Commitment and Blessings: Following God's Call
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor reflecting on the evolution of technology and the changing times, using a personal anecdote about his laptop tray to illustrate this point. He then transitions to discussing the biblical figure Elijah, drawing parallels between the chaotic state of Israel during Elijah's time and the current state of affairs. The pastor emphasizes the importance of support systems in navigating challenging times and highlights the significance of finding God's presence in quiet and subtle moments, not just grand or dramatic ones.
The pastor then encourages the congregation to grow in their faith and to be actively involved in the mission of Jesus at their church. He challenges those not already serving to get involved and experience the growth that comes from serving. The pastor also poses the question of what would happen if they took God and Jesus seriously in all aspects of their lives, seeking His kingdom and righteousness first. He emphasizes the importance of fully committing to accomplishing God's will and making sacrifices, symbolized by burning the plows and cooking the cows.
The sermon then transitions to a commissioning ceremony for Pastor Ted as the lead pastor of Parkview. The pastor expresses his love and gratitude for the elders and his team, highlighting the challenging process of making this decision. He affirms the role of the lead pastor to teach, guide, and lead with love, humility, and wisdom. The pastor also emphasizes the importance of having faith in Jesus rather than relying on human leaders, encouraging parents to prioritize their relationship with Jesus and set an example for their children.
The pastor then discusses the story of Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing the importance of being fully committed and "all in" when it comes to following God's calling. He encourages the congregation to reflect on their own commitment to God's plan for their lives and asks them to consider what they need to sacrifice in order to make it happen. The pastor concludes by encouraging the congregation to ask God for a double portion in their lives, introducing the ABCs of receiving a double blessing from God: ask, burn, and commit.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of finding God's presence in quiet and subtle moments, not just grand or dramatic ones. This serves as a reminder that God's presence may not always be found in the grand or dramatic moments, but in the quiet and subtle whispers ([12:45]).
- The pastor challenges the congregation to grow in their faith and to be actively involved in the mission of Jesus at their church. He emphasizes the importance of fully committing to accomplishing God's will and making sacrifices, symbolized by burning the plows and cooking the cows ([22:30]).
- The pastor affirms the role of the lead pastor to teach, guide, and lead with love, humility, and wisdom. He also emphasizes the importance of having faith in Jesus rather than relying on human leaders, encouraging parents to prioritize their relationship with Jesus and set an example for their children ([35:15]).
- The pastor encourages the congregation to reflect on their own commitment to God's plan for their lives and asks them to consider what they need to sacrifice in order to make it happen. He emphasizes the importance of being fully committed and "all in" when it comes to following God's calling ([45:20]).
- The pastor concludes by encouraging the congregation to ask God for a double portion in their lives, introducing the ABCs of receiving a double blessing from God: ask, burn, and commit. He emphasizes that God is willing to give as much of Himself as they desire ([55:10]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
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1. 1 Kings 19:11-13: "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
2. 1 Kings 19:15-16: "The Lord said to him, 'Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.'"
3. Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
```
Observation Questions:
1. What are the different ways God reveals Himself to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13?
2. What instructions does God give to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-16 and why might they be significant?
3. What does Matthew 6:33 suggest about the priorities of a believer?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sequence of events in 1 Kings 19:11-13 reflect on the ways God communicates with us?
2. What might the anointing of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha in 1 Kings 19:15-16 signify about God's plan and the role of His chosen ones?
3. How does seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, as suggested in Matthew 6:33, align with the concept of full commitment and sacrifice?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you experienced God's presence in a quiet or subtle moment, similar to Elijah's experience on the mountain?
2. What is one area in your life where you can seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, as suggested in Matthew 6:33? How can you practically implement this?
3. Reflecting on the anointing of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha, is there a role or responsibility in your church or community that you feel called to take up? What might be holding you back?
4. What is one thing in your life that you need to 'burn' or let go of, in order to fully commit to God's calling?
5. How can you ask for a 'double portion' in your life, in terms of spiritual growth or service? What specific steps can you take towards this?
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering God in the Quiet
In the midst of life's chaos, it's crucial to find God's presence in the quiet and subtle moments, not just the grand or dramatic ones. This is a reminder that God's presence may not always be found in the grand or dramatic moments, but in the quiet and subtle whispers ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKBMQhzK78&t=750s)).
1 Kings 19:12 - "After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
Reflection: How can you create more quiet moments in your day to listen for God's gentle whisper?
Day 2: Commitment to God's Mission
Growing in faith requires active involvement in Jesus' mission at the church. It's important to fully commit to accomplishing God's will and making sacrifices, symbolized by burning the plows and cooking the cows ([22:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKBMQhzK78&t=1335s)).
Luke 9:62 - "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to be more actively involved in the mission of Jesus at your church?
Day 3: Faith in Jesus, Not Human Leaders
The role of a leader is to guide with love, humility, and wisdom. However, it's crucial to have faith in Jesus rather than relying solely on human leaders ([35:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKBMQhzK78&t=2100s)).
Jeremiah 17:7 - "But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."
Reflection: How can you strengthen your faith in Jesus and not rely solely on human leaders?
Day 4: Full Commitment to God's Calling
Reflecting on personal commitment to God's plan is essential. Consider what needs to be sacrificed to follow God's calling fully and be "all in" ([45:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKBMQhzK78&t=2705s)).
Luke 14:33 - "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
Reflection: What specific thing in your life do you need to sacrifice to be fully committed to God's calling?
Day 5: Receiving a Double Portion from God
Asking God for a double portion in life is encouraged. The ABCs of receiving a double blessing from God are: ask, burn, and commit. God is willing to give as much of Himself as desired ([55:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKBMQhzK78&t=3295s)).
2 Kings 2:9 - "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.' And Elisha said, 'Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.'"
Reflection: What specific thing can you ask God for a double portion of in your life today?
Quotes
"Elijah was a remarkable prophet of God who was always being chased by the bad king and queen of Israel. It's always been a mess in Israel, and it's a mess right now. But even in tragic times, like Elijah, we all get tired and need to hear from God. Thankfully, having good systems in place and a supportive community can help us navigate those moments." [33:01]
"For Elijah, this was a time of burnout, but God didn't show up in any of the big stuff like earthquakes, wind, or fire. Instead, God came in a gentle whisper. It's a reminder that sometimes, God's presence and guidance can be found in the quiet and subtle moments of our lives." [33:33]
"Can I just stop and ask you what does the future look like for you? What is it that God is calling you to do and what do you need to burn to make that happen?" [40:30]
"I want you to follow Jesus and trust every area of your life to Him. I want your faith to be rooted in Jesus, not in me or any leader here." - [48:57]
"If your faith is not grounded in Jesus, then you're going to end up disappointed because I know I have failed at times and I know Ted is going to fail you and so will every other human leader. So get to know the one that will never fail you." [49:33]
"I want your kids to love Jesus and to know that he loves them, and in many ways, that circles back to you and to the example you set for them. They don't need to see perfection, but they do need to see priority. Are you making your relationship with Jesus a priority, and do they see that?" [50:09]
"I want the impact of this place to be so great that a few years from now, people say 'Tim who?' because Jesus is doing such a great work here. Commit your life to Jesus, commit to inviting your friends, commit to growing in your faith." [50:46]
"It's not an issue of supply, it's an issue of demand. God wants us to ask for more of Him in our lives. He's our good father and that's what he wants us to desire." [45:41]
"Elisha has this defining moment where he says I am all in and partv you that's what I'm asking for you at this point...he burns the plows and he cooks the cows...there's no contingency plan...I'm taking everything I have and I'm all in." [38:40]
"The role of the lead Pastor is not just to teach, to guide, and lead with love and humility and wisdom. This is a sacred responsibility and today we unite in prayer and purpose to support Pastor Ted in this Divine assignment." (source: [01:01:00])
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