August 25th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: "Do Christians Know and Understand What Jesus Taught?"
Questions I asked on July 28th
1. Why did Jesus teach that “the truth will make us free?” (John 8:32)
Verse: "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32, CSB)
2. Why did Jesus give a New Commandment? (John 13:34-35; 15:12-17)
Verses: "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35, CSB)
"This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12, CSB)
3. Why did Jesus teach us to be perfect if it is impossible and every sin will be forgiven anyway? (Matthew 5:48; 12:31; 15:17-20)
Verse: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48, CSB)
"Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Matthew 12:31, CSB)
"Don’t you realize that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated? But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person." (Matthew 15:17-18, CSB)
4. How do I describe the heart of Jesus and why? (John 1:16-18)
Verse: "Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him." (John 1:16-18, CSB)
5. How well do I understand the mind of Jesus?
Answers up to Today
1. Jesus Taught That He Would Liberate People From Slavery to Restore a Relationship With God
John 8:34: "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.'"
Application: Jesus' words remind us that sin enslaves us, binding us in ways we may not even realize. To apply this teaching, we should constantly examine our lives for areas where sin may have a hold on us. Through daily repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness, we can break free from this bondage. By embracing the liberation Jesus offers, we restore our relationship with God and live in the freedom He intended.
Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Action to Consider: Jesus’ example of service and sacrifice teaches us the value of humility and selflessness. We should strive to serve others in our daily lives, putting their needs above our own, as a reflection of the ransom Jesus paid for us. This mindset helps us grow closer to God and strengthens our bonds with others.
John 17:3: "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
Action to Consider: Knowing God intimately is the essence of eternal life. This verse encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God through prayer, studying the Bible, and seeking His presence daily. In doing so, we cultivate a deeper connection with Him, leading to a life that reflects His love and grace.
2. Jesus Taught That Loving God’s Children Is the Most Important Display of Our Commitment to God
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: Jesus emphasizes humility and service as core values in God’s kingdom. In our daily walk, we should practice humility by recognizing that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking titles or positions of power. By doing so, we reflect our commitment to God and demonstrate genuine love for His children.
John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Action to Consider: Loving others as Jesus loved us is the clearest sign of being His disciple. This requires us to actively show love, kindness, and forgiveness in our interactions. Let’s make a conscious effort to express this love in tangible ways, whether through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply being present for those in need.
3. Jesus Taught What God Is Really Like, Expects From Us, and Is Committed to Helping Us Know Him
John 1:16-18: "No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained Him."
Action to Consider: Jesus reveals God’s true nature and His expectations for us. To know God as Jesus did, we should immerse ourselves in the life and teachings of Christ. This involves reading the Gospels, reflecting on Jesus’ actions and words, and allowing them to shape our understanding of God’s character and our response to His will.
Understanding the Heart of Jesus
Jesus Expressed a Burden for Every Person in the World Because of Their Lack of True Direction in Life
Mark 6:34: "He felt compassion for them … sheep without a shepherd."
Action to Consider: We should cultivate the same compassion for those who are lost and without direction. This means being proactive in reaching out, offering guidance, and sharing the hope found in Jesus. Our hearts should break for those who do not know God, motivating us to act in love.
Jesus Lived to Provide the Care of a “Good Shepherd” for Those Willing to Follow Him
John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
Action to Consider: Jesus’ sacrificial love is a model for how we should care for others. We should be willing to make sacrifices, whether big or small, to support and care for those around us. This could be through acts of kindness, providing for those in need, or simply being there for someone during difficult times.
Jesus Prayed for His Sheep That They Would Know God as Intimately as He Knew God
John 17:22-24: "The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one; perfected in unity."
Action to Consider: Unity with God and each other is a reflection of Jesus’ heart for His followers. We should strive for unity within our communities, setting aside differences to focus on our shared faith. Praying for others and seeking ways to strengthen our bonds with fellow believers helps us fulfill Jesus’ desire for His followers to be one.
The Heart of Jesus
Jesus Hated the Degree to Which People Are Detached From God and Without Direction in Life
Reflection: Do we see the degree to which people lack direction and meaningful purpose? Do we care?
Action to Consider: We should develop a sensitivity to the spiritual needs of those around us. This awareness should drive us to share the message of Jesus, offering hope and direction to those who are spiritually lost.
Jesus Loved People So Much That He Was Willing to Give Up Most Things We Love in Life to Provide Forgiveness
Reflection: How willing are we to talk about what Jesus has done for people?
Action to Consider: Let’s not be afraid to share our faith and the message of forgiveness with others. Whether through conversation, testimony, or simple acts of love, we should boldly proclaim what Jesus has done, trusting that God will use our efforts to draw others to Himself.
Jesus’ Goal in Life Was Restoring a Person’s Relationship With God as a True Father
Ephesians 2:18-19: "For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household."
Action to Consider: Understanding that we are part of God’s household should fill us with confidence and purpose. We should live as members of His family, extending love, grace, and acceptance to others, and helping them find their place in God’s family as well.
This recap and application summary provide a practical guide for integrating Jesus’ teachings into our daily lives. By reflecting on these scriptures and actively applying them, we can grow in our relationship with God and positively impact those around us.