Active Faith: Embracing Challenges on the Christian Journey

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I began by addressing the common misconception that life becomes effortless after committing to Jesus. I emphasized that life, including marriage and starting anew with Christ, is inherently challenging. To illustrate this point, I referenced the story in 2 Kings chapter 3, where armies in the desert sought water from God through the prophet Elisha. God's response was not to send rain immediately but to instruct them to dig ditches in preparation for the water He would provide. This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives, reminding us that while God is capable of performing miracles, we are often called to participate actively in the process.

I shared the story of Michael and Amy, a couple from our Florence campus, who were facing a crisis in their marriage. They prayed for restoration, and God prompted them to work on themselves and their relationship. Their experience parallels the biblical account, as they had to prepare their hearts and lives for the blessing God intended to bestow upon them.

I then led the congregation in worship and prayer, thanking God for His presence and the transformative power at work in our lives. I prayed for peace in Israel and for those affected by war, trusting in God's sovereignty and compassion.

I also announced the release of a book I've authored, designed to help new believers understand their next steps in following Jesus. This resource is the culmination of a five-year project and represents a dream realized, aiming to guide individuals and churches in spiritual growth.

Throughout the sermon, I reiterated the importance of active faith and the distinction between happiness and holiness. I stressed that while happiness is fleeting, joy is a choice rooted in our relationship with God. I encouraged the congregation to choose joy and to trust in God's faithfulness, even when faced with challenges.

As I concluded, I offered two prayers: one for those ready to begin a new life with Jesus and another for all of us to carry the love of God into the world. I invited those who made a commitment to Christ to identify themselves, so we could support them in their spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Life's difficulties do not cease upon becoming a Christian; rather, they are an opportunity for growth and reliance on God. The story of the armies in the desert (2 Kings 3) teaches us that God often requires our participation in His miracles, which means we must be willing to put in the work even when we cannot see the immediate results. [45:50]

2. Personal transformation is a key component of receiving God's blessings. Michael and Amy's story illustrates that before God restored their marriage, they each had to address their own issues and prepare themselves for the healing to come. This principle applies to all areas of life, not just marriage. [46:26]

3. Worship is not just a moment of singing or prayer; it is a lifestyle of obedience and service. Our work can be an act of worship when done with the right heart posture, not to earn God's favor but out of love and gratitude for what He has already done for us. [01:08:48]

4. Joy should be our strength and our choice, regardless of our circumstances. Happiness is based on fleeting emotions, but joy is a steadfast decision to find strength in God's presence and promises, even in the midst of hardship. [01:06:33]

5. Faithfulness is a two-way street. As we remain faithful to God and His commands, He remains faithful to us. The story of the water filling the trenches in 2 Kings 3 is a testament to God's faithfulness when we obey His instructions and prepare for His blessings. [01:08:04]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 3:16-20 - "And he said, 'Thus says the Lord, "Make this valley full of trenches." For thus says the Lord, "You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts. This is but a slight thing in the sight of the Lord; He will also give the Moabites into your hand. Then you shall strike every fortified city and every choice city, and fell every good tree and stop all springs of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones."' It happened in the morning about the time of offering the sacrifice, that behold, water came by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water."

2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did God instruct the armies to do in 2 Kings 3:16-20, and what was the outcome of their obedience?
2. How does the story of Michael and Amy illustrate the principle of preparing for God's blessings? [46:26]
3. What is the difference between happiness and joy as discussed in the sermon? [01:06:33]
4. How does Romans 8:28 relate to the overall message of the sermon about life's challenges and God's faithfulness?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God required the armies to dig ditches before providing water in 2 Kings 3:16-20? What does this teach us about our role in God's plans?
2. How can the story of Michael and Amy's marriage be applied to other areas of life where we seek God's intervention? [46:26]
3. What does it mean to choose joy over happiness, and how can this choice impact our daily lives? [01:06:33]
4. How does the concept of worship as a lifestyle of obedience and service challenge our traditional views of worship? [01:08:48]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you prepare for God's intervention, and what was the outcome? [45:50]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to "dig ditches" in preparation for God's blessings? How can you start this process today? [45:50]
3. How can you cultivate a heart posture of worship in your daily work and activities? What specific actions can you take this week to worship God through your work? [01:08:48]
4. Think of a situation where you are currently seeking happiness. How can you shift your focus to finding joy in God's presence and promises instead? [01:06:33]
5. How can you actively support someone in your life who is going through a difficult time, similar to how the congregation supported Michael and Amy? [46:26]
6. What steps can you take to remain faithful to God and His commands, even when you don't see immediate results? [01:08:04]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust in God's faithfulness. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate your trust in Him this week? [01:08:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Work of Faith
Life's journey with Christ involves active participation and effort. Just as the armies in 2 Kings 3 were instructed to dig ditches in anticipation of God's provision, believers are called to prepare themselves for the blessings and challenges that come with following Jesus. This preparation is not a passive waiting but an active engagement in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises even when the path is not clear. It is about doing the groundwork in one's spiritual life, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others, to be ready for the ways God will move. This active faith does not guarantee an easy life, but it does promise growth and a deeper reliance on God's strength and wisdom. [45:50]

James 2:17-18 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What 'ditches' can you start digging in your life to prepare for the blessings and challenges God has in store for you?

Day 2: Transformation Before Blessing
Personal transformation is often a prerequisite for experiencing God's blessings. The story of Michael and Amy, who worked on their individual issues before their marriage was restored, exemplifies this principle. Similarly, believers must examine their own hearts and lives, making necessary changes and aligning themselves with God's will. This process can be difficult and requires humility and honesty, but it is essential for growth and for receiving the fullness of what God has planned. It is not enough to simply ask for God's blessings; one must be willing to be changed by Him. [46:26]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need transformation to become more receptive to God's blessings?

Day 3: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship extends far beyond the songs sung on Sunday mornings; it encompasses a lifestyle of obedience and service to God. Every action, when performed with a heart of gratitude and love for God, can become an act of worship. This means that daily tasks, work, and interactions with others are opportunities to honor God. Worship as a lifestyle is about consistently choosing to live in a way that reflects God's love and grace, not to earn His favor, but in response to the favor He has already shown. [01:08:48]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: How can you turn your daily activities into acts of worship and service to God?

Day 4: Choosing Joy Over Happiness
Joy is a choice that is rooted in a relationship with God, not in the changing circumstances of life. Unlike happiness, which is fleeting and dependent on external factors, joy is a deep-seated contentment that comes from knowing God's presence and promises. It is a decision to trust in God's faithfulness and to find strength in Him, even during difficult times. Choosing joy is an act of faith, affirming that God's love and sovereignty are greater than any challenge faced. [01:06:33]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: What situation in your life do you need to approach with a decision to choose joy over happiness?

Day 5: Faithfulness as a Covenant
The relationship between God and His people is a covenant of faithfulness. As believers demonstrate faithfulness to God through obedience and trust, God shows His faithfulness by fulfilling His promises. The story of God filling the trenches with water in 2 Kings 3 is a testament to this truth. When God's instructions are followed, He responds with provision and blessing. This reciprocal faithfulness strengthens the bond between God and His people and is a powerful witness to His steadfast love. [01:08:04]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate faithfulness to God's commands in your daily life as a reflection of His faithfulness to you?

Quotes

1. "And the truth is, it's the same thing that happened with Michael and Amy. All right, let me figure out what in me needs to shift. What do I need to do to be a better husband? What do I need to do to be a better wife? What do I need to do to be a better follower of Jesus? You heard them say their heart posture began to change. Why? Because they were willing to do the work so that one day when the dam broke and the water filled the country, they were ready." [01:08:04]( | | )

2. "We don't work for something, but we do worship God with our work. In fact, in the Bible, the original translation says, the same word, the same Greek word for worship is the exact same word for work. We work, worship with our work. I'm not doing it to earn God's pleasure. I'm doing it because he loves me. And I love him." [01:08:48]( | | )

3. "Life is hard. Marriage is hard. Starting a new life with Jesus is hard. It's just difficult. And you go through things in your life. And as we were preparing for this and praying over this moment, I was drawn back to a story in 2 Kings chapter 3... And here's the truth. Here's the truth. I know we can get lulled to think, well, I gave my life to Jesus, and if he's a loving God, and he's a loving Savior, why are things so tough? And I'm going to tell you why. We live in the world. We live in the world. Things just take work sometimes." [45:50]( | | )

4. "Get to work. And Michael and Amy are in this moment. To where they're in a drought. They're in a famine. God, we need you to restore us. And it's not just our marriage, God. I need you to fix me. There's something going on. Because if you hear the underlying, they're talking about mixed priorities within themselves and all this selfishness and all these things going on. Hey, God, I need you to fix me. This is where I'm at, God." [46:26]( | | )

5. "Everybody wants us to chase happiness. Just do what makes you happy. And the truth is, happiness is an emotion that fails. It flees. It goes away. Happiness lasts for a little while and then you got to find something else to bring that emotion back up. And I say it like this a lot, that God is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness. Because happiness is an emotion, joy is a choice. And my joy is found in the Lord." [01:06:33]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?