September 1st Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: "The Mind of Christ"
In this recap, we explore Jesus' teachings and how believers can apply His words to their daily walk with Him. Reflecting on five critical questions helps us to better understand what Jesus taught and how we should live in response to His example and commandments.
5 Questions I asked on July 28 (Continued)
1. Why did Jesus teach that “the truth will make us free?”
Verse: John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Application Summary: Jesus taught that humanity is enslaved by Satan’s influence and the evil desires within us. Recognizing truth, as revealed through Jesus, leads to true freedom from these chains. In our daily lives, we should continually seek and live in the truth of Christ. This truth frees us from the deception of sin and empowers us to live as children of God, walking in His ways rather than being swayed by our flesh or the enemy.
2. Why did Jesus give a New Commandment?
Verse: John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Application Summary: Jesus gave this commandment because love for others is the highest expression of our relationship with God. Loving others as Jesus loves us displays our commitment to God and His will. Daily, we must practice selfless love toward others, especially fellow believers, as a reflection of God’s love for us. This requires humility, patience, and forgiveness, just as God loves us unconditionally.
3. Why did Jesus teach us to be perfect if it is impossible and every sin will be forgiven anyway?
Verse: Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Action to Consider: Though we cannot achieve perfection on our own, Jesus calls us to strive to reflect God’s holiness in everything we do. This perfection involves growing in love, mercy, and forgiveness toward others. We should live each day seeking to mirror God’s grace and goodness, knowing that even though we may fall short, God’s forgiveness is abundant. This is not about achieving sinlessness but aligning our hearts with God’s desires.
4. How do I describe the heart of Jesus and why?
Verse: John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Action to Consider: Jesus had a heart full of compassion for those who were lost and lacked direction. Like a shepherd, He lovingly leads, protects, and nurtures those who follow Him. In our lives, we are called to reflect Jesus’ heart by caring deeply for others, especially those in need of guidance. This means being patient, offering support, and helping people find the right path in life, just as Jesus has done for us.
5. How well do I understand the mind of Jesus?
Verse: Luke 9:23-24 – “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’”
Action to Consider: The mind of Jesus was fully set on doing God’s will, even when it came at a great personal cost. Jesus exemplified self-sacrifice, knowing that His purpose was to give life through His own suffering. We are called to deny our own desires and follow Jesus’ example by prioritizing God’s will above all else. This might involve difficult sacrifices, but it leads to true life and joy in Christ.
Understanding the Mind of Jesus
1. Jesus prioritized knowing and doing God’s will.
Jesus knew He was able to provide our most important needs for eternity.
Jesus knew God’s will was that He would live life to give life.
We, too, should seek God’s will above all else, trusting that His plan is for our good and for the good of those around us. Knowing that Jesus lived and died to give us life, we should live each day with a focus on serving others and advancing God’s kingdom.
2. Jesus knew His commitment to God’s will would be costly.
Jesus resisted the temptation to avoid suffering in order to serve God’s will.
Living for God may involve personal sacrifices, but these are part of following Jesus' example. We must be willing to embrace discomfort and even suffering if it means fulfilling God's will and helping others come to know Him.
3. Jesus struggled but submitted to God’s will.
Jesus understood that living life to serve God’s will for the lives of others can result in real suffering
In moments of struggle, we should follow Jesus’ example by submitting to God's plans, knowing that our obedience brings greater blessings and eternal rewards. Though challenging, surrendering to God allows us to play a part in His grand design for the world.
Understanding the Mind of Jesus
Jesus taught us to live a self-sacrificing life for the eternal well-being of others. Luke 9:23-26 “If anyone wants to come after me…..”
Living for others requires wisdom to discern what they truly need to be healthy. Giving is not always best for others. We need to know God’s will for the health of the soul.
Living life knowing we have helped people know and serve God’s will is our greatest investment in life.
Verse: Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Action to Consider: Our daily focus should not be on material possessions or earthly success but on investing in what lasts forever—our relationship with God and our impact on others. Each day, we should look for opportunities to serve God’s will, help others grow in their faith, and prioritize heavenly treasures that will endure eternally.
As we reflect on these teachings of Jesus, we are reminded that our daily lives should be marked by a commitment to truth, love, selflessness, and submission to God’s will. By understanding and applying these lessons, we can walk closely with Jesus and reflect His mind, heart, and teachings in everything we do.