Active Faith: Transforming Lives Through God's Guidance
Summary
This morning, we gathered to worship and focus on the Lord, setting aside the challenges and problems of the past week. We began by lifting up the name of Jesus, seeking His presence and blessings in our lives. We are called to contribute to the saving of souls and the building up of God's kingdom. It is our duty to share the blessings we have received from God with others, to spread the joy and salvation that comes from knowing Jesus.
We discussed the importance of being active in our faith, not just being thankful for our deliverance but also for God's sustaining power in our lives. God is not only our deliverer but also our sustainer and guide. We must avoid being brought under the power of anything that is not expedient for our spiritual growth. Complaining and lamenting over our problems only gives the devil a foothold in our lives. Instead, we should focus on staying strong in our relationship with God, not just for today but for the rest of our lives.
We reflected on the story of Solomon, who, despite his blessings, turned away from God in his later years. This serves as a warning that we must remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the challenges we face. We must not let anger or bitterness drive us away from the church or from God. Instead, we should work on our mindset and focus on worshiping Jesus, seeking His guidance and strength for the week ahead.
God has plans for us, and we must connect with Him to receive the strength and guidance needed to fulfill those plans. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but by staying connected to God, we can navigate through them. We are called to be active participants in the church, to get involved and help the church grow. There are too many people lost without God, and it is our responsibility to reach out to them.
Living a transformed life means more than just avoiding sin; it means actively pursuing the good things God wants to put in our lives. We must display the fruit of the Spirit and live under the Lordship of Jesus. This involves a conscious decision to submit to His will in all things. We must stay committed to our faith, even when it is challenging, and work through our problems with God's help.
We also discussed the importance of prayer and submitting to God's will. By resisting the devil and submitting to God, we can experience His authority and blessings in our lives. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and do things we may not have planned on doing, but it is through obedience to God that we find true fulfillment.
We must also be mindful of what we allow into our minds. Watching ungodly content can hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, we should focus on godly things and live for God both inside and outside the church. Experiencing the Lordship of Jesus means living a life that reflects His teachings and love.
Finally, we acknowledged that serving God is not always easy, but it is rewarding. We must invest in our spiritual journey, knowing that every prayer and good work is an investment in our relationship with God. By staying committed to God, we can experience His blessings and guidance in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Active Participation in God's Kingdom: We are called to contribute to the saving of souls and the building up of God's kingdom. This involves sharing the blessings we have received from God with others and being active in our faith. It's not enough to be thankful for our deliverance; we must also be thankful for God's sustaining power in our lives. [32:57]
2. Staying Steadfast in Faith: The story of Solomon serves as a warning that we must remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the challenges we face. We must not let anger or bitterness drive us away from the church or from God. Instead, we should work on our mindset and focus on worshiping Jesus, seeking His guidance and strength for the week ahead. [40:28]
3. Living a Transformed Life: Living a transformed life means more than just avoiding sin; it means actively pursuing the good things God wants to put in our lives. We must display the fruit of the Spirit and live under the Lordship of Jesus. This involves a conscious decision to submit to His will in all things. [55:05]
4. The Importance of Prayer and Submission: By resisting the devil and submitting to God, we can experience His authority and blessings in our lives. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and do things we may not have planned on doing, but it is through obedience to God that we find true fulfillment. [50:53]
5. Investing in Our Spiritual Journey: Serving God is not always easy, but it is rewarding. We must invest in our spiritual journey, knowing that every prayer and good work is an investment in our relationship with God. By staying committed to God, we can experience His blessings and guidance in our lives. [01:05:54]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:06] - Introduction and Personal Story
[30:05] - Fellowship and Community
[32:57] - Call to Worship and Active Participation
[34:22] - Deliverance and Sustenance
[35:24] - Challenges and Staying Strong
[36:21] - Spiritual Warfare and Faith
[37:17] - Commitment to God
[39:03] - Trusting God Daily
[40:28] - Solomon's Warning
[41:52] - Overcoming Anger and Bitterness
[42:31] - Connecting with God
[43:15] - Unexpected Challenges
[44:03] - Entering Glory Abundantly
[45:54] - Evaluating Our Works
[46:34] - Authority of Jesus
[47:15] - Praying for Needs
[48:10] - Acknowledging Jesus' Authority
[49:39] - Consistency in Faith
[50:53] - Prayer and Submission
[52:14] - Personal Testimony
[54:00] - Call for Workers
[55:05] - Living a Transformed Life
[56:22] - Commitment Beyond Prayer
[57:34] - Renewing the Mind
[58:20] - Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit
[59:47] - Motivating Others with Love
[01:03:39] - Guarding Our Minds
[01:04:11] - Experiencing the Lordship of Jesus
[01:05:54] - Investing in Our Spiritual Journey
[01:09:04] - Becoming a Kingdom Worker
[01:10:00] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:13:20] - Worship and Surrender
[01:17:48] - Gratitude and Commitment
[01:18:41] - Offering and Blessings
[01:22:01] - Announcements and Fellowship
[01:24:26] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 1:8-11 (KJV)
> "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Peter 1:8-11 say about the qualities that should be present in a believer's life? How do these qualities affect their spiritual fruitfulness?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges that believers might face that could cause them to stray from their faith? ([35:24])
3. How does the story of Solomon serve as a warning to believers, as mentioned in the sermon? ([40:28])
4. What does the pastor say about the importance of prayer and submission to God's will? ([50:53])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to make their "calling and election sure" as stated in 2 Peter 1:10? How does this relate to the concept of staying steadfast in faith? ([31:04])
2. How can focusing on the Lordship of Jesus help believers navigate through unexpected challenges in life? ([43:15])
3. What does it mean to live a transformed life under the Lordship of Jesus, according to the sermon? ([55:05])
4. How does the act of resisting the devil and submitting to God lead to experiencing His authority and blessings in our lives? ([50:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith help you navigate through it? What steps can you take to ensure you remain steadfast in your faith during future challenges? ([35:24])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and submission to God's will. What specific area of your life do you need to submit more fully to God, and how can you start doing that this week? ([50:53])
3. Solomon's story is a cautionary tale about turning away from God despite being blessed. Are there any blessings in your life that you might be taking for granted? How can you ensure you remain grateful and steadfast in your faith? ([40:28])
4. Living a transformed life involves actively pursuing the good things God wants to put in our lives. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with. What specific action can you take this week to cultivate it? ([55:05])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of being active participants in the church. What is one way you can get more involved in your church community? How can you contribute to the growth of God's kingdom? ([33:37])
6. Watching ungodly content can hinder spiritual growth. Is there a specific type of content you consume that you feel convicted to change? What steps can you take to replace it with godly content? ([01:03:01])
7. Serving God is described as rewarding but not always easy. What is one area of your spiritual journey where you feel challenged? How can you seek God's guidance and strength to overcome this challenge? ([01:05:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Participation in God's Kingdom
We are called to contribute to the saving of souls and the building up of God's kingdom. This involves sharing the blessings we have received from God with others and being active in our faith. It's not enough to be thankful for our deliverance; we must also be thankful for God's sustaining power in our lives. We must avoid being brought under the power of anything that is not expedient for our spiritual growth. Complaining and lamenting over our problems only gives the devil a foothold in our lives. Instead, we should focus on staying strong in our relationship with God, not just for today but for the rest of our lives. [32:57]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of one blessing you have received from God recently. How can you share this blessing with someone else today?
Day 2: Staying Steadfast in Faith
The story of Solomon serves as a warning that we must remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the challenges we face. We must not let anger or bitterness drive us away from the church or from God. Instead, we should work on our mindset and focus on worshiping Jesus, seeking His guidance and strength for the week ahead. Solomon, despite his blessings, turned away from God in his later years. This serves as a reminder that we must stay committed to our faith and not let life's challenges deter us from our spiritual journey. [40:28]
Bible Passage:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you seek Jesus' guidance and strength to remain steadfast in your faith through this challenge?
Day 3: Living a Transformed Life
Living a transformed life means more than just avoiding sin; it means actively pursuing the good things God wants to put in our lives. We must display the fruit of the Spirit and live under the Lordship of Jesus. This involves a conscious decision to submit to His will in all things. By doing so, we reflect His teachings and love in our daily lives. It is not just about avoiding wrong but actively doing right and seeking God's will in every aspect of our lives. [55:05]
Bible Passage:
"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." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you can actively pursue the good things God wants for you? How can you start today?
Day 4: The Importance of Prayer and Submission
By resisting the devil and submitting to God, we can experience His authority and blessings in our lives. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and do things we may not have planned on doing, but it is through obedience to God that we find true fulfillment. Prayer and submission are crucial in our spiritual journey, as they help us align with God's will and resist the temptations that come our way. [50:53]
Bible Passage:
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:7-8a, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you need to submit to God more fully? How can you take a step towards that submission today?
Day 5: Investing in Our Spiritual Journey
Serving God is not always easy, but it is rewarding. We must invest in our spiritual journey, knowing that every prayer and good work is an investment in our relationship with God. By staying committed to God, we can experience His blessings and guidance in our lives. This investment requires dedication and perseverance, but the rewards are eternal and far outweigh the challenges we may face. [01:05:54]
Bible Passage:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one specific way you can invest in your spiritual journey this week? How can you ensure you stay committed to this investment?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We don't want to be hypocrites. We don't want to be Christian in the church only. And then we walk out the door, we start living for the devil again. But I want to live for God in the church. I want to live for God outside the church. I want to live for God at the grocery store, on the job, wherever we happen to be at. We ought to be able to live for God. And so this morning, I want you to experience how good God is. And then we experience the lordship of God. And we say, God, I am yours." [01:04:11]
2. "If you do your part, God will do his. A lot of the folks that are on the prayer time, when I ask them to pray, and they always pray about this and pray about that. I continue to ask them, how is everything between you and God? And they always say, oh, everything's wonderful. Oh, it's great. We'll go. Can you come to church this weekend? Can you come to church this weekend? Can you be a part of the church program this weekend? Well, probably not. I got this going on. I got that going on. But you pray for me." [56:22]
3. "We have to acknowledge that God wants us to do things, even though we had not planned on doing it. Some of you had not planned on coming to church. Some of you had not planned on staying here. Some of you had not planned on being a part. But God is speaking to your heart. He's saying, get to church. Get involved. Be a part of them and help them grow. That hadn't been your original plan. Come on now. I know that. But the Holy Ghost is speaking this morning." [54:00]
4. "If you want the devil off your back, start submitting to Jesus. Surrender to God and let God be God in your life. And the devil has to flee. He said, submit yourselves, therefore, unto God. Resist the devil, and he will flee. As we acknowledge the authority of God, we have to say, God, I believe in you. Now, that means more than just saying it. It means you have to live it also. You have to live it also." [51:31]
5. "If you take one step, God will take two. I need somebody to say amen right there. You need to experience Jesus. Not only the delivering of Jesus, but the Lordship of Jesus. I need you to get in and accept him as your Lord and Savior. And say, God, here I am. I need you to be involved in the work of God. Because the more you get involved, the more God can bless you. And every day he's molding me. Every day he's making me. Every day he's working on me. And I'm thankful for that." [01:07:10]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have to make up our mind to do just that. If we sit there in our home and we begin to lament over our problems, whine and complain and fuss, does that ever get you anywhere? Not a bit. All of this will make you bitter on the inside and mad. And then, you see, that gives the devil an entry into your life. And the Word of God shows us over and over again. A different people that left God. They had a good relation with God at one time, but because of some situation, they end up leaving God." [40:28]
2. "Now we can go before God the father. We can claim a blessing when we need rent. We can pray for rent money when we're broke, when we need healing in our body. We can pray. God, I need your blessing. I'm hungry. I need groceries. Whatever you need, you can pray. You can pray because of the authority that we have in Christ Jesus. And in order for us to have that authority, we have to recognize his authority. Everything we have is through Jesus Christ." [47:15]
3. "Jesus, help me through this situation. Can somebody say, Jesus, help me? Come on in here. Jesus, help me. That's what we need to pray. I need the help of God. And so we begin to go to God as he is our Lord. And as God is our Lord, we begin to focus on things. And so Peter was concerned about this, that there were those that when they would come to God, they would come in the right way. He said, for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly. Abundantly." [44:03]
4. "I've come too far. He's done too much in my life. We've made up our mind that God is here blessing me. I want to stay in His blessings. How many have the same mind this morning? I feel the Holy Ghost this morning. I said, how many of the same mind this morning? He's been too good to you. He's done too much. He's healed your body. Somebody sister in and say, man, this morning. He's healed our body. That touch our mind. He's been so good to us. I want to stay in God." [37:17]
5. "We surrender ourselves unto you. Praise him. Surrender to his will. God, I'm here. My body doesn't always act right, God. Sometimes my back hurts, my knees hurt. Sometimes, God, I get headaches. But whatever I can do, I'm going to serve you with everything within me, God. I want to serve you. I want to lift up your name. You're worthy of praise, Jesus. so therefore, God, I just want to serve you. Is that your prayer this morning? Worship him. the glory." [01:13:20]
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