August 11th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: “Life Lived with God as Our Father”
The Meaning of Life
At an early age, you may have wondered, "Why am I here? What should I prioritize in life?" Initially, there seem to be two possibilities:
To serve yourself and seek your happiness, which ultimately feels unsatisfying.
To serve something greater than yourself, but what?
Discovering Jesus
John 8:31-32 "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
Action to Consider:
In your daily walk with Jesus, continue in His Word. Commit yourself to studying and living out His teachings. As you do this, you will discover the truth that brings true freedom. Reflect on how your understanding of truth grows as you immerse yourself in Scripture and allow it to guide your decisions and actions.
My Life Journey: Growth in Understanding Truth
You can relate to how Jesus spoke of a reality beyond what is visible, leading to a deep inner conviction that He knows what He is talking about. This journey is supported by:
The numerous supernatural displays of Jesus' authority over the natural world.
The historical evidence for His resurrection.
The multitude of fulfilled prophecies showing that history is guided by God the Father and Jesus as His Son.
Action to Consider:
Consider how these truths shape your understanding of life. Let them strengthen your faith and confidence in Jesus as the ultimate authority. Allow the reality of His resurrection and the fulfillment of prophecy to be the foundation for your hope and purpose.
Truths Taught by Jesus About Life
The Holy Spirit as Our Guide
John 14:16 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another paraclete (teacher) so that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth..."
John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."
Action to Consider:
Daily, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding the meaning of life. Trust that the Spirit of truth is with you to lead you into all truth. Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal God's will and direction for your life, and be attentive to His leading.
Embracing God as Our True Father
Matthew 23:9-12 "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."
Action to Consider:
Value and nurture your relationship with God as your true Father. Approach Him with humility, recognizing that He is the source of your identity and purpose. Let Jesus be your ultimate teacher and leader, and strive to serve others in humility, following His example.
Implications for Life
Matthew 5:6-14
Value your relationship with God by seeking righteousness and living out the Beatitudes. In your daily life, focus on being salt and light to the world, demonstrating God's love through your actions.John 15:15; John 1:18
Acknowledge Jesus as the only teacher you need. Commit to learning from Him through Scripture and prayer, allowing His teachings to shape your character and decisions.John 13:34-35; John 15:12-17
Love and serve others as Jesus commanded. Make it your highest priority to care for God's children, knowing that your love for them reflects your love for Him.
Jesus’ Goal: Creating a True Family of God
Matthew 12:47-50 "But Jesus replied to the one who was telling Him and said, 'Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?' And extending His hand toward His disciples, He said, 'Behold: My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother.'"
Action to Consider:
Live with the goal of being part of God’s true family. Strive to do the will of your Father in heaven, knowing that this makes you a brother or sister of Christ. Make your life’s mission to please God by living according to His will, and by loving and serving your spiritual family, the Church.
Christ Followers as God’s Family
Matthew 5:16 "Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Action to Consider:
Let your life be a testimony to God's goodness. Perform good works not for your own glory, but to point others to God. Seek opportunities to let your light shine, bringing glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 18:1-6 "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And He called a child to Himself and set him among them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Action to Consider:
Embrace humility and childlike faith in your walk with Jesus. Be quick to serve and care for the vulnerable, knowing that in doing so, you are serving Christ Himself. Guard your actions and words to ensure they lead others toward faith, not away from it.