Building Community and Presence Through God's Design
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of biblical community in our spiritual growth and healing. I encouraged everyone to get connected within the church, especially in small groups, as it provides the support we need to navigate through life's daily grind. I also discussed the importance of establishing weekly and daily family rhythms, which I believe is one of the greatest antidotes to the increasing anxiety and depression we're experiencing in our generation. I pointed out that God designed the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh, not because He needed to rest, but as a gift for us, a day to rest and be human.
I also discussed the importance of being present with our loved ones and those we lead. I encouraged everyone to spend time with God, who is always ready to respond and be found. I emphasized that our ability to be truly present with our loved ones is a direct reflection of us spending time with God. I also encouraged everyone to evaluate their current life rhythms and routines and ask if they are leading to where they want their family to be 10 years from now. I urged everyone to allow the Holy Spirit to lead this exercise and to see what new rhythm they need to thrive and lead their families in partnering with Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of biblical community in our spiritual growth and healing ([57:45])
- The significance of establishing weekly and daily family rhythms as an antidote to increasing anxiety and depression ([58:31])
- The need to evaluate our current life rhythms and routines and see if they are leading to where we want our family to be 10 years from now ([01:04:21])
- The importance of being present with our loved ones and those we lead, which is a direct reflection of us spending time with God ([01:06:27])
- The need to surrender our hearts to Jesus in order to live out the teachings of the sermon ([01:08:30])
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. Establishing daily and weekly family rhythms is crucial for a healthy family life. This is based on the biblical principle of rest and work as seen in the creation story. The speaker emphasizes the importance of setting non-negotiable family routines such as prayer and Sabbath observance. (#01:01:38, #01:02:08, #01:02:42, #01:03:12, #01:03:44)
2. Evaluating current family rhythms and routines is essential for future planning. The speaker encourages the audience to consider if their current routines are leading them to where they want to be in the next ten years. (#01:04:21, #01:05:01, #01:05:45)
3. Spending time with God and being present with loved ones is a reflection of our relationship with God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry in all interactions. (#01:06:27, #01:07:16, #01:07:49)
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Genesis 1: The creation story and the establishment of work and rest rhythms.
2. Isaiah 65: God's readiness to respond when we seek Him.
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 1, how does God model the rhythm of work and rest?
2. What does Isaiah 65 tell us about God's readiness to respond when we seek Him?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of rest and work in Genesis 1 apply to our modern family life?
2. In Isaiah 65, what does it mean that God is ready to respond and be found?
Application Questions:
1. How can you establish or improve daily and weekly rhythms in your family life based on the principles in Genesis 1?
2. How can you ensure that your current family rhythms are leading you to where you want to be in the next ten years?
3. How can you improve your presence with your loved ones and your time with God based on the principles in Isaiah 65?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Biblical Community
The sermon emphasizes the importance of biblical community in our spiritual growth and healing. The pastor encourages us to connect with others within the church, as there is nothing more vital than this community in helping us navigate the challenges of daily life. This was discussed at [57:45].
Bible Passage: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: Reflect on your current involvement in your church community. How can you deepen your connections within this community to foster spiritual growth?
Day 2: Establishing Family Rhythms
The pastor discusses the importance of establishing weekly and daily family rhythms, inspired by God's design of the world. He suggests that our modern culture often dictates our family rhythms, but we should reclaim them based on biblical principles. This was discussed at [58:31].
Bible Passage: Genesis 2:2-3 - "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
Reflection: Reflect on your current family rhythms. How can you adjust them to align more closely with biblical principles?
Day 3: Living from Rest, Not for Rest
The pastor emphasizes that we are designed to live from rest, not for rest. He encourages us to establish rhythms that prioritize rest and reflection, rather than constant activity. This was discussed at [01:01:06].
Bible Passage: Exodus 20:8-10 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work..."
Reflection: Reflect on your current balance of work and rest. How can you adjust your rhythms to prioritize rest and reflection?
Day 4: The Importance of Presence
The pastor discusses the importance of being truly present with our loved ones, which is a reflection of our time spent with God. He encourages us to spend time with God and to be present in our relationships. This was discussed at [01:04:12].
Bible Passage: Isaiah 65:1 - "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your current level of presence in your relationships. How can you be more present with your loved ones and with God?
Day 5: The Power of Gratitude
The pastor discusses the power of gratitude in combating anxiety. He encourages us to be grateful and to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. This was discussed at [51:34].
Bible Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Reflect on your current practice of gratitude. How can you cultivate a more grateful heart and present your requests to God with thanksgiving?
Quotes
1. "I genuinely believe that there's nothing on this planet that can outdo the household of faith. When you are in true biblical community, it is what allows us to heal. I think there's nothing more important than biblical community in helping us grow and be the support that each other needs to get through the rough daily grind." - 57:19
2. "When you walk into a room, are you leading with 'here I am' or are you leading with 'oh there you are'? When we hit survival, we start running around going 'here I am, look at me'. Prioritize and fight for the heart of your spouse and your kids. Talk about emotions." - 43:58
3. "The single greatest factor for faith transmission was relational warmth, particularly from a father figure. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love." - 40:33
4. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your request to God. Label your emotions to God In Prayer. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." - 50:27
5. "We are living in a biblically illiterate culture, we need to get into the word of God. But we're also living in an emotionally illiterate culture because we are so hurried, we're so rushed and we're not taking time to enter into the hearts of our loved ones. Fight for the heart of your loved ones." - 50:27
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