Unhindered: Healing Emotional Wounds for Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Hello friends, Pastor Brian here. Today, we are diving into the series "Unhindered," which we originally presented after COVID to address the deep wounds and hurts people were experiencing. This series is about allowing God to heal those broken places in our hearts so we can live unhindered lives full of faith and purpose. We all carry baggage shaped by pain, suffering, and trauma, which distorts our perception of ourselves, God, and others. To live freely, we must be honest about these issues and hand the pen back to God to write a new story.
Hebrews 12 reminds us to throw off everything that hinders us, not just sin but also emotional and mental burdens. Emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable; you can't be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. This series emphasizes the importance of dealing with our emotional baggage to achieve true spiritual growth. We need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit for real and lasting healing.
Dr. Walker from Blessing Ranch states that defensiveness and self-reliance keep us from joining Jesus in changing the world. Emotional health is crucial for spiritual maturity. We can't live a surrendered life for Jesus if we have trust issues, pride, or fear of people's opinions. True transformation requires addressing these emotional sore spots.
The pathway to wellness involves both emotional and spiritual health. It's not just about reading the Bible and praying but also about dealing with our pain and trauma. Transformation requires recognition of our condition, renovation of our minds, and resurrection of our born identity. Paul in Ephesians 4 talks about putting off the old self and being made new in the attitude of our minds. This involves a messy, time-consuming process of renovation but leads to a spectacular outcome.
Living an unhindered life means being fully known and loved by God, which allows us to love others deeply and live freely. This transformation is essential not just for our personal growth but also for our mission as a church and in the world. We are the equipment God uses to bring change, starting with our families, our church, and extending to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Emotional and Spiritual Health are Inseparable: True spiritual maturity cannot be achieved without emotional health. Defensiveness and self-reliance hinder our ability to join Jesus in changing the world. We must address our emotional sore spots to live a surrendered life for Jesus. [05:34]
2. Transformation Requires Hard Work: The process of transformation involves recognizing our condition, renovating our minds, and resurrecting our born identity. This is a messy, time-consuming process but leads to a spectacular outcome. We must be willing to do the hard work of emotional and spiritual renovation. [17:56]
3. Living Unhindered Means Being Fully Known: To be fully loved and to fully love requires that we are fully known by God. This includes the broken and hidden parts of us that carry shame. Only when these parts are known can they be redeemed and healed. [08:27]
4. The Importance of Spiritual Health: While emotional health is crucial, we cannot ignore the need for spiritual health. Lasting hope and security come from a relationship with Jesus. Our healing will always fall short if Jesus is not part of it. [12:22]
5. Our Mission as Change Makers: Living unhindered lives allows us to be the equipment God uses to bring change in our families, church, and the world. Our mission has eternal significance, and we must strive to live unhindered lives to fulfill God's purpose for us. [38:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:51] - Introduction and Personal Stories
[03:02] - Series Overview: Unhindered
[04:19] - The Impact of Trauma
[05:34] - Emotional and Spiritual Health
[06:57] - Questions for Reflection
[08:27] - Being Fully Known
[09:48] - The Process of Healing
[10:57] - Key Verse: Galatians 5:1
[12:22] - The Importance of Spiritual Health
[13:44] - Pathway to Transformation
[15:14] - Returning to Our Born Identity
[16:40] - The Resurrection of Jesus
[17:56] - The Hard Work of Transformation
[19:13] - Recognition of Your Condition
[20:32] - The Deception of Empty Minds
[21:56] - The Consequences of Emptiness
[23:17] - The Need for a Renewed Mind
[24:40] - The Picture of Life Without God
[26:09] - The Truth in Jesus
[27:26] - Renovation of Your Mind
[28:50] - The Importance of Beliefs
[30:22] - The Common Denominator
[31:50] - The Messiness of Renovation
[33:31] - Perseverance in Renovation
[34:44] - Resurrection of Your Born Identity
[36:08] - The Transformed Life
[37:23] - Living as Our True Selves
[38:45] - Our Mission as Change Makers
[40:16] - Change Makers in the Church
[41:38] - The Story of Compass Academy
[42:52] - Change Makers in the World
[44:28] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
2. Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
3. Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are we encouraged to throw off, and why? How does this relate to living an unhindered life? [05:34]
2. In Ephesians 4:22-24, what does Paul say we need to do with our old self, and what should we put on instead? How does this process contribute to our transformation? [15:14]
3. Galatians 5:1 speaks about freedom in Christ. What does Paul urge believers to do with this freedom, and how does it connect to the concept of living unhindered? [10:57]
4. Pastor Brian mentioned that emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. What examples did he give to illustrate this point? [06:57]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about throwing off everything that hinders. What are some non-sinful things that might hinder our spiritual growth, and how can we identify them in our lives? [05:34]
2. Ephesians 4:22-24 describes a process of transformation involving the mind. What does it mean to be "made new in the attitude of your minds," and how can this be practically achieved in daily life? [15:14]
3. Galatians 5:1 emphasizes standing firm in the freedom Christ provides. What are some modern "yokes of slavery" that Christians might need to avoid, and how can they stand firm against them? [10:57]
4. Pastor Brian discussed the importance of being fully known by God, including our broken and hidden parts. Why is it essential for these parts to be known for true healing to occur? [08:27]
### Application Questions
1. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to throw off everything that hinders. Identify one emotional or mental burden you are currently carrying. What steps can you take this week to begin addressing it? [05:34]
2. Ephesians 4:22-24 talks about putting off the old self and being made new. Reflect on an area of your life where you feel stuck in old patterns. What practical steps can you take to renew your mind in this area? [15:14]
3. Galatians 5:1 urges us to stand firm in our freedom. Think about a specific "yoke of slavery" (e.g., fear of people's opinions, pride, trust issues) that you struggle with. How can you actively resist this yoke and embrace the freedom Christ offers? [10:57]
4. Pastor Brian mentioned that true transformation requires hard work and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. What is one specific area of your emotional health that you need to work on, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit into this process? [17:56]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being fully known by God for true healing. Is there a part of your life that you have been hiding from God or others? What steps can you take to bring this part into the light for healing? [08:27]
6. Pastor Brian talked about our mission as change makers. Identify one way you can be a change maker in your family, church, or community this week. What specific action will you take to make a positive impact? [38:45]
7. Reflect on the idea that emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. How can you create a balanced approach to your spiritual growth that includes both emotional and spiritual health? What specific practices will you incorporate into your routine? [06:57]
Devotional
### Day 1: Emotional and Spiritual Health are Inseparable
To achieve true spiritual maturity, one must also be emotionally healthy. Defensiveness and self-reliance are significant barriers that prevent us from fully joining Jesus in His mission to change the world. Emotional sore spots, such as trust issues, pride, and fear of people's opinions, must be addressed to live a surrendered life for Jesus. Emotional health is not just an add-on to spiritual growth; it is a fundamental part of it. When we ignore our emotional wounds, we hinder our spiritual development and our ability to serve God effectively. [05:34]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What emotional burdens are you carrying that hinder your spiritual growth? How can you begin to address these issues with God's help today?
### Day 2: Transformation Requires Hard Work
The process of transformation is not easy; it involves recognizing our current condition, renovating our minds, and resurrecting our born identity. This journey is often messy and time-consuming, but the outcome is spectacular. True transformation requires us to be honest about our emotional and spiritual state and to be willing to do the hard work necessary for change. This includes allowing God to renew our minds and reshape our beliefs and attitudes. The renovation of our minds is a continuous process that demands perseverance and dedication. [17:56]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific areas of your life need transformation? Are you willing to commit to the hard work required for this change?
### Day 3: Living Unhindered Means Being Fully Known
To be fully loved and to fully love others, we must be fully known by God. This includes the broken and hidden parts of us that carry shame. Only when these parts are brought into the light can they be redeemed and healed. Being fully known by God allows us to experience His unconditional love and grace, which in turn enables us to love others deeply and live freely. This level of transparency and vulnerability is essential for true healing and transformation. [08:27]
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: Are there parts of your life that you are hiding from God? How can you bring these areas into the light and allow God to heal them?
### Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Health
While emotional health is crucial, it cannot replace the need for spiritual health. Lasting hope and security come from a relationship with Jesus. Our healing will always fall short if Jesus is not part of it. Spiritual health involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, where we find our ultimate source of hope, peace, and security. Without this foundation, our emotional healing will be incomplete. It is essential to prioritize our spiritual health and ensure that Jesus is at the center of our healing journey. [12:22]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How is your relationship with Jesus impacting your emotional health? What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual connection with Him?
### Day 5: Our Mission as Change Makers
Living unhindered lives allows us to be the equipment God uses to bring change in our families, church, and the world. Our mission has eternal significance, and we must strive to live unhindered lives to fulfill God's purpose for us. When we are emotionally and spiritually healthy, we are better equipped to serve others and make a positive impact in the world. Our transformation not only benefits us but also enables us to be effective change-makers in our communities and beyond. [38:45]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you use your emotional and spiritual health to serve others and bring about positive change in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to live out your mission as a change-maker?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We all have baggage that we carry with us. You know, we'd like to think that we live in a place as Christians where only God can shape our hearts. But the truth is, so many other things have shaped our hearts. And we've been learning in this series that if we want to be free, if we want to have an unhindered heart, and therefore an unhindered life full of faith, that we need to be honest about those things." [03:02] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, you can't be spiritually well without being emotionally well. In fact, let me ask you a few questions. How can you live a surrendered life for Jesus when you have a trust problem? You can't. And how can you love your neighbor as yourself when your pride keeps you too self-focused? You won't. And how are you an example of Jesus when you're too afraid of people's opinions to let them actually see your faith on display? You aren't." [06:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Living life as our true selves. That sounds amazing. But I want to give you a little twist on everything today. I said that in the church, we talk more about the sin part, the spiritual part. We don't talk enough about the emotional part. And we've been talking about that for five weeks. But I want to end today in week six by going back and saying this, keep in mind that the pathway to wellness can't ignore the need for spiritual health either." [12:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Temporal hope will fail you when you need hope the most. And how can you be secure in who you are if all you have to define your security is winning in the comparison game? Like there's always going to be somebody that beats you. That's just the way life works. So as you pursue this development of both the emotional and the spiritual health, you must know that health doesn't come from just receiving information and inspiration. It comes from supernatural transformation, right?" [13:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Friends, it happens in Christ. And the Bible teaches that when a person is in Christ, they discover their true identity, what they were born or created to be. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians chapter four, verse 17. And he said this, so I tell you this and insist on it in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do in the futility of their thinking." [15:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have to deal with the misaligned parts of our hearts that are inadvertently resistant to God. And we have to deal with the missing who Jesus wants us to become. It might be that sore spot of pride that keeps us on the throne instead of letting God be in his rightful place. It might be the sore spot of shame that keeps us in this self-punishing cycle instead of walking free in the grace of God." [08:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Recognition of your condition. When it comes to our lives in Christ, too many times we hold on to the old junk of our previous lives, right? We hold on to the sins, the pleasures of this world. We don't let go. And we've been learning in this series, friends, that those things hinder our faith. And yet, even though we say that the cross and the resurrection makes all the difference, we still hold on to that junk, that old familiar sin, that pride or that hate or that fear or that worry, that junk. It's all junk, but we don't let it go." [20:32] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, transformed outcomes happen when we renew our minds and we change our thinking and we re-believe the right things. Paul says be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Now that word renew, if you look in the Greek, the definition of the word that's being used there actually means to renovate. Has anybody ever renovated a room or a whole house? How was that? Was that amazing?" [30:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says be made new in the attitude of your minds. Do some renovation work and then with that renovated mind and that new way of re-believing the right things that are taught us through Jesus we are made new. We are transformed into the man or woman of righteousness and holiness. That's the last part and essentially the result of transformation." [33:31] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Friends, if this is true, don't despair. Because today, even though maybe you said no to the workbook and didn't do anything, and you're waiting for the next series, you can start today. You can take hold of the grace of Jesus Christ today. A loving grace that can transform and resurrect your life and bring you back to your born identity. Friends, it takes recognition of your condition. It takes renovating your mind. It's messy. It's going to take longer than you think. But the spectacular outcome is worth every ounce of energy and effort it takes." [37:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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