Consecration and Growth: Embracing God's Kingdom in 2025
Summary
As we step into 2025, we are reminded of the incredible opportunity to be part of God's transformative work in the world. This year is not about making resolutions or promises but about dedicating our hearts to be attentive and ready to follow His lead. The concept of consecration is central to our journey, as we commit ourselves to God's will, just as Jesus did when He consecrated Himself for us. As we partake in communion, we remember His sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood, urging us to consecrate ourselves to His work in the coming year.
Reflecting on the past, we see how God has stretched us, growing our capacity to fulfill His purposes. This stretching is essential for our spiritual growth, enabling us to use our gifts and talents more effectively. As we grow, we are called to step out of our comfort zones, embracing the challenges that come with it. This year, we are encouraged to focus on money, wealth, and power from a kingdom perspective. Money is not inherently evil; it is a tool that can be used for righteousness when placed in its proper context.
Historically, the church has often misunderstood the role of money, leading to vows of poverty and misconceptions about wealth. However, money is a resource that, when used correctly, can advance God's kingdom. We are reminded that God provides all grace, enabling us to have sufficiency in all things. This sufficiency means having enough to meet our needs and to bless others. As we align our hearts with God's kingdom and righteousness, we can trust that He will provide for us abundantly.
In this new year, let us embrace the call to stretch, grow, and consecrate ourselves to God's work. As we do so, we will experience His grace and sufficiency in every area of our lives, including our finances. Let us seek His kingdom first, trusting that all things will be added to us as we walk in obedience and faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Consecration and Dedication: As we enter 2025, we are called to consecrate ourselves to God's will, just as Jesus did. This involves a heartfelt dedication to follow His lead and be attentive to His voice, allowing His work to transform our lives and the world around us. [28:45]
- The Importance of Stretching: Spiritual growth requires us to stretch beyond our comfort zones. By expanding our capacity, we can better fulfill God's purposes and use our gifts effectively. This process, though challenging, is essential for our development as Christians. [53:45]
- Money as a Tool for Righteousness: Money is not inherently evil; it is a tool that can be used for righteousness when placed in its proper context. By understanding its role from a kingdom perspective, we can use it to advance God's work and bless others. [01:04:34]
- Sufficiency in All Things: God provides all grace, enabling us to have sufficiency in every area of our lives. This means having enough to meet our needs and to bless others, aligning our hearts with His kingdom and righteousness. [01:27:28]
- The Power of Perspective: Our perspective on money, wealth, and power can significantly impact how we use these resources. By seeking God's kingdom first, we can trust that He will provide abundantly, allowing us to be a blessing to those around us. [01:33:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:45] - Entering 2025 with Humility and Excitement
- [29:55] - The Prayer of Consecration
- [31:14] - Communion: Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
- [33:46] - Personal Reflection and Prayer
- [40:38] - Celebrating Answered Prayers
- [48:35] - Testimony of Dr. Jessica Rampey
- [53:45] - The Year of Stretching
- [56:12] - The Challenge of Growth
- [58:53] - Misconceptions About Money in the Church
- [01:03:15] - Money, Wealth, and Power in the Kingdom
- [01:04:34] - The Proper Perspective on Money
- [01:12:17] - Personal Testimony of Poverty
- [01:27:28] - God's Grace and Sufficiency
- [01:33:24] - Aligning with God's Kingdom and Righteousness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
2. Matthew 6:33
3. John 17:19
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 say about the relationship between sowing and reaping, and how does this relate to the concept of sufficiency in all things? [01:23:23]
2. How does the sermon describe the act of consecration, and what example from Jesus' life is used to illustrate this? [31:14]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of viewing money as a tool for righteousness? [01:04:34]
4. What historical misconceptions about money in the church were highlighted in the sermon, and how have they impacted the church's view on wealth? [01:07:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of consecration, as discussed in the sermon, challenge individuals to dedicate themselves to God's will in practical ways? [29:55]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual growth requires stepping out of comfort zones, and how does this relate to the idea of "stretching"? [53:45]
3. How does the sermon propose that a kingdom perspective on money can lead to righteousness, and what are the potential pitfalls of misunderstanding this perspective? [01:04:34]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of God's grace in achieving sufficiency in all areas of life, including finances? [01:27:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: In what areas do you feel called to consecrate yourself more fully to God's will this year? How can you take practical steps to do so? [29:55]
2. Consider a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone for spiritual growth. What was the outcome, and how can you apply that experience to current challenges? [53:45]
3. How do you currently view money in your life? Are there changes you need to make to align your perspective with a kingdom mindset? [01:04:34]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's sufficiency. What steps can you take to rely more on His grace in that area? [01:27:28]
5. Think about your financial habits: Are there ways you can use your resources more effectively to bless others and advance God's kingdom? [01:04:34]
6. How can you ensure that your pursuit of financial stability does not overshadow your commitment to God's kingdom and righteousness? [01:33:24]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the power of perspective. How can you shift your perspective on wealth and power to better serve God's purposes in your life? [01:33:24]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Consecration as a Daily Commitment
As we enter 2025, the call to consecrate ourselves to God's will is paramount. Consecration is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to align our hearts with God's purposes. This involves a heartfelt dedication to follow His lead and be attentive to His voice, allowing His transformative work to shape our lives and the world around us. Just as Jesus consecrated Himself for us, we are invited to dedicate ourselves to His work, trusting that He will guide us in every step. This year, let us embrace the opportunity to be part of God's transformative work, committing ourselves to His will with humility and excitement. [28:45]
"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life can you consecrate to God today, and how will you commit to this daily?
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Day 2: Embracing the Challenge of Growth
Spiritual growth requires us to stretch beyond our comfort zones, expanding our capacity to fulfill God's purposes. This process, though challenging, is essential for our development as Christians. As we grow, we are called to step out of our comfort zones, embracing the challenges that come with it. By doing so, we can better use our gifts and talents effectively, allowing God to stretch us and grow our capacity for His work. This year, let us embrace the call to stretch and grow, trusting that God will equip us for the journey ahead. [53:45]
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area where you feel God is calling you to stretch and grow? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?
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Day 3: Money as a Kingdom Resource
Money is not inherently evil; it is a tool that can be used for righteousness when placed in its proper context. Historically, the church has often misunderstood the role of money, leading to vows of poverty and misconceptions about wealth. However, money is a resource that, when used correctly, can advance God's kingdom. By understanding its role from a kingdom perspective, we can use it to bless others and further God's work. This year, let us focus on money, wealth, and power from a kingdom perspective, using these resources to advance God's purposes. [01:04:34]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your financial resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom today?
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Day 4: Experiencing God's Sufficiency
God provides all grace, enabling us to have sufficiency in every area of our lives. This sufficiency means having enough to meet our needs and to bless others, aligning our hearts with His kingdom and righteousness. As we seek His kingdom first, we can trust that He will provide for us abundantly. This year, let us embrace the call to experience God's grace and sufficiency in every area of our lives, including our finances, trusting that He will meet our needs as we walk in obedience and faith. [01:27:28]
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's sufficiency today, and how can you actively rely on His provision?
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Day 5: Aligning with God's Kingdom Perspective
Our perspective on money, wealth, and power can significantly impact how we use these resources. By seeking God's kingdom first, we can trust that He will provide abundantly, allowing us to be a blessing to those around us. This year, let us align our hearts with God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting that all things will be added to us as we walk in obedience and faith. By doing so, we can experience His grace and sufficiency in every area of our lives, using our resources to advance His work and bless others. [01:33:24]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to align more closely with God's kingdom today, especially in how you view and use your resources?
Quotes
"Money is not evil. Money is not evil. Money is a thing. Things cannot be evil. This is a chair. It is a thing. It is not inherently good or inherently evil. It's a thing. Money is a thing. Now what I do with this chair can be evil. I could pick up this chair and toss it out into your into the crowd and hurt somebody well that'd be evil or I can sit on it and get rest which is good." [01:09:42] (39 seconds)
"Money, wealth, and power. Which, you know, oh my gosh, I can't believe he's talking about money, wealth, and power in the church. Well, we need to talk about it in the church. We should talk about it in the right perspective because when we talk about it in the right perspective of the kingdom, then we're going to be able to use it, money, wealth, and power. We've even given money, wealth, and power for a reason, purposefully." [01:16:02] (26 seconds)
"God is able to make all grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency, having all sufficiency, you are sufficient in all things. Sufficient in all things. What does that mean? That means God has given me the ability to be the kind of husband she needs. I'm really sufficient. Now, where I screw up is when I try to do it, and I do it out of selfishness, and I do it out of just dumb." [01:26:31] (33 seconds)
"Sufficiency is not that. Sufficiency is, you have enough to meet your needs, and you have enough left over to help other people. To meet their needs. That's sufficiency. Now, in that process of having more than you need, you're blessed. I mean, the guy going to, the guy being a missionary in St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. Did he need to live in paradise? Well, apparently he did to be able to meet the needs of the people that God wanted him to meet." [01:28:52] (39 seconds)
"Power is you have the ability to produce change in things. You have the ability to produce change. Now that's a very high synopsis. We're going to go deeper with that. But you have the ability to produce change. If someone is in an adverse situation, you have the ability to help them and change it for them. That's power." [01:20:06] (27 seconds)
"Because if you're poor, if you can't, if you just don't, you have barely enough, and you can't, you're not sufficient, and you can't help other people, then he wins. Because it costs money to take the gospel down the road. It costs money to start a church. It costs money for ministers to be hired so that they're sufficient, and they're not spending all their time." [01:30:28] (30 seconds)
"When we put this in the right perspective, and we start going, okay, God, I want to see you, your righteousness, and your kingdom. Show me what to do. And He said, go to work tomorrow. Okay. Make money. Okay. Then give money. Okay. And all your needs are met. You live in a nice place. Maybe you'll start living in a nicer place. That's okay. He wants it. It's okay." [01:33:10] (25 seconds)
"Father, thank you. Thank you, Lord, you're so good to us. Pray that you'll bless this week, this week devoted to you, that you get all glory, honor, and praise. And Lord, that each and every person here, every person that comes to these meetings over the next week, that they will hear your voice and they will grow in grace in every way. In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen." [01:34:49] (25 seconds)
Chatbot
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