Building with God: Establishing a Lasting Legacy
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our discussion on the theme of "establishing" something, building on what Reverend Joseph shared last week. The word "establish" is rich in meaning, encompassing the ideas of bringing something into existence, laying a foundation, and setting it on something firm. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. This scripture underscores the importance of aligning our plans with God's blueprint.
We explored the necessity of only building what God has called us to build. Many people start ventures—churches, businesses, families—without God's direction, leading to failure and frustration. We must discern between our desires and God's will. When God gives us a task, He provides specific instructions, as seen in the construction of the Ark and the Ark of the Covenant. Ignoring these instructions leads to laboring in vain.
Counting the cost is crucial. Jesus taught about the importance of calculating the cost before starting any endeavor. This principle applies to relationships, ministries, and businesses. Noah, Nehemiah, and others in the Bible counted the cost and persevered despite challenges. Passion alone is not enough; we must plan and prepare adequately.
Faith without works is dead. It's not enough to have faith; we must act on it. Many people plan but never execute, waiting for the perfect moment that never comes. God uses people to accomplish His will, and we must be willing to put in the work.
Opposition is inevitable when establishing something for God. Nehemiah faced opposition from Sambalat and Tobiah, and Jesus faced persecution. We must stand firm, knowing that God will vindicate us. Sometimes, God calls us to tasks that are not glamorous or likable, as seen in Jonah's mission to Nineveh. We must obey, even when it doesn't make sense.
Age is not a barrier to establishing something for God. Whether young like Samuel or old like Noah, God can use anyone. Shifts—physical, spiritual, and mental—are often required. Abraham had to move physically, Jacob experienced a spiritual shift, and we must renew our minds daily.
In conclusion, establishing something in God's kingdom requires dedication, discernment, and obedience. Align your plans with God's, count the cost, and move forward in faith. Establish a legacy that echoes into eternity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Align Your Plans with God's Blueprint: Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. This means we must seek God's direction and follow His specific instructions for our lives. Ignoring God's blueprint leads to frustration and failure. [39:45]
2. Count the Cost: Jesus taught the importance of calculating the cost before starting any endeavor. This principle applies to relationships, ministries, and businesses. Noah and Nehemiah counted the cost and persevered despite challenges. Passion alone is not enough; we must plan and prepare adequately. [44:13]
3. Faith Without Works is Dead: It's not enough to have faith; we must act on it. Many people plan but never execute, waiting for the perfect moment that never comes. God uses people to accomplish His will, and we must be willing to put in the work. [54:20]
4. Opposition is Inevitable: When establishing something for God, expect opposition. Nehemiah faced opposition from Sambalat and Tobiah, and Jesus faced persecution. Stand firm, knowing that God will vindicate you. [49:14]
5. Age is Not a Barrier: Whether young like Samuel or old like Noah, God can use anyone. Shifts—physical, spiritual, and mental—are often required. Abraham had to move physically, Jacob experienced a spiritual shift, and we must renew our minds daily. [57:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:02] - Introduction to Establishing
[39:45] - Aligning with God's Blueprint
[40:31] - Building What God Calls You To
[41:49] - Following God's Specific Instructions
[44:13] - Counting the Cost
[45:25] - Persevering Through Challenges
[46:37] - Passion vs. Planning
[47:27] - Building Even When It Doesn't Make Sense
[49:14] - Facing Opposition
[51:20] - Tasks That Are Not Glamorous
[53:48] - Faith Without Works
[57:20] - Age is Not a Barrier
[01:00:11] - Establishing Who God Is
[01:04:10] - Required Shifts
[01:17:00] - Timing and Obedience
[01:18:06] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 127:1 (NIV) - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."
2. Luke 14:28-30 (NIV) - "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’"
3. James 2:17 (NIV) - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 127:1, what is the outcome if the Lord is not involved in building a house? ([39:45])
2. In Luke 14:28-30, what does Jesus emphasize about starting a project or endeavor? ([44:13])
3. How does James 2:17 describe faith that is not accompanied by action? ([54:20])
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of following God's specific instructions when building something? ([42:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to align our plans with God's blueprint according to Psalm 127:1? How does this principle apply to our daily lives? ([39:45])
2. What does counting the cost mean in the context of Luke 14:28-30, and how can this principle be applied to our personal and spiritual endeavors? ([44:13])
3. How does the concept of "faith without works is dead" challenge the way we approach our faith and actions? ([54:20])
4. What are some potential consequences of ignoring God's specific instructions when establishing something, as mentioned in the sermon? ([42:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you started a project or relationship without seeking God's direction. What was the outcome, and how could it have been different if you had aligned your plans with God's blueprint? ([39:45])
2. Think about a current endeavor you are involved in. Have you counted the cost as Jesus advised in Luke 14:28-30? What steps can you take to ensure you are adequately prepared? ([44:13])
3. Identify an area in your life where you have faith but have not yet taken action. What specific steps can you take this week to put your faith into action? ([54:20])
4. Have you ever faced opposition when trying to establish something for God? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Nehemiah's example of perseverance? ([49:14])
5. Are there any tasks or callings from God that you have been avoiding because they seem unglamorous or difficult? How can you shift your perspective to embrace these tasks with obedience and faith? ([51:20])
6. Reflect on the concept that age is not a barrier to being used by God. How can you encourage someone in your life, regardless of their age, to pursue what God is calling them to do? ([57:20])
7. What mental, physical, or spiritual shifts do you need to make to better align yourself with God's plans for your life? How can you start making these shifts this week? ([01:04:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Blueprint
Description: Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. This means we must seek God's direction and follow His specific instructions for our lives. Ignoring God's blueprint leads to frustration and failure. Many people start ventures—churches, businesses, families—without God's direction, leading to failure and frustration. We must discern between our desires and God's will. When God gives us a task, He provides specific instructions, as seen in the construction of the Ark and the Ark of the Covenant. Ignoring these instructions leads to laboring in vain. [39:45]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Think about a current project or decision in your life. Have you sought God's direction for it? What steps can you take today to align your plans with His blueprint?
Day 2: Counting the Cost
Description: Jesus taught the importance of calculating the cost before starting any endeavor. This principle applies to relationships, ministries, and businesses. Noah and Nehemiah counted the cost and persevered despite challenges. Passion alone is not enough; we must plan and prepare adequately. Counting the cost involves understanding the sacrifices and challenges that come with the task and being prepared to face them with God's help. [44:13]
Luke 14:28-30 (ESV): "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need to count the cost. What are the potential challenges and sacrifices? How can you prepare yourself spiritually and practically to face them?
Day 3: Faith Without Works is Dead
Description: It's not enough to have faith; we must act on it. Many people plan but never execute, waiting for the perfect moment that never comes. God uses people to accomplish His will, and we must be willing to put in the work. Faith without action is incomplete and ineffective. We are called to be doers of the word, not just hearers. This means taking tangible steps to bring our faith to life through our actions. [54:20]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Consider a step of faith you have been hesitant to take. What is holding you back? What is one concrete action you can take today to put your faith into practice?
Day 4: Facing Opposition
Description: When establishing something for God, expect opposition. Nehemiah faced opposition from Sambalat and Tobiah, and Jesus faced persecution. Stand firm, knowing that God will vindicate you. Opposition is a natural part of following God's call, but it should not deter us. Instead, it should strengthen our resolve and deepen our reliance on God. We must be prepared to face challenges and trust that God is with us through them. [49:14]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Think about a recent challenge or opposition you have faced. How did you respond? How can you better prepare yourself to stand firm in the face of future opposition?
Day 5: Age is Not a Barrier
Description: Whether young like Samuel or old like Noah, God can use anyone. Shifts—physical, spiritual, and mental—are often required. Abraham had to move physically, Jacob experienced a spiritual shift, and we must renew our minds daily. Age should never be seen as a limitation in God's kingdom. God calls people of all ages to fulfill His purposes, and each stage of life brings unique opportunities to serve Him. [57:20]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: Reflect on your current stage of life. How can you use your unique experiences and abilities to serve God? What shifts—physical, spiritual, or mental—might God be calling you to make today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The truth is, there are moments in our lives when God calls us to establish something. To build something that is rooted in his purpose and his will. It could be ministry. It could be a relationship. It could be business. It could be even a personal commitment. It could be a relationship with God. It could be our daily devotions." [39:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Except the Lord build it, we will labor in vain. And I don't know about you, and sometimes we give the example of the farmers. You know what it is to plant something and to put something in the ground and then you don't see it come up at all. You labor in vain. You water that. You give it salt. All kind of thing." [43:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When God has called you to do something, it is not enough just to plan. Some people plan for their whole lives. They plan a vacation that they never take. They plan to start a business that they never do. Because sometimes you are just always waiting for the perfect moment to start to do something." [54:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When it comes to establishing a thing, only set up what God has asked you to do. Build it even when it doesn't make sense. Count the cost. Do not become frustrated. Know that there will be opposition, but stand firm on Christ. There are things that you may be called to that may not be glamorous or likeable." [01:13:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we align our plans with God, and we count the cost and move forward with faith, we set up something that is far greater than ourselves. We establish a legacy that echoes into eternity. You see... Sometimes we don't see the reward on earth, but the reward is in heaven." [01:18:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The truth is, there are moments in our lives when God calls us to establish something. To build something that is rooted in his purpose and his will. It could be ministry. It could be a relationship. It could be business. It could be even a personal commitment. It could be a relationship with God. It could be our daily devotions." [39:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are times when it is you are building and you already count the cost and you tell yourself, but I am doing this, but it seems like nothing is happening. And people begin to become frustrated and people tend to give up because they say, well God where are you in this thing? I thought you told me this. I thought you told me that. But they have given up too early." [46:02] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When it comes to establishing something, you cannot be too young or you cannot be too old. God could use you at any age. If we look at Noah at 600 years old, if we look at David as a young shepherd boy, if we look at Samuel as a young boy who became a prophet, if we look at Abraham at 75 years old, God calling him to move from a place that he was accustomed and be with his family at this time." [57:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes there is a physical shift that is required. Abraham had to move out of the place that he was in order for the thing to be established for 75 years. And so sometimes God might tell you I need to move out of the community that you are accustomed to being in and I need you to move to another community. Sometimes God tells people to move to another country. Sometimes it might just be another street." [01:04:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When God has called you to do something, it is not enough just to plan. Some people plan for their whole lives. They plan a vacation that they never take. They plan to start a business that they never do. Because sometimes you are just always waiting for the perfect moment to start to do something. So sometimes you will say I have the faith faith, but the action is not speaking. The saying is action speaks louder than words." [54:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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