Consistency: The Key to Spiritual Growth and Obedience
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound lesson of consistency and its impact on our spiritual journey, drawing from the story of Moses in the book of Numbers. The narrative of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as God commanded, serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of mismanaged emotions and the importance of obedience. This incident highlights how small, consistent actions, whether positive or negative, can lead to significant outcomes over time. The principle of the compound effect teaches us that consistent, small actions can lead to exponential growth and transformation in our lives. Conversely, ignoring small issues can lead to exponential problems, as seen in Moses' meltdown.
Moses' story is a reminder that our spiritual journey is not just about grand gestures but about the daily, consistent actions that align with God's will. The enemy often tries to disrupt our consistency, knowing that it is the key to unlocking God's promises in our lives. When we understand that our struggles with consistency are spiritual warfare, we can approach them with a renewed perspective and determination.
Moreover, the sermon emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of our emotional responses. Moses' meltdown was not an isolated incident but the result of unresolved issues from his past. By examining our own lives, we can identify the strongholds—unbiblical thinking patterns and lies—that hinder our spiritual growth. These strongholds are not just habits but the arguments and pretensions that set themselves against the knowledge of God.
Ultimately, the message calls us to surrender our preconceived notions of what our lives should be and trust in God's plan. By doing so, we open ourselves to the clarity and fulfillment that come from aligning our lives with His purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Consistency: Consistency in small actions leads to exponential growth. Just as Moses' disobedience had significant consequences, our consistent obedience to God's commands can lead to spiritual multiplication and transformation. [05:20]
2. Spiritual Warfare and Consistency: The enemy targets our consistency because it is the key to unlocking God's promises. Recognizing this struggle as spiritual warfare empowers us to fight differently and remain steadfast in our spiritual disciplines. [10:37]
3. Addressing Root Causes: Moses' meltdown was a result of unresolved issues from his past. By identifying and addressing the strongholds in our lives, we can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. [36:14]
4. The Danger of Strongholds: Strongholds are unbiblical thinking patterns that hinder our spiritual growth. They are the lies we tell ourselves that prevent God's truth from taking root in our hearts. Identifying and uprooting these strongholds is essential for spiritual freedom. [38:20]
5. Surrendering to God's Plan: True fulfillment comes from surrendering our preconceived notions of what our lives should be and trusting in God's plan. By doing so, we align ourselves with His purpose and open ourselves to His blessings. [55:21]
YouTube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Moses' Disobedience
[02:15] - The Compound Effect
[05:20] - Small Changes, Big Results
[10:37] - Spiritual Warfare and Consistency
[12:50] - Ignoring Small Issues
[14:55] - Catching the Little Foxes
[20:10] - Speaking to the Rock
[22:31] - Misusing God's Gifts
[24:12] - God's Commitment to His People
[28:28] - Opportunity vs. Obligation
[30:20] - Trust and Credibility
[36:14] - Investigating Our Issues
[38:20] - Understanding Strongholds
[55:21] - Surrendering to God's Plan
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Numbers 20:6-12
- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
- Song of Solomon 2:15
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Observation Questions:
1. In Numbers 20:6-12, what specific instructions did God give to Moses regarding the rock, and how did Moses respond to these instructions? [01:04]
2. According to the sermon, what is the "compound effect," and how does it relate to Moses' actions in the story? [05:20]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of strongholds, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5? [38:20]
4. How does the sermon use the metaphor of "little foxes" from Song of Solomon 2:15 to explain the importance of addressing small issues? [14:55]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Moses' disobedience in Numbers 20:6-12 illustrate the consequences of mismanaged emotions and the importance of obedience? [26:29]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between consistency and spiritual warfare? How does this understanding change one's approach to spiritual disciplines? [10:37]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unresolved issues from the past can lead to significant problems in the present, as seen in Moses' story? [36:14]
4. How does the sermon define strongholds, and what role do they play in hindering spiritual growth? [38:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with consistency in your spiritual life. What small, consistent actions can you take this week to align more closely with God's will? [05:20]
2. Consider an area in your life where you feel the enemy is targeting your consistency. How can you approach this struggle as spiritual warfare and remain steadfast? [10:37]
3. Identify a "little fox" or small issue in your life that you have been ignoring. What steps can you take to address it before it becomes a larger problem? [14:55]
4. Think about a stronghold or unbiblical thinking pattern in your life. What truth from God's Word can you use to begin dismantling this stronghold? [38:20]
5. Reflect on any preconceived notions you have about what your life should be. How can you surrender these to God and trust in His plan for your life? [55:21]
6. Moses' meltdown was linked to unresolved past issues. Are there past experiences in your life that might be influencing your current behavior? How can you begin to address these? [36:14]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions are based on God's truth rather than personal strongholds or lies you may have believed? [38:20]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Consistent Obedience
Consistent obedience to God's commands can lead to spiritual multiplication and transformation. The story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as God commanded, illustrates the profound impact of small, consistent actions. Moses' disobedience resulted in significant consequences, reminding us that our spiritual journey is not just about grand gestures but about daily, consistent actions that align with God's will. The principle of the compound effect teaches us that these small actions, whether positive or negative, can lead to exponential growth or problems over time. By consistently obeying God's commands, we open ourselves to His promises and transformation. [05:20]
Numbers 20:11-12 (ESV): "And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.'"
Reflection: What small, consistent actions can you take today to align more closely with God's will and experience His transformation in your life?
Day 2: Consistency as Spiritual Warfare
The enemy targets our consistency because it is the key to unlocking God's promises. Recognizing this struggle as spiritual warfare empowers us to fight differently and remain steadfast in our spiritual disciplines. Consistency in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, reading the Bible, and worship, is crucial for spiritual growth. The enemy knows that disrupting our consistency can hinder our progress and keep us from experiencing God's promises. By understanding this, we can approach our struggles with a renewed perspective and determination, knowing that our consistency is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. [10:37]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you struggle with consistency, and how can you view this struggle as spiritual warfare to remain steadfast?
Day 3: Identifying and Addressing Root Causes
Moses' meltdown was a result of unresolved issues from his past. By identifying and addressing the strongholds in our lives, we can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Strongholds are unbiblical thinking patterns and lies that hinder our spiritual growth. They are not just habits but the arguments and pretensions that set themselves against the knowledge of God. By examining our own lives, we can identify these strongholds and address the root causes of our emotional responses. This process is essential for spiritual freedom and growth, allowing us to align our lives with God's truth. [36:14]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What strongholds or unresolved issues from your past might be affecting your spiritual growth, and how can you begin to address them today?
Day 4: Uprooting Strongholds for Spiritual Freedom
Strongholds are unbiblical thinking patterns that hinder our spiritual growth. They are the lies we tell ourselves that prevent God's truth from taking root in our hearts. Identifying and uprooting these strongholds is essential for spiritual freedom. By examining our thoughts and beliefs, we can identify the lies that have taken hold and replace them with God's truth. This process requires intentionality and reliance on God's strength, but it is crucial for experiencing the freedom and growth that God desires for us. [38:20]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What unbiblical thinking patterns or lies have you believed, and how can you replace them with God's truth to experience spiritual freedom?
Day 5: Surrendering to God's Plan
True fulfillment comes from surrendering our preconceived notions of what our lives should be and trusting in God's plan. By doing so, we align ourselves with His purpose and open ourselves to His blessings. Surrendering to God's plan requires letting go of our own desires and trusting that His ways are higher and better. It involves a willingness to follow His lead, even when it doesn't align with our expectations. By surrendering, we open ourselves to the clarity and fulfillment that come from aligning our lives with His purpose. [55:21]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What preconceived notions or plans do you need to surrender to God, and how can you trust Him to lead you into His purpose and blessings?
Quotes
Families, I was preparing for this presentation. Today, I remembered a book that I read several years ago that uniquely impacted my perspective on progress and the name of the book was called the compound effect and the compound effect family is simply a principle that suggests we're small, consistent actions or changes when repeated over time. [00:02:24]
can lead to significant and exponential results one more time small consistent actions or changes over time can lead to significant and exponential results one more time small come on consistent actions or changes when repeated over time [00:02:55]
and maintaining those small changes consistently over a period of time then your consistency compounds and you look up and you step into a season of multiplication and you don't even know it you look up and you got skill sets and you didn't even know you were this skilled you look up and you done messed around and got good at something and you don't even know how you got good you look up and you've messed around and you've got stronger and you don't even know where this strength came from it was a exponential experience because consistency compounds and those who understand and embrace this principle understand that i may not be able to change my destination overnight but i can change my direction i can't change my spiritual state tomorrow but i can change my spiritual disciplines today and if i I change my spiritual disciplines today it's going to change my spiritual state one day I can't change my relationship overnight but we can change the way we start treating each other today and if we change the way we start treating each other today it's going to change our relationship tomorrow I can't change my body overnight but I can change what I'm putting in it today and if I start keep changing what I'm putting in it and keep it up consistently I'll look up and it'll change my body it's the compound effect and when the devil can't stop you and I from doing the right thing his next step is to try to get us to do the right thing the wrong way [00:05:51]
if he can't if he can't keep you numbers 13 with a grasshopper mentality where you're small -minded what he will do is when he can't stop you from wanting to do big things he'll try to get you and I to do big things things the wrong way and you don't do big things trying to do big things you do big things by doing small things consistently over a period of time and that gives you the capability to do big things and I'm telling you today that if you are willing to do small things like they big things you'll hit a season where you can do big things like they small things I said if you are willing to do small things like they big things then you'll hit a season where you can do big things like they small things if you are willing to do small things like they big things you'll hit a season where you can do big things like they small things if you are willing to take care of the lion and the bear when nobody's looking Then you'll be able to knock down Goliath when everybody's looking. [00:08:48]
I'm doing a teaching I'm doing a teaching this Saturday on Super Saturday with people who are in the parking team and host team and some of our other teams on spiritual warfare because I want them I want us as a church to demystify the spiritual demystify spiritual warfare because the Bible says when we are ignorant of Satan's devices he has an advantage over us so some of us are looking for him in big things and you don't see the warfare in small things we don't see that our struggle with consistency is an indication that we are in the right place we are in the right place we are in the right place we are in the right place we are in the right place we are in the right place of warfare that the enemy is fighting you in areas you don't even call the enemy you just think it's a habit you just think it's a hang -up you just think it's an issue and I'm not trying to over spiritualize it but it's a devil who doesn't want you to be consistent so he fights you tooth and nail because he knows if you ever get consistent [00:09:11]
he's after it I say he's after it I say he after it I say he after it I say he's after it God doesn't have fear but Satan does and he attacks you the most and Satan does and he attacks you the most and Satan does and he attacks you the most and in the area he's most afraid of you in the area he's most afraid of you in the area he's most afraid of you getting together he said they gifted but getting together he said they gifted but getting together he said they gifted but if I can keep them inconsistent I can if I can keep them inconsistent I can if I can keep them inconsistent I can keep them ineffective they're anointed keep them ineffective they're anointed keep them ineffective they're anointed but if I can keep them inconsistent I can but if I can keep them inconsistent I can but if I can keep them inconsistent I can keep them ineffective God's got a plan keep them ineffective God's got a plan keep them ineffective God's got a plan for their life but if I can keep them for their life but if I can keep them Because God's getting ready to break the yoke of inconsistency of your life. [00:10:37]
So if I ignore small issues consistently over time, then my ignoring of those small issues consistently over time leads to significant and exponential problems. [00:13:34]
Did you hear what I just said? Yeah. If I ignore small issues consistently over time, then those issues compound and what started off as a snake in the book of Genesis ends up being a dragon in the book of Revelation. And it's easier for me to defeat an issue when it's a snake than it is for me to defeat it when it's a dragon. And some of us right now, no judgment, but we fighting dragons when we should have been fighting snakes. Y 'all aren't talking to me. It's a snake. It's a snake when you could stop and you won't. [00:13:57]
and you can't this is why a Sage named Solomon warns us in the Song of Solomon to catch it when it's small he says in Song of Psalms to 15 catch for us the foxes the little foxes that ruin the vineyard the devil is in the Fox y 'all not talking to me on this side I said the devil is in the Fox it's in that little thing that seems impossible to catch when it's small. consequential and that little thing that doesn't seem to matter and sometimes a major meltdown is the result of the mismanagement of minor foxes and sometimes you end up on your last nerve [00:14:55]
See, when Moses killed that man, instead of burying the evidence, he should have did some investigation and ask himself, what is it in me? [00:36:14]
That made me go from zero to a hundred that fast. [00:36:50]
He says the weapons we fight with are not weapons of this world on the contrary They have divine power to demolish strongholds Then he gives us some commentary on what he means when he says strongholds He says this he says we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God That's what the stronghold is Arguments and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God don't miss this because strongholds were literally Fortresses they were fences that will be built built to keep enemy armies from invading a certain land The wall of Jericho could be described as a stronghold and what Paul says is strongholds are not just built in the ground There are fences that we build in our mind But Paul says they are arguments there are ways of reasoning that sets itself up against the knowledge of God It's a fence that's based on an argument you constructed in your head That doesn't allow The Knowledge of God to get through So the stronghold is not the habit. The stronghold is not the addiction The stronghold is not the behavior the stronghold is the lie You told yourself that enables you to keep engaging in the behavior and that fits won't let truth get through So your behavior perpetuates itself because the stronghold is set itself up against the knowledge of God [00:38:44]
I'm done Tarja and it is those it is it is those lies that fueled Moses his behavior it enabled it if those lies that way of reasoning fuel Moses behavior because Moses had some of these issues before he got called but his stronghold was a religious one because he probably thought my calling is my healing [00:42:08]
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