DUMC Sermon Video | September 15, 2024

Follow Along with the Message

Sermon Notes: Living in Awe – Rediscovering God's Wisdom and Wonder

Introduction:

• Series based on Upward by Paul Chilcote & Steve Harper.

• Recap of last week’s focus on wisdom.

• Today’s focus: The "upward movement" of wonder.

I. Worldly Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom

• Worldly wisdom: Focused on self—ego, pride, acquisition.

• Leads to emptiness despite promises of security and success.

• God’s wisdom: Rooted in loving-kindness, compassion, humility.

• Methodist Christians are called to live by Jesus’ example (compassion, patience, forgiveness).

II. Rediscovering the Power of Wonder

• Personal story about Rev. Hockett’s granddaughter, Eloise.

• Wonder through a child's eyes: Seeing the world afresh, with awe.

• God’s creation, relationships, art, and music are all sources of wonder.

• Charles Wesley’s hymn: "Lost in wonder, love, and praise."

• Reminder: When was the last time we were “lost in wonder”?

III. Living in Love and Freedom

• God’s love is unconditional: No need to prove ourselves.

• Freedom in Christ: Free from fear, guilt, and the pressure to measure up.

• Experiencing God’s love brings healing, wholeness, and restoration.

• Life "to the full" = Resting in God's love, being free to live in the present.

IV. Final Reflection and Call to Action

• Encouragement to silence worldly noise and distractions (media, partisanship).

• People are not problems to be solved: They are children of God to be loved.

• God’s love is for everyone, including those we struggle to love.

• Living by God’s wisdom means embracing the wonder and freedom of being loved.

Closing Thought:

• God’s love is wonderful, and life lived in His wisdom is full of awe, healing, and purpose.