Day 4 - The One Who Satisfies
1. Imagine that today is the last day you will have on Earth. Are you ready to die? What are some things you would want to do before dying?
Many of us will think it is a pity to die young because there is so much that we have yet to see and do. These unsatisfied desires or regrets tell us that a) that our hearts long to be satisfied and b) that we believe that the world has something to offer us.
2. But should we desire to be satisfied, should we treasure, what the world has to offer? [rhetorical]
Take some time here to let it sink in.
2. But should we desire to be satisfied, should we treasure, what the world has to offer? [rhetorical]
Let's find out.
Read the following verses: Ecc 5:10, Matthew 6:24, Ps 17:15
What do this verses tell us about satisfaction?
Ecc 5:10 - The satisfaction offered by the world in never enough for us.
Matthew 6:24 - We cannot serve both God and the world.
Ps 17:15 - God alone satisfies.
It's true that the world does have a lot to offer us. After all God created the world. But we should only be satisfied by things that we can enjoy in God. For e.g. Loving our parents.
3. Ask them to name some activities that they used to [but no longer] enjoy.
Point out that this is just what the satisfaction offered by the world is like. Many activities are not immoral. We can give thanks to God and enjoy them, but they are temporal. They don't last. In contrast John 10:10 says that Jesus came that they may have life, and have it to the full.
4. Ask them if they believe that the satisfaction God offers lasts... forever, eternally, continuously .
Suggest that it is true BUT this truth is not always apparent in our lives. We know it in our heads.. but the truth does not always reach our hearts.
Let's explore this further.
Read Php 4:19, Ps 17:15.
5. What are the implications of belief these verses for Christians?
Philippians 4:19 (NASB) - And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Implications of Belief: You do not feel troubled when in need. Neither do you strive madly to obtain the objects of your desire.
Psalm 17:15 (NIV) - And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. Implication of Belief: You reign in your desire for things apart from God. Instead you desire righteousness [Christ and his likeness] because you desire to see God.
Read the following verses: Ecc 5:10, Matthew 6:24, Ps 17:15
What do this verses tell us about satisfaction?
Ecc 5:10 - The satisfaction offered by the world in never enough for us.
Matthew 6:24 - We cannot serve both God and the world.
Ps 17:15 - God alone satisfies.
It's true that the world does have a lot to offer us. After all God created the world. But we should only be satisfied by things that we can enjoy in God. For e.g. Loving our parents.
3. Ask them to name some activities that they used to [but no longer] enjoy.
Point out that this is just what the satisfaction offered by the world is like. Many activities are not immoral. We can give thanks to God and enjoy them, but they are temporal. They don't last. In contrast John 10:10 says that Jesus came that they may have life, and have it to the full.
4. Ask them if they believe that the satisfaction God offers lasts... forever, eternally, continuously .
Suggest that it is true BUT this truth is not always apparent in our lives. We know it in our heads.. but the truth does not always reach our hearts.
Let's explore this further.
Read Php 4:19, Ps 17:15.
5. What are the implications of belief these verses for Christians?
Philippians 4:19 (NASB) - And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Implications of Belief: You do not feel troubled when in need. Neither do you strive madly to obtain the objects of your desire.
Psalm 17:15 (NIV) - And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. Implication of Belief: You reign in your desire for things apart from God. Instead you desire righteousness [Christ and his likeness] because you desire to see God.
Ask them to check their hearts. Do they really believe Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 17:15?
Take some time here to let it sink in.
The Christian life is a life of faith and delighting. Living by faith goes beyond an intellectual belief in God - it means finding great pleasure in God, delighting in Him. It involves an active treasuring of God.
Matt 6:19-20 says Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...
Is God your greatest treasure, the greatest desire of your heart? We are easily satisfied with other things. Our favourite food. Our favourite TV show. Our favourite friends. I wonder how many of us can say that God is our favorite.
If we desire to treasure God above all else. We should express this desire. Here's 3 things we can do:
1. Acknowledge our desire to treasure God above all else and our sin for other things above God.
2. Reflect on the desires of your heart and how these desires affect you.
3. Memorize Psalms 37:4 and other verses we have covered today. Try living out the truth they contain.
Matt 6:19-20 says Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...
Is God your greatest treasure, the greatest desire of your heart? We are easily satisfied with other things. Our favourite food. Our favourite TV show. Our favourite friends. I wonder how many of us can say that God is our favorite.
If we desire to treasure God above all else. We should express this desire. Here's 3 things we can do:
1. Acknowledge our desire to treasure God above all else and our sin for other things above God.
2. Reflect on the desires of your heart and how these desires affect you.
3. Memorize Psalms 37:4 and other verses we have covered today. Try living out the truth they contain.
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