Celebrating Faith: Obedience and Trust in God's Timing
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey through the new sermon series, "The Way to Life," which leads us to the cross and ultimately to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This series is not just a historical recount but a pathway that directly impacts our lives today. As we approach Easter, we reflect on the steps Jesus took, and we find that these steps are not just events of the past but are alive and transformative for us here and now.
When God speaks, there is evidence. This is not a mere suggestion but a divine truth that stands the test of time. The celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, as recounted in John chapter 12, was not a random occurrence but the fulfillment of prophecies spoken hundreds of years prior. The people shouted "Hosanna" and hailed Jesus as king, not fully understanding the magnitude of what was unfolding before them. Even the disciples did not grasp the significance until Jesus had entered His glory.
The question then arises, why do we celebrate? Our celebration is not for the sake of festivity alone but should be rooted in the understanding and recognition of God's work in our lives. The celebration is our worship, and our worship is our obedience. When we obey God's voice, we honor Him, and this obedience is the truest form of celebration we can offer.
We are called to be patient and trust in God's timing. Like children eagerly waiting for a seed to sprout, we must learn to wait on the Lord and trust that He is at work, even when we cannot see the immediate results. Our faith is not dependent on the approval of others or the visible success of our actions but on our steadfastness in God's promises.
As we move forward, we are reminded that our celebration is not out of fear or a desire for human praise but out of a genuine response to God's love and authority in our lives. We are to be an example of Jesus' love to our neighbors, not just within the church walls but extending to the community around us.
In closing, we are encouraged to persevere, to not give up, and to continue fighting the good fight of faith. Our obedience to God's voice is the evidence of our faith, and it is in this obedience that we find the true celebration of life in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- When God speaks, there is evidence. The fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life demonstrates that God's words are not idle; they manifest in reality. As believers, we must listen and respond to God's voice, knowing that His words will produce tangible outcomes in our lives. [49:33]
- Our celebration is an act of worship, and our worship is deeply intertwined with our obedience to God. True worship goes beyond songs and rituals; it is a daily commitment to live out God's will. When we align our actions with God's voice, we honor Him in the most profound way possible. [01:19:02]
- Patience is a virtue that allows us to wait on God's timing. Like a seed that takes time to germinate and break through the soil, God's promises in our lives require faith and patience. We must trust that He is working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see immediate results. [01:14:25]
- Our celebration should not be rooted in fear or the desire for human approval. Instead, it should stem from a deep understanding of God's love and authority. When we celebrate God's work in our lives, it should be a response to His voice, not influenced by the fear of exclusion or the need for human praise. [01:24:13]
- Perseverance in faith is crucial. We are called to stick with it, to not give up, and to trust in God's control over our lives. When challenges arise, we must remember that God is not surprised by our circumstances, and He has already spoken specific promises into our lives that we can hold onto. [01:26:38]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 12:12-16 (NIV)
> The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
2. Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
> Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
3. Isaiah 53:1 (NIV)
> Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
#### Observation Questions
1. What event is being described in John 12:12-16, and how does it fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9?
2. According to the sermon, what was the reaction of the people and the disciples to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? [55:02]
3. What does Isaiah 53:1 suggest about the reception of God's message, and how does this relate to the people's reaction to Jesus' miracles? [01:15:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples did not understand the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem until after His glorification? [01:02:02]
2. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life serve as evidence of God's words manifesting in reality? [57:02]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of understanding the reason behind our celebrations and worship? [01:00:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt impatient waiting for God's promises to manifest in your life. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, similar to the analogy of waiting for a seed to sprout? [01:14:25]
2. The sermon emphasizes that true worship is deeply intertwined with obedience to God. What are some specific ways you can align your daily actions with God's voice to honor Him? [01:19:02]
3. How can you ensure that your celebrations and acts of worship are rooted in a genuine response to God's love and authority, rather than a desire for human approval or fear of exclusion? [01:24:13]
4. Think of a situation where you might have been celebrating or worshiping without fully understanding the significance behind it. How can you seek a deeper understanding of God's work in your life to make your worship more meaningful? [01:00:03]
5. The sermon encourages perseverance in faith, even when facing challenges. What specific promises from God can you hold onto during difficult times to help you stay steadfast? [01:26:38]
6. How can you be an example of Jesus' love to your neighbors, both within the church and in the broader community? What practical steps can you take this week to show love and support to those around you? [01:33:09]
7. Reflect on the idea that our obedience to God's voice is the evidence of our faith. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to be more obedient, and how can you take steps to respond to that call? [01:19:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Words Manifest in Reality
God's voice is not a whisper lost in the wind; it is a powerful force that shapes history and personal lives. When God speaks, His words carry the weight of truth and the power to bring about change. The fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life is a testament to this. It is a reminder that the divine narrative is not a collection of myths but a reality that intersects with human experience. Believers are called to listen attentively to God's voice, knowing that it will not return void but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. This is not a passive listening but an active response, aligning one's life with the divine will and witnessing the tangible outcomes of faith in action. [49:33]
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:10-11 ESV
Reflection: How have you experienced the power of God's word in your life, and what specific situation do you need to trust His promises for today?
Day 2: Worship Through Obedience
True worship extends far beyond the walls of a church or the lyrics of a hymn; it is found in the daily acts of obedience to God's voice. Worship is not just an emotional experience but a life lived in harmony with the Creator's design. It is a commitment to embody the teachings of Christ, to walk in His ways, and to reflect His love to others. This form of worship is not always easy; it requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to submit one's own desires to the will of God. Yet, it is in this surrender that believers find the deepest connection with the divine, honoring God not just with words but with every action and decision. [01:19:02]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" - 1 Samuel 15:22 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can better align your actions with God's will, and how can you take a step towards obedience today?
Day 3: The Virtue of Patience
In a world that prizes instant gratification, the virtue of patience becomes a countercultural beacon of faith. Patience is not merely waiting; it is a confident expectation in God's timing and faithfulness. It is the quiet strength that allows believers to endure seasons of uncertainty, trusting that God is nurturing the seeds of His promises, even when they are not yet visible. This patience is rooted in the assurance that God's plans are unfolding as they should, and that His timing is perfect, even when it differs from human expectations. The call to wait on the Lord is an invitation to experience peace and growth, even in the waiting. [01:14:25]
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." - Romans 8:25 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify a promise or area in your life where you are struggling to wait on God's timing, and how can you cultivate patience in this season?
Day 4: Celebrating God's Authority and Love
Celebration in the Christian life is not a response to human accolades or a mechanism to avoid fear; it is a heartfelt recognition of God's sovereignty and love. It is an acknowledgment that every breath and every moment of existence is a gift from the Creator. This celebration is a declaration of trust in God's authority, a trust that does not waver in the face of trials or the pursuit of human approval. It is a celebration that springs from a deep well of gratitude for the unmerited grace and mercy that flows from the heart of God, shaping a life of joyful obedience and service. [01:24:13]
"May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth." - Psalm 67:4 ESV
Reflection: How does your understanding of God's love and authority shape the way you celebrate His presence in your life, and what can you do to express this celebration more authentically?
Day 5: Perseverance in the Faith Journey
The Christian walk is marked not by a sprint but by a marathon, requiring perseverance and a steadfast spirit. Believers are called to endure, to cling to faith even when the path is obscured by challenges. This perseverance is not born of human strength but is a testament to the power of God at work within. It is the courage to continue fighting the good fight, holding fast to the promises spoken by God, and trusting that He is in control. The journey may be fraught with obstacles, but the assurance of God's presence provides the strength to press on, to not give up, and to emerge victorious in Christ. [01:26:38]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 ESV
Reflection: What challenges are you facing that require perseverance, and how can you draw strength from God's promises to remain steadfast in your faith journey?
Quotes
- "When God speaks, there's evidence. If there was a title for today's message, it would just be the celebration." [49:33] (Download | )
- "Our celebration is our worship. But if we break it down even further, our worship is really our obedience." [01:19:02] (Download | )
- "There's a level in our growth that God needs us to be patient because what he wants us to do is in our celebration to him is to be obedient to him." [01:14:25] (Download | )
- "What God has spoken to you about your circumstances, your family, your finances, your health. You can trust and believe that the God of the universe is in control." [01:17:53] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "The greatest thing that we can do to celebrate and to worship God is just to be obedient to what he's saying to us." [01:19:02] (Download | )
- "When you hear what God's saying to you, respond the way he wants you to respond. Because when we posture ourselves to hear what God's saying to you, it will manifest evidence of his power and authority in your life." [59:56] (Download | )
- "Why am I celebrating? Why were these people celebrating? Let's look at the word. John chapter 12 and verse 16 says his disciples didn't understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy." [01:02:38] (Download | )
- "I believe that the God of the universe is not caught off guard. And I can tell you story after story where I feel like I'm going through difficulty. But God's already spoken to me a specific thing to solidify the why." [01:07:59] (Download | )
- "The enemy of our heart is attacking the thing that God's saying to us. And there are things that are happening in your life and I'm hearing it. I'm seeing the prayer requests and I'm hearing people share with me." [01:09:38] (Download | )
- "But it's an important part of the process to know the why in your life. Why am I celebrating? Why were the disciples celebrating on this day five days before the Passover? They didn't even know why." [01:02:38] (Download | )
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