Discipleship: Finding Hope in Struggles Through God
Summary
This morning, we explored the journey of discipleship through the lens of Psalm 73, recognizing that following Jesus is not reserved for the easy or triumphant seasons of life, but is especially vital in times of confusion, darkness, and struggle. The psalmist’s honest wrestling with the prosperity of the wicked and his own near-stumbling reveals the tension between what we know to be true about God and what we experience in the world. The turning point comes “in the sanctuary of God,” where perspective shifts from the temporal to the eternal, and where the soul is re-anchored in God’s presence and truth.
Three profound lessons emerge from this encounter with God. First, our evaluation of life must be rooted in the eternal, not the fleeting circumstances around us. The sanctuary—God’s presence and His Word—reorients our vision, reminding us that the unseen world and the truth of Scripture are our true foundation. Second, our desires must be sanctified. Even if we attain what we crave, fulfillment is found only when our longings are shaped by intimacy with Christ, walking so closely with Him that the “dust of the Master” covers us. Third, our hope must be anchored in God alone. The psalmist moves from confusion to confidence, realizing that God’s faithful presence, guidance, and sponsorship are his true security.
Discipleship, then, is not merely a transfer of knowledge or a set of practices, but a way of life marked by connection—to God, to ourselves in honest self-examination, and to one another in authentic community. It is more “caught than taught,” as we model and share lives transformed by obedience to Jesus. The global church reminds us of the spiritual reality and power at the heart of Christianity, a reality sometimes obscured in the West by busyness or a focus on content over connection. Ultimately, the kingship of Jesus stands at the center: He is Lord, and our allegiance to Him shapes every aspect of our lives as disciples.
Key Takeaways
- True perspective comes from the sanctuary of God. When life’s circumstances seem unjust or confusing, it is only by entering God’s presence and immersing ourselves in His Word that we gain an eternal perspective, seeing beyond the immediate to God’s redemptive purposes. This reorientation is essential for spiritual stability in a world that often feels upside down. [45:19]
- Our desires must be sanctified, not merely satisfied. The longing for what others have, or for what the world deems successful, can embitter the soul. Fulfillment is not found in getting what we want, but in allowing Christ to reshape our desires so that we hunger and thirst for righteousness and intimacy with Him above all else. [52:18]
- Hope is anchored in God’s faithful presence, not in circumstances. The psalmist’s journey moves from despair to assurance as he realizes that God holds his right hand, guides him, and will ultimately receive him into glory. This quiet confidence in God’s sponsorship—His protection and provision—sustains us through every season. [54:00]
- Discipleship is more caught than taught; it is a way of life. While teaching and content are important, transformation happens as we model obedience, share testimonies, and walk together in community. The application of truth, not just its acquisition, is what shapes us into Christ’s likeness. [01:07:01]
- The spiritual dimension of Christianity is essential and often overlooked. The global church reminds us that spiritual warfare, intimacy with God, and the supernatural work of the Spirit are central to following Jesus. Without this, faith becomes tame and routine, but with it, we experience the living reality of Christ’s kingship and power. [01:08:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:20] - Gratitude for Elm Brook’s Global Voices
[38:59] - Introduction of Pastor Edmund Chan
[41:09] - Opening Prayer
[41:40] - Psalm 73: Discipleship in Dark Days
[42:12] - The Struggle: Prosperity of the Wicked
[43:51] - Inner Turmoil and Honest Questions
[45:19] - The Sanctuary: Turning Point
[46:52] - Lesson 1: Eternal vs. Temporal Perspective
[50:40] - Lesson 2: Sanctifying Our Desires
[53:05] - Lesson 3: Anchoring Our Hope in God
[55:27] - The Supernatural Reality of Faith
[56:17] - Obedience and the Presence of God
[59:54] - Closing Prayer
[01:00:32] - Interview: Discipleship in Community
[01:02:50] - Cultivating Spiritual Hunger
[01:05:23] - Discipleship: Caught, Not Just Taught
[01:08:13] - Global Perspectives on Discipleship
[01:09:38] - The Kingship of Jesus in Revelation
[01:11:21] - Final Blessing and Sending
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Discipleship in Dark Days (Psalm 73)
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### Bible Reading
- Psalm 73 (entire psalm, but especially verses 1-3, 13-28)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 73, what specific struggle does the psalmist describe when he observes the prosperity of the wicked? ([42:12])
2. According to the sermon, what is the turning point for the psalmist’s perspective, and where does it happen? ([45:19])
3. What three characteristics does the psalmist use to describe the wicked in verses 4-12? ([43:05])
4. How does the psalmist’s language change after his experience in the sanctuary of God? ([53:23])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the psalmist’s encounter in the sanctuary of God change his outlook on the prosperity of the wicked? What does this say about the importance of God’s presence and perspective? ([46:24])
2. The sermon mentions that the psalmist’s desires were “unsanctified” before his encounter with God. What does it mean for our desires to be sanctified, and why is this important for discipleship? ([52:18])
3. The psalmist moves from confusion and despair to confidence and hope. What role does God’s “sponsorship” (holding his right hand) play in this transformation? ([54:00])
4. The speaker says discipleship is “more caught than taught.” What does this mean in the context of the psalm and the sermon? ([01:07:01])
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### Application Questions
1. The psalmist admits to being envious of the wicked and almost stumbling in his faith. Can you recall a time when you struggled with similar feelings? How did you respond, and what helped you regain perspective? ([42:12])
2. The turning point for the psalmist was entering the sanctuary—being in God’s presence and hearing His Word. What does “entering the sanctuary” look like for you in your daily or weekly life? Are there specific practices that help you re-anchor your perspective in God? ([45:19])
3. The sermon challenges us to let Christ sanctify our desires. Is there a longing or desire in your life right now that you sense needs to be reshaped by Jesus? What would it look like to invite Him into that area? ([52:18])
4. The psalmist finds hope not in his circumstances but in God’s faithful presence. When you face uncertainty or disappointment, what are practical ways you can remind yourself that God is holding your right hand? ([54:00])
5. Discipleship is described as a way of life, not just a transfer of knowledge. Who in your life has modeled authentic discipleship for you? How did their example impact your faith? ([01:07:01])
6. The sermon highlights the importance of honest self-examination and authentic community. Is there an area of your life where you need to be more honest with yourself or with others? What step could you take this week to move toward greater authenticity? ([01:02:04])
7. The global church reminds us of the spiritual reality and power at the heart of Christianity. Are there ways you can become more aware of or engaged in the spiritual dimension of your faith, such as prayer, spiritual warfare, or seeking the Spirit’s guidance? ([01:08:27])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a deeper hunger for God, for sanctified desires, and for the courage to walk closely with Jesus, even when life feels confusing or unfair. Ask God to help each person anchor their hope in His faithful presence.
Devotional
Day 1: Anchoring Our Lives in God’s Eternal Perspective
When life feels unfair and the wicked seem to prosper, it is easy to become discouraged and lose sight of God’s goodness. The psalmist in Psalm 73 confesses his struggle with envy and confusion until he enters the sanctuary of God, where his perspective shifts from the temporary to the eternal. In the presence of God, he realizes that true understanding and clarity come not from worldly wisdom but from seeing life through God’s eyes. When we are overwhelmed by the apparent success of those who do not honor God, we are invited to step into God’s presence, allowing His truth to anchor us and renew our vision for what truly matters. [45:19]
Psalm 73:16-17 (ESV)
"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."
Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by the apparent success of others, how can you intentionally step into God’s presence this week to regain an eternal perspective?
Day 2: Letting God Sanctify Our Desires
Our hearts are often drawn to desires that do not satisfy, and even when we achieve what we long for, fulfillment can remain elusive. The psalmist admits that his soul was embittered and envious, but in God’s presence, he recognizes the need for his desires to be sanctified. True discipleship means allowing Jesus to transform our longings, so that we hunger and thirst for what is above rather than what is below. Walking closely with Jesus brings a spiritual intimacy that reshapes our hearts, making us crave what truly satisfies. [52:18]
Psalm 73:21-26 (ESV)
"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Reflection: What is one desire you need to surrender to God today, asking Him to sanctify it and give you a deeper hunger for Him?
Day 3: God as Our Foundation and Hope
In times of darkness and difficulty, our hope can easily be misplaced in things that cannot sustain us. The psalmist learns that his true foundation is not in his own strength or understanding, but in God’s faithful presence and guidance. God promises to hold us, guide us, and ultimately receive us into glory. This assurance gives us confidence and peace, even when circumstances are uncertain. Each day, we can come before God, receive His mercies anew, and walk forward with the quiet confidence that He is our protector and provider. [54:20]
Psalm 73:23-24 (ESV)
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift your hope from your own efforts to God’s faithful presence and guidance?
Day 4: Discipleship Is More Caught Than Taught
True discipleship is not merely about transferring knowledge or content; it is about living out obedience to Jesus in community. The call of Jesus is not just to learn His teachings, but to observe and obey them, modeling a life of faith that others can imitate. In community, we encourage, inspire, and help one another to walk in obedience, sharing testimonies of how God’s truth is applied and transforms our lives. Discipleship is a way of life, a redemptive love, and a connection to truth that is more caught than taught. [07:01]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally encourage or model obedience to Jesus for this week, so that discipleship becomes a shared journey?
Day 5: Embracing the Supernatural Reality of Following Jesus
Christianity is not meant to be tame or merely intellectual; it is a supernatural life empowered by the Spirit of the living God. There is a spiritual dimension to our faith—a reality of God’s presence, power, and redemptive work that transforms us and those around us. When we anchor ourselves in God’s sanctuary, listen for His voice, and walk in obedience, we experience the supernaturalness of Christianity. God invites us to trust Him, to step out in faith, and to expect His presence to move in and through us in ways that go beyond our understanding. [59:21]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Where do you need to invite God’s supernatural presence and power into your life, trusting Him to work beyond what you can see or imagine?
Quotes
Disciplehip is not just for the good times and the sunshine days. Disciplehip is also for the dark days, the difficult days, the days where we don't have clarity and a lot of confusion. And the word of God is our anchor. That's what Psalm 73 is all about. It begins with an intriguing introduction in verse one and verse two. Verse one, truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my seat, my feet have almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. [00:41:47]
He began with a religious a cliche. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, in my personal experience, my feet came close to stumbling. And I tell you why. In verse three, he says, because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. verse 4 to verse 12 he tells us three things about the wicked they are prosperous they are proud and powerful therefore there are two inner struggle I struggle with I said to myself I give up but I cannot give up because I I'm the worship leader [00:45:30]
Disciplehip begins not in the classroom room. It begins in the sanctuary of God because in the sanctuary of God, he learned three profound lessons. This is an important question. Come on, accept. What did you learn in the sanctuary of God? What gave you that spiritual compass in the midst of confusion? What gave you the clarity to move on? Until I came to the sanctuary of God and then I perceived the end. And the rest of the psalm he tells us three profound lessons he has learned. [00:46:09]
Lesson number one he has learned that his evaluation of life was from the wrong perspective. That's from verse 18 to verse 20. He evaluated life from the temporal rather than the eternal. Look at verse 18. Truly you set them in slippery places. You make them fall to ruin. how they are destroyed in a moment swept away utterly by terrorists. In other words, when he saw things from the temporal perspective, it looked bleak for the godly when he saw the prosperity of the wicked. [00:46:49]
But now he says in the sanctuary of God, I saw the end. I begin to have a perspective of the eternal, not the temporal. Disciplehip unto Jesus brings us to focus on the eternal so that we are able to see with the right perspective. The reason why we cannot see is we are too busy. Business have crept in our life. There is a limmerick a poem that goes something like this. Mary had a little lamb was given her to keep. But then he joined the Baptist church and died for lack of sleep. [00:47:35]
We get so busy in work, we rush here, we rush there, we might as well be called Russians. We need to anchor in the sanctuary of God to understand his ways, his redemptive purposes, to understand his truth that will anchor us in the very foundation of the sacred scriptures. That's why in our busyiness, we have to come back to the holy scriptures. Some years ago, I was invited to Latin America in a closed door by invitationonly meeting to meet up with some senior pastors of the super mega churches in Latin America. [00:48:13]
The most important world we live in is the unseen world. And the most precious commodity in the unseen world is truth. And this truth is in the word of God. That is why to submit to the authority of the scriptures to understand the ways, the will and the word of God is of paramount importance. And the only way we can do that is to go back to the script sacred scriptures. And so since then, I've been invited back to Latin America over and over again. [00:48:51]
Because it is in the sanctuary where we perceive God and his ways in the light of the holy scriptures. That's what disciplehip is about. Jesus himself when he said follow me, he was the one who brought us back to the sacred scriptures time and time and time again. That's the first lesson. It is through the scriptures that we are anchored on the eternal and not the temporal. The second lesson is to learn that his goal in life was of the wrong desire. [00:49:23]
When we follow Jesus the Christ, the son of the living God, he sanctifies our desire. He gives us a spiritual hunger and a spiritual thirst to set our minds on things above and not on things below. It changes everything. The Jews have a blessing and one of the blessings that they they have is may the dust of the master cover you. In other words, you walk so closely to Jesus that the dust of his heel covers you. It's a spiritual intimacy where our desires are sanctified in God. [00:52:19]
Nevertheless, I'm continually with you. You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will receive me to glory. Could you see the difference between the before the sanctuary of God? It is I give up but I cannot give up. I try to understand but I cannot understand. I I in the sanctuary of God the pronoun changed. Now it is I am continually with you. You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel. Afterward you will receive me to glory. [00:53:14]
What is saying is, I realize now that my hope is in God and nothing else. That's what disciplehip does for us in dark days, in difficult days. It gives us a quiet confidence to anchor in God. In my prayers, many a morning I I wake up and have an hour of prayer time before the Lord. And as I come before the Lord, each morning a common refrain from my lips and from my heart is your mercies are new every morning. and great great great is your faithfulness. [00:54:10]
There is confidence in God. And and I walk with this two. The cleansing in my life and the confidence of God in my life. That's what we need to learn in that journey that God is our foundation and hope as we walk in him. Without God, we lose the sense of a supernaturalness in Christianity. Christianity became too same, too tame, too lame. But there is a spiritual life in God. There is a spiritual foundation in his word. There's a spiritual compass by which we direct our life. [00:54:56]
We must essentially understand the nature of truth. The western construct of truth is truth as content. And therefore disciplehip is knowledge transfer. You have some content, you transfer to me, you make me a disciple. Truth as content. But the Jewish thinking of truth is beyond just content. It's truth as connection. And there's a true three-fold connection. Connection with God, connection within ourselves, a radical honesty about our life, and connection with one another. [01:01:50]
And that is why for the Jewish context of truth, community is essential because it is in community where we connect with God together. It is community where we connect with life together. And it's in community we connect with one another together. That's beautiful. Uh you just said by Mike Breen, another expert in disciplehip, no relation, that the smallest number in disciplehip is two. It's the it's the indivisible number because disciplehip always happens in relationships. [01:02:13]
I believe disciplehip can be taught. I no longer do. Okay. I believe disciplehip is more caught than taught. Because if I were to teach disciplehip uh as a pastor, I uh I've been a senior pastor for 25 years. I teach it in a congregation in my preaching. I teach it in disciplehip classes. Now, these things are important. But I believe that disciplehip is more taught than taught. It is a way of life. It is a redemptive love. It's a connection to truth. [01:05:46]
In the past, this is what I thought. I thought the great commission is this. Go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the father, name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Teaching them all things whatsoever I commanded you. Don't teach some things. Don't teach a few things. Teach them all things whatsoever commanded you. So, as a as a pastor, I try to teach my my congregation the word of God, which which I still do. I believe in expulary preaching. [01:06:24]
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