Covered to Grow: Embracing Authority for Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of being "Covered to Grow." We began by examining the story of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, highlighting the importance of submission to earthly and heavenly coverings. Jesus, despite being sinless, chose to submit to John's leadership, setting an example of humility and obedience. This act of submission preceded the affirmation from God, who declared Jesus as His beloved Son. This narrative underscores the principle that submission often comes before affirmation, and it is through this submission that we find clarity in our identity and prepare for our purpose.

The analogy of gardening was used to illustrate how growth requires the right conditions and coverings. Just as plants thrive when nurtured with the right soil and care, our spiritual lives flourish when we are under the right coverings. This involves being under God's leadership and the guidance of godly leaders He places in our lives. The story of my wife's dedication to transforming our lawn and garden served as a metaphor for the spiritual growth that occurs when we are properly covered and nurtured.

We also discussed the challenges many face with authority, often stemming from past hurts or mistrust. It's crucial to recognize that while earthly coverings can sometimes be misused, they are intended by God to protect and guide us. The message emphasized the need for healing and forgiveness for those who have been hurt by authority figures, encouraging a release from bitterness to fully embrace the growth God intends for us.

Ultimately, being covered is not about control but about protection and preparation for the purpose God has for each of us. As leaders, we are called to empower and nurture those under our care, ensuring they grow into their full potential. This message serves as a reminder of the importance of staying rooted and covered, both spiritually and in our earthly relationships, to truly thrive and fulfill our God-given purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. Submission Precedes Affirmation: Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist illustrates that submission to authority often comes before affirmation. Jesus, though sinless, submitted to John's leadership, setting an example of humility and obedience. This act led to God's affirmation, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Submission is not about who is greater but about fulfilling righteousness and setting an example for others. [29:01]

2. Clarity of Identity Through Covering: God's covering provides clarity of identity. When God declared Jesus as His Son, it wasn't new information for Jesus but a public affirmation of His identity. In a world searching for identity, it's crucial to remember that our true identity is as children of God, not defined by political affiliations or societal labels. [30:28]

3. Preparation for Purpose: Covering is not just about safety but preparation for what's next. Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of His ministry, leading Him into the wilderness and eventually into His public ministry. Godly covering helps us grow, mature, and step into our purpose, ensuring we are ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. [32:02]

4. Healing from Authority Hurts: Many struggle with authority due to past hurts or mistrust. It's important to seek healing and forgiveness to break free from the prison of bitterness. Recognizing that not all authority is manipulative, we can embrace the protection and guidance that Godly covering provides, allowing us to grow into our full potential. [44:19]

5. Empowering Leadership: As leaders, we are called to empower and nurture those under our care, not manipulate or control them. True leadership involves guiding, protecting, and helping others grow into who God has called them to be. This requires integrity and a willingness to lead by example, ensuring we are not asking others to do what we are unwilling to do ourselves. [38:46]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Jesus' Baptism and Submission
[02:13] - The Lawn Transformation Story
[05:49] - The Garden and Growth Analogy
[06:49] - Planting Seeds and Spiritual Growth
[10:47] - The Apple Tree Illustration
[14:35] - The Importance of Staying Covered
[17:08] - Heavenly and Earthly Coverings
[18:27] - Challenges with Authority
[21:56] - Personal Reflections on Leadership
[23:27] - John the Baptist and Jesus' Example
[25:31] - Submission and Affirmation
[29:01] - Identity and Purpose
[32:02] - Preparation for Ministry
[36:22] - Empowering Leadership and Integrity
[40:03] - Healing and Forgiveness in Authority Relationships

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Covered to Grow"

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 3:13-17

Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus choosing to be baptized by John the Baptist, despite being sinless? [25:31]
2. How does the analogy of gardening relate to our spiritual growth according to the sermon? [06:49]
3. What role does submission play in the process of receiving affirmation, as illustrated in the sermon? [29:01]
4. How did the pastor describe the challenges people face with authority, and what examples were given? [18:27]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have insisted on being baptized by John, and what does this teach about the importance of earthly coverings? [25:31]
2. How does the concept of being "covered" relate to finding clarity in one's identity, as discussed in the sermon? [30:28]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being under the right covering prepares individuals for their purpose? [32:02]
4. How does the sermon address the issue of past hurts with authority figures, and what steps are suggested for healing? [44:19]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with submitting to authority. How did it affect your personal growth, and what might you do differently now? [18:27]
2. Consider the coverings in your life, both spiritual and earthly. Are there any areas where you need to seek better guidance or protection? [17:08]
3. How can you actively work on healing from past authority-related hurts to embrace the growth God intends for you? [44:19]
4. In what ways can you, as a leader or mentor, empower those under your care to reach their full potential without resorting to control or manipulation? [38:46]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to practice more humility and obedience. What steps can you take to submit to God's will in this area? [29:01]
6. How can you ensure that your identity remains rooted in being a child of God, rather than in societal or political labels? [30:28]
7. Think of a person in your life who has been a positive covering for you. How can you express gratitude to them this week, and how might you emulate their example for others? [32:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Submission as a Pathway to Affirmation
Submission to authority is a profound act of humility and obedience, as demonstrated by Jesus during His baptism by John the Baptist. Despite being sinless, Jesus chose to submit to John's leadership, setting an example for us all. This act of submission was not about acknowledging who was greater but about fulfilling righteousness and setting a precedent for others to follow. It was after this submission that God affirmed Jesus, declaring Him as His beloved Son. This narrative teaches us that submission often precedes affirmation, and through it, we find clarity in our identity and prepare for our purpose. [29:01]

Matthew 3:13-15 (ESV): "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he consented."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you resisting submission to authority? How can you practice humility and obedience in those areas today?


Day 2: Identity Through Divine Covering
God's covering provides clarity of identity, as seen when God declared Jesus as His Son during His baptism. This was not new information for Jesus but a public affirmation of His identity. In a world where many are searching for identity, it is crucial to remember that our true identity is as children of God, not defined by political affiliations or societal labels. Embracing this divine covering helps us understand who we truly are and live confidently in that truth. [30:28]

1 John 3:1 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

Reflection: How does knowing your identity as a child of God change the way you view yourself and your interactions with others today?


Day 3: Preparation for Purpose Through Godly Covering
Covering is not just about safety but preparation for what lies ahead. Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of His ministry, leading Him into the wilderness and eventually into His public ministry. Godly covering helps us grow, mature, and step into our purpose, ensuring we are ready for the challenges and opportunities that come our way. It is through this divine preparation that we can fulfill the purpose God has for us. [32:02]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to align yourself with God's preparation for your purpose? How can you seek His guidance in this process?


Day 4: Healing from Past Hurts with Authority
Many struggle with authority due to past hurts or mistrust. It is important to seek healing and forgiveness to break free from the prison of bitterness. Recognizing that not all authority is manipulative, we can embrace the protection and guidance that Godly covering provides, allowing us to grow into our full potential. This healing process is essential for moving forward and fully embracing the growth God intends for us. [44:19]

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV): "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

Reflection: Is there a past hurt with authority that you need to address? How can you begin the process of healing and forgiveness today?


Day 5: Empowering Leadership Through Integrity
As leaders, we are called to empower and nurture those under our care, not manipulate or control them. True leadership involves guiding, protecting, and helping others grow into who God has called them to be. This requires integrity and a willingness to lead by example, ensuring we are not asking others to do what we are unwilling to do ourselves. Empowering leadership is about fostering an environment where others can thrive and reach their full potential. [38:46]

1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Reflection: How can you practice empowering leadership in your current roles? What specific actions can you take to lead with integrity and nurture those around you today?

Quotes



And I was like you know what? That lettuce and that tomatoes went straight from our garden to our table. It had been with us every step of the way and it came to realization that things just grow better they grow faster they there's more substance when it's covered by the right thing by the right soil. [00:09:49] (33 seconds)


That moment that it uprooted and it was no longer covered and a lot of times we do that in our spiritual walk like okay that coverage for now but now oh yeah I'm a big boy now I'm a big girl I don't need that covering anymore and we uproot and we start walking around showing off all the fruit. [00:16:00] (20 seconds)


And see, there's this story that's found in Matthew chapter 3 that we read before about John the Baptist baptizing Jesus. Now, John the Baptist was this dude that lived. Dude, he was hardcore. He lived in the wilderness. All right? His clothes was made out of camel hair. [00:23:33] (22 seconds)


Now, all of a sudden, I don't know where he comes. Jesus, the Son of God, who has been given the authority to walk on water, to heal the sick, make the blind where they can see, feed the 5,000, all of this. He comes up. Now, no doubt he probably deserved an entrance where a smoke machine came. [00:24:55] (27 seconds)


He went to John for earthly covering, and he declared, this is the Son of God. He baptizes him. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit descended on him as a dove. And then a voice, God's voice, said, this is my Son, whom I love, and I am well pleased. [00:26:14] (23 seconds)


So even Jesus submitted to earthly covering. Because it's not a weakness. But Jesus was setting the example. And then it wasn't until that God's covering came and affirmed his identity. But his earthly covering was about obedience. [00:28:03] (19 seconds)


So it was only after Jesus submitted to the baptism, the heavens opened up and the Father affirmed, this is my son whom I love and I'm well pleased. A lot of times we want the affirmation without the submission. We want the title without the training. [00:29:15] (18 seconds)


When the father declared, this is my son, he wasn't telling Jesus something he didn't know. Jesus wasn't like, who am I? No, no, no. It wasn't about Jesus. It was saying, I'm letting everybody else know this is my boy. I'm letting everybody know this guy has my approval. [00:30:28] (20 seconds)


See, covering is not just about staying sane, but it's about getting ready for what's next. See, if you know the story about Jesus getting baptized by John the Baptist, you know that baptism was not the end of the story, but it, it was just the beginning. [00:31:36] (14 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?