Deepening Our Walk: Commitment, Prayer, and Sacrifice
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound call to deepen our walk with God, emphasizing the importance of commitment and sacrifice in our spiritual journey. We began by acknowledging the power of covenanting with the land, a metaphor for standing firm in the place God has positioned us, and trusting in His promises. This steadfastness is crucial as it allows us to witness the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives.
We delved into the teachings of Jesus from Matthew 6, where He instructs us on the principles of giving, praying, and fasting. These are not mere religious duties but are foundational practices that align us with God's kingdom. Jesus expects us to be givers, not for the applause of men, but as an expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. The act of giving is a spiritual principle that unlocks blessings and opportunities, as demonstrated by the widow's offering, which was small in amount but great in sacrifice.
Prayer was highlighted as a vital connection to God, where we align our desires with His will. Jesus taught us to pray with sincerity, avoiding vain repetitions, and to seek God's kingdom first. This aligns our hearts with His purposes, ensuring that our prayers are not self-centered but kingdom-focused. We were challenged to commit to a consistent prayer life, aiming for an hour a day, to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Fasting was presented as an essential discipline that enhances our spiritual sensitivity and authority. It is a practice that humbles us, aligns us with God's will, and prepares us for greater works. We were encouraged to fast regularly, understanding that it is not about public display but about seeking God's presence and power in our lives.
Finally, we were reminded of the importance of forgiveness and seeking God's kingdom above all else. These practices are not optional but are integral to living a life that reflects God's glory and advances His kingdom on earth.
Key Takeaways:
1. Covenant with the Land: Standing firm in the place God has positioned us allows us to witness His promises. This steadfastness is a powerful testament to our faith and commitment to God's purpose for our lives. [01:38:05]
2. The Principle of Giving: True giving is not about the amount but the heart behind it. Sacrificial giving unlocks spiritual blessings and aligns us with God's abundant provision. [01:40:29]
3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is our lifeline to God, aligning our desires with His will. Consistent, sincere prayer transforms our lives and brings God's kingdom into our reality. [01:47:26]
4. The Discipline of Fasting: Fasting enhances our spiritual sensitivity and authority. It is a practice that humbles us and prepares us for greater works in God's kingdom. [02:06:30]
5. Seeking God's Kingdom: Prioritizing God's kingdom over our own desires ensures that our lives reflect His glory and advance His purposes on earth. This alignment brings true fulfillment and divine provision. [02:09:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:38:05] - Covenant with the Land
- [01:40:29] - The Principle of Giving
- [01:47:26] - The Power of Prayer
- [01:50:45] - Model Prayer
- [01:52:29] - Consistency in Prayer and Fasting
- [01:55:45] - Specific Prayers and God's Provision
- [02:01:35] - Vision for Abundance
- [02:04:04] - Testimonies of Answered Prayers
- [02:06:30] - The Discipline of Fasting
- [02:09:27] - Seeking God's Kingdom
- [02:13:17] - Commitment to Fasting and Prayer
- [02:16:53] - Call to Commitment
- [02:27:06] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:1-18
2. Luke 21:1-4 (The Widow's Offering)
3. Isaiah 58:6-9 (True Fasting)
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6, what are the three practices Jesus expects His followers to engage in, and how should they be performed? [01:47:26]
2. How does the story of the widow's offering in Luke 21:1-4 illustrate the principle of sacrificial giving mentioned in the sermon? [01:40:29]
3. According to Isaiah 58:6-9, what are the characteristics of a fast that pleases God, and how does it differ from mere ritual fasting?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of performing charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting in secret, and what does this reveal about the nature of true worship? [01:47:26]
2. How does the widow's offering challenge common perceptions of generosity and sacrifice in the context of giving? [01:40:29]
3. What does Isaiah 58:6-9 suggest about the relationship between fasting and social justice, and how might this inform our understanding of spiritual disciplines?
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. What steps can you take to commit to a more consistent and sincere prayer routine, aiming for an hour a day as suggested in the sermon? [01:50:45]
2. Consider your approach to giving. Are there areas in your life where you can practice more sacrificial giving, similar to the widow's offering? How can you ensure your giving is an expression of faith rather than obligation? [01:40:29]
3. Fasting was described as a way to enhance spiritual sensitivity and authority. How can you incorporate regular fasting into your spiritual practices, and what specific intentions will you focus on during your fasts? [02:06:30]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of seeking God's kingdom above all else. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to prioritize God's kingdom over personal desires? [02:09:27]
5. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of aligning with God's kingdom. Is there someone you need to forgive, and how can you take steps towards reconciliation this week? [02:06:30]
6. How can you create a supportive environment within your small group to encourage each other in these spiritual disciplines of giving, praying, fasting, and seeking God's kingdom?
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced a breakthrough or blessing as a result of practicing one of these spiritual disciplines. How can sharing this testimony encourage others in your group? [02:04:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Standing Firm in God's Promises
In our spiritual journey, standing firm in the place God has positioned us is crucial. This steadfastness is a testament to our faith and commitment to God's purpose for our lives. By covenanting with the land, we trust in His promises and witness their fulfillment. This metaphorical stance encourages us to remain faithful and grounded, even when circumstances challenge our resolve. It is through this unwavering faith that we can truly experience the power and presence of God in our lives. [01:38:05]
"For thus says the Lord: 'Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them.'" - Jeremiah 32:42 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you need to stand firm on today, despite any challenges you may be facing?
Day 2: The Heart of Sacrificial Giving
True giving is not measured by the amount but by the heart behind it. Sacrificial giving unlocks spiritual blessings and aligns us with God's abundant provision. This principle is exemplified by the widow's offering, which, though small in amount, was great in sacrifice. When we give with a heart of faith and trust, we open ourselves to the blessings and opportunities that God has in store for us. Our giving becomes an expression of our faith, not for the applause of men, but as a testament to our trust in God's provision. [01:40:29]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
Reflection: Consider a way you can give sacrificially this week. How can this act of giving reflect your trust in God's provision?
Day 3: Aligning Desires Through Prayer
Prayer is our lifeline to God, aligning our desires with His will. Jesus taught us to pray with sincerity, avoiding vain repetitions, and to seek God's kingdom first. This practice ensures that our prayers are not self-centered but kingdom-focused. By committing to a consistent prayer life, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, transforming our lives and bringing His kingdom into our reality. Consistent, sincere prayer is a powerful tool that aligns our hearts with God's purposes and opens the door to His divine intervention. [01:47:26]
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you commit to a more consistent prayer life this week? What specific time each day can you dedicate to aligning your desires with God's will?
Day 4: The Spiritual Power of Fasting
Fasting enhances our spiritual sensitivity and authority. It is a practice that humbles us, aligns us with God's will, and prepares us for greater works in His kingdom. By fasting regularly, we seek God's presence and power in our lives, not for public display, but for personal spiritual growth. This discipline allows us to become more attuned to God's voice and strengthens our spiritual resolve, enabling us to carry out His purposes with greater effectiveness and authority. [02:06:30]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" - Isaiah 58:6 (ESV)
Reflection: Plan a day this week to fast and seek God's presence. What specific area of your life do you need to bring before God during this time of fasting?
Day 5: Prioritizing God's Kingdom
Seeking God's kingdom above all else ensures that our lives reflect His glory and advance His purposes on earth. This alignment brings true fulfillment and divine provision. By prioritizing God's kingdom over our own desires, we align our lives with His will, allowing His glory to shine through us. This commitment to God's kingdom is not optional but integral to living a life that reflects His love and advances His purposes in the world. [02:09:27]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can prioritize God's kingdom over your own desires today? How can this shift in focus bring about change in your daily life?
Quotes
There are some people that just float through life and then there's some people that are driven by a vision. What's your vision today? Now this is Jesus teaching in Matthew chapter 6. In Matthew chapter 5 verse 1 it says and seeing the multitudes he went up on a mountain and when he was seated his disciples came to him then he opened his mouth and taught them. [01:31:29] (31 seconds)
Sacrifice is dependent on whether it costs you something. For some of you, it's not a sacrifice to put a hundred dollar bill in the offering, but you still put five in. Or one. Your very oneness. I'm not, I'm not, I'm here to challenge you today. This is between you and God. If you're convicted today, that's not me. [01:41:24] (34 seconds)
When we give, miracles happen. When we give, we unlock the supernatural. When we took up that $1.1 million offering, we unlock things in the spirit. We opened up opportunity. I'm telling you, we have yet to see the fullness of it. But God is going to bless you and bless you and bless you because you're sacri - This is a giving church. [01:42:07] (26 seconds)
When you give, you know, I'm not afraid to talk about money at all. Some people get very uncomfortable with money when preachers talk about money. But I've learned the principle, you can't ever outgive God. You can try. I have. And I found out you can't do it. You can't do it. God will bless you. God will bless you. [01:44:53] (23 seconds)
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Once again, a model prayer. We don't ask for our needs first. We begin to declare what the kingdom is in heaven. We want to bring it into the earth. And so when you begin to pray, everybody say, when you pray. Every day. [01:50:58] (20 seconds)
We, you know, how many of you notice the difference it makes when we get to praying and fasting? The spiritual difference. How many of you feel closer to God, more connected in the things of the Spirit, feel like the world's a little less attractive, right? Things of God are a lot more important. Praying and fasting brings results. It's very effective. [01:52:29] (24 seconds)
We start walking with confidence and authority. We have moves of God that shake the place, and people come in, and there's a greater authority than we've ever had before. I'm telling you, every January, we have such powerful moves of God. You know why? People are just getting their hearts ready to hear the word of the Lord. [02:07:24] (18 seconds)
Don't seek the things of this world. Don't go chasing to build up your bank account and make it so big. What you going to do? When you die, somebody else is going to take it. Big deal. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust can't corrupt, where thieves can't break in and steal. [02:08:31] (20 seconds)
How many of you have a natural need today that you would like to see God meet? I'm not saying raise your hand because it's going to happen. But I'm saying you've got something in your life that you would like to see God do. Can you just lift your hands? How many of us have needs today? Amen. I believe that. [02:09:41] (21 seconds)
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