Dirty Money
Sermon Notes
We're in Week 5 of our In Living Color series, and today we are in Luke 19:1-10, and we see Jesus' willingness to seek and save the lost, using the story of Zacchaeus as an example. Jeff Parker shares his personal story of redemption and urges others to embrace Jesus' offer of freedom and restoration. There is a transformative power of repentance and the potential for extraordinary change in one's life through Jesus.
Jesus Runs Toward the Rebellious
Jesus runs toward rebellious sinners, showing deep compassion and calling them to repentance.
Good news for sinners: Jesus is running toward you, no matter the depth of your sins. His grace can rescue and transform you.
Jeff shares his story of wandering and sin, and how Jesus ran toward him through the support of His church. The challenge is to remember your own rescue and lean into Jesus' transformative power.
Jesus Redeems Those Who Receive Him
The gospel promises that those who seek Jesus will find Him and be redeemed.
Jesus loves and desires to spend time with every person, regardless of their past or reputation.
Even the smallest act of faith can lead to freedom and transformation, as seen in Zacchaeus' joyful liberation.
Jesus Restores the Repentant
Repentance is the evidence of salvation and leads to transformation and restoration.
Repentance involves humbling oneself before Christ's authority and before others, making amends for wrongs, and engaging in a lifelong process.
Jesus has the power to multiply even the smallest fruit of repentance and bring about remarkable transformations in people's lives.
Discussion Questions
How does Jeff's personal story of transformation and redemption resonate with your own experiences of faith and sin?
In what ways does the story of Zacchaeus highlight the power of confession and transparency within a community of believers? How have you personally witnessed or experienced the impact of confession and accountability in your own spiritual journey?
Reflecting on the passage about Zacchaeus, how does Jesus' response to the notorious sinner challenge our understanding of God's love and grace? How does this perspective change our approach to sharing the gospel with others?
Jeff emphasizes that repentance is a lifelong process. How does this concept shape your understanding of personal growth and sanctification? What are some practical ways to cultivate a lifestyle of repentance in your daily walk with Christ?
Consider the statement, "You never know what Jesus will do with even the smallest fruit of repentance." How does this encourage and inspire you in your own pursuit of righteousness? Share examples from your own life or the lives of others where small acts of repentance led to significant transformations.