Aligning with God: Igniting Courage and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our Fall Kickoff 2024 at Chatham Community Church. Today, we embark on a new series called "Ignite," focusing on how aligning with God ignites good in our lives, honors Him, and bears fruit in the world. I shared a story about a friend who turned down a lucrative business offer because she felt it was out of alignment with God's plan for her. Her decision brought her peace and confidence, which led me to ponder how we can cultivate such a life.
We explored the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17, where David's alignment with God allowed him to face Goliath with courage, unlike King Saul, who was paralyzed by fear. Fear and pride are our two biggest opponents in living the good life God has for us. Fear makes us forget God's promises, while pride blinds us to our limitations and God's greater reality.
David's victory over Goliath wasn't just about his bravery but his alignment with God's truth, purposes, promises, and his God-given identity. He declared that the battle is the Lord's, aligning himself with God's purposes to show the world there is a God in Israel. He trusted in God's promises and knew his identity as part of God's chosen people.
We are invited to align our lives similarly. When we focus on God's truth, purposes, promises, and our identity in Him, we can live lives of courage, peace, and joy, free from the paralyzing effects of fear and pride. This alignment ignites the good life, honors God, and blesses those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Aligning with God's Truth: David declared, "The battle is the Lord's," reminding us that knowing and declaring God's truth can set us free from fear and anxiety. This truth humbles us and gives us courage, as it did for David when he faced Goliath. When we focus on God's truth, it reorients our perspective and empowers us to act boldly. [19:17]
2. Living in Line with God's Purposes: David's actions were aligned with God's purpose to show the world that there is a God in Israel. When we align our decisions with God's larger purposes and commands, we demonstrate His character to the world. This alignment helps us to act in ways that are fruitful and generative, blessing those around us. [22:53]
3. Trusting in God's Promises: David trusted in God's promise to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Hooking our lives into God's promises can transform us from merely going through the motions to living a dynamic, faith-filled life. These promises provide a foundation for courageous and bold actions, even in the face of daunting challenges. [24:47]
4. Understanding Our God-Given Identity: David knew his identity as part of God's chosen people, which gave him the confidence to face Goliath. Our identity as children of God should free us to live lives of quiet confidence, boldness, and joy. This identity is not based on our achievements or possessions but on who God says we are. [28:03]
5. Overcoming Fear and Pride: Fear and pride are significant obstacles to living the good life God has for us. Fear makes us forget God's promises, while pride blinds us to our limitations. By aligning our lives with God's truth, purposes, promises, and identity, we can overcome these obstacles and live lives that honor God and bless others. [16:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - Story of Courageous Decision
[03:04] - Introduction to Ignite Series
[04:15] - Identifying Our Biggest Opponents
[05:06] - Setting the Scene: David and Goliath
[06:19] - Description of Goliath
[07:22] - Saul's Fear and Inaction
[09:10] - The Impact of Fear
[10:55] - The Regret of Inaction
[12:57] - The Problem with Self-Reliance
[14:19] - Goliath's Arrogance
[16:37] - Fear and Pride as Obstacles
[17:30] - David's Alignment with God
[19:17] - Solving for A: God's Truth
[22:53] - Solving for B: God's Purposes
[24:47] - Solving for C: God's Promises
[28:03] - Solving for D: God-Given Identity
[30:47] - Overcoming Fear and Pride
[33:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 17:4-11, 32-37, 45-47 (David and Goliath)
2. Philippians 4:4-7 (Trusting in God's Promises)
3. Romans 8:14-17 (Understanding Our God-Given Identity)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of King Saul and the Israelites when Goliath challenged them? ([07:22])
2. How did David's perspective differ from that of King Saul and the Israelites when facing Goliath? ([17:30])
3. What specific declaration did David make about the battle with Goliath, and what does it signify? ([18:27])
4. According to the sermon, what are the two biggest opponents to living the good life God has for us? ([04:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's declaration that "the battle is the Lord's" reframe the way we should view our own challenges? ([19:17])
2. In what ways can aligning our decisions with God's purposes demonstrate His character to the world? ([22:53])
3. How can trusting in God's promises transform our approach to life's challenges, according to the sermon? ([24:47])
4. What does it mean to understand and live out our God-given identity as children of God? ([28:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did fear or pride influence that decision? How might aligning with God's truth have changed your approach? ([04:15])
2. David trusted in God's promises when facing Goliath. Is there a specific promise from God that you need to trust in right now? How can you remind yourself of this promise daily? ([24:47])
3. Think about a situation where you need to act courageously. How can you declare "the battle is the Lord's" in this context? ([19:17])
4. How can you align your daily actions with God's larger purposes? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate God's character to those around you. ([22:53])
5. Reflect on your identity as a child of God. How does this identity impact the way you handle challenges and interact with others? What steps can you take to live more confidently in this identity? ([28:03])
6. Fear and pride are significant obstacles. Identify one area in your life where fear or pride is holding you back. What practical steps can you take to overcome these obstacles? ([16:37])
7. David's alignment with God led to a life of courage, peace, and joy. What specific changes can you make in your life to better align with God's truth, purposes, promises, and identity? ([30:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Truth
When David faced Goliath, he declared, "The battle is the Lord's," which was a profound statement of faith and alignment with God's truth. This declaration set him free from fear and anxiety, empowering him to act boldly. Knowing and declaring God's truth can reorient our perspective, humble us, and give us the courage to face our own "giants" in life. When we focus on God's truth, it not only sets us free but also empowers us to live boldly and confidently.
David's alignment with God's truth was not just a mental exercise but a lived reality. He trusted that God was in control and that the battle belonged to Him. This trust allowed David to step into a seemingly impossible situation with confidence and courage. Similarly, when we align our lives with God's truth, we can face our challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and strength. [19:17]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one "giant" in your life that you need to face with the truth that "the battle is the Lord's"? How can declaring this truth change your perspective and actions today?
Day 2: Living in Line with God's Purposes
David's actions in the battle against Goliath were aligned with God's purpose to show the world that there is a God in Israel. When we align our decisions with God's larger purposes and commands, we demonstrate His character to the world. This alignment helps us to act in ways that are fruitful and generative, blessing those around us.
Living in line with God's purposes means seeking His will in our daily decisions and actions. It involves a conscious effort to reflect His character in our interactions and choices. When we do this, we not only honor God but also become a blessing to those around us. Our lives become a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness. [22:53]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. Was it aligned with God's purposes? How can you ensure that your future decisions reflect God's character and will?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Promises
David trusted in God's promise to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This trust transformed him from merely going through the motions to living a dynamic, faith-filled life. God's promises provide a foundation for courageous and bold actions, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Trusting in God's promises means believing that He will fulfill what He has said, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. It involves a deep-seated confidence in God's faithfulness and His ability to come through for us. This trust can transform our lives, enabling us to live with courage and boldness. [24:47]
2 Peter 1:4 (ESV): "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto today? How can trusting in this promise change the way you approach your current challenges?
Day 4: Understanding Our God-Given Identity
David knew his identity as part of God's chosen people, which gave him the confidence to face Goliath. Our identity as children of God should free us to live lives of quiet confidence, boldness, and joy. This identity is not based on our achievements or possessions but on who God says we are.
Understanding our God-given identity means recognizing that we are loved, valued, and chosen by God. This understanding can transform the way we see ourselves and the way we live our lives. It gives us the confidence to face challenges and the freedom to live with joy and purpose. [28:03]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How does knowing your identity as a child of God change the way you see yourself and your circumstances? What steps can you take today to live more fully in this identity?
Day 5: Overcoming Fear and Pride
Fear and pride are significant obstacles to living the good life God has for us. Fear makes us forget God's promises, while pride blinds us to our limitations. By aligning our lives with God's truth, purposes, promises, and identity, we can overcome these obstacles and live lives that honor God and bless others.
Overcoming fear and pride involves a conscious effort to trust in God's promises and to humble ourselves before Him. It means recognizing our limitations and relying on God's strength and wisdom. When we do this, we can live with courage and humility, honoring God and blessing those around us. [16:37]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where fear or pride is holding you back? How can you align this area with God's truth, purposes, promises, and identity to overcome these obstacles?
Quotes
1. "She passed on this really great offer. And I was talking to her, maybe about a month after she'd made this decision. And I said to her, you know, there's a thing called buyer's remorse, where you make a purchase, and you regret it. Like the shirt you bought last week, like, ugh, why'd I do that? But I said, is there such a thing as non-seller's remorse? Like, do you have any regrets for not selling this business, and making the money you could have made? And what she said to me, it struck me, it was so profound. She said, I feel so aligned with what God wanted me to do in this moment, I have total confidence, no regrets, 100% peace." [01:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Fear swallows up God's words to us, God's past work for us, and makes us forget who we are, right? That's what happens. That's what fear does. That's what fear does to us. It swallows up anything we know about God, anything we know about God's goodness. It just completely overwhelms us and drowns out anything else that we might know. And so here's the deal. Listen, for all of us at some point in our lives, Goliath is going to call your name, right? Multiple times in your life. You're going to stare down Goliath of problems. You're going to have family conflicts. You're going to have medical issues. You're going to have professional and career devastations." [09:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Whenever fear is driving the bus of your life, it will always lead you to the land of regret. When fear is driving the bus of your life, it will always lead you to the land of regret. When fear is driving the bus of your life, it will always lead you to the land of regret. Saul is going to regret his fearful inaction for the rest. For the rest of his life. You weren't made for the fearful life. That's not what God made you for. You weren't made to run on anxious energy, fearful energy all the time. Unless you're being chased by a polar bear, a yeti, or the house is on fire. You don't want to live a life of fear." [12:17] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Some of you are trapped in voices of condemnation and shame and self-hatred that are on loop. Over and over and over again. Right? I'm not lovable. I'm not worthy. I made too many mistakes. No one will love me. No one will know the real me. Right? I regret. I regret. I regret. Some of you just loop regrets and shame and mistakes over and over and over again in your head. I'm here to tell you some really good news. The voice that you hear of condemnation. That's not the voice of God." [13:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have two primary opponents to the life that God has for you. Your two primary opponents are fear and pride. A life aligned your problems releases fear. A life aligned around your own greatness results in pride. Both are enemies to life. God calls us to and invites us to and created us for. So I want to out these and I want to invite you to pay attention to the voices in your head. Because you hear voices and I hear voices. And some of us hear more voices of fear and anxiety and shame and guilt. And some of us hear more voices of pride and ambition and arrogance, frankly." [16:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "David isn't staring down Goliath and looking at himself. David is looking at Goliath and looking at God. And that's what reframes the whole thing. And the speech that David gives as he's getting ready to go head to head against Goliath sort of summarizes A, B, C, and D. David has solved for A, B, C, and D. And we're going to pick out some threads in this little speech that he makes to Goliath that shows us what are the elements that ignite courageous action. At least it's grace, freedom, hope, beauty. People around you. A life of quiet confidence and no regrets." [17:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "David declares God's truth. The battle is the Lord's. That's just what's true. Everyone else around him has forgotten that. They're too focused on Goliath. All the fear has helped them, has caused them to forget the truth about God. Knowing the truth, declaring the truth about God sets David free when everyone else around him is frozen and stuck. It humbles him, but gives him courage. He's not comparing himself to Goliath. He's comparing Goliath to the fact that the battle is the Lord's. This is what is true, that everyone else around him has forgotten." [19:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "David literally hooks his whole life, hangs his whole life on promises that God had made. That he would rescue them from the Philistines. And that changes not just his life. It frees up his whole nature. And 3,000 years later, people all over the world are telling his story. Because he took a bold step, a courageous step in light of the promises of God. David has solved for A, God's truth. B, God's purposes. 3, C, God's promises. And then finally, the last one is God given identity." [27:29] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The New Testament, one of the favorite words, titles, names, the New Testament gives us. When we follow Jesus, we put our hope in Jesus, our faith in Jesus. He says, we are, the scriptures declare, we are children of the living God. My friends, if you have put your faith in Jesus, that is who you are today. Go live like it. Not fearful. Not arrogant and proud. Quiet. Confident. Bold. Courageous. Playful. Able to wrestle. Able to work. Able to serve others. Know that you're going to be taken care of. You don't have to scrap and claw your way to the world." [28:40] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When we are aligned with God's truth, God's purposes, God's promises, and our God-given identity, that ignites the good life. It honors God because it's just locked in with God's character, what God's up to, who God is in the world. Who God is in the world, who God wants to be displayed as in the world. And so that's what ignites. It ignites the good life. Your two biggest obstacles in the ring with you are fear and pride. And you're going to typically fall off to one or the other of these two sides of things." [30:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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