Siddhartha and Jesus (4/7)

This Sunday, we examine the allure and deception of materialism through the lens of Siddhartha's journey and the teachings of Jesus. This sermon challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with possessions and worldly desires. Together, we will explore the wisdom of letting go of attachments and seeking treasures that endure beyond the transient nature of material wealth. Through the insights of Siddhartha and the teachings of Jesus, we will discover the path to finding true fulfillment and contentment that transcends the illusions of materialism.

Join us for another inspiring message, beautiful music, and fellowship with friends.

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Sermon Notes

Quotes

“In this pointless cycle he ran, growing tired, growing old, growing ill.” (ch. 7, p. 64)

“The name of this game was Sansara, a game for children, a game which was perhaps enjoyable to play once, twice, ten times—but for ever and ever over again?” (ch. 7, p. 68)

“He rose, bid his farewell to the mango-tree, his farewell to the pleasure-garden. Since he had been without food this day, he felt strong hunger, and thought of his house in the city, of his chamber and bed, of the table with the meals on it. He smiled tiredly, shook himself, and bid his farewell to these things. In the same hour of the night, Siddhartha left his garden, left the city, and never came back.” (ch. 7, p. 68)

“Deeply, he had been entangled in Sansara, he had sucked up disgust and death from all sides into his body, like a sponge sucks up water until it is full. And full he was, full of the feeling of been sick of it, full of misery, full of death, there was nothing left in this world which could have attracted him, given him joy, given him comfort.” (ch. 8, p. 70)

“Passionately he wished to know nothing about himself anymore, to have rest, to be dead. If there only was a lightning-bolt to strike him dead! If there only was a tiger to devour him! If there only was a wine, a poison which would numb his senses, bring him forgetfulness and sleep, and no awakening from that!” (ch. 8, p. 70)

“…the holy ‘Om,’ which roughly means ‘that what is perfect’ or ‘the completion.’” (ch. 8, p. 71)

“Om! he spoke to himself: Om! and again he knew about Brahman, knew about the indestructibility of life, knew about all that is divine, which he had forgotten.” (ch. 8, p. 71)

“Therefore, he had to go out into the world, lose himself to lust and power, to woman and money, had to become a merchant, a dice-gambler, a drinker, and a greedy person, until the priest and Samana in him was dead.” (ch. 8, p. 79)

Main Scripture

The World’s Hatred (John 15:18–27)

18 “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Slaves are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 “When the Advocate[f] comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27 You also are to testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Supporting Scriptures

“If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world,” (1 John 2:15)

Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17)

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.” (John 17:14–16)

The New Life in Christ (Romans 12:1–8)

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)