Understanding God's Nature and Encouraging Our Fathers
Summary
In the sermon, I discussed the importance of understanding the "I AM" statements in the Bible, which are significant phrases that begin with "I am" and explain the character and nature of God. I emphasized that to truly understand that God is our heavenly father, we need to know who He is. I believe that there is a fresh level of identity that God wants each of us to own and walk in, and we can achieve this by understanding who He is because He gives Himself and His heart to us. I also highlighted the importance of understanding that Jesus alone can sustain us, as He is the eternal bread of life that can sustain us not just physically, but also spiritually.
I also took time to acknowledge and encourage the fathers and men in the congregation. I recognized that Father's Day might not mean the same thing to everyone, but I encouraged all men to continue being a blessing to their families, loved ones, and church. I also addressed the men who might be carrying guilt and shame, reminding them that it's not over yet and that they can allow God to do a deep work in them. I encouraged everyone to use their words to uplift the men in their church family who are doing a great job in their families.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the "I AM" statements in the Bible is crucial in understanding the character and nature of God. These statements reveal who God is and help us understand our identity in Him. ([03:56])
- Jesus alone can sustain us. He is the eternal bread of life that can sustain us not just physically, but also spiritually. This understanding can fill our spiritual starvation and satisfy the longing of our spirits. ([10:24])
- God wants us to know that He is our loving father. This understanding can bring comfort and assurance in our relationship with Him. ([24:08])
- Men are encouraged to continue being a blessing to their families, loved ones, and church. They are also reminded that it's not over yet and that they can allow God to do a deep work in them. ([02:05])
- It's important to use our words to uplift and encourage the men in our church family who are doing a great job in their families. ([02:43])
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The strength of the local church and families is found in strong yet vulnerable men and women who are committed to the work of God in them. This is what we stand for in Jesus' name. [03:56]
2. To truly understand that God is our heavenly father, we need to know who He is. There is a fresh level of identity that God wants us to own and walk in. We find out who we are in Christ because He gives Himself, His heart to us. [06:52]
3. God has revealed Himself through His son so that we can know the father heart of God. He wants to release His character and nature into us. He wants to be with us, not far off. He sent Jesus to us, bringing salvation and forgiveness of sin to the world. [09:01]
4. Jesus is the bread of life. He alone can sustain us, not just physically but also spiritually. Our spiritual starvation can only be satisfied when we know God as our savior, our sustainer. [10:24]
5. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the only way for our mind and our spirit to be illuminated. He is the light that was spoken into being at creation. [11:05]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. John 6:35-59 - Jesus the Bread of Life
2. John 8:12-30 - Jesus the Light of the World
3. Exodus 3:1-15 - God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM"
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In John 6:35-59, how does Jesus explain His role as the bread of life?
2. In John 8:12-30, what does Jesus mean when He says He is the light of the world?
3. In Exodus 3:1-15, how does God reveal Himself to Moses?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding Jesus as the bread of life and the light of the world deepen our understanding of God's character?
2. How does God revealing Himself as "I AM" to Moses relate to Jesus' "I AM" statements in the book of John?
3. How does knowing God as our heavenly father impact our identity as Christians?
Application Questions:
1. How can we apply the understanding of Jesus as the bread of life in our daily lives?
2. How does knowing Jesus as the light of the world influence our actions and decisions?
3. How can we live out our identity as children of our heavenly father in our relationships, work, and service to others?
Devotional
Day 1: God is our loving father
God's love for us is immeasurable and unconditional. He is our heavenly Father who cares for us, guides us, and provides for us. His love is not based on our performance or our worthiness, but on His character and His promises. He loves us because we are His children, created in His image and redeemed by His grace.
1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God as your heavenly Father. How have you experienced His love in your life? Can you recall a specific instance where you felt His fatherly love and care for you?
Day 2: God is with us
God's presence is a constant source of comfort and strength. He is always with us, guiding us, protecting us, and providing for us. His presence is not dependent on our circumstances or our feelings, but on His faithfulness and His promises.
Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Reflection: Can you think of a time when you felt God's presence with you in a tangible way? How did that experience impact your faith and your understanding of God's desire to be with you?
Day 3: Jesus is the bread of life
Jesus is the source of our spiritual nourishment. He sustains us, strengthens us, and satisfies our deepest needs. He is the bread of life, the one who gives us life and sustains us in our journey of faith.
John 6:35 - "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
Reflection: How does Jesus, as the bread of life, sustain you in your daily life? Can you think of a time when you felt spiritually nourished by your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Jesus is the light of the world
Jesus is the light that illuminates our path and guides us in the way we should go. He is the light that dispels the darkness of sin and death, and brings us into the light of God's love and grace.
John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when Jesus, as the light of the world, illuminated a situation or decision for you. How did His light guide you and what did you learn from that experience?
Day 5: Jesus is the door to life
Jesus is the door that leads to life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him, we have access to God's presence and God's promises. Through Him, we have the promise of eternal life.
John 10:9 - "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture."
Reflection: Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt like Jesus was the door to a new opportunity or a fresh start in your life? How did you respond and what was the outcome?
Quotes
1. "The strength of the local church, the strength of families is found in strong yet vulnerable men and women who are committed to the work of God in them. That's what we stand for in Jesus name." - 03:56
2. "To truly understand that God is our heavenly father, we need to know who he is. We need to know who he is and I'm believing that for each and every single one of us today that there is a fresh level of identity that God wants you to own, a fresh level of identity that he wants you to walk in today." - 06:52
3. "Jesus is the door to life, Jesus is the door to Salvation, Jesus is the door to be taken care of. If you do it through him, he finds a way for you to be taken care of." - 12:46
4. "Jesus is your resurrection and your life. Jesus is your access to God the father. Jesus is your access point to be connected to the true source of life. He prunes and refines us, gives us the opportunity to grow just like the vine that we are connected to." - 19:07
5. "To all of the men in the room today who have committed to be a blessing to your family, committed to be a blessing to your loved ones, be a blessing to your church, we are so grateful that you keep showing up to be a blessing to the people in your world." - 00:47
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