2/8 "두려워하지 않도록 두려움을 주소서" (계 21:8)

[Sermon notes / 설교노트 ]

“Lord, Grant Us Fear so We May Not Fear” (Revelation 21:8)

“두려워하지 않도록 두려움을 주소서 (요한계시록 21:8)


1.Biblical scripture / 성경본문

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile... their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur."
그러나 비겁한 자들과 믿지 않는 자들과 가증한 자들과... 그들이 차지할 몫은 불과 유황이 타오르는 바다뿐입니다. (Revelation 21:8 / 요한계시록 21:8)

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
하나님이 우리에게 주신 것은 두려워하는 마음이 아니요 오직 능력과 사랑과 절제하는 마음이니 (2 Timothy 1:7 / 디모데후서 1:7)

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'"
그러나 의를 위하여 고난을 받으면 복 있는 자니 그들이 두려워하는 것을 두려워하지 말며 소동하지 말고 (1 Peter 3:14 / 베드로전서 3:14)

2. Live Notes / 설교 노트

Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.

이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 빈칸에 짧게 적어보신 후, 자신의 노트에 옮겨 보세요

 


  • 🏛️ [English Sermon Script] Lord, Grant Us Fear so We May Not Fear

    Text: Revelation 21:8

    "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile... their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur."
    (Revelation 21:8)

    "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
    (2 Timothy 1:7)

    "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'"
    (1 Peter 3:14)



    1. Introduction: The Shocking First Line (The Mirror of Cowardice)

    Today, we stand before a very disturbing and shocking list in Revelation 21:8. Usually, when we think of sins that lead to judgment, we imagine heinous crimes like murder, sexual immorality, or idolatry. However, the Bible places 'the cowardly' at the very top of that list.

    Why does God deal with cowardice so severely? Because cowardice is not just a personality trait; it is the fuel for all other sins. When our 'desire for self-preservation' becomes greater than our trust in God, we become ready to betray our integrity and faith at any moment.

    I remember the trembling I felt when a police car once pulled up behind me with sirens blaring. In that short moment, my heart raced and a thousand thoughts flashed by. Brothers and sisters, trembling itself is not shameful. As C.S. Lewis noted, that trembling breaks our pride and invites us to stand as the lowliest before God. The question is: where do you go with that trembling?

    2. Review: From His Warm 'Hand' to His Majestic 'Face'

    In early February, we practiced 'Noisy Time,' learning how to talk to the Lord who is right beside us. We learned that because we are God's 'masterpiece,' He never gives up on us.

    But we must not stop there. If last week was about holding His warm 'hand,' this week is about beholding His majestic 'face.' Unless our intimacy with God leads to 'holy reverence,' we might end up like 'Wormtail' from Harry Potter—pretending to be a friend but quickly turning into a traitor when faced with the world’s threats or powers.

    3. Body C-1: The Priority of Fear (The Reality of Cowardice)

    Fear is a spiritual indicator that reveals what you truly regard as your 'Master.' Look at the ten spies at Kadesh Barnea. They saw the giants of Anak as greater than God. When God appears as small as a mist in our eyes, the problems of the world loom large like monsters.

    Cowardice is a 'practical obstacle' that trips up every other virtue in our lives. Lewis insightfully said that cowardice is so painful that humans often choose 'hatred' to offset that shame. Honor killings or duels are extreme expressions of hatred used to mask fear.

    Cowardice is not far from us. Look at Abraham, who lied about his wife to save his own life, or Peter, who denied the Lord out of fear of a servant girl’s gaze. They weren't bad people; they are mirrors of ourselves, seeing the world’s power and people's eyes as greater than God in that moment. When 'self-preservation' becomes an idol, we betray even those we love most.

    4. Body C-2: Holy Reverence - The Spiritual Vaccine

    Here, we must remember the '1 > 10,000 Rule.' A [ single fear ] of God drives out [ ten thousand fears ] of the world. This is the [ spiritual vaccine ] that protects our souls.

    The world constantly injects us with viruses of anxiety, worry about the future, and the pressure of others' opinions. But when we acknowledge that God is not a 'safe' or 'tame' being like Aslan in Lewis’s chronicles, but is the Sovereign King, this vaccine begins to work.

    How could Esther say, "If I perish, I perish" in the face of the King’s wrath? It was because a powerful spiritual vaccine—reverence for God—had already been formed within her. Those who truly fear God will not fear the world.

    5. Body C-3: Humble Obedience - Spiritual Gravity

    Courage is not the absence of trembling. Look at Jesus in Gethsemane. He also trembled and prayed with loud cries and tears. Courage is not the absence of that shaking; it is [ humble obedience ] that maintains [ spiritual gravity ] to fulfill its mission even amidst the shaking.

    A ship does not capsize in a storm because of the heavy 'ballast' at its bottom. While Jesus’s exterior was shaking, His inner core was anchored by the spiritual gravity of 'God's will.'

    This is what Paul exhorted the naturally timid Timothy: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Do not reject your trembling. Instead, prostrate yourself before God with it. Then, a heavy gravity will form within you to overcome the world.

    6. Application C-4 & C-5: A 'Scent of Heaven'

    Courageous kindness shown in moments when it's 'easy to be cowardly' becomes a powerful 'Heavenly Impact' to our VIPs. It makes them wonder, "How can that person be so confident and kind in such a situation?"

    The community is not a place to pretend to be holy. It is a place to honestly confess our cowardice and trembling, co-writing a 'consistent narrative' of God’s work 'here and now.' The sight of a parent kneeling before God in reverence is the greatest 'transfer of courage' to the next generation.

    7. Conclusion: Rearranging Life

    Connect today's message to your life. Starting tomorrow, we will pour our fears into the vessel of the Psalms (2/8). We will reject the DNA of sin called complaining (2/10) and move forward with the simplicity of believing the Word at face value (2/11).

    [Prayer] Lord, have mercy on us who lack the inherent strength to change. Grant us a heart that fears You alone. Let us walk this path—loving while trembling, and obeying while trembling. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.


 

3. Week Notes / 주중 노트

WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week.

WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다.

Week Notes :

2026 Week Notes
 
 



2/1 "땅의 알파벳-문법, 하늘의 시" (갈 6:9)

[Sermon notes / 설교노트 ]

"Earth's Alphabet & Grammar, Heaven's Poetry” (Gal 6:9)

"땅의 알파벳과 문법, 하늘의 시" (갈 6:9)


1.Biblical scripture / 성경본문

(Gl 6:9, NIV11)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

(갈 6:9, 새번역)
“선한 일을 하다가, 낙심하지 맙시다. 지쳐서 넘어지지 아니하면, 때가 이를 때에 거두게 될 것입니다.”

2. Live Notes / 설교 노트

Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.

이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 빈칸에 짧게 적어보신 후, 자신의 노트에 옮겨 보세요

 

  • [Sermon Transcript] Earth's Alphabet & Grammar, Heaven's Poetry

    Scripture: Galatians 6:9

    (Gl 6:9, NIV11) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

    1. Introduction: The Boredom of the Alphabet

    Dear brothers and sisters of Worship Frontier Church, especially our young students and researchers here in Boston. The winter in Boston is long and relentless. As you walk to your labs through the freezing wind by the Charles River, as you fight with endless paper revisions, repetitive childcare, or the same Excel charts at work, you might ask: "Why is my life so boring and repetitive? What am I even doing here?"

    When this repetition feels like meaningless "labor," we become deeply exhausted and discouraged. Remember last Saturday’s QT (1/31)? We learned how to rise again after failure. But what awaits us after we rise is often not a flowery path, but the same tedious routine we had yesterday.

    C.S. Lewis compared us to "a nine-year-old boy learning Greek grammar." The boy memorizes boring words and copies complex verb tables. The teacher says, "One day, you will enjoy the poetry of Sophocles." But those words offer no comfort because the boy cannot yet imagine the beauty of poetry. To him, it is just drudgery to be endured.

    How about your life today? Are you just flipping through a boring vocabulary book? Through Galatians 6:9, let’s discover how the [ ALPHABET & GRAMMAR ] of Earth turns into the brilliant [ POETRY ] of Heaven.

    2. [C-1] The Necessity of the Basics: Routine as Spiritual Training

    (Live Note: The routine is a spiritual [ BASICS ] to increase our capacity for joy.)

    We often think we will be automatically happy when we get to Heaven. But Lewis argues that the "capacity for joy" must also be trained. On January 27th, we learned that "weakness becomes a channel." That very place of weakness and boredom is the classroom where our spiritual muscles grow.

    Look at the Israelites in the wilderness. For 40 years, they went out every morning to gather Manna. They complained, "We hate this miserable food!" But through that tedious "Manna Grammar," God taught them that "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." The boredom of the wilderness was a time to develop "spiritual literacy" to recognize God even amidst the future abundance of Canaan.

    Young researchers and parents, your tedious bench work, those thousands of repeated experiments, and the daily diaper changes are not wasted time. Through this [ BASIC STUDY ], you are learning the language of Heaven—unconditional love and patience.

    3. [C-2] Proper Reward: Not a Bribe, but a Consummation

    (Live Note: True reward is not a bribe, but the [ CONSUMMATION ] of love itself.)

    Then, what is the reward at the end of this grammar study? Lewis distinguishes between two types of rewards: a "bribe" that has nothing to do with the act, and a "consummation" which is the act itself in its finished form.

    If someone marries for money, that is a bribe. But when lovers long for the reward of "marriage," it is not greed. Marriage is the proper [ CONSUMMATION ] of love itself.

    Look at Jacob in Genesis 29:20. He worked 7 years to win Rachel. The Bible says, "they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." When the reward is the "consummation of love," 7 years of tedious grammar study turns into a love song in an instant. Is your reward a worldly "bribe," or is it the "consummation" of deepening your relationship with the Lord?

    4. [C-3] The Scent of Home: Evidence of Our True Citizenship

    (Live Note: Our holy dissatisfaction is the [ EVIDENCE ] of our true home.)

    We get discouraged when we feel an unquenchable void on this earth. But Lewis says, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." Just as hunger is evidence that "food" exists, our spiritual longing is the [ EVIDENCE ] that we belong to Heaven.

    All of us living in Boston are "strangers." When you miss the food of your hometown, that longing proves you have a "home" to return to. Remember Lewis’s quote: "If you catch the scent of flowers from an invisible garden, you are already near the flowers."

    The "holy dissatisfaction" you feel—the feeling that "this isn't all, I want to know the Lord more"—is like catching the [ SCENT ] of home. Tomorrow's QT (2/2) challenges us to have a "Noisy Time" (vocal conversation with God). Speaking out loud to the Lord who is near you is the beginning of receiving the poetry of Glory.

    5. [C-4] Kingdom Outward: Sharing the Scent of Heaven

    (Live Note: I will share the scent of [ HEAVEN ] with my VIP through small kindness.)

    Finally, we must share this "Heavenly Grammar" with the VIPs around us. To them, life is just an endless struggle and an undecipherable code.

    Let us interpret their lives using the grammar we have learned. "Your hard work is not in vain; you are God's masterpiece (Feb 3rd QT theme)." What a VIP needs is not a grand theological lecture, but a friend who stays by their side, helping them memorize the "words" of life.

    Your small act of [ KINDNESS ], a cup of coffee for a coworker working late, will be the first "scent of heaven" they ever encounter. Let your kindness be a "trailer" for the Kingdom of God.

    6. Conclusion: You are a Heavenly Poet

    Dear brothers and sisters, look at your routine again. The tedious tasks waiting for you tomorrow morning are not a prison. They are God’s sophisticated "Grammar Class of Glory," shaping your soul so you can handle the immense joy of Heaven.

    Every boring word you memorize today will be read as a brilliant [ POETRY ] on the day you stand before the Lord. When you open your QT tomorrow, remember the "Noisy Time" and talk to Him: "Lord, let this grammar I learn today become a poem."

    You are not just a laborer; you are a "Heavenly Poet" writing the poetry of an eternal kingdom. I bless you to discover the brilliant poetry within the tedious grammar this week.

    "Let us not become [ WEARY ] in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap if we do not give up." (Gal 6:9)

 

3. Week Notes / 주중 노트

WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week. It helps you set "This Week's Small Action" and "A One-Sentence Prayer."
Please refrain from using it during the worship service sermon.

WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다.
“이번 주의 작은 실천”과 “한 문장 기도”를 정하도록 돕습니다.
설교 시간에는 사용하지 않기를 부탁 합니다.

Week Notes :

2026 Week Notes
 
 



1/25 "The Mystery of Weakness - 다시 일어서게 하는 하나님의 신실한 손" (잠언 24:16)

[Sermon notes / 설교노트 ]

"The Mystery of Weakness: God's Faithful Hand That Lifts Us Up Again"”

(Proverbs 24:16 / 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

"연약함의 신비: 다시 일어서게 하는 하나님의 신실한 손"
(잠언 24:16 / 고린도 후서 12:9-10)


1.성경본문 / Biblical scripture

(Proverbs 24:16)
“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

(Psalm 103:13-14, NIV11)
[13] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

[14] for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
[9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

[10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

(잠언 24:16)
의인은 일곱 번을 넘어지더라도 다시 일어나지만, 악인은 재앙을 만나면 망한다.

(시편 103:13-14, 새번역)
[13] 부모가 자식을 가엾게 여기듯이, 주님께서는 주님을 두려워하는 사람을 가엾게 여기신다.

[14] 주님께서는 우리가 어떻게 창조되었음을 알고 계시기 때문이며, 우리가 한갓 티끌임을 알고 계시기 때문이다.

(고린도후서 12:9-10)
[9] 그러나 주님께서는 내게 이렇게 말씀하셨습니다. "내 은혜가 네게 족하다. 내 능력은 약한 데서 완전하게 된다." 그러므로 그리스도의 능력이 내게 머무르게 하기 위하여 나는 더욱더 기쁜 마음으로 내 약점들을 자랑하려고 합니다.

[10] 그러므로 나는 그리스도를 위하여 병약함과 모욕과 궁핍과 박해와 곤란을 겪는 것을 기뻐합니다. 내가 약할 그 때에, 오히려 내가 강하기 때문입니다.

2. Live Notes / 설교 노트

Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.

이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 빈칸에 짧게 적어보신 후, 자신의 노트에 옮겨 보세요

 

  • The Mystery of Weakness: God's Faithful Hand That Lifts Us Up

    Scripture: Proverbs 24:16, Psalm 103:13-14

    (Pr 24:16)
    “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

    (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
    [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

    [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

    1. Introduction: Reviewing the Journey of January

    Beloved young adults, the last Sunday of January 2026 is already upon us. A month ago, we eagerly set new year's resolutions and strove to establish spiritual order in our lives. But how are we doing? We still stumble, and sometimes we find ourselves collapsing before the very goals we set.

    We live under the pressure of needing to be "perfect." We blame ourselves for small mistakes, compare ourselves to others, and diminish our own worth. However, the Bible's definition of a righteous person is not a 'superhero' who never falls. Proverbs 24:16 tells us: "For though the righteous [ fall ] seven times, they rise again..." The greatness of the righteous isn't in their physical 'strength,' but in their 'relationship' with God, as they rise again by taking the [ Lord's hand ] every time they fall. Even amidst the trials of January, our ability to take courage (Psalm 31:24) comes from the certainty that God is with us.

    2. Body 1: Definition of the Righteous – The Faithful Hand That Never Gives Up (C-1)

    Friends, a righteous person isn't someone who stands by their own strength, but someone held by God's faithful hand. Look at Peter. He denied Jesus three times, crumbling in utter despair. Yet, the Lord did not abandon him. He sought Peter out again, asking, "Do you love me?" and lifted him up to become a pillar of the early church.

    Consider Jonah. He fled from God's presence, plummeting to the lowest point imaginable – the belly of a fish. But God did not give up on him. He brought Jonah back to dry land, guiding him back to his mission. As our Q.T. passage (Psalm 103:13) reminds us, the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him, just as a father has compassion on his children. The Lord's faithful hand will never [ give up ] on us.

    Key Sentence: I fall, but the Lord holds me.

    3. Body 2: The Mystery of Weakness – The Perfect Stage for God's Power (C-2)

    We often perceive weakness as a shameful thing to hide. Yet, in the spiritual realm, weakness becomes the most perfect [ stage ] for God's power to dwell. The Apostle Paul pleaded three times for his thorn in the flesh (his weakness) to be removed. But the Lord responded: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9).

    Look at Moses. When he confessed his inability, saying, "I am slow of speech and tongue," his weakness at the burning bush became the very channel through which God's staff brought deliverance to a nation. Your weakness is not a curse; it is a conduit for God's strength. When God sees our failures, He remembers Christ's mercy, not condemnation.

    Key Sentence: Weakness is the venue for God's power.

    4. Body 3: Steps of Faith – Abba's Embrace and Divine Insight (C-3)

    So, how should we respond to our weakness? By shedding our filters and embracing [ Abba's arms ], just like a child. Consider the Samaritan woman. When she honestly laid bare her thirst and shameful past before Jesus, her broken life was restored, becoming a channel for never-ending living water.

    Think of Paul in prison. Imprisoned in utter weakness, he saw that the God who held him was far greater than the prison walls themselves. This profound insight gave him courage and joy beyond mere relief (Philippians 4:4). The Lord knows we are but dust (Psalm 103:14). He remembers our frame. When we call Him Abba, He listens, and He embraces us. As we rest in His arms, a new spiritual insight dawns: the God who embraces us becomes infinitely [ bigger ] than our problems.

    The Lord is the Master of Kintsugi. He doesn't discard our broken pieces but fills the cracks with the gold of His grace, making us more precious than before. Your scars are not marks of shame but 'medals of hope' where God's touch has transformed you.

    Key Sentence: In Abba's arms, God grows bigger than my wounds.

    5. Conclusion: Kintsugi's Grace and the Joy of a New Beginning

    To conclude, the trials of January are not a trap designed to break us, but a crucial part of the 'School of Weakness' where we learn the strength of God. God is a good Father. He knows our frame, and He knows all that we need (Matthew 6:32).

    Today, this worship service is a place of Kintsugi for your brokenness. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, is touching your unseen wounds, whispering, "I will never forget you. You are mine." As you hear this voice, the weight of comparison and perfectionism will lift, and heavenly joy will fill your soul. I pray that your steps as you leave this service will not be the same. With the confident courage that comes from seeing God's immensity, may you sing a new song of joy on the stage of your life.

    [Prayer Section]

    Lord, I rest in the arms of Abba Father, who remembers that I am but dust and shows me compassion. Within Your touch—knowing my name and wiping away my tears—grant me the insight to discover Your love, which is far greater than my wounds.

    Lord, I experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit, who embraces and renews me today. Like Paul, who rejoiced even in prison, let me gain overflowing joy and courage through You in any circumstance, and walk the path of victory boldly as Your own.

 

3. Week Notes / 주중 노트

WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week. It helps you set "This Week's Small Action" and "A One-Sentence Prayer."
Please refrain from using it during the worship service sermon.

WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다.
“이번 주의 작은 실천”과 “한 문장 기도”를 정하도록 돕습니다.
설교 시간에는 사용하지 않기를 부탁 합니다.

Week Notes :

1/25 Week Notes
 
 



1/18 "하늘의 언어를 배우다 - Language of Heaven" (요 17)

[Sermon notes / 설교노트 ]

“Learning the Language of Heaven: The Joy of Listening and Conversing Like Jesus”

(Psalm 119:92-94 & John 17:1-5)

“하늘의 언어를 배우다: 예수님처럼 듣고 대화하는 기쁨”
(시편 119:92-94 & 요한복음 17:1-5)


1.성경본문 / Biblical scripture

- Read it in a language that makes more sense to you

(Psalm119:92-94, NIV11)
[92] If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

[93] I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

[94] Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.

(John 17:1-5, NIV11)
[1] After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

[2] For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

[3] Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

[4] I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

[5] And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

(시 119:92-94, 새번역)

[92] 주님의 법을 내 기쁨으로 삼지 아니하였더라면, 나는 고난을 이기지 못하고 망하고 말았을 것입니다.

[93] 주님께서 주님의 법도로 나를 살려 주셨으니, 나는 영원토록 그 법도를 잊지 않겠습니다.

[94] 나는 주님의 것이니, 나를 구원하여 주십시오. 나는 열심히 주님의 법도를 따랐습니다.

(요 17:1-5, 새번역)

[1] 예수께서 이 말씀을 마치시고, 눈을 들어 하늘을 우러러보시고 말씀하셨다. "아버지, 때가 왔습니다. 아버지의 아들을 영광되게 하셔서, 아들이 아버지께 영광을 돌리게 하여 주십시오.

[2] 아버지께서는 아들에게 모든 사람을 다스리는 권세를 주셨습니다. 그것은 아들로 하여금 아버지께서 그에게 주신 모든 사람에게 영생을 주게 하려는 것입니다.

[3] 영생은 오직 한 분이신 참 하나님을 알고, 또 아버지께서 보내신 예수 그리스도를 아는 것입니다.

[4] 나는 아버지께서 내게 하라고 맡기신 일을 완성하여, 땅에서 아버지께 영광을 돌렸습니다.

[5] 아버지, 창세 전에 내가 아버지와 함께 누리던 그 영광으로, 나를 아버지 앞에서 영광되게 하여 주십시오.

2. Live Notes / 설교 노트

Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.

이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 사용합니다. 빈칸에 짧게 적어보세요.

 

  • Sermon Title: Learning the Language of Heaven: The Joy of Listening and Conversing Like Jesus

    Scripture: Psalm 119:92-94 & John 17:1-5

    [Introduction: The Bible — Encyclopedia or Love Letter?]

    Dear saints, what is in your heart when you open the Bible? Do you perhaps feel like it is an "encyclopedia" where you must look up unfamiliar words and accumulate knowledge?

    We read an encyclopedia to gain information. But a "love letter" is different. You don't "study" a love letter. Instead, you read it over and over again to feel the gaze and the breath of the sender hidden behind those sentences. A common phrase like "Make sure you eat well" is heard in a love letter as a confession: "I worry about you and love you all day long."

    Today's text, Psalm 119, is God’s love letter to us. And the prayer in John 17 was Jesus’ "reply" to that letter. Today, we want to share the joy of listening—how Jesus conversed with the Father in the language of heaven.

    1. [The Model of Listening] Jesus, Who Lived the Psalms as Prayer (Ps 119:92-94)

    Jesus was never alone for even a single moment while on this earth. The secret lay in His "listening"—hearing the "written Word" as the "Father’s voice."

    • A Poor Heart Opens the Ears: This past week, through our QT, we meditated on our "weakness" and "poverty" (Ps 86:1). When do people listen best? It is when they realize they are lacking. Only those who lay down the pride of thinking they know everything and confess, "I am poor and needy," can hear God’s Word as life rather than just information.

    • Jesus Listened Like Young Samuel: In the Old Testament, young Samuel lowered his own initiative and waited for God’s voice, saying, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam 3:10). Jesus, like young Samuel, listened to the Father’s voice every morning. To Him, listening was not a "means to get what I want," but a "posture of a servant surrendering initiative to the Father."

    • When the Word Becomes Delight: "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction" (v. 92). To Jesus, the Word was not an obligation to be kept, but a joy.

    2. [The Reality of Conversation] John 17: The Mystery Where Listening Leads to Prayer (John 17:1-5)

    John 17 is the deepest conversation possible because the Son perfectly "listened" to the Father’s will.

    • Connected by a Gaze, Not a Bit: Today’s QT text, Psalm 32, warns us, "Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding" (Ps 32:9). Animals only obey by force when fitted with bits and bridles, but a child of God discerns the Father’s will just by His "eyes" (gaze).

    • An Interpersonal Echo: Listening does not simply end with hearing; it is an "interpersonal echo" where the Word heard returns to God through my lips. Jesus’ prayer was not forced obedience, but the fruit of deep trust—knowing the Father’s heart just by looking into His eyes.

    • Knowing God: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (v. 3). Here, "knowing" is not intellectual data, but an interpersonal relationship through conversation and fellowship.

    3. [Training for Heaven] Practicing Eternal Fellowship on Earth

    What we will do eternally in heaven is converse and have fellowship with God. Therefore, meditating on the Word today is "living heaven in advance on this earth."

    • Sheet Music and Music: Sheet music is merely information drawn on paper, but a musician hears the melody beyond it with their heart. Heaven is not a place where we take a test on the biblical knowledge we studied; it is a place where we sing with God using the heavenly melodies we learned here. Do not just analyze the "sheet music" of the Bible; listen to the heartbeat of God contained within it.

    • Mary’s Choice: Martha was busy "working" for Jesus, but Mary sat at Jesus’ "feet" and listened to His word (Luke 10:39). The Lord said that Mary chose the "better part." The safest and most blessed place is sitting across from the Lord and listening to His story.

    • The 4:1 Rule: Practice "listening for 4 minutes and speaking for 1 minute." The very heart that is willing to listen is the beginning of our repentance and renewal. Only after fully containing the other person's heart within us can true conversation begin.

    [Conclusion and Prayer]

    God, we thank You for teaching us the language of heaven after allowing us to confess our weakness this past week. May the Bible be to us not a dry encyclopedia or complex sheet music, but a sweet love letter and a beautiful symphony. May we not be like mules that move only when bitted, but intimate children who obey just by Your gaze. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.


 

3. Week Notes / 주중 노트

WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week. It helps you set "This Week's Small Action" and "A One-Sentence Prayer."
Please refrain from using it during the worship service sermon.

WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다.
“이번 주의 작은 실천”과 “한 문장 기도”를 정하도록 돕습니다.
설교 시간에는 사용하지 않기를 부탁 합니다.

Week Notes :

1/18 Week notes



1/11 "질서를 넘어 인격으로 - Beyond Order to Relationship"

[Sermon notes / 설교노트 ]

“Beyond Order to Relationship”
Scripture: Philippians 4:5-7, Psalm 119:92-94

"질서를 넘어 인격으로: 흔들리지 않는 삶의 뿌리"
본문: 빌립보서 4:5-7, 시편 119:92-94

1.성경본문 / Biblical scripture

- Read it in a language that makes more sense to you

(Philippians 4:5-7, NIV11)

“「5」 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

「6」 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

「7」 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

(Psalm 119:92-94, NIV11) “「92」 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

「93」 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

「94」 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.”

(빌 4:5-7, 새번역)

“「5」 여러분의 관용을 모든 사람에게 알리십시오. 주님께서 가까이 오셨습니다.

「6」 아무것도 염려하지 말고, 모든 일을 오직 기도와 간구로 하고, 여러분이 바라는 것을 감사하는 마음으로 하나님께 아뢰십시오.

「7」 그리하면 사람의 헤아림을 뛰어 넘는 하나님의 평화가 여러분의 마음과 생각을 그리스도 예수 안에서 지켜 줄 것입니다.”

(시편 119:92-94, 새번역) “「92」 주님의 법을 내 기쁨으로 삼지 아니하였더라면, 나는 고난을 이기지 못하고 망하고 말았을 것입니다.

「93」 주님께서 주님의 법도로 나를 살려 주셨으니, 나는 영원토록 그 법도를 잊지 않겠습니다.

「94」 나는 주님의 것이니, 나를 구원하여 주십시오. 나는 열심히 주님의 법도를 따랐습니다.”

2. Live Notes / 설교 노트

Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.

이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 사용합니다. 빈칸에 짧게 적어보세요.

 

  • “Beyond Order to Relationship”: Roots That Don't Shake


    Scripture: Philippians 4:5-7, Psalm 119:92-94


    Introduction Welcome, everyone. Last week, we shared the core truth: "When God is first, life finds its proper order."

    So, how was your week? Did you live a life of seeking God first? I urge you to seek the Lord first in the small things, in the daily tasks, and in those places where no one else can stand in your stead.

    How did you first learn to drive? I got my license at a driving school before joining the military, but I actually learned to drive in the army, specifically at the driving education unit of the 2nd Army Command in Korea. I began driving extensively while serving as a staff member for YWAM. At that time, few people around me knew how to drive well, so I did most of the driving for my department. However, as my seniors began to learn, I often sat in the passenger seat to assist them.

    One day, while helping someone, I found myself pressing my right foot down hard onto the floor from the passenger seat. This is what we call a "Ghost Brake." Have you ever had this experience?

    We say we will put God first in our lives, but often we are still holding the steering wheel ourselves. Or, even if we let God drive, we sit in the passenger seat and constantly stomp on the "Ghost Brake" because we don't fully trust His driving.

    This reflects our immaturity. Today, I want us to move beyond mere order to personhood, beyond will to relationship, and beyond resolution to trust.

    In fact, maintaining order is much harder than establishing it. We often think our lives crumble because we lack will and determination, so we struggle to put God first as if doing a homework assignment. But today’s Scripture tells a different story. Life’s order is not established by the rule of our [Will], but by the root of [Trusting] the Lord who is beside us. Today, we aim to go beyond simply "organizing" our lives and move toward a personal relationship of trusting the One who holds us.

    1. Recognition of Presence: From Adult-Child to Maturity Philippians 4:5 says, "The Lord is near." When we forget this reality, the "Adult-Child" within us emerges.

    Within us, there still lives an anxious "adult child." Even the slightest disruption in circumstances can easily cause us to become flustered and defensive. Mark Buchanan describes this state as follows: "An adult child is someone who has the body of an adult but whose heart is still bound by the deficiencies and fears of childhood."

    Why are we so bound by this anxiety? Because we feel that the Lord is far away. Because we believe that we must hide our weaknesses to survive. But Paul proclaims, "The Lord is NEAR." The Lord is right here beside us.

    True maturity is not about pretending to be strong and hiding this inner child. Rather, it is when we honestly confront our weaknesses in God's mercy that healing and maturity begin. What comfort does this fact of God's presence bring to you?


     Mark Buchanan points out: "Most people endure what they don't want to do through fantasy—the fantasy of being an 'adult-child' who avoids all responsibilities or obligations without losing a shred of freedom. It is a fantasy of having abundant money, time, health, and talent, without any of them being compromised by the others."

    Do we have this heart that wants to enjoy all the blessings but refuses to bear any responsibility or risk? Wanting the fruit without the labor of growing roots is the mark of an adult-child. We hide behind these fantasies because we feel God is far away. But the Lord is right beside you. True maturity is not hiding your weakness or avoiding responsibility; it is honestly facing your life because you trust the One beside you.

    Please look at LIVE Notes C-1. What comfort or holy challenge does the fact that "the Lord is near" give you? (20-second pause)

    2. Shift in Response: Stop the Ghost Brake When you truly know the Lord is near, your "response" changes. Verse 6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but... present your requests to God." As I mentioned, our anxiety is like that "Ghost Brake." Pressing it doesn't stop the car; it only hurts your leg and strains your relationship with the Driver. Anxiety arises when we try to hold onto [Control]. Take your foot off the floor. Talk to the Lord who holds the wheel. That is personal trust.

    In LIVE Notes C-2, write down what "control" you need to hand over to the Lord. (20-second pause)

    3. Vital Connection: The Word That Revives Me Finally, the psalmist confesses: "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." What raises us up in times of trouble is not self-hypnosis like "I must work harder," but God's [Word]. Just as roots connect with nutrients in the soil to find life, our lives revive when they connect with His Word. Let us be a community that is not ashamed of each other's weaknesses but lets go of our ghost brakes together.

    In LIVE Notes C-3, fill in the blanks with the promise of the Word that gives you life. (20-second pause)

    "Friends, when we truly root ourselves in God’s Word and come alive again, our gaze naturally shifts beyond our own deficits toward the world outside. This leads us to the final section of this week’s [Week Notes]: 'Kingdom Outward.'

    Following the lamp lit by the law of love, I will value the soul of my VIP as much as my own interests, becoming a channel for Christ's mercy.

    This is the ultimate expression of a life that has moved beyond mere rules into a deep, personal relationship. When we are firmly rooted in the trust of the Lord who is near, our lives become like a sturdy tree—not just surviving, but providing shade and mercy to those around us.

    Let us carry this light into our week as we move into our final prayer."

    Conclusion and Prayer Today’s key sentence: "Life's order is not a rule established by will, but a root grown by trusting the Lord beside you." Let us pray together: "Lord, turn my anxiety into gratitude and help me grow roots in deeper [Trust] with You. Amen."


 

3. Week Notes / 주중 노트

WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week. It helps you set "This Week's Small Action" and "A One-Sentence Prayer."
Please refrain from using it during the worship service sermon.

WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다.
“이번 주의 작은 실천”과 “한 문장 기도”를 정하도록 돕습니다.
설교 시간에는 사용하지 않기를 부탁 합니다.

Week Notes :

1/11 Week notes



1/4 "Life Priorites - 삶의 우선순위" (마 6)

[설교노트 / Sermon notes]

“삶의 우선순위”
본문: 마태복음 6:33

“Life Priorities
Scripture: Matthew 6:33

1.성경본문 읽기 / Read the Bible

- Read it in a language that makes more sense to you

(Mt 6:33, NIV11) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

(마 6:33, 새번역) “너희는 먼저 하나님의 나라와 하나님의 의를 구하여라. 그리하면 이 모든 것을 너희에게 더하여 주실 것이다.”

2. Live Notes / 설교중 노트

Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.

이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 사용합니다. 빈칸에 짧게 적어보세요(3–5개면 충분합니다). Copy를 눌러 카카오톡/메모에 붙여넣으세요. Copy가 안 되면 Email to Myself를 사용하세요.

3. Week Notes / 설교후 주중 노트

WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week. It helps you set "This Week's Small Action" and "A One-Sentence Prayer."
Please refrain from using it during the worship service sermon.

WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다. “이번 주의 작은 실천”과 “한 문장 기도”를 정하도록 돕습니다.
설교 시간에는 사용하지 않기를 부탁 합니다.

Week Notes :

1/4 Week notes