Called to Lead: Transformation, Equipping, and Protection
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we explored the profound truth that each one of us is called to leadership in some capacity, even if we don't see ourselves as leaders. We began by reminiscing about childhood games like "Red Light, Green Light" and "Simon Says," which subtly teach us about leadership and influence. Transitioning to the book of Joshua, we delved into how God called Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death. This calling was not just about leadership but about transformation, equipping, and protection.
Joshua's journey illustrates that when God calls us, He transforms us. Joshua, originally named Hoshea, meaning "salvation," was renamed Joshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This transformation signifies a deeper spiritual change that God brings into our lives. God also equips us for the tasks He sets before us. Just as He equipped Joshua with the Holy Spirit and the necessary resources, He equips us with spiritual gifts and the strength to face our challenges.
Moreover, God protects us. Joshua faced numerous trials and battles, but God’s promise to be with him provided the courage and strength needed to lead the Israelites. This protection is a reminder that God is with us in our trials, molding and shaping us through our experiences.
We concluded with a powerful call to prayer, inspired by the story of Billy Graham praying at John Wesley's house. We were encouraged to pray for revival in our lives, communities, and the world, trusting that God will do mighty works through us. The essence of today's message is to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with us, transforming, equipping, and protecting us for His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Transforms Us: When God calls us, He brings about a profound transformation in our lives. Just as Joshua was given a new name and purpose, we too are given a new identity in Christ. This transformation is not based on our moral goodness but on God's grace and calling. We are made new, given a new family in the body of Christ, and a new home in His kingdom. [51:25]
2. God Equips Us: God does not call us to a task without equipping us for it. He provides us with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with gifts, talents, and the strength needed to fulfill our mission. This equipping includes both the good and the challenging experiences in our lives, which God uses to shape us and prepare us for His work. [57:10]
3. God Protects Us: In our journey, we will face trials and adversities, but God promises His protection. Just as He assured Joshua that no one would stand against him, God assures us of His presence and protection. This promise allows us to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with us in every circumstance. [01:03:04]
4. Prayer is Powerful: The story of Billy Graham praying at John Wesley's house reminds us of the power of prayer. When we kneel and pray for revival, we invite God to do mighty works in and through us. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God's will and empowers us to carry out His mission. [01:12:31]
5. Be Strong and Courageous: Our response to God's calling should be one of strength and courage. This strength is not from ourselves but from the assurance that God is with us. We are called to trust in God's power and provision, to dream big, pray boldly, and believe that God will do great things through us for His glory. [01:07:16]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [40:32] - Finding Seats and Greetings
3. [41:00] - Childhood Games and Leadership
4. [42:00] - Influence and Leadership
5. [43:01] - Introduction to Joshua
6. [43:54] - God's Promise to Be With Us
7. [44:26] - Invitation to Faith
8. [45:48] - Prayer and Reflection
9. [47:30] - Reading Joshua 1:1-6
10. [49:07] - God's Call and Transformation
11. [51:25] - Joshua's New Name and Purpose
12. [57:10] - God Equips Us
13. [01:03:04] - God Protects Us
14. [01:07:16] - Be Strong and Courageous
15. [01:12:31] - The Power of Prayer
16. [01:14:15] - Kneeling in Prayer
17. [01:17:17] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 1:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Joshua's name change from Hoshea to Joshua, and what does each name mean? [51:25]
2. How did God equip Joshua for his leadership role according to Joshua 1:3-5? [57:10]
3. What promise did God give Joshua in Joshua 1:9, and how was it meant to encourage him? [43:30]
4. What was the significance of the two patches in the carpet at John Wesley's house, and what did they represent? [12:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the transformation of Joshua's name reflect the spiritual transformation that believers undergo when they come to faith in Christ? [51:25]
2. In what ways does God equip believers today for the tasks He calls them to, similar to how He equipped Joshua? [57:10]
3. How can the promise of God's presence and protection, as given to Joshua, provide comfort and strength to believers facing trials today? [43:30]
4. What can we learn from Billy Graham's prayer at John Wesley's house about the power and importance of prayer in seeking revival? [12:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt transformed by God. How did this transformation impact your life and your sense of purpose? [51:25]
2. Identify a specific spiritual gift or talent that you believe God has equipped you with. How can you use this gift to serve others and fulfill God's mission? [57:10]
3. Think about a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can the promise of God's presence and protection, as given to Joshua, help you navigate this situation with strength and courage? [43:30]
4. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, specifically praying for revival in your life and community? [12:31]
5. What steps can you take to be strong and courageous in your faith, especially in areas where you feel inadequate or fearful? [07:16]
6. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in Him? [07:16]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to be strong and courageous in their faith, and what role can you play in supporting them? [07:16]
Devotional
Day 1: God Transforms Us
When God calls us, He brings about a profound transformation in our lives. Just as Joshua was given a new name and purpose, we too are given a new identity in Christ. This transformation is not based on our moral goodness but on God's grace and calling. We are made new, given a new family in the body of Christ, and a new home in His kingdom. This change is a testament to God's power to renew and redefine us according to His divine plan.
Joshua's transformation from Hoshea, meaning "salvation," to Joshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation," signifies a deeper spiritual change that God brings into our lives. This new identity is not just a name change but a complete reorientation of our purpose and direction. As we embrace this transformation, we are called to live out our new identity with faith and courage, trusting that God is continually at work within us. [51:25]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to transform? How can you embrace your new identity in Christ today?
Day 2: God Equips Us
God does not call us to a task without equipping us for it. He provides us with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with gifts, talents, and the strength needed to fulfill our mission. This equipping includes both the good and the challenging experiences in our lives, which God uses to shape us and prepare us for His work.
Just as God equipped Joshua with the Holy Spirit and the necessary resources to lead the Israelites, He equips us with spiritual gifts and the strength to face our challenges. This divine equipping is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey; God is actively involved in preparing us for the tasks He has set before us. We are called to trust in His provision and step out in faith, knowing that He has already given us what we need to succeed. [57:10]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: What spiritual gifts or talents has God given you? How can you use them to serve others and fulfill your mission today?
Day 3: God Protects Us
In our journey, we will face trials and adversities, but God promises His protection. Just as He assured Joshua that no one would stand against him, God assures us of His presence and protection. This promise allows us to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with us in every circumstance.
Joshua faced numerous trials and battles, but God's promise to be with him provided the courage and strength needed to lead the Israelites. This divine protection is a reminder that God is with us in our trials, molding and shaping us through our experiences. We are called to trust in His protection and move forward with confidence, knowing that He is our shield and defender. [01:03:04]
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 trials or adversities are you currently facing? How can you trust in God's protection and move forward with courage today?
Day 4: Prayer is Powerful
The story of Billy Graham praying at John Wesley's house reminds us of the power of prayer. When we kneel and pray for revival, we invite God to do mighty works in and through us. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God's will and empowers us to carry out His mission.
Prayer is not just a ritual but a profound act of faith that brings us into communion with God. It is through prayer that we seek His guidance, strength, and intervention in our lives and the world around us. As we commit to a life of prayer, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence and invite Him to work through us in extraordinary ways. [01:12:31]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? What specific areas of your life or community do you need to pray for revival today?
Day 5: Be Strong and Courageous
Our response to God's calling should be one of strength and courage. This strength is not from ourselves but from the assurance that God is with us. We are called to trust in God's power and provision, to dream big, pray boldly, and believe that God will do great things through us for His glory.
Joshua's journey required immense strength and courage, but he was able to lead the Israelites with confidence because he trusted in God's promises. Similarly, we are called to step out in faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. This call to be strong and courageous is an invitation to live boldly for God's glory, trusting that He will accomplish His purposes through us. [01:07:16]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: What dreams or goals has God placed on your heart? How can you step out in faith and pursue them with strength and courage today?
Quotes
1. "But the reality is The truth is that There are people following you You have influence in people's lives Even without you knowing it I mean there are your kids And your spouses And your neighbors And your co-workers That somehow in some way You are influencing them And leadership is influence And as we start taking this new journey together We are going to look at the book of Joshua We're going to look at this calling That God had on Joshua's life And my hope is Is that as we look at the book of Joshua We will see that we have the same calling As believers" [42:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God offers An invitation Of love That offers full forgiveness That you will be fully seen And fully known And fully loved To everyone And that offer of forgiveness And love and grace And mercy is extended to all people For his name For his glory And if you're in here this morning And you've never placed your faith in Jesus You've never trusted in Jesus As your Lord and your Savior I just want to say this up front Because there are a lot of people Who have a lot of promises That God gives us in Scripture" [44:26] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When God calls you He transforms you We're introduced to a person here Found in scripture His name is Joshua Now to give you some context Of who Joshua is Joshua was Moses' protege His number two His assistant He walked with Moses Now Moses was a staple In the community He was a staple in the community He was the man Like if you're thinking of someone In our culture today That is like the person That everybody looks up to That nobody has any qualms with He is that person That's who Moses is He's leading the people Through the wilderness He frees them out of slavery" [49:07] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When God calls you He equips you Look at verses 3 through 5 In verse 3 Every place That the spirit of God And the soul of your foot Will tread upon I have given you Just as I have promised To Moses We see here God's sovereign provision God going before you Knowing what you need And the beauty is Is after Jesus Died and rose again He's talking to his disciples And he says I'm going to leave you They go Oh no And he says No it's okay It's better that I leave you Because I'm going to send you A helper And the helper has a name And the name is God Which is the Holy Spirit" [57:10] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When God calls you He protects you Look at verses 5 and 6 I just read verse 5 Where he says I will not leave you Or forsake you So then what does he say? Be strong and courageous For you will cause this people To inherit the land That I swore to their fathers To give them God has promises That he gives us Over and over again And those promises Have been fulfilled in Jesus Now we have an enemy the enemy has an army That army is both spiritual and physical There are people That the enemy places in your life To wreak havoc on your life" [01:03:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I think often Maybe because Of Us not experiencing Those God bumps anymore Or maybe The word that people Often use in Christianese Is backsliding Maybe we believed In Jesus for a season And then we walked away From the Lord And then like now We're exploring Our faith again Like God's power Can and will Transform you And I do not want you To give an ear To the whispers Of the devil Too often Maybe when you're driving In your car alone You've allowed The enemy to sit In your passenger seat Just sitting there Whispering all sorts of lies About you And about those around you" [56:09] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I think a big problem is that we pray little I think we dream small I think we believe inconsistently And I think we trust inadequately Okay, not you Me I do those things But I think we believe in God I think it's because we pray little And dream small And believe inconsistently And trust it adequately And we will fall And we will fail You know what? Joshua Joshua could only lead the people Into the promised land But he could not ultimately give them rest He could lead them into the promised land But he couldn't ultimately give them rest But Jesus The true Joshua Jesus The ultimate God Joshua The complete Joshua Leads all people into the eternal promised land And gives them complete rest" [01:08:17] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "No matter what you are facing right now God is with you Are you in a storm? Are you dealing with a life circumstance? Maybe your marriage right now Is on the rocks Maybe it's You feel like it's sinking Maybe you're experiencing infertility Maybe you're just not feeling good Maybe your job is a nightmare Maybe dating life is just an absolute mess Maybe an addiction is destroying you Maybe you're suffering from anxiety And depression and loneliness God is with you Right now Right here In this very moment God has placed you in this room To hear these words God is with you So do not be afraid Do not fear Be strong and courageous Pray to God Pray big Dream big Because God is going to do something mighty In and through your life" [01:09:18] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When God calls you He transforms you That doesn't mean that you're now perfect You will mess up Your spouse will mess up Your kids will mess up Your neighbors will mess up Your pastor will mess up Nobody will mess up Nobody's perfect I want to just speak to those Struggling to believe That God will transform you Because I think often We can come into a church setting And we think We're beyond being transformed By the Holy Spirit think for some of us It's our past I think you see yourself For some reason as unredeemable I think for some reason You look in the mirror And you think that God can't love me Because I did Fill in the blank And I want you to know You're not beyond God transforming" [55:08] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I think for some of you You come in here today And there is something In the present Something you're dealing with Right now Maybe it's addiction Maybe it's hurt Or pain from the past That you can't let go Maybe it's bitterness Jealousy Insecurity Depression Maybe there's something going on In your life right now And I want you to know That God will transform you When God calls you He will transform you And the beauty Of the scriptures Is that they say He completes the works That he starts So If you Believe in Jesus God Will And has Transformed you" [55:29] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?