Bold Warriors: Embracing Faith and Overcoming Struggles
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we explored the concept of being a bold generation of spirit-filled believers who are destined to be giant killers. This bold generation is characterized by their distinctiveness, their willingness to face opposition, and their unwavering faith in God. We delved into the idea that true warriors are defined not by their outward appearance or titles but by their ability to confront and overcome struggles. Job's words remind us that struggles are inevitable, but they reveal our true character and faith.
We discussed the importance of being different, unusual, and uncommon as believers. This distinctiveness is not about physical attributes but about the Holy Spirit residing within us. We examined 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, which emphasizes that believers have no agreement with the idols of this world. Our power and identity come from the Holy Spirit within us, making us uncommon and set apart.
David's story was a central focus, illustrating how ordinary people can become extraordinary warriors through their faith in God. David's staff, marked with carvings of his victories with God, symbolized his history and milestones with the Lord. These milestones serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and empower us to face new challenges with confidence.
We also highlighted the importance of knowing what we are fighting for. David's staff represented his history with God, and his victories over the lion and the bear were recorded as milestones. These milestones are crucial for our spiritual journey, marking our progress and reminding us of God's faithfulness.
In the cave of Adullam, David transformed 400 distressed, indebted, and discontented men into mighty warriors. This transformation underscores the power of association with a true warrior and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and challenge us to grow in our faith.
Finally, we were reminded that our calling and purpose are not defined by our own resources but by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are called to be bold, to face opposition with faith, and to create milestones that testify to God's faithfulness in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Distinctiveness of Believers: As believers, we are called to be different, unusual, and uncommon. This distinctiveness is not about our physical attributes but about the Holy Spirit residing within us. Our power and identity come from the Holy Spirit, making us set apart from the world. [03:59]
2. Facing Opposition: True warriors are defined by their ability to confront and overcome struggles. Job's words remind us that struggles are inevitable, but they reveal our true character and faith. Opposition is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power within us. [05:20]
3. Milestones with God: David's staff, marked with carvings of his victories with God, symbolizes our history and milestones with the Lord. These milestones serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and empower us to face new challenges with confidence. We must create and remember these milestones in our spiritual journey. [09:26]
4. Transformation through Association: In the cave of Adullam, David transformed 400 distressed, indebted, and discontented men into mighty warriors. This transformation underscores the power of association with a true warrior and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and challenge us to grow in our faith. [28:29]
5. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Our calling and purpose are not defined by our own resources but by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are called to be bold, to face opposition with faith, and to create milestones that testify to God's faithfulness in our lives. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us for the journey ahead. [37:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:59] - The Call to Be Different
[05:20] - Facing Opposition as Warriors
[09:26] - David's Milestones with God
[11:13] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[12:00] - David and Goliath: A Lesson in Faith
[14:06] - Uncommon Responses to Opposition
[15:09] - Knowing What We Fight For
[18:03] - The Significance of Milestones
[20:12] - The Power of History with God
[22:00] - The Testimony of Jesus
[24:29] - The Picture of Jesus
[26:32] - Jesus: The Faithful and True
[28:29] - Transformation in the Cave of Adullam
[31:45] - Warriors Reproduce Warriors
[37:43] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[41:04] - Starting a New Journey with God
[43:03] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'"
2. 1 Samuel 17:40: "Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."
3. 1 Samuel 22:2: "All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, what are believers instructed to avoid, and why? How does this relate to the concept of being distinct and uncommon? [06:27]
2. In 1 Samuel 17:40, what items did David take with him to face Goliath, and what might these items symbolize in the context of the sermon? [12:00]
3. What transformation occurred among the 400 men who gathered around David in the cave of Adullam as described in 1 Samuel 22:2? [28:29]
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of David's staff and the carvings on it? What do these carvings represent? [15:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for believers to be "uncommon" and "set apart" according to the sermon and 2 Corinthians 6:14-16? How does this distinctiveness manifest in a believer's life? [06:27]
2. How does the story of David and Goliath illustrate the idea that ordinary people can become extraordinary warriors through their faith in God? What lessons can we draw from David's preparation and approach to the battle? [12:00]
3. In what ways does the transformation of the 400 men in the cave of Adullam highlight the importance of association and leadership in spiritual growth? How can this principle be applied in our own lives? [28:29]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of creating and remembering spiritual milestones. How do these milestones serve as reminders of God's faithfulness, and why are they crucial for our spiritual journey? [15:09]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. In what ways do you feel called to be different, unusual, and uncommon as a believer? How can you embrace this calling more fully in your daily actions and decisions? [06:27]
2. Think about a recent struggle or opposition you faced. How did you respond to it? What can you learn from David's example of facing Goliath with faith and confidence in God? [12:00]
3. Identify a "milestone" moment in your spiritual journey where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you use this memory to encourage yourself and others in times of difficulty? [15:09]
4. Consider the people you surround yourself with. Are they inspiring and challenging you to grow in your faith, like David did with the 400 men in the cave? If not, what changes can you make to seek out more spiritually uplifting relationships? [28:29]
5. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to empower you for the challenges ahead? What specific steps can you take to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit and trust in His guidance? [37:43]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt discontented, distressed, or in debt. How did you overcome these feelings, and what role did your faith play in that process? How can you help others who might be in a similar situation? [28:29]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to create a new spiritual milestone? How will you document and remember this milestone to remind yourself of God's faithfulness in the future? [15:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Distinctiveness of Believers
As believers, we are called to be different, unusual, and uncommon. This distinctiveness is not about our physical attributes but about the Holy Spirit residing within us. Our power and identity come from the Holy Spirit, making us set apart from the world. This distinctiveness is emphasized in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, which reminds us that believers have no agreement with the idols of this world. By embracing our unique identity in Christ, we can live lives that reflect His love and power, standing out in a world that often values conformity over true spiritual transformation. [03:59]
2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (ESV): "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace your distinctiveness as a believer today, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and decisions?
Day 2: Facing Opposition
True warriors are defined by their ability to confront and overcome struggles. Job's words remind us that struggles are inevitable, but they reveal our true character and faith. Opposition is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power within us. When we face challenges, we can either succumb to fear or rise in faith, trusting that God will see us through. By viewing opposition as a chance to grow and rely on God's strength, we can become stronger in our faith and more resilient in our spiritual journey. [05:20]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you view this opposition as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power in your life?
Day 3: Milestones with God
David's staff, marked with carvings of his victories with God, symbolizes our history and milestones with the Lord. These milestones serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and empower us to face new challenges with confidence. By creating and remembering these milestones in our spiritual journey, we can draw strength from our past experiences with God and trust Him for future victories. Reflecting on these moments helps us to see God's hand in our lives and encourages us to keep moving forward in faith. [09:26]
1 Samuel 17:37 (ESV): "And David said, 'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.' And Saul said to David, 'Go, and the Lord be with you!'"
Reflection: What are some significant milestones in your spiritual journey? How can you use these memories to strengthen your faith in facing current and future challenges?
Day 4: Transformation through Association
In the cave of Adullam, David transformed 400 distressed, indebted, and discontented men into mighty warriors. This transformation underscores the power of association with a true warrior and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and challenge us to grow in our faith. By choosing to associate with those who are strong in their faith and committed to following God, we can be encouraged and strengthened in our own spiritual walk. This community of believers can help us to grow, learn, and become the warriors God has called us to be. [28:29]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who in your life inspires and challenges you to grow in your faith? How can you spend more time with these individuals to strengthen your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Our calling and purpose are not defined by our own resources but by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are called to be bold, to face opposition with faith, and to create milestones that testify to God's faithfulness in our lives. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can be empowered for the journey ahead, knowing that it is not by our strength but by God's power that we can fulfill our calling. This reliance on the Holy Spirit allows us to live boldly and confidently, trusting that God will equip us for every challenge we face. [37:43]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength? How can you begin to make this shift today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to speak to you today about how God is going to use the believer to change the world that we're living in. And I put it up and I and here's what I wrote down when when when I was praying about this. The Lord says I want to raise up a bold generation. Now how many people want to be a part of that? Yes. Okay. So I'm glad that you're here because I want to talk to you about being a bold generation tonight." [01:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What makes you different isn't what's in you. It's what's in who is in you. So what makes you different is what lies in the Holy Spirit of God in him is freedom in him is peace in him. We find our joy in him. You see what? So what is in you and what brings the power, what brings power to us in you is the fact that the Holy Spirit of God who in him is all things comes all things." [08:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to tell you, if you're at a place where you feel discontented and distressed and in debt and you have no hope, stop hanging out with those other crew and go find you some warriors to sit around. Go find you somebody who thinks differently than you do right now. Who's closer to God than you are right now. You want to get somewhere? Go hang out with people who are going there or are there." [35:16] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to tell you this. How to start a new route, to start a new journey with God. I can't give you a better example than, than Saul on the road to Damascus. Who was now Paul. When he encountered Jesus, the first thing that he asked the Lord, he asked him this. After he says, who are you? He says, I'm Jesus, and you're persecuting my people. You know what he said? He said, Lord, what will you have me do? That's where he started. That's a great starting point." [41:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The struggle is going to reveal who you are, the warrior or the wimp. It's going to reveal where you stand with God, where your faith is, what you hold on to, what matters most to you. The struggles will define and pull out of you what you have allowed inside of you." [03:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So many of us. We have empty staffs with no milestones because we have no destination. So when we face opposition, we give in no milestone. We face another trial and another temptation. We just give in no milestone. We have another, something else that comes our way. And when, if we're full of the spirit of God and we're full of faith and we're, and we're where we need to be with the Lord, that when it hits us, it wipes us out. When God says that was a milestone." [18:53] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Warriors reproduce warriors. That's why, that's why it's so important that you are a warrior so that you raise up children who are warriors for the Lord. If you're, if you're soft, when it comes to the things of God, then you will reproduce that. this, and not just talking about your children, but if you label yourself a warrior, you are being watched." [31:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The heart of a man fails when he judges what he is called to do based on his own resources. That's why David, when he was in the room in the cave with everybody else, he's like, listen, I can't, I can't kill a Goliath. I can't kill Goliath. I can't, I can't kill a lion. I can't rip apart a bear. I can't do that. But the resources of heaven says that I can, y'all see what I'm talking about?" [37:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to tell you, I hope tonight that you have an eternal attitude tonight. You have an understanding that, that God has a plan, he has a purpose for your life, and that tonight is an opportunity for you to say yes and encounter milestones like you never have before." [42:23] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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