Dependence on God: Embracing Faith in Difficult Times
Summary
In Pastor Jason Sharp's sermon titled "Help, Lord," he begins by highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's goodness, even in challenging times. He announces church events, including a Christmas Eve service, a New Year's Eve service, and a week of fasting leading to a revival. Fasting is presented as a means to gain spiritual sensitivity and authority over the flesh and doubts. The pastor expresses excitement for the revival and the transformative experiences it promises.
Pastor Sharp recounts the story of King Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophet Elijah, drawing parallels to the modern-day feeling of isolation in serving God. He reassures the congregation that they are not alone, as many around the world serve God faithfully. The pastor emphasizes that God responds to the humble cries of the oppressed and needy, and despite the world's darkness, God will act on behalf of those who call upon Him.
The congregation is encouraged to praise God and declare victory over their circumstances, recognizing God as a miracle worker present in their midst. The pastor expresses gratitude for God's attentiveness to their needs and invites guests to connect with the church community.
Pastor Sharp discusses the upcoming church events, including a cookies and carols celebration and a candlelight Christmas Eve service. He emphasizes that God's movements are never coincidental and uses the metaphor of a butterfly navigating the wind to illustrate God's miraculous work.
The sermon addresses the reality of God's omnipresence, even in the darkest hours. The pastor urges the congregation to seek a genuine Christianity worth sacrificing for, highlighting that God will provide safety and deliverance in times of difficulty.
Psalm 12 is introduced, reflecting on the scarcity of godly individuals and the prevalence of vanity in conversations. The pastor contrasts the negative influences in places like California and Washington, D.C., with their own community, which he views as a center for revival. He calls on the congregation to rise in prayer and action, emphasizing the importance of resisting the enemy.
The pastor stresses the need for God's help, reflected in the biblical cry for salvation. He relates this to the current state of the world, where wickedness seems to be exalted. The limitations of human beings compared to God are discussed, with faith defined as belief and obedience to God's Word. The congregation is challenged to demonstrate their faith through actions, including financial giving to support church planting.
The importance of hungering for God and the power of communal prayer are highlighted. The pastor shares a personal story of Bible study with a friend named Chris, expressing gratitude for their fellowship.
The sermon continues with a caution against self-sufficiency and the deceitfulness of riches, emphasizing the constant need for God's help. The pastor encourages calling out to God in all times and acknowledges the need for His intervention in the world.
The speaker's unwavering faith in God is declared, with trust in God's protection and provision. Worship is centered on God's attributes as a way maker, miracle worker, and promise keeper. The power of the blood of Jesus is emphasized, with an invitation to submit all cares under its protection.
The need to praise God for lifting burdens and the importance of needing God above material possessions are discussed. The pastor urges the congregation to seek God's help and reassures them of His protection in legal matters, sharing a personal experience of mediation.
The pastor's trust in God's promises is reiterated, with a declaration of victory over challenges. The act of giving is presented as an expression of faith, and the congregation is invited to contribute to missions. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the goodness of God and the importance of maintaining a constant need for Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of fasting is not merely a ritual but a strategic spiritual discipline that empowers believers to gain authority over the flesh and the deceptive voices of doubt and fear. By intentionally reducing physical sustenance, one can heighten spiritual sensitivity and prepare for divine encounters, as anticipated in the upcoming revival. [01:07:27]
- The story of Elijah and the false prophets serves as a reminder that believers are not alone in their stand for truth. Despite feelings of isolation, God assures His servants that a remnant remains steadfast in faith. This principle reinforces the importance of perseverance and the assurance that God supports those who humbly seek Him amidst a world that often feels engulfed in wickedness. [01:22:08]
- Genuine worship and praise are powerful acts that transcend circumstances. By lifting voices in adoration, believers affirm their faith in God's miraculous nature. This act of worship is not confined to the church but extends to everyday life, where God's attentive presence meets the needs of His people. [42:26]
- The narrative of the butterfly navigating the wind symbolizes the miraculous nature of God's guidance. It serves as a metaphor for the believer's journey, where God's movements are intentional and purposeful, leading to outcomes that may seem coincidental but are divinely orchestrated. [45:35]
- In a world that often glorifies self-sufficiency and material success, the sermon calls for a recognition of our perpetual need for God's help. This acknowledgment is not a sign of weakness but a declaration of dependence on divine strength, which is essential in both prosperous and challenging times. [01:34:49]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 12:1-8 - "Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, 'We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips—who is our master?' 'Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,' says the Lord. 'I will protect them from those who malign them.' And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 12:1-2 say about the state of godly and faithful people in the world?
2. According to Psalm 12:5, what is God's response to the oppression of the poor and the groaning of the needy?
3. How does Pastor Sharp describe the purpose and benefits of fasting in his sermon? ([01:07:04])
4. What metaphor does Pastor Sharp use to illustrate God's miraculous work and guidance? ([45:32])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Psalm 12:6, the words of the Lord are described as "flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." What does this imagery suggest about the reliability and purity of God's words?
2. Pastor Sharp mentions that God responds to the humble cries of the oppressed and needy. How does this principle apply to the modern-day challenges faced by believers? ([01:22:51])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our perpetual need for God's help. How does this contrast with the world's emphasis on self-sufficiency and material success? ([01:33:30])
4. Pastor Sharp recounts the story of Elijah feeling isolated in his service to God. How does this story encourage believers who feel alone in their faith journey? ([01:19:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Sharp encourages the congregation to praise God and declare victory over their circumstances. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life, especially during challenging times? ([40:41])
2. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated in your faith. How did you find reassurance that you were not alone, and how can you support others who might feel the same way? ([01:20:36])
3. Fasting is presented as a means to gain spiritual sensitivity and authority over the flesh. Have you ever fasted before? If so, what was your experience? If not, what might be a good starting point for you? ([01:07:04])
4. Pastor Sharp talks about the importance of communal prayer. How can you make communal prayer a more regular part of your spiritual practice? ([01:09:11])
5. The sermon discusses the deceitfulness of riches and the constant need for God's help. Identify one area in your life where you might be relying too much on material success or self-sufficiency. What steps can you take to shift your dependence back to God? ([01:33:30])
6. Pastor Sharp shares a personal story of Bible study with a friend. How can you cultivate similar spiritual friendships in your life, and what steps can you take to start or deepen a Bible study relationship with someone? ([01:09:58])
7. The sermon calls for believers to rise in prayer and action. What specific actions can you take this week to resist the enemy and support your community in faith? ([01:36:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Fasting for Spiritual Authority
Fasting is not just a form of self-denial but a spiritual discipline that enhances one's sensitivity to the divine and provides authority over carnal impulses. It is a time to quiet the noise of the body to hear the whispers of the Spirit more clearly, preparing the heart for encounters with God. This practice is a strategic choice to prioritize the spiritual over the physical, aligning oneself with God's purposes. [07:27]
Matthew 6:18 - "So that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting into your spiritual routine to deepen your connection with God and gain authority over the flesh?
Day 2: Standing Firm with the Faithful Remnant
Believers are never alone in their commitment to truth, even when they feel isolated. Like Elijah, who thought he was the only one left serving God, Christians today are part of a global remnant standing firm in faith. This knowledge should embolden and encourage steadfastness, knowing that God is with those who persevere in humility and righteousness. [22:08]
Romans 11:5 - "So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace."
Reflection: In what ways can you connect with and draw strength from the global community of believers to remain steadfast in your faith?
Day 3: Worship as an Act of Faith
Worship is a powerful expression of faith that transcends circumstances, declaring belief in God's miraculous nature. It is an act that affirms trust in God's presence and provision, regardless of the situation. Worship is a lifestyle, extending beyond church walls into every aspect of life, where one can experience God's attentive care firsthand. [25:31]
Psalm 63:3-4 - "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."
Reflection: How can you make worship a more integral part of your daily life, acknowledging God's presence and power in every situation?
Day 4: Embracing Divine Guidance in Life's Journey
The believer's journey is not random but guided by God's intentional and purposeful movements. Like a butterfly navigating the wind, life's seemingly coincidental moments are often orchestrated by the divine hand. Recognizing this can lead to a deeper trust in God's plan and a greater openness to His miraculous work in our lives. [27:20]
Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent event in your life that seemed coincidental but, upon reflection, might reveal God's guidance?
Day 5: Acknowledging Our Need for God
In a culture that often celebrates self-reliance, acknowledging the need for God's help is a powerful declaration of faith. It is an admission that true strength comes from divine support, not personal achievements or material wealth. This dependence on God is essential for navigating both the highs and lows of life. [34:49]
Psalm 121:1-2 - "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been relying on your own strength instead of seeking God's help? How can you shift towards greater reliance on Him?
Quotes
"When you cry out to God, God always rises up. We have a God that is with us to the end. He's not just with us in the church service. He's with us when things are going well and when you are sinking, God is with you." [01:23:12] (Download)
"It's going to get darker, but there's going to be a people that are going to rise up in the midst of that darkness, and they're going to be like a city set on a hill, a light that can't be hidden." [01:25:11] (Download)
"Fasting is not about making God do what you want. Fasting is about reducing the voice that would resist God, the carnal mind, the fleshly voice that wants to push its will and its way." [01:06:24] (Download)
"When you step into that dimension of fasting, you're going to step into a new authority over your flesh, over the voice of the enemy, the voice of doubt, the voice of fear, the voice of confusion." [01:06:24] (Download)
"We may not be the governmental center, but we're going to be the revival center. Hallelujah. We may not be the world system center, but we can be a center for the kingdom of God to rule and reign." [01:36:21] (Download)
"When wickedness is exalted it appears like everybody else is not serving God. Don't let the enemy isolate you and make you feel like you're the only one doing right. There's thousands, millions of people beside you that are serving God with all their heart." [01:20:58] (Download)
"But the reality is when you make up your mind to serve God, God makes up his mind to help you. When you look at the wickedness of the world and you don't give in to it, but you sigh and you say, Oh God, I need your help, there is a principle found in this scripture." [01:22:08] (Download)
"It doesn't matter how dark it gets, how bad things get, what the government does, or what happens in the world around us. When we cry to God, God always rises up." [01:22:08] (Download)
"You know, when God moves, it's never by accident. It's never by coincidence. It never just, wow, that just happened. No. Something caused it." [45:35] (Download)
"If you're in a dark place, call out to him. If you're in a good place, call out to him. It doesn't matter what place you're in, call out to him. Hallelujah." [01:34:08] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 17, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?