Commitment to God: Prioritizing His Will Daily
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the theme of "Shifting Our Commitments," drawing from Luke 9:57-62. This passage challenges us to examine our dedication to God and His work. The call to follow Jesus is not just about excitement or convenience; it requires a steadfast commitment and a willingness to prioritize God's will over our own desires. We are reminded that serving God is not a part-time endeavor or a social club activity but a full-time commitment that demands our whole heart and soul.
The narrative in Luke highlights individuals who expressed a desire to follow Jesus but were hindered by personal priorities and excuses. Jesus' response to them underscores the urgency and importance of immediate and unwavering commitment to God's kingdom. This message is a call to action for us to evaluate our own lives and ensure that our commitments align with God's purpose for us.
We are encouraged to be consistent in our faith, not just during special occasions or when it is convenient, but every day. Consistency in prayer, Bible study, and service is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. It is through this consistency that we build trust and deepen our relationship with God.
Moreover, we are reminded that challenges and adversities are part of life, but they should not deter us from our commitment to God. Instead, we should rely on God's strength and grace to persevere and overcome obstacles. True commitment requires perseverance, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
As we embark on this year of change, let us shift our commitments to align with God's will, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. Let us be passionate about serving God and be willing to step out of our comfort zones to fulfill the work He has called us to do. In doing so, we open ourselves to the blessings and opportunities that God has in store for us.
Key Takeaways:
- Commitment Beyond Convenience: Serving God requires a commitment that goes beyond convenience and personal priorities. It demands a willingness to prioritize God's will over our own desires and to serve Him wholeheartedly. [38:15]
- Consistency in Faith: Consistency in prayer, Bible study, and service is essential for spiritual growth. It is through consistent practice that we build trust and deepen our relationship with God, enabling us to be effective workers in His kingdom. [39:18]
- Perseverance Through Challenges: True commitment to God requires perseverance, even in the face of challenges and adversities. We must rely on God's strength and grace to overcome obstacles and remain faithful to His calling. [50:06]
- Shifting Priorities: As we shift our commitments, we must ensure that our priorities align with God's purpose for us. This involves seeking first His kingdom and righteousness and being willing to step out of our comfort zones to fulfill His work. [51:45]
- Passion for God's Work: A passion for serving God is crucial for sustaining our commitment. When we are passionate about God's work, we are motivated to persevere and overcome any obstacles that may come our way. [59:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - God's Goodness and Presence
- [03:00] - Call to Worship
- [05:00] - Year of Change
- [07:00] - Shifting Our Commitments
- [10:00] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [15:00] - Consistency in Faith
- [20:00] - Overcoming Challenges
- [25:00] - True Commitment
- [30:00] - Aligning Priorities
- [35:00] - Passion for God's Work
- [40:00] - Call to Action
- [45:00] - Prayer and Reflection
- [50:00] - Offering and Announcements
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Shifting Our Commitments
Bible Reading:
- Luke 9:57-62
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 9:57-62, what were the reasons given by individuals for delaying their commitment to follow Jesus?
2. How does Jesus respond to the excuses given by those who wanted to follow Him? What does this reveal about His expectations for discipleship?
3. According to the sermon, what are some modern-day examples of commitments that might hinder our dedication to God? [38:15]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says, "No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God"? [52:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes the urgency of following Him without delay? How does this apply to our lives today?
2. The sermon mentions the importance of consistency in faith. How does this consistency contribute to spiritual growth and maturity? [39:18]
3. What does it mean to shift our commitments to align with God's will, and why is this important for our spiritual journey? [51:45]
4. How can perseverance through challenges strengthen our commitment to God, according to the sermon? [50:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current commitments. Are there any that might be hindering your dedication to God? How can you prioritize God's will over these commitments? [38:15]
2. Consistency in prayer and Bible study is emphasized in the sermon. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are consistent in these spiritual disciplines? [39:18]
3. Think of a recent challenge or adversity you faced. How did you rely on God's strength to persevere, and what can you learn from that experience for future challenges? [50:06]
4. The sermon encourages stepping out of comfort zones to serve God. Identify one area in your life where you can step out in faith and serve more passionately. [51:45]
5. How can you cultivate a passion for God's work in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to maintain this passion even when faced with obstacles? [59:52]
6. Consider the importance of aligning your priorities with God's purpose. What changes can you make in your daily routine to seek first His kingdom and righteousness? [51:45]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by your commitments. How can you shift your focus to see these commitments as opportunities to serve God wholeheartedly? [56:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment Beyond Convenience
In the journey of faith, commitment to God requires more than just enthusiasm or convenience. It demands a willingness to prioritize God's will over personal desires and to serve Him wholeheartedly. The passage in Luke 9:57-62 illustrates individuals who expressed a desire to follow Jesus but were hindered by personal priorities and excuses. Jesus' response to them underscores the urgency and importance of immediate and unwavering commitment to God's kingdom. This is a call to action for us to evaluate our own lives and ensure that our commitments align with God's purpose for us. Serving God is not a part-time endeavor or a social club activity but a full-time commitment that demands our whole heart and soul. [38:15]
Luke 14:26-27 (ESV): "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
Reflection: What personal priorities or excuses have been hindering your commitment to God? How can you take a step today to prioritize His will over your own desires?
Day 2: Consistency in Faith
Consistency in faith is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. It is not enough to engage in prayer, Bible study, and service only during special occasions or when it is convenient. True spiritual growth occurs through consistent practice, which builds trust and deepens our relationship with God. This consistency enables us to be effective workers in His kingdom. As we strive to be consistent in our faith, we are encouraged to make these practices a daily part of our lives, allowing them to transform us and draw us closer to God. [39:18]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to incorporate consistent prayer, Bible study, and service into your daily routine? How can these practices help you grow spiritually?
Day 3: Perseverance Through Challenges
True commitment to God requires perseverance, even in the face of challenges and adversities. Life is filled with obstacles, but they should not deter us from our commitment to God. Instead, we are called to rely on God's strength and grace to overcome these challenges. Perseverance is a testament to our faith and dedication to God's calling. It is through perseverance that we demonstrate our trust in God and our willingness to follow Him, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. [50:06]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What current challenges are you facing that test your commitment to God? How can you rely on His strength and grace to persevere through these trials?
Day 4: Shifting Priorities
As we shift our commitments, it is essential to ensure that our priorities align with God's purpose for us. This involves seeking first His kingdom and righteousness and being willing to step out of our comfort zones to fulfill His work. Shifting priorities requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of what may be holding us back from fully committing to God's plan. By aligning our priorities with God's will, we open ourselves to the blessings and opportunities that He has in store for us. [51:45]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What priorities in your life need to be realigned with God's purpose? What steps can you take today to seek His kingdom and righteousness first?
Day 5: Passion for God's Work
A passion for serving God is crucial for sustaining our commitment. When we are passionate about God's work, we are motivated to persevere and overcome any obstacles that may come our way. Passion fuels our dedication and inspires us to serve God with joy and enthusiasm. It is this passion that drives us to step out of our comfort zones and fulfill the work that God has called us to do. As we cultivate a passion for God's work, we become more effective in our service and open ourselves to the blessings that come from serving Him wholeheartedly. [59:52]
Romans 12:11 (ESV): "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
Reflection: What aspects of God's work are you most passionate about? How can you channel this passion into your daily life to serve Him more effectively?
Quotes
"I need to pray every day because without God I can't make it the devil's trying to throw everything out of the city can and stop us from being the warriors for God that we need to be and I need to be consistent in growth in Christ putting on my armor every day and making sure that I'm in his will I thought yesterday I was supposed to go out and do this but maybe God changed the plans because I'm getting ready to meet somebody and God wants me to go and talk to that person so maybe yesterday I had an idea but it may not be applicable right now I have to stay in tune with God." [00:49:20] (35 seconds)
"You're going to have problems in this life he said in the world you should have trials and tribulations but he said be of good cheer for I've overcome this world and so what I'm saying this morning no matter what happens you're going to have to develop a commitment to God no matter what happens I'm going to be God what you want me to be I know I'm going to have challenges all over the place but God I want to be what you want me to be you see we're shifting our commitments this morning God has been faithful to you God has brought you up God has brought you up God has loved you God has picked you up and brother you all have commitment to stay where God wants you to stay and do what God wants you to do shifting in our commitments we have to begin to shift in our commitments and this is going to be a challenge for many people I understand even when it's difficult is anybody going through something difficult right now anything challenging in your life right now you're going to have to learn to stay faithful to God in the midst of your trials else." [00:54:57] (55 seconds)
"Does anybody believe that if you have a deficiency in your life, that God's going to speak to you about it? Come on now. If there's something that's hindering your growth in Christ, do you believe that God's going to help you with that? How about if you're the one that cuts the grass? Is he still going to help you? Brother Morgan, just take it around there. I had put it on the thing they put on the sideboard. That's okay. Come on. Just take it in there for me. It doesn't matter who you are. God's going to help you to grow and draw closer." [00:53:35] (31 seconds)
"How many of you realize you have a job to do? You have a job to do. He's worthy of praise. He's worthy of praise. If you had a step a little extra at night praying and seeing the face of God, he's worthy of praise. If you've got to drive and pick somebody up for church, he's worthy of praise. If you're the one cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming the floor, he's worthy of praise. We can never think of our efforts and our labors greater than the labors of Christ. Why? Because he died for you. We have to stay focused, focused. Stay committed." [00:56:02] (34 seconds)
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. As we get ready to prepare to come up and pray, let me ask you a question this morning. I feel the Holy Ghost this morning. Is serving God a top priority in your life? Is serving God a top priority in your life? Is it just something that you do, or do you want to serve God with everything in you? Because I love you. When I was born in Germany, when I was building the church there, just having a little bit of attitude was not enough." [00:56:59] (36 seconds)
"You have to have a passion for Jesus. You need to have a passion for Jesus. Because when you have a passion for God, nothing's going to stop you. You're working. God, give me strength. God, I know somebody's mad at me at work, but I'm not going to let that stop me. I'm going to church tonight. I know, God, I've got to take care of the car, but I'm still going to get it. God, bless that car. Help me get to church. Whatever it takes." [00:59:52] (32 seconds)
"Father, thank you right now, God, for your goodness, your mercy. I feel, God, a thrill in my soul this morning. As we begin to start 2025 off, a year of change, help us, God, to shift our commitments. God, I pray to you and commit to you first and foremost. We're not working this unto man. We're working unto our God, our Lord, our Savior. Now, right now, God, our souls are beginning to come to the altar to pray. Speak to their heart. Heal their wounds. Strengthen their body. Touch their minds." [01:00:30] (37 seconds)
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