Valuing Life Through God's Perspective and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, family of God. It is a joy to see each of you here today. My name is Kevin, and it is my privilege to be one of the pastors here. Today, we gather as a large family, including our Westover Kids, Impact, and Fuse High School ministries. We come together to worship and to pray to the Father who loves us so much. As we prepare to pray, I want to guide us using a collection of prayers from "The Valley of Vision." This resource can help center our family devotions and guide us in understanding the freedom we have in Christ. On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, which points us to the greater freedom we have in Christ.
Father, we come to you today, acknowledging that you freely gave us your Son. Jesus, you paid our debt of sin, and the Holy Spirit invites us to worship this great God. Our prayers and tears can never be enough to forgive us, but we are reminded in 1 Peter that we were bought by the precious blood of Christ. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and we come to you enjoying the freedom you have given us. We marvel at your deep love for us and gather in your presence, expecting you to be among us today.
As we open the Word, we turn to Psalm 139, which speaks to the preciousness of life. This Psalm gives us confidence in the Lord's ability to discern our nature and needs. Life has intrinsic value given by the Creator, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This value is not based on our achievements or what we bring to the table but on God's thoughts towards us. He values us more, not less, as He thinks about us.
The Psalmist speaks of being formed in the womb, intricately woven by God. This life is valuable from the beginning, and our bodies and spirits are knit together by the Creator. This understanding should lead us to praise God for His wonderful works. Children, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, you are valuable because God says you are valuable. We must be careful not to assign value based on merit but recognize the intrinsic value given by God.
As we continue through Psalm 139, we see a shift in the Psalmist's tone. He speaks of the desire for justice and the wickedness in the world. The Psalmist's hatred for the wicked is intense, but he ultimately turns to God, asking Him to search his heart and thoughts. This shift reminds us that our desire for justice should lead us to the feet of Jesus. We must hold on to forgiveness and mercy, even as we seek justice.
Tim Keller's words remind us that Jesus loved us not because we were lovely but because He is making us lovely. This is the power of the Gospel, a sticking power that remains with us even when we are out of control. Jesus' greatest act of love was staying on the cross, forgiving us even as we denied and betrayed Him. This love should transform our hearts and lead us to forgive others.
In conclusion, life is precious, and we must value it as God does. We must resist the urge to assign value based on achievements and recognize the intrinsic value given by the Creator. Our desire for justice should lead us to Jesus, who brings true justice and forgiveness. Let us open our hearts to God, allowing Him to search us and lead us in the way everlasting.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Intrinsic Value of Life: Life is valuable from the very beginning, not because of what we achieve or bring to the table, but because God has given it intrinsic value. This understanding should lead us to praise God for His wonderful works and recognize the value in every person, regardless of their achievements. [40:59]
2. God's Thoughts Towards Us: God's thoughts towards us are precious and numerous. He does not think about us more and value us less; rather, His fondness for us increases. This truth should correct our tendency to attach our worth to our achievements and remind us that we are valuable simply because we are God's children. [49:33]
3. The Desire for Justice: The Psalmist's intense desire for justice reflects the human experience of seeing the wickedness in the world. However, this desire should lead us to the feet of Jesus, who brings true justice. We must hold on to forgiveness and mercy, even as we seek justice, and trust that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing. [59:38]
4. The Power of the Gospel: The Gospel has a sticking power that remains with us even when we are out of control. Jesus' greatest act of love was staying on the cross, forgiving us even as we denied and betrayed Him. This love should transform our hearts and lead us to forgive others, recognizing that forgiveness is not the opposite of seeking true justice. [56:36]
5. Opening Our Hearts to God: The Psalmist's prayer for God to search his heart and thoughts reminds us of the importance of transparency before God. We must allow God to search us and lead us in the way everlasting, trusting that He sees us with His perfect view. This openness to God can bring healing and transformation in our lives. [01:05:45]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:21] - Introduction and Prayer
[36:47] - Psalm 139: The Preciousness of Life
[40:59] - The Intrinsic Value of Life
[49:33] - God's Thoughts Towards Us
[59:38] - The Desire for Justice
[56:36] - The Power of the Gospel
[01:05:45] - Opening Our Hearts to God
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV) - "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
2. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) - "knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
3. Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV) - "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 139, how does the Psalmist describe the process of being formed in the womb? What does this reveal about the value of life? ([40:59])
2. In 1 Peter 1:18-19, what does Peter say we were ransomed with, and what does this signify about our worth in God's eyes? ([32:29])
3. How does the Psalmist's tone shift in Psalm 139:19-22, and what does this reveal about his feelings towards wickedness and justice? ([57:06])
4. What does Jesus teach about loving our enemies in Matthew 5:43-45, and how does this relate to the Psalmist's desire for justice? ([01:02:43])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "fearfully and wonderfully made" according to Psalm 139, and how should this understanding impact our view of ourselves and others? ([40:59])
2. How does the concept of being ransomed by the "precious blood of Christ" in 1 Peter 1:18-19 challenge the way we often measure our worth by achievements? ([32:29])
3. Why does the Psalmist ask God to search his heart and thoughts in Psalm 139:23-24, and what does this request indicate about his relationship with God? ([01:05:45])
4. How can Jesus' command to love our enemies in Matthew 5:43-45 be practically applied in situations where we feel a strong desire for justice? ([01:02:43])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made." How does this truth affect the way you view your own worth and the worth of others, especially those who may not meet societal standards of success? ([40:59])
2. In what ways do you find yourself attaching your worth to your achievements? How can the understanding that you were ransomed by the precious blood of Christ help you shift your perspective? ([32:29])
3. Think about a time when you felt a strong desire for justice. How did you handle it? How can you bring your desire for justice to the feet of Jesus, as the Psalmist did? ([01:00:08])
4. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Identify someone in your life who has wronged you. What steps can you take this week to pray for them and show them love? ([01:02:43])
5. The Psalmist asks God to search his heart and thoughts. What areas of your life do you need to open up to God for examination? How can you create space for God to search you and lead you in the way everlasting? ([01:05:45])
6. How can you resist the urge to assign value to people based on their achievements or what they can offer you? What practical steps can you take to recognize and affirm the intrinsic value of those around you? ([48:34])
7. Tim Keller mentioned that Jesus loved us not because we were lovely but because He is making us lovely. How does this perspective change the way you approach forgiveness and mercy towards others? ([56:36])
Devotional
Day 1: The Intrinsic Value of Life
Life is valuable from the very beginning, not because of what we achieve or bring to the table, but because God has given it intrinsic value. This understanding should lead us to praise God for His wonderful works and recognize the value in every person, regardless of their achievements. The Psalmist in Psalm 139 speaks of being formed in the womb, intricately woven by God. This life is valuable from the beginning, and our bodies and spirits are knit together by the Creator. This understanding should lead us to praise God for His wonderful works. Children, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, you are valuable because God says you are valuable. We must be careful not to assign value based on merit but recognize the intrinsic value given by God. [40:59]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel undervalued or overlooked. How can you affirm their intrinsic worth as a creation of God today?
Day 2: God's Thoughts Towards Us
God's thoughts towards us are precious and numerous. He does not think about us more and value us less; rather, His fondness for us increases. This truth should correct our tendency to attach our worth to our achievements and remind us that we are valuable simply because we are God's children. The Psalmist reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and this value is not based on our achievements or what we bring to the table but on God's thoughts towards us. He values us more, not less, as He thinks about us. [49:33]
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you." (Psalm 139:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or insignificant. How does knowing that God's thoughts towards you are precious and numerous change your perspective on your worth?
Day 3: The Desire for Justice
The Psalmist's intense desire for justice reflects the human experience of seeing the wickedness in the world. However, this desire should lead us to the feet of Jesus, who brings true justice. We must hold on to forgiveness and mercy, even as we seek justice, and trust that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing. The Psalmist speaks of the desire for justice and the wickedness in the world. His hatred for the wicked is intense, but he ultimately turns to God, asking Him to search his heart and thoughts. This shift reminds us that our desire for justice should lead us to the feet of Jesus. [59:38]
"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." (Proverbs 20:22, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt wronged or witnessed injustice. How can you bring this situation to Jesus, trusting Him to bring true justice in His perfect timing?
Day 4: The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel has a sticking power that remains with us even when we are out of control. Jesus' greatest act of love was staying on the cross, forgiving us even as we denied and betrayed Him. This love should transform our hearts and lead us to forgive others, recognizing that forgiveness is not the opposite of seeking true justice. Tim Keller's words remind us that Jesus loved us not because we were lovely but because He is making us lovely. This is the power of the Gospel, a sticking power that remains with us even when we are out of control. [56:36]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Opening Our Hearts to God
The Psalmist's prayer for God to search his heart and thoughts reminds us of the importance of transparency before God. We must allow God to search us and lead us in the way everlasting, trusting that He sees us with His perfect view. This openness to God can bring healing and transformation in our lives. The Psalmist's shift in tone, asking God to search his heart and thoughts, reminds us that our desire for justice should lead us to the feet of Jesus. We must hold on to forgiveness and mercy, even as we seek justice. [01:05:45]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life doesn't gain value as a person learns more, develops more, and has more to offer. That does not make life more valuable. Life is just valuable. So, what does that mean about Jesus' and God's thoughts towards us? This is amazing. I hope you swim in a pool of grace with this thought. In verses 17-18, it says, God does not think about you more and value you less. Think about that true statement. God does not think about you more and then value you less." [49:03]
2. "I can be really, really ambitious sometimes and I can think that my achievement is what makes me precious in the value of God. Okay? I don't have to have a drive to get there. You are precious because of God's definition of you. The more he thinks upon you, the more of his fondness of you increases. It's amazing. God has a purpose for the unformed substance that we see in verse 16. So resist the urge or the temptation to sovereignly look at a person's value through what you think is going to play out in their life. You don't know." [53:06]
3. "When we're not aware of our situations, we're not aware of our surroundings when we're asleep, that God in His sovereignty, even when we are out of control, He is in control. He's still with us. He doesn't leave. He stays. That's the power of the Gospel. It's a sticking power." [56:06]
4. "If you are a teenager, I want you to know that when God thinks of you and He thinks of you more and longer and harder, He doesn't value you less. He values you more. Watch how the passage breaks down here in verses 17 and 18. It says, How precious to me are your thoughts, O Lord. How vast are some of them. If I could count them, they are more than the sand. I awake and I'm still with you. Isn't that amazing?" [49:33]
### Quotes for Members
1. "You are precious because of God's definition of you. The more he thinks upon you, the more of his fondness of you increases. It's amazing. God has a purpose for the unformed substance that we see in verse 16. So resist the urge or the temptation to sovereignly look at a person's value through what you think is going to play out in their life. You don't know. Leave that for the Holy Spirit. You don't know. Oh my goodness, if you could have seen Paul and what he was doing, you would say, that guy is totally against everything that God has. And he was. But what happened? God changed his life. Amazing what can happen." [53:06]
2. "Our desire for justice needs to lead us to the feet of Jesus. And this is what you're going to see out of this. What do we say when the love that we have of humanity collides with the sin of men? That's a tough space, right? What do we say to that? Which often than more brings injustice to others. There are people who were fearfully and wonderfully made, who have made choices that have consequences, and the choices they make each and every day affects people's lives around them, bringing injustice. And the psalmist knows that all together." [59:38]
3. "Search me oh God know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there's any grievous way some of your translations may say wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. The psalmist flips again and the way of justice is not pointed to those bloodthirsty men. No. That's what he was doing earlier. He's like look at the bloodthirsty men but now he points that to him. He says search me. The audience changes and the psalmist does not indicate that justice was ever delivered. He doesn't say oh you have taken care of my enemies now look at me. No. He directs God's thoughts on two things his heart and his thoughts and he asks that God would search his heart and mind to see if there's wickedness in him." [01:05:45]
4. "We must say to ourselves something like this, when Jesus looked down from the cross, He didn't think, I'm giving myself to you because you're so attractive to me. No. He was in agony. He looked down at us, denying Him, abandoning Him, betraying Him in the greatest act of love in history. He stayed. He said, Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing. He loved us, not because we were lovely, but He's going to make us lovely. This is His thoughts towards us, what He can do. It's amazing." [56:36]
5. "Life is valuable because God has made that life valuable. There is in this passage an emphatic use of the word you. You are the one who has done it. The Creator God, you have done this. He's formed us not only as physical beings but as spiritual beings, in the inmost being. Proverbs 8, 22 through 24 said, The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His work, the first of His acts of old. Ages ago I was set up at the first before the beginning of the earth." [44:30]
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