Affection & Attention

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Affection & Attention (Psalm 84:5 esv)

Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, John 3:19, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, Daniel 9, Song of Songs 5

Intro:

• Linking the previous sermon on God's love to the importance of our affections.
• Introducing the concept of a "digital fast" as a means of refocusing our attention.
• Prayer for Danny as he delivers the message.

Key Points:

• The Gap Between Belief and Behavior:
  • The illustration of the man at Costco: knowing truth but acting contrary to it.
  • The Western church's access to theology vs. its practical application.
  • Acknowledging the struggle to live consistently with our beliefs.
• The Power of Affections:
  • Our lives are driven by our loves and longings, not just intellect.
  • The heart as the seat of our desires and motivations.
  • The Enlightenment's overemphasis on rationality.
• The World's Influence:
  • The world's "liturgies": habits and patterns that shape our desires.
  • Examples: advertising, social media, entertainment.
  • Commercials and their ability to shape our desires.
  • The Barna research statistic of 90% of young people leaving the church.
• Discipleship as Heart Transformation:
  • Discipleship is more than information; it's shaping our affections toward Christ.
  • The need to identify and change our "liturgies."
  • Antoine de Saint-Exupéry quote about longing for the sea.
• Daniel's Example:
  • Daniel's captivity in Babylon: a metaphor for our current cultural context.
  • Daniel's continued practice of Jerusalem's rhythms: maintaining a heart focused on God.
  • Daniel's heart remaining in Jerusalem, while his body was in Babylon.
• Worship as Affectionate Engagement:
  • Song of Songs 5 as a description of Christ's beauty and worthiness.
  • The bride analogy: the church as lovers of Christ.
  • The question: "What is your beloved more than another?"
  • Description of Jesus from Song of Songs 5.

Conclusion:

• The importance of recognizing the forces that shape our affections.
• The call to actively pursue Christ as the object of our love.
• The table and worship as a means to encounter Christ and have our hearts transformed.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on the "liturgies" that are shaping your desires.
• Identify areas where your actions don't align with your beliefs.
• Engage in practices that cultivate affection for Christ: worship, prayer, scripture reading.
• Participate in communion, remembering Jesus's sacrifice.
• Consider what patterns in your life need to change.

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