Victory in Christ: Embracing Unexpected Paths
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that keeping our eyes on Jesus ensures that victory is always within reach. As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the unexpected ways Jesus entered Jerusalem—not as a mighty warrior on a horse, but humbly on a donkey. This image challenges our expectations of power and victory, urging us to see beyond our preconceived notions and recognize the true nature of Christ's kingship. Often, we miss God's presence or His calling because it doesn't align with our expectations. We are reminded that victory in Christ may not look like the victory we envision, but it is no less real or significant.
We delved into the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness as a means to build our faith and the faith of those around us. Biblical remembering is not a mere recollection of past events but a spiritual practice that shapes our souls and influences future generations. By recalling how God has shown up in our lives, we strengthen our trust in His promises and His good plans for our future. This practice of remembering is crucial, especially when we face trials and uncertainties.
The message also highlighted the reality that victory in Christ often comes through trials and challenges. We are reminded that our struggles are not in vain; they refine our faith and lead to praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we navigate life's difficulties, we are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate victory and His better plans for us, even when they differ from our own.
Finally, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting that His victory is our victory. This requires us to let go of our own timelines and expectations, embracing the discomfort and heartache that may come with following Him. In doing so, we can walk confidently, knowing that our ultimate victory is assured in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unexpected Victory: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey challenges our expectations of power and victory. We often miss God's presence because it doesn't align with our preconceived notions. True victory in Christ may not look like what we expect, but it is no less real or significant. [54:42]
2. The Power of Remembering: Biblical remembering is a spiritual practice that shapes our faith and influences future generations. By recalling God's past faithfulness, we strengthen our trust in His promises and His good plans for our future. This practice is crucial, especially in times of trial. [01:01:25]
3. Victory Through Trials: Our struggles refine our faith and lead to praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Victory in Christ often comes through challenges, reminding us that our trials are not in vain. [58:50]
4. Trusting God's Plans: We are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate victory and His better plans for us, even when they differ from our own. This requires letting go of our own timelines and expectations, embracing the discomfort and heartache that may come with following Him. [01:12:35]
5. Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus: By focusing on Jesus, we ensure that victory is always within reach. This involves trusting in His victory, not our own, and walking confidently in the assurance that our ultimate victory is assured in Christ. [01:15:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:00] - Opening Prayer
- [00:04:00] - Series Introduction: Can You See Him?
- [00:06:00] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
- [00:10:00] - Palm Sunday Reflection
- [00:15:00] - The Unexpected King
- [00:20:00] - Missing God's Presence
- [00:25:00] - The Power of Remembering
- [00:30:00] - Victory Through Trials
- [00:35:00] - Trusting God's Plans
- [00:40:00] - Personal Testimony: Buying a House
- [00:45:00] - Biblical Remembering
- [00:50:00] - Psalm 118: A Pattern of Remembrance
- [00:55:00] - Final Encouragement
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 19:35-38
2. 1 Peter 1:6-7
3. Psalm 118:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 19:35-38, how did the crowd react to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and what does this reveal about their expectations of Him? [54:42]
2. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, what is the purpose of the trials believers face, and how are these trials described? [58:50]
3. In Psalm 118:1-7, what actions does the psalmist take in response to distress, and what is the outcome of these actions?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the victory people expected from Jesus and the victory He actually brought? [56:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might the crowd's expectations of Jesus riding a donkey instead of a war horse suggest about their understanding of His mission? [54:42]
2. How can the concept of "biblical remembering" as described in the sermon influence a believer's faith journey, especially during trials? [01:01:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trials and challenges contribute to a believer's spiritual growth and understanding of victory in Christ? [58:50]
4. How does the sermon encourage believers to shift their focus from their own expectations to trusting in God's plans? [01:12:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your expectations of how God should act differed from how He actually did. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [54:42]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this practice into your daily life? [01:01:25]
3. Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth and refinement of your faith? [58:50]
4. The sermon suggests letting go of personal timelines and expectations. What is one expectation you need to release to better align with God's plans for your life? [01:12:35]
5. Identify a specific distraction that prevents you from keeping your eyes on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize this distraction? [01:15:07]
6. How can you use your personal experiences of God's faithfulness to encourage and build the faith of those around you, especially during their times of trial? [01:05:56]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's victory may not look like what you expect. How can this understanding change the way you approach challenges and setbacks in your life? [01:12:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Unexpected Victory
In the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, we are challenged to reconsider our understanding of power and victory. Jesus' humble entry defied the expectations of a conquering king, inviting us to see beyond our preconceived notions of success. Often, we miss God's presence because it doesn't align with our expectations. True victory in Christ may not look like what we envision, but it is no less real or significant. This calls us to open our hearts to the unexpected ways God works in our lives, trusting that His plans are greater than our own. [54:42]
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Reflection: What expectations do you have about how God should work in your life? How can you open yourself to the unexpected ways He might be moving?
Day 2: The Power of Remembering
Remembering God's past faithfulness is more than just recalling events; it is a spiritual practice that shapes our faith and influences future generations. By actively remembering how God has shown up in our lives, we strengthen our trust in His promises and His good plans for our future. This practice is especially crucial in times of trial, as it anchors us in the truth of God's unchanging nature. As we face uncertainties, let us intentionally recall the ways God has been faithful, allowing these memories to build our faith and encourage those around us. [01:01:25]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to write down three specific instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness. How can these memories encourage you in your current circumstances?
Day 3: Victory Through Trials
Our struggles are not in vain; they refine our faith and lead to praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Victory in Christ often comes through challenges, reminding us that our trials have a purpose. As we navigate life's difficulties, we are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate victory and His better plans for us. Even when our circumstances seem overwhelming, we can find hope in the knowledge that God is using these trials to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. [58:50]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that feels overwhelming? How can you see this challenge as an opportunity for God to refine your faith?
Day 4: Trusting God's Plans
We are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate victory and His better plans for us, even when they differ from our own. This requires letting go of our own timelines and expectations, embracing the discomfort and heartache that may come with following Him. By surrendering our plans to God, we open ourselves to His greater purposes and experience the peace that comes from trusting in His sovereignty. Let us be willing to release our grip on our own agendas and trust that God's plans are for our good and His glory. [01:12:35]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God's plan? What step can you take today to surrender this area to Him?
Day 5: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
By focusing on Jesus, we ensure that victory is always within reach. This involves trusting in His victory, not our own, and walking confidently in the assurance that our ultimate victory is assured in Christ. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded that He is the source of our strength and the author of our faith. Let us commit to fixing our gaze on Him, allowing His presence to guide us through every season of life. [01:15:07]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally keep your focus on Jesus this week? How might this change your perspective on the challenges you face?
Quotes
"How many times do we miss God's presence or we miss what God's calling us to do? Because it doesn't look like we expected? Only me? How many times do I hear, well, I'm just, I'm just waiting for a piece about this decision. We're praying, but we haven't heard anything. That's great. Peace is great. And peace is available through Jesus. However, whenever we're called to take a step of faith, there's very few times I felt at peace. Jesus is calling me, you know, whenever Peter stepped out of the boat, I wonder if he was at peace about that decision." [00:54:53] (45 seconds)
"So maybe, just maybe, we need to stop chasing what we're looking for. We need to stop chasing a feeling or the perfect situation and start chasing Jesus. And I'll tell you this, this is my promise. It's messy. Sometimes we get it wrong. Sometimes we get hurt. But it's so worth it. It's so worth it. So how do we start this? We change what we're looking for. We often feel stuck or stagnant or in a bowl because what we're looking for just hasn't shown up yet. And that may be because we're looking for the wrong things, truthfully. I know that's true for me sometimes." [00:56:41] (51 seconds)
"Victory didn't look the way that they expected, but that doesn't make it any less real. Where I think we get it a little twisted or where some people look at Christians and they're like, oh, like they just got it figured out and they got it. It's just not true. You guys know that. But we have victory through trials. Sometimes we miss our victory because it comes through pain. Let me quote a modern day prophet for a second. Sunny days wouldn't feel so special if it wasn't for rain. Joy wouldn't feel so good if it wasn't for pain. It's Curtis Jackson. You guys may know him as 50 Cent." [00:57:06] (43 seconds)
"So it goes, you rejoice in this even now for a short time, if necessary. You suffer grief and various trials so that the proven character of your faith, more valuable than gold, which though perishable is refined by fire. Here's where it switches may result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. That's a weird way of saying at the end of our days, whatever we go through, the trials that we come, we overcome through Jesus, there's a reward for. We have victory. We have victory. Jesus, next week we're celebrating." [00:59:10] (41 seconds)
"Remembering is a spiritual practice of faithfulness that not only shapes our own soul, but also generations following. I'll elaborate on that in a minute. But a lot of times, whenever we hear remember, we say it like, hey, you remember when you did that thing? Yeah, I remember. And then next. You know? Like, we're going. It's just a skim, right? Skim and a rocket. Just boop. And then we're gone. Biblical remembering or the remembering that we're talking about today is not that." [01:01:56] (31 seconds)
"So why do we remember? We're going to put this in our heart. I'm going to put on my youth pastor hat. Repeat after me. For our kids. For those around us. And for those coming behind us. So we're going to recap, and I'm going to try to apply, okay? So when we keep our eyes on Jesus, victory is always in sight. That's where we started. Victory doesn't always look the way we thought. That's why we miss it. We are fighting a battle that's already been won. Again, very important point." [01:06:21] (37 seconds)
"When we're constantly, you know, you become like the voices that you intake, right? Whether it's podcasts, whether it's your friends, whether it's whatever. However, if I'm intaking, oh, God showed up. I thought I was done here. I thought I was cooked last year at this time. And I made it. God made it. God got us through it. I didn't know how my family was going to do this last year. Guess what? We still went on vacation. That's awesome. Because God cares about us." [01:08:36] (28 seconds)
"Psalm 118 is a pattern of remembrance acknowledging what God has done, praising him for it and calling him to do it again. The best way to predict the future is to remember the past because here's the truth that we often forget and this is the culmination of the whole message is Jesus won, he is winning and he will win and if we're with him and he loves us our outcome is good. Is it what is it what you thought it would be? Probably not. I know where I am and I'm only 26. It's not where I thought I would be. It's better." [01:11:26] (51 seconds)
"And the same can be true. The same is true for all of us. God has a better plan for us than we do ourselves. My final verse I want to share with you guys. Psalm 25 through 15. This has been written above my like above my desk where I do my devotions and stuff for the past year, year and a half. Psalm 25, 15 says my eyes are always on the Lord for he will pull my feet out of the net. That's it. That's the message. That's the message. Keep your eyes on the Lord." [01:13:58] (44 seconds)
"What I will say, though, what is absolute is that when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on our own timelines, not on the American dream, but on Jesus, and if we can trust in him, if we can keep our eyes on him throughout the process, we will emerge victorious. Maybe not this week, maybe not this year, but in the end, it will be worth it. Guys, this is hard, and I'm just, moment of transparency. Writing a message on victory, it's just not my inclination. I was telling Dave, I'm like struggling with it, because there's so many messages out there, especially with Christianity, that is like, whatever, you know, like, there's just, there's a lot of untruth mixed into the victory with Christianity, right?" [01:14:35] (66 seconds)
"So, so getting ready for this is like, yeah, we're not going to win in every situation. It's not going to look how we thought, but God, Jesus is victorious, and we are with him. So we will be victorious. Walk out with your head held high, whatever this week looks like. I know some of you guys got to deal with family members next week that you might not want to, but we are victorious. Let's walk and show the world what walking with a mighty, victorious king looks like this week." [01:16:05] (36 seconds)
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