia winner right there right so so it doesn't count Sundays because those days typically in the church are to celebrate the resurrected Christ so the 40 days uh are outside of Sundays and uh and they give us a time to prepare for Easter [00:07:11]
lent begins just a couple Sundays we have two Sundays this Sunday and next uh before we get into that period but this Sunday I want us to take a look at beginning with the end in mind see lent focuses on that dark period and and uh reminded of of what's going on right now in the winter and the the coldness and the the blank canvas of the Earth with the trees Barren with the no flowers really blooming in our area but soon enough some of you know right sometimes through the snow of winter in New Jersey the little crocuses start to pop up right the daffodils start to we start to see the green poking through the the ience and those things we're going to begin this uh this period with the end in mind [00:09:24]
afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee it happened this way Simon Peter Thomas also known as dimus Nathaniel from canaa and Galilee the sons of Zebedee and two of the other disciples were together I'm going out to fish Simon Peter told them and they said well we'll go with you so they went out and got into the boat but that night they caught nothing early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus verse 5 he called out to them friends haven't you any fish no they answered he said throw your net on the right side of the boat and you'll find some and when they did they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish [00:10:29]
and so one of the things I was taught so often from this passage and I probably repeated it is all right Jesus is tried found guilty sentence to crucifixion Peter denies them three times and what do they do go back to fishing right and I've often felt critical of the of the disciples identifying with them that at times when I abandon faith that I go back to the things I knew in my formal life former life but but and maybe anybody ever been taught this that you've heard that the disciples they went back to fishing there they are you know look at that they follow Jesus for three years and he gets crucified he tells them he's got all that's going to happen but they go back to fishing well one of the things I I didn't explore here was that Jesus told them to go back to Galilee told them to go wait on in the area of the Sea of Galilee and wait for him and part of them waiting for him may have just been Peter saying hey we're waiting around here anyway why don't we go fishing why don't we just go do what we've done why don't we as we wait experience those familiar things [00:15:02]
Peter realized early on in his relationship with Jesus that there was something Supreme about Jesus and he realized that there was something significantly deficient about himself and so as we talk about beginning with the end in mind an important point is to remember how you began with Jesus and it's how all of us begin with Jesus that we bring one thing to the table and that's our sin that's all we have to off offer to Jesus is our sin and Jesus isn't like looking at it going have you ever been to a to a to a or tried to have a garage sale and people are like well I'd like this but not that or n let's make a deal it's nothing like that Jesus in receiving what we have to offer welcomes it he doesn't pick it apart he says come to me come to me right in fact those words are come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest rest from what the burden of your sin this is Jesus invitation [00:22:52]
Peter is invited to do this when he falls at Jesus's feet we read in Luke and and in John when Peter hears Jesus say well cast your nets on the other side which is literally like from from throwing their Nets here to throwing their Nets here now when you go fishing you realize there can be a big deal in that difference of fishing of where you cast your net or where you cast your lure but the Insight of it to be able to cast your net and catch so many fish that you can't even pull it in there's something happening and it triggers especially Peter because uh it says that Simon Peter uh the disciple whom Jesus loved which is John uh said to Peter it is the Lord and as soon as Simon Peter heard him say it's the Lord he wrapped his outer garment around him for he had taken it off and jumped into the water and the other disciples followed in the boat [00:24:27]
Peter doesn't let his past prevent him from jumping because one of the things we know is this is a point where he and Jesus are going to do some business and it's a very tender engagement on the shore but we also know that in Christ's uh accusing time where he was brought to trial that that P P had said I'll never ever let them take you G and and Jesus says Peter before the rooster crows you'll deny me three times and and that prophetic word from Jesus comes true as Jesus is there at a fire nearby when Jesus is being tried and he says I'm telling you I'm not with him I don't know him right right we we read this in John and he here again it it doesn't take us having to read into it that I can recognize that I too am like Peter that I can have really bold moments of Courageous Courageous uh faith and then I can seemingly be you know around the fire and having a young lady say hey aren't you with Jesus isn't that like the way you talk aren't you one of those G and and refuse any connection [00:27:33]
and so in in humility I I can see then Peter doesn't let that stop him though from jumping in to get close to Jesus and one of the things I would say today is if there's something that is blocking you remember what Peter knew was getting in front of Jesus was the best thing he could do getting back to being in front of Jesus is is the best thing Peter could do and it's often times the best thing that we can do sometimes our fear our shame can keep us away thinking that we need to clean up our act or we need to stop doing blank before we get back to Jesus and the reality is we can't stop doing blank without without Jesus we can't clean ourselves up without Jesus and if we ever thought Behavior was what was going to earn God's love that points out a bigger issue of what we think Jesus thinks of us and that it says right in Ephesians chapter 2 It Is by grace through faith that we are saved not by works CU then people could boast right right they could say oh yeah you know I don't do this this or this look at me I'm a good Christian but the realities are that it's by grace through faith in which we're joined to Jesus it's his invitation his his offer to love us it's his saying receive from me so remember how we began with Jesus and remember that those things that might prevent us from jumping in get close to Jesus we really need to question what we're hanging on to [00:29:09]
Jesus meets our practical needs he he was there to meet the disciples after a a long hard night of fishing with no result which it's if it's anything like a lot of jobs it's actually more exhausting right when it doesn't bring about the fruit uh when it doesn't bring about the results and and so he nourishes them and he says bring some of the fish you caught there were some coals and I don't know where Jesus got the fish but there were already some coals with the fish on it and Jesus said bring some of the fish you've caught and so Simon Peter climbed back in the boat and dragged the net ashore it was full of large fish 153 but even with so many the net was not torn [00:31:34]
I I'm looking forward to this Lenton period um remembering that we can begin lent even with the end in mind we know lent is that dark time and it's we we'll get into the depth of our our sin and the depth of the con Human Condition but all wrapped with the fullness of God's plan revealed to us in Jesus Christ not only who lived who died and who rose again and appeared uh to many and so we know that Jesus is Alive [00:36:32]
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