Choosing Daily: Following God or Ourselves?
Summary
Today, I explored the simplicity and complexity of our daily choices as followers of Christ, emphasizing the profound yet straightforward decision we face each day: Will we follow God, or will we follow ourselves? This question, though simple, encapsulates the essence of our Christian walk.
I began by sharing personal anecdotes about my preference for simplicity in daily life, such as enjoying black coffee and the serene views at my in-laws' farm. These preferences mirror the simplicity I strive for in my spiritual life, where each morning, I dedicate time to God, reflecting on whether I will choose His path or my own for the day. This daily decision, though it appears straightforward, sets the tone for how we navigate the complexities of life.
Drawing from scripture, I delved into the story of King Saul from 1 Samuel, highlighting his initial obedience and subsequent failure to wait for Samuel before offering sacrifices. This narrative served as a powerful illustration of the tension between following God's timing and succumbing to human impatience and pressure. Saul's story is a cautionary tale that even in moments of intense pressure, our commitment to follow God's command must remain steadfast.
I also reflected on the poignant moments in Gethsemane, where Jesus Himself faced the ultimate choice between His will and the Father's will. His struggle and submission to God's plan, despite knowing the immense suffering it entailed, underscore the depth of obedience and faith required to truly follow God. Jesus' example is a cornerstone for our faith, reminding us that our daily struggles, while significant, are part of a larger narrative of redemption and grace.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized that our choices have both immediate and eternal implications. Whether it's dealing with financial pressures, interpersonal conflicts, or personal temptations, the decision to follow God's way is fundamental. Each choice we make either draws us closer to Him or leads us away.
As we concluded, I encouraged the congregation to continually ask themselves whether they are choosing to follow God, not just in moments of tranquility but in the throes of life's inevitable challenges. This reflection is not meant to be confined to our Sunday worship but should permeate every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Daily Decisions Shape Our Spiritual Journey
Every morning presents a new opportunity to choose God's path over our own. This choice, though simple, requires constant reaffirmation and can profoundly influence the course of our day and, ultimately, our spiritual growth. Reflecting on this daily can transform how we live out our faith in every aspect of life. [03:04]
2. The Importance of Patience and Obedience in Trials
King Saul's story teaches us about the dangers of impatience and the importance of obedience to God's timing. Even under pressure, we must strive to wait for God's guidance rather than taking matters into our own hands, which can lead to spiritual downfall. [12:30]
3. Jesus as Our Model in Facing Temptations
In Gethsemane, Jesus exemplified perfect submission to God's will, choosing the Father's plan over His own human desires. His struggle highlights the reality that following God might lead us through suffering but ultimately fulfills a greater purpose. [17:30]
4. The Impact of Our Choices on Others
Our decisions not only affect our relationship with God but also influence those around us. Choosing to follow God daily can inspire others to seek Him and experience His grace, creating a ripple effect in our communities. [19:15]
5. Consistency in Our Faith Walk
Consistently asking whether we will follow God or ourselves is crucial. This question should be a daily meditation, guiding us to live authentically as Christians not only on Sundays but every day. [21:08]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:20] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
- [03:04] - Daily Choices and Their Impact
- [04:46] - Trusting God with Our Resources
- [06:25] - Scripture Reading and Context
- [07:52] - The Story of King Saul Begins
- [09:28] - Challenges Faced by Saul and Israel
- [10:59] - Saul's Decision-Making Under Pressure
- [12:30] - Saul's Final Decision and Its Consequences
- [14:01] - Lessons from Saul's Life
- [15:43] - Jesus in Gethsemane
- [17:30] - Jesus' Submission to God's Will
- [19:15] - The Significance of Our King
- [21:08] - Closing Reflection and Call to Consistency
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 13:5-13 - The story of King Saul's impatience and disobedience.
2. Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, His struggle, and submission to God's will.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances that led King Saul to offer the burnt offering himself? ([07:52])
2. How did Jesus express His struggle and submission to God's will in the Garden of Gethsemane? ([15:43])
3. What was the widow's act of faith in Mark 12:42, and how did Jesus respond to it? ([04:46])
4. What daily question does the pastor ask himself to guide his spiritual walk? ([03:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Saul feel compelled to offer the burnt offering, and what does this reveal about his faith and patience? ([12:30])
2. How does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane illustrate the depth of obedience and faith required to follow God's will? ([17:30])
3. What does the widow's offering in Mark 12:42 teach us about trusting God with our resources and circumstances? ([04:46])
4. How can the daily question of "Will I follow God or myself?" transform our approach to life's challenges? ([03:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt pressured to act against God's timing. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Saul's experience? ([12:30])
2. Jesus faced immense suffering yet chose to follow God's will. How can His example help you in your current struggles or temptations? ([17:30])
3. The widow gave all she had, trusting God completely. Is there an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully? How can you take a step of faith this week? ([04:46])
4. The pastor sets aside time each morning to ask whether he will follow God or himself. What practical steps can you take to incorporate this reflective practice into your daily routine? ([03:04])
5. Think of a person or situation that tests your patience. How can you apply the lesson of waiting on God's timing, as seen in Saul's story, to this specific challenge? ([12:30])
6. Jesus' submission in Gethsemane was a profound act of obedience. Identify a difficult decision you are facing. How can you seek God's will and find the strength to follow it? ([17:30])
7. Our choices impact those around us. Can you think of a recent decision that either drew someone closer to God or pushed them away? How can you be more mindful of the ripple effect of your actions? ([19:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Choices Define Our Spiritual Path
Every morning presents a new opportunity to choose God's path over our own. This choice, though simple, requires constant reaffirmation and can profoundly influence the course of our day and, ultimately, our spiritual growth. Reflecting on this daily can transform how we live out our faith in every aspect of life. [03:04]
James 4:8 "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific choice can you make today to prioritize God's path over your own desires?
---
Day 2: Patience and Obedience During Trials
King Saul's story teaches us about the dangers of impatience and the importance of obedience to God's timing. Even under pressure, we must strive to wait for God's guidance rather than taking matters into our own hands, which can lead to spiritual downfall. [12:30]
1 Samuel 13:13-14 "And Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue.'"
Reflection: How can you practice patience in a current situation where you feel tempted to take control?
---
Day 3: Following Jesus in Temptation
In Gethsemane, Jesus exemplified perfect submission to God's will, choosing the Father's plan over His own human desires. His struggle highlights the reality that following God might lead us through suffering but ultimately fulfills a greater purpose. [17:30]
Matthew 26:39 "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"
Reflection: In what ways are you currently being called to submit to God’s will, even if it means personal sacrifice?
---
Day 4: Our Choices Impact Others
Our decisions not only affect our relationship with God but also influence those around us. Choosing to follow God daily can inspire others to seek Him and experience His grace, creating a ripple effect in our communities. [19:15]
Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life could be positively impacted by your decision to follow God more closely?
---
Day 5: Consistency in Our Faith Walk
Consistently asking whether we will follow God or ourselves is crucial. This question should be a daily meditation, guiding us to live authentically as Christians not only on Sundays but every day. [21:08]
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: What is one action you can take today to ensure your daily decisions are aligned with God’s will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I enjoy lounging in a pool. I enjoy being able to eat just pepperoni pizza. But I just like things simple. So I wake up every single day the same way. I wake up extremely early. And in those early days, I get my coffee, I get ready for work, and then I go to work. But then I also show up 30 to 60 minutes early. I know that's crazy, right? But me sitting in my car for those 30 or 60, that is the time that I set aside every single day to spend with God." [01:20]
2. "In our daily lives, we just have one choice to make. Will we follow God or will we follow ourselves? I always feel like Christian life is like climbing a mountain. You know, you're at the base of the mountain and you're just raring to go. But as you keep going up, you start noticing setbacks. And along with those setbacks, you get amazing views and amazing times." [03:04]
3. "Does God care how much you tithe or does God care that he is in control of your finances? In Mark 12, 42, then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny corns worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. And it was just simple. That woman had no idea where her next meal was going to come from. She didn't know anything. She took everything she had and gave it to him." [04:46]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Will you love that person or will you lose your cool on that day? Will you go and praise God and sing worship songs to him because the amazing love that not only he has for you, but he also has for that same person that you're having problems with? Will you ask God to be able to give you the strength and the love that he shows you so that you can show it to that person?" [06:25]
2. "Verse 39, my father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not as I will, but as you will. Jesus was there at creation. Jesus knows the awesome power that God has. But looking at this choice on what was to come, he still said, only if it's God's will. Then in verse 42, he goes back a second, time, but changes that wording to my father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." [17:30]
3. "See, the amazing thing that we have is the king that we serve. See, we don't have a king like the boss at work that's constantly yelling at you to get things done. We don't have a king that tells you one thing and does something completely different. We don't have a king that's going to talk bad about you behind your back while he's talking about somebody else behind their back. What we have is a king that knows who you are." [19:15]
4. "Ask yourself, will you follow God or will you follow yourself? Not just today, not just tonight, but tomorrow and through the rest of your week. Ask yourself that." [21:08]
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