Advancing in Faith: Embracing God's Eternal Mission
Summary
In the teachings from the North Campus of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Connor Bales presents a compelling message centered on the theme of moving forward in faith and understanding one's role in God's eternal mission. He draws from the Book of Joshua to offer insights into leadership, faithfulness, and the presence of God in the lives of believers.
Bales begins by setting the historical context for the Book of Joshua, explaining the timeline and the significance of Joshua's role in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the backstory to fully appreciate the leadership lessons that can be applied to modern life.
One of the key lessons highlighted is that wilderness seasons are not wasted unless one chooses to stay there. Bales illustrates this point by recounting the Israelites' journey from Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land, a journey prolonged by their rebellion against God. He encourages listeners to learn from their wilderness experiences, as these are opportunities for growth and preparation for what God has in store next.
Bales also shares personal anecdotes, such as the discharge of one of his daughters from the hospital, to demonstrate the importance of gratitude and learning from difficult circumstances. He uses these stories to convey the idea that readiness for what God has planned comes from faithfulness in the present, no matter how ordinary or secondary the role may seem.
The message further delves into the concept that God's mission is not dependent on any one person but rests on Jesus Christ. Bales uses the example of a backup quarterback in the NFL to illustrate the idea of "next man up," emphasizing that the mission of God continues regardless of individual changes.
A significant portion of the message is dedicated to the assurance of God's presence. Bales reflects on the promise God made to Joshua, assuring him that no one would be able to stand against him as long as God was with him. This promise of God's eternal presence is presented as the greatest gift to believers, surpassing even the blessings of the Promised Land.
Bales concludes by addressing three spiritual scenarios that individuals might find themselves in: stuck in the bondage of sin (Egypt), wandering in the wilderness, or being called to move forward. He offers guidance for each situation, urging those in bondage to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, those in the wilderness to learn and prepare to leave, and those being called forward to seek clarity and respond to God's calling.
Throughout the message, Bales maintains a focus on the advancement of the Christian life, the importance of the local church, and the confidence believers can have in the work of Christ's Church, which is built by His power and cannot be stopped.
Key Takeaways:
- The wilderness seasons of life are not meant to be permanent dwelling places but periods of learning and growth. These times can be rich with lessons that prepare individuals for the next phase of their journey with God. It is in the willingness to leave the wilderness that one finds readiness for the promises of abundant life in Christ. [17:03]
- Faithfulness in the roles we are currently given, no matter how secondary they may seem, is crucial for being entrusted with greater responsibilities in the future. Just as Joshua was faithful in his secondary role before leading the Israelites, believers today should also strive for faithfulness in their present circumstances. [22:10]
- The mission of God is not contingent upon any individual but is eternally founded on Jesus Christ. This understanding should empower believers to adopt a "next man up" mentality, recognizing that their participation in God's mission is part of a larger, unchanging divine plan. [25:08]
- The greatest promise of God is His eternal presence with His people. This promise surpasses all other blessings and is a source of comfort and assurance in all circumstances, reminding believers that they are never alone. [32:12]
- Believers are called to advance in their faith, not retreat. This advancement may involve leaving behind past sins, learning from wilderness experiences, and seeking God's direction for the future. Each step forward is an act of obedience and trust in God's plan. [35:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-5 - "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 'Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.'"
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
3. Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did God give to Joshua regarding the land and His presence? (Joshua 1:1-5)
2. How does Jesus' promise in Matthew 28:18-20 relate to the mission of God mentioned in the sermon? [23:17]
3. What does Psalm 23:4 say about God's presence during difficult times?
4. According to the sermon, what are the three spiritual scenarios individuals might find themselves in? [35:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the promise of God's presence considered the greatest gift to believers, surpassing even the blessings of the Promised Land? [32:12]
2. How does the concept of "next man up" in the sermon illustrate the idea that God's mission is not dependent on any one individual? [25:08]
3. What lessons can be learned from the Israelites' wilderness experience, and how can these lessons be applied to modern life? [14:06]
4. How does faithfulness in secondary roles prepare believers for greater responsibilities, as illustrated by Joshua's life? [18:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a wilderness season. What lessons did you learn during that time, and how did it prepare you for future challenges? [14:06]
2. In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness in your current roles, even if they seem secondary or insignificant? How might this prepare you for future opportunities? [18:41]
3. How can you adopt a "next man up" mentality in your participation in God's mission, recognizing that the mission is part of a larger, unchanging divine plan? [25:08]
4. Think of a situation where you felt God's presence during a difficult time. How did this assurance impact your faith and actions? [32:12]
5. Are there areas in your life where you feel stuck, either in sin or in a wilderness season? What steps can you take to seek salvation, learn from your experiences, or move forward in faith? [35:32]
6. How can you seek clarity and respond to God's calling in your life, especially if you feel He is calling you to move forward? [38:30]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to advance in your faith and trust in God's plan, rather than retreating or staying stagnant? [35:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Wilderness Lessons
Wilderness seasons are not permanent residences but classrooms for spiritual growth. These times, though challenging, are rich with divine instruction, preparing one for the blessings and responsibilities ahead. Recognizing the value in these experiences transforms them from periods of stagnation to stages of profound development. [17:03]
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: Can you identify a 'wilderness' experience in your life right now? How can you actively seek the lessons God is teaching you through this trial?
Day 2: Faithfulness in the Present
Current roles, however small, are the proving grounds for future leadership. Faithfulness in today's tasks is a testament to one's readiness for tomorrow's opportunities. This commitment to the present is a crucial step towards fulfilling one's divine destiny. [22:10]
Luke 16:10 - "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Reflection: What are the 'small' responsibilities you are entrusted with today, and how can you approach them with greater faithfulness and dedication?
Day 3: The Unchanging Divine Mission
God's mission is anchored in Christ, not contingent on any one individual. This eternal perspective allows believers to serve with humility and courage, knowing that their part in God's plan is important but not singular. [25:08]
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: How does understanding that you are part of a larger divine mission affect your willingness to serve in whatever capacity you are called?
Day 4: God's Eternal Presence
The assurance of God's unending presence is the believer's greatest gift. This promise stands as a beacon of hope and strength, outshining all other blessings and providing comfort in every circumstance. [32:12]
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Reflection: In what situations do you need to remind yourself of God's promise to be with you always? How can this assurance change your response to these situations?
Day 5: Advancing in Faith
The call to advance in faith requires leaving behind past sins, embracing lessons from the wilderness, and seeking God's direction for the future. Each step forward is an act of obedience to God's unfolding plan. [35:32]
Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to move forward in your faith journey, leaving behind what hinders you and reaching out for what lies ahead?
Quotes
1) "The Wilderness is only wasted if you stay there... your Wilderness seasons are never going to be wasted unless we choose to stay there there's always learning to be found prior to the leaving that God has if we'll choose to pay attention." [15:13] (Download)
2) "Readiness for the ordinary comes after faithfulness in the secondary... Joshua is most widely recognized for his role in leading God's people into the land of promise... but what had Joshua ready for that primary leadership role was his faithfulness in the secondary role." [18:41] (Download)
3) "Men will die but the mission of God Lives... we should never fall victim to the lie that the mission of God depends upon a man... the eternal mission of God and the kingdom of heaven rest entirely upon the God man Jesus Christ." [23:17] (Download)
4) "If God says it Nothing Stops it... the greatest promise of God is his presence and it's Eternal... the great promise of God is not the land... the miracle is that God says I'm going to be with you when you inhabit that." [32:12] (Download)
5) "I believe the Christian Life is one of advancement that we're not called to retreat we're called to advance because God has more for us... I believe that God is calling us to move." [35:32] (Download)
6) "I think God desires for us to learn in the wilderness so that we're prepared when he calls us to leave into the promise of the Abundant Life that he has for us in Christ Jesus." [17:03] (Download)
7) "How can we be trusted with the primary role of Mary and Joseph if we're not faithful in the secondary role of holding some doors?... What had Joshua ready for the leading role was his faithfulness in the secondary role." [22:10] (Download)
8) "If you are in Christ Jesus, God looks down at you right now and he says I got you. I'm not going anywhere... The great promise of God is his presence and it is eternal and it's yours and mine if we too are in Christ Jesus." [33:54] (Download)
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