Trusting Jesus: The Path to Eternal Life
Summary
In the sermon titled "Trust Is the Way | God With Us," the speaker explores the concept of trust in the context of Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ as the way to eternal life and a relationship with God. The sermon begins with a reflection on heaven, where individuals will be sinless and free from the malfunctions and diseases of earthly bodies. The speaker contrasts this with the current state of Earth, tainted by sin, but reassures the audience of God's redemptive plan and the eternal perspective that thinking of heaven provides.
The significance of sin is discussed, highlighting that it is not merely about wrongdoing but about missing the mark of one's purpose, leading to guilt. The speaker points out that while good deeds cannot fully atone for sins, Jesus, through his servitude and sacrifice, offers salvation and help through the Holy Spirit.
"God With Us" is presented as a promise that extends beyond Jesus' earthly visitation, with a focus on the disciples' confusion and worry about Jesus' departure. The speaker draws a parallel between the disciples' feelings and the anxiety one might experience when facing new challenges.
The sermon delves into the interaction between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus washes Peter's feet to teach a deeper truth about cleansing and forgiveness. The speaker encourages the congregation to spend time with Jesus to deepen their trust and understanding of Him, emphasizing that sermons provide insights beyond what nature alone can teach.
The concept of a two-way relationship with God is highlighted, contrasting it with a one-way relationship of prayer without sensing Jesus' presence. The speaker acknowledges the mystery surrounding those who have never heard of Jesus but affirms the personal nature of a relationship with Him.
Personal anecdotes are used to illustrate the emotions of the disciples and the importance of being part of Christ's body. The speaker urges believers to trust in Jesus' heart and faithfulness, emphasizing that salvation is based on trust, not merit, and reassures them of Jesus' promise to return.
The congregation is invited to commit their lives to Jesus, with the assurance that He will guide them and take them to heaven. The speaker stresses the need to confidently surrender to Jesus and trust in His promises, leading a prayer for those who wish to embrace a two-way relationship with Him for the first time.
Key Takeaways:
- Heaven is depicted as a place of perfection and love, contrasting with Earth's current state. The speaker encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, which helps to see beyond the temporal distractions and focus on God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. This perspective is essential for living a life aligned with God's purposes and promises. [16:58]
- Sin is more than just wrongdoing; it represents a fundamental failure to fulfill one's divine purpose. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the only one capable of atoning for our sins, and through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and the help of the Holy Spirit. This understanding of sin and redemption is crucial for grasping the depth of God's grace and the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice. [02:26]
- Trusting in Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent but involves a personal and experiential relationship with Him. The speaker highlights that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that a two-way relationship with God is characterized by sensing and experiencing Jesus' presence. This insight challenges believers to move beyond a superficial faith and seek a deeper, more intimate connection with Jesus. [27:18]
- The speaker illustrates the importance of trust by comparing it to the implicit trust we place in everyday things like elevators and stop lights. Trusting in Jesus' faithfulness is similar and requires reliance on Him even when circumstances are unclear. This analogy helps believers understand that faith in Jesus should be as natural and unquestioned as the trust we place in the systems and technologies that we depend on daily. [17:31]
- The speaker uses a personal story to convey the idea that God has prepared a unique and special place in heaven for each believer, just as one would prepare a surprise for a loved one. This personal touch underscores the depth of God's love and the individual care He has for each person, reinforcing the message that our relationship with God is deeply personal and lovingly crafted by Him. [14:54]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:1-6 (NIV)
> "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
2. Matthew 1:21-23 (NIV)
> "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)."
3. Psalm 145:9 (NIV)
> "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to do for His followers in John 14:1-3?
2. How does Jesus describe Himself in John 14:6, and what is the significance of each description?
3. According to Matthew 1:21-23, what is the meaning of the name "Immanuel" and why is it significant?
4. How does Psalm 145:9 describe God's nature and His relationship with His creation?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be "the way, the truth, and the life" in the context of John 14:6? How does this shape our understanding of salvation? [08:11]
2. How does the promise of Jesus preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14:2-3) provide comfort and assurance in our daily lives? [07:09]
3. In what ways does the concept of "God with us" (Immanuel) from Matthew 1:23 impact our understanding of God's presence in our lives? [01:52]
4. How does the description of God's goodness and compassion in Psalm 145:9 influence our trust in His plans and purposes for us? [10:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious or uncertain about the future. How can Jesus' promise in John 14:1-3 help you find peace in similar situations? [07:09]
2. Jesus describes Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life." How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus to better understand and experience these aspects of Him? [08:11]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of a two-way relationship with God. What steps can you take this week to cultivate a more interactive and personal relationship with Jesus? [25:12]
4. The speaker used the analogy of trusting everyday things like elevators and stop lights to illustrate trust in Jesus. What are some practical ways you can increase your trust in Jesus' faithfulness, especially in uncertain times? [19:06]
5. How does the promise of a prepared place in heaven (John 14:2-3) change your perspective on your current struggles and challenges? How can you keep an eternal perspective in your daily life? [07:09]
6. The sermon emphasized the personal nature of God's love and care for each individual. How can you remind yourself of God's personal love for you in your daily routine? [12:43]
7. Think about someone in your life who may not have heard about Jesus or understood His message. How can you share the concept of "God with us" with them in a meaningful way this week? [27:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing an Eternal Perspective
Heaven is a perfect destination, where love reigns and earthly flaws are absent. Believers are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, which shifts focus from temporary struggles to the everlasting joy and restoration that await in God's kingdom. This perspective is a guiding light for a life lived in alignment with divine purpose. [16:58]
Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: How can maintaining an eternal perspective change the way you handle the difficulties you face in your daily life?
Day 2: Understanding Sin's True Nature
Sin is not just an act of wrongdoing but a deviation from the divine blueprint for humanity. It leads to a life unfulfilled and distant from God's intention. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are offered a path to forgiveness and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which restores the original purpose of their lives. [02:26]
Romans 3:23-24 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the feeling of 'missing the mark' in your life, and how can you seek Jesus' forgiveness and guidance to realign with your divine purpose?
Day 3: Cultivating a Two-Way Relationship with God
A genuine faith in Jesus goes beyond intellectual belief; it involves a heartfelt and experiential relationship with Him. This two-way connection is marked by a tangible sense of Jesus' presence, guiding and enriching the believer's life. It is an invitation to a deeper communion with the divine. [27:18]
James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to foster a more intimate and responsive relationship with Jesus?
Day 4: Trusting in Jesus' Faithfulness
Just as we trust in everyday systems without question, we are called to place our trust in Jesus' faithfulness with the same confidence. This trust is a surrender to His guidance, even when the path ahead is not clear, knowing that His promises are sure and His love is steadfast. [17:31]
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: Can you identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust Jesus? How can you begin to let go and trust in His faithfulness today?
Day 5: Personalizing God's Love and Promise
God's love for each believer is deeply personal, as He prepares a unique place in heaven for every individual. This personal touch is a testament to the special relationship God desires to have with each person, crafted with the utmost care and affection. [14:54]
John 14:2-3 - "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Reflection: How does the knowledge that God is personally preparing a place for you in heaven affect your relationship with Him and your view of your future?
Quotes
"We're in a series called God with us and that's really we're taking the word Emanuel... It's a promise from God that he's going to send his son Jesus Christ to save people from their sins." [01:52] (Download)
"Jesus says if you can do that about elevators and pharmaceuticals, put your trust in me because I always hit the mark. I'm the one who's always perfect, I'm the one who always gets it right. You can trust me." [20:08] (Download)
"Earth remembers that it was once a paradise, now it's been tainted by sin but check this out, God has a plan for the earth... God is going to fix the Earth, God is going to take care of everything that he loves, and he's going to have us there, it's going to be Earth part two, and it's going to be perfect." [15:54] (Download)
"Jesus unlocks the door of spiritual life to the two-way relationship where it's not just that it's kind of poetic or you're trying to think about it in a way that makes Jesus seem more personal no it's actually Personal." [25:39] (Download)
"Jesus says none of those are the way I am the way. I'm the truth and I'm the life." [26:42] (Download)
"I'm confidently surrendered to Jesus I'm saying I'm just trusting him I'm believing that he's going to do everything that he says he's going to do." [32:37] (Download)
"God With Us is not just about God coming to the planet in the form of Jesus... but it's also a promise that still has a fulfillment to come and that fulfillment is God With Us with you with me in heaven." [05:46] (Download)
"if you ask Jesus today to engineer that two-way relationship to invade your heart to forgive your sin to be the one that's going to guide you all the way to death and then take you to be with himself in heaven" [35:16] (Download)
"Jesus is the one who cleans you; can you trust it? Can you trust that Jesus cleans you? You can't clean yourself. Jesus says you'll miss the mark even trying to clean yourself. I'll do it; you can trust me to forgive your sin and to wash it away." [22:54] (Download)
"Jesus says I am the truth and I am the life. I've got life in me; it's resonant with me. In y'all, it's fading, it's going away, but I've got Spirit life that I can just give to people. I can raise the dead." [24:37] (Download)
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