Back To Where We Started
Pastor Caleb Carballo
September 1, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Welcome and Introduction:
Highlight the significance of today being the final sermon in the "This is the Way" series.
Brief recap of the journey through the Book of John—focused on understanding the way of Jesus and growing in relationship with Him.
Overview of the Book of John
John's Unique Gospel:
Distinction from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) focusing on who Jesus is rather than what He did.
Highlights of John: Miracles, prayers, and intimate moments that reveal Jesus as the Son of God.
Key Verse: John 20:31 – "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name."
Main Theme:
The most important decision in life is: "Who is Jesus to you?"
Is Jesus just another teacher or is He the Lord of your life?
Jesus as Lord Changes Everything
Jesus' Lordship:
The impact of Jesus being Lord over every aspect of life—relationships, decisions, tragedy, and challenges.
Romans 6:17-18 – No middle ground with God; you're either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness.
If Jesus’ lordship isn’t total, it isn’t real.
Jesus is the Way, Not Just a Process
John 14:6: Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
The "way" is not a process or a to-do list—it’s a person: Jesus.
We cannot earn our way to heaven. Jesus became the way through His life, death, and resurrection.
Going Back to Eden:
Genesis 2: Description of Eden as a place of provision, harmony, and communion with God.
After sin entered, humanity was left longing for that communion with God, a return to Eden.
Through Jesus, we are restored to that relationship with God, and we are promised paradise (Luke 23:43, Revelation 21:3).
The Story of Peter – Restoration through Jesus
Peter’s Journey:
Intimate relationship with Jesus, moments of failure (denying Jesus three times), and eventual restoration.
Luke 22: Peter’s Denial: Despite Peter’s promise to follow Jesus to the end, he denies Him in a moment of weakness.
John 21: Peter’s Restoration:
Peter encounters the resurrected Jesus on the shore—paralleling the first moment Jesus called Peter to follow Him.
Peter’s initial response was shame, but now he leaps into the water to reach Jesus, seeking restoration.
The Reality of Sin and Temptation
Sin and Temptation:
Sin as "missing the mark" (Hebrew: chata)—a failure to love God and others.
We are all susceptible to sin, even when we think we’re above it.
Romans 7: Paul’s struggle with sin—our human nature is prone to falling short.
The Devil’s Schemes:
Ephesians 6: Armor of God—encouragement to prepare for spiritual battle.
Key Point: Sin often catches us when we’re unprepared, not just when we seek it out. Be vigilant.
Conviction vs. Condemnation
The Difference:
Conviction leads us to Jesus; condemnation drives us away.
Conviction acknowledges guilt but invites repentance and renewal. Condemnation traps us in guilt and punishment.
Romans 8:1: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
The Power of Forgiveness:
Jesus’ forgiveness removes our sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
Many struggle to accept the fullness of God’s forgiveness, often feeling unworthy.
Moving Forward in Grace
Peter’s Restoration:
Jesus goes first in restoring Peter by asking, "Do you love me?"—removing the weight of Peter’s shame.
Jesus restores Peter’s purpose, asking him to care for His sheep, signifying Peter’s restored role as a leader.
Application for Us:
Identify what unresolved tension exists between you and God. Is it sin, shame, or unworthiness?
Jesus closes the gap—He invites us back to Him for restoration and renewal.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Next Steps:
Invitation for those who haven’t yet committed their lives to Jesus to say “yes” to Him today.
For others, the challenge to step into God’s calling despite past failures, whether through serving, leadership, or evangelism.
Biblical References
John 20:31 – "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
Romans 6:17-18 – "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
John 14:6 – "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Genesis 2:8 – "The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, and there he put the man he had formed."
Genesis 3:8 – "They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day."
Luke 23:43 – "Today you will be with me in paradise."
2 Corinthians 12:2 – "Caught up to the third heaven."
Revelation 2:7 – "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God."
Revelation 21:3 – "God’s dwelling place is now among the people."
Luke 22:60-62 – "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
John 21:1-7 – "It is the Lord!"
Ephesians 6:11, 13 – "Put on the full armor of God."
1 Peter 5:8 – "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion."
Romans 7:19 – "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do."
Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Matthew 22:37-40 – "Love the Lord your God... and love your neighbor as yourself."
Hebrews 12:2 – "For the joy set before him, he endured the cross."
Romans 8:1 – "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 103:12 – "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
Reflection Questions
Who is Jesus to you? Reflect on whether you see Jesus as just a teacher or truly as the Lord of your life. How does this belief impact the way you live?
How do you respond to moments of failure or weakness, like Peter's denial of Jesus? When you fall short, do you run to God for restoration, or do you let shame keep you distant?
In what areas of your life are you waiting on God's timing or direction? How can you, like David, worship God and remain faithful while waiting for God to act?
Are there any unresolved tensions between you and God—whether sin, guilt, or unworthiness? What steps can you take to bring those areas to Jesus and allow Him to restore you?
How can you be more vigilant in preparing yourself spiritually, to avoid falling into sin or temptation? What practical steps can you take to put on the "full armor of God" and resist the devil’s schemes?
Daily Activities
Monday: Reflect on Jesus as Lord of Your Life
Activity: Spend time in prayer and reflection asking, “Who is Jesus to me?” Write down areas of your life where Jesus is truly Lord, and areas where you might still be holding back.
Application: Surrender these areas to Jesus, committing to follow His lead in every aspect of your life. Ask for strength to make Him Lord over your relationships, work, and challenges.
Tuesday: Worship in the Waiting
Activity: Reflect on the story of Peter’s restoration and David’s time in the cave. Take a moment today to worship God, even in the middle of waiting or hardship. Use Psalm 142 as a guide for your prayers.
Application: Learn to turn times of difficulty into opportunities for deeper worship. Instead of rushing through the hard moments, choose to meet God in them, just like Peter and David.
Wednesday: Armor Up for Spiritual Battle
Activity: Read Ephesians 6:10-18 about the armor of God. Identify areas in your life where you need to be more spiritually vigilant.
Application: Each morning this week, pray and “put on” the armor of God. Ask God for protection against temptation and sin, and for strength to face the spiritual challenges you encounter.
Thursday: Accept and Walk in Forgiveness
Activity: Take time today to reflect on Romans 8:1 and Psalm 103:12. Write down any areas where you struggle with guilt or condemnation.
Application: Pray and release those feelings to Jesus, reminding yourself that in Him, there is no condemnation. Meditate on the reality of God’s complete forgiveness, and walk forward in freedom.
Friday: Step Into Your Calling
Activity: Reflect on Peter’s restored purpose after his failure. Take a moment to consider what God is calling you to step into—whether it's serving, leadership, or reaching out to others.
Application: Identify one action you can take today or this week to move toward your calling. Whether it’s signing up for a ministry, serving a neighbor, or sharing your faith, commit to taking that step in faith.
