Pastor Jeremy continues in our “At the Movies” by looking at “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” to illustrate one thing we all have in common: we all long for a life of meaning and fulfillment. But following Jesus in our current culture will require boldness and courage!
Notes 📓✏️:
I believe all of us want a life that is full of meaning and purpose.
“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.”
–LUKE 19:1-4 (NLT)
There are a lot of people right now longing for something more.
Our lack of fulfillment causes us to step out of our comfort zone (stuck) into our fear (unknown).
His hunger outweighed his pride.
There is a growing desperation in our world.
The desperation is spiritual.
“I should be happy, but I’m not. I should be good, but I’m not.”
How are YOU doing?
Transformation requires courage.
“[God] He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”
–ECCLESIASTES 3:11 (NLT)
It will require courage to allow Jesus to become the Leader of your life.
“The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
–JOHN 10:10 (NIV)
In the days ahead, following Jesus will require a bolder commitment and a deeper faith.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
–1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14 (NIV)
“Be on your guard” (FROM WHAT?)
False Teaching
“Stand firm in the faith?” (WHY?)
Temptation
“Be Courageous; be strong” (AGAINST WHO?)
Satan
“For we do not wrestle [fight] against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
–EPHESIANS 6:12 (ESV)
“Do everything in love.”
We must move in the opposite spirit of culture.
The church becomes ineffective when we fight like the world fights.
ROMANS 12:9-21 (ESV)
MARKS OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
–LUKE 19:5 (NLT)
Jesus saw Zacchaeus’ desperation, and He pursued relationship.
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- Pastor Jeremy talks about how both Walter Mitty and Zacchaeus had everything society says should make them happy, yet they were both unfulfilled. Why do you think people continue chasing material comfort even though it doesn’t bring lasting happiness?
- The sermon discusses how transformation requires courage. What examples of courage did we see in both Walter Mitty and Zacchaeus’ stories, and what were the results of their brave actions?
- Looking at Romans 12, how can Christians practically move opposite the spirit of culture in today’s divided world?
- The sermon mentions that God has “planted eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). How does this explain the spiritual emptiness many people feel despite having material success?