Claiming Victory Through Faith and Humility
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor explores the theme of claiming victory before it is achieved, drawing from various biblical and personal stories. He begins by discussing the story of David, who despite his sins, was a man after God's own heart due to his willingness to repent and seek forgiveness. The pastor contrasts this with the story of Judas, who missed the opportunity for restoration by not seeking forgiveness. He then reflects on the humility of Billy Graham, who despite leading millions to Christ, wished to be remembered as someone faithful to God and his calling. The pastor emphasizes the importance of humility and faith, using the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, including Judas's.
The pastor then delves into the story of David and Goliath, highlighting David's faith and audacity in claiming victory before it was achieved. He draws a parallel to the celebration of Easter every Sunday, which he describes as a celebration of victory before the ultimate victory. The pastor also discusses the contrasting sides of David's character, acknowledging his sins but also his faithfulness and courage. He then reflects on the story of the children of Israel asking for a king like other nations, emphasizing the consequences of their arrogance and impatience.
The pastor shares a personal story about his aunt who passed away, demonstrating faith by praying over her and claiming victory before the victory. He also shares the story of a young man named Helmer who stood up against the Nazi regime, emphasizing the importance of standing up for what is right. The pastor concludes by discussing the story of a woman named Sharon, who displayed unwavering faith and love for her husband, even in the face of potential death, further emphasizing the theme of claiming victory before it is realized.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness, using the story of David as an example. He suggests that forgiveness is a key ingredient to being a part of God's heart and encourages the congregation to love, forgive, and have faith like Jesus ([12:45]).
- The pastor highlights the humility of Billy Graham, who despite leading millions to Christ, wished to be remembered as someone faithful to God and his calling. He emphasizes the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how it serves as the victory before the victory ([24:30]).
- The pastor discusses the story of David and Goliath, highlighting David's faith and audacity in claiming victory before it was achieved. He draws a parallel to the celebration of Easter every Sunday, which he describes as a celebration of victory before the ultimate victory ([36:15]).
- The pastor shares a personal story about his aunt who passed away, demonstrating faith by praying over her and claiming victory before the victory. He also shares the story of a young man named Helmer who stood up against the Nazi regime, emphasizing the importance of standing up for what is right ([48:20]).
- The pastor concludes by discussing the story of a woman named Sharon, who displayed unwavering faith and love for her husband, even in the face of potential death. This story further emphasizes the theme of claiming victory before it is realized and the power of faith and love ([59:10]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Samuel 8:5 - "and they said to him, “Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations." [46:05]
2. 1 Samuel 13:8-14 - "He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering..." [48:04]
3. 1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”" [51:26]
Observation Questions:
1. What was the Israelites' motivation for wanting a king in 1 Samuel 8:5?
2. How did Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 13:8-14 demonstrate his disobedience to God's command?
3. What does 1 Samuel 16:7 reveal about God's criteria for choosing a king?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Israelites' desire for a king "like all the nations" reflect their relationship with God at that time?
2. What does Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 13:8-14 reveal about his character and his understanding of God's authority?
3. How does God's choice of David as king in 1 Samuel 16:7 contrast with the Israelites' desire for a king?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a time when you desired something because it was what everyone else had? How did that desire affect your relationship with God?
2. Have you ever acted in disobedience to God's commands because you were impatient or wanted to do things your way? What were the consequences?
3. God chose David as king because he was a man after God's own heart. How can you cultivate a heart that seeks after God in your own life?
4. In what ways have you settled for less than God's best in your life? How can you trust God more in those areas?
5. How can you demonstrate faithfulness to God in your daily life, similar to David's faithfulness?
Devotional
Day 1: Love Like Jesus
Jesus taught us to love as He loved, a love that is forgiving, repentant, and restorative. This love is not just a feeling, but an action that seeks the best for others, even when it's difficult. It's a love that forgives as Jesus forgave, even in the face of betrayal and death ([01:14:21]).
Bible passage: Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you found it difficult to love. How can you apply Jesus' example of love in that situation?
Day 2: Humility in Service
Billy Graham's desire to be remembered only as someone faithful to God, the Gospel, and his calling, not for his own achievements, is a powerful example of humility in service ([01:11:46]).
Bible passage: Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your service to others this week?
Day 3: Claiming the Victory Before the Victory
David's faith allowed him to claim victory before the battle even began. Similarly, every Sunday, we celebrate the victory of Jesus' resurrection before we experience our own victory in heaven ([01:03:08]).
Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you live out your faith in victory, even in the midst of trials?
Day 4: Faithfulness in the Midst of Failure
Despite his failures, David was a man after God's own heart because of his faithfulness. Even when he fell, he turned back to God, showing a heart of repentance and faith ([59:42]).
Bible passage: Lamentations 3:22-23 - "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate faithfulness to God, even when you fail?
Day 5: Boldness in Faith
David's boldness to face Goliath was rooted in his faith in God. He was not focused on the giant in front of him, but on the God who was with him ([01:02:17]).
Bible passage: Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Reflection: How can you exercise boldness in your faith this week?
Quotes
"David was faithful when you go back to the whole David and Goliath story... he shows up he's like the bag lunch boy... yet when he gets there he has the boldness and audacity to say to Saul Hey listen I can take on the big boy I can actually take him out... David says Hey listen I can take on the B so that takes Faith... David is the only one who walks on the scene and he's talking about God that's faith I think that's amazing." ([01:00:59])
"David has the Courage the audacity and the boldness to claim the victory before the victory... David has the boldness the courage and the audacity to claim the victory." ([01:02:17])
"God wants us all to be faithful where have we seen that where have we seen the idea that we can claim the victory before the victory oh wait a minute here you go we're doing it right here night now folks we are Acclaim of the victory before the Victory" [01:03:08]
"I talked to her, I prayed over her and we claimed the victory before the victory that's how it works." [01:09:58]
"I hope I'll be remembered as someone who is faithful to God, faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and faithful to the calling God gave me." - Billy Graham (source: [01:12:20])
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