Divine Success: Embracing God's Path to Blessing
Summary
In our pursuit of happiness and success, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of where to turn or how to define these elusive goals. As we embark on this new series, "Blessed for Success," we delve into the biblical understanding of success and blessing. The scriptures, particularly Joshua 1:8, John 5, and 1 Corinthians 3, provide us with a roadmap to achieving a life that is both blessed and successful.
Success, as defined by the world, often revolves around material wealth and personal achievements. However, the Bible offers a different perspective, one that is rooted in spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word and living according to His instructions. This is the foundation for true prosperity and success.
In John 5, we encounter a man who has been waiting for healing for 38 years. Jesus asks him a profound question: "Do you wish to get well?" This question challenges us to examine our own desires and willingness to change. Are we truly ready to embrace the transformation that comes with God's blessing?
1 Corinthians 3 reminds us of the importance of spiritual maturity. Paul speaks to the Corinthians about moving beyond spiritual infancy and embracing the deeper truths of God's Word. This growth is essential for living a life that is both blessed and successful.
A blessed life does not equate to an easy life. It often requires us to start new habits, stop old ones, and be obedient to God's calling. We must invite God into every aspect of our lives, from our finances to our relationships, and be willing to let Him change us from the inside out.
Ultimately, success is not measured by worldly standards but by discovering and living out our God-given purpose. It is about making a positive impact on others and being fully committed to our faith. As we trust and obey God's Word, we open ourselves to the blessings He has in store for us.
Key Takeaways:
- True success is rooted in spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. Meditating on and living according to God's Word is the foundation for prosperity and success. [01:21]
- A blessed life requires a willingness to change and embrace new habits. It involves inviting God into every aspect of our lives and being open to His transformative power. [10:51]
- Spiritual maturity is essential for a successful life. Moving beyond spiritual infancy and embracing the deeper truths of God's Word allows us to grow and thrive. [23:25]
- Success is not measured by worldly standards but by discovering and living out our God-given purpose. It involves making a positive impact on others and being fully committed to our faith. [21:36]
- A blessed life does not equate to an easy life. It often requires us to make difficult changes and be obedient to God's calling, trusting that His plans for us are good. [08:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - The Quest for Success
[02:32] - The Pool of Bethesda
[03:50] - Spiritual Maturity
[05:44] - Meditating on God's Word
[08:32] - Embracing Change
[10:51] - Inviting God In
[12:18] - Overcoming Excuses
[13:29] - The Company You Keep
[15:23] - Identifying What's Killing You
[16:03] - The Power of Opportunity
[17:36] - Lessons from Legends
[19:17] - The Desire to Get Well
[20:17] - Willingness to Change
[21:36] - Discovering Your Purpose
[23:25] - Growing in Maturity
[24:55] - Being All In
[26:08] - Courage to Adjust
[27:01] - Bringing Heaven Down
[27:53] - Good Stewardship
[28:32] - Who's Blessed Because of You?
[29:58] - Trust and Obey
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Blessed for Success
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 1:8
- John 5:1-9
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Joshua 1:8, what is the key to prosperity and success? How does this differ from worldly definitions of success? [01:21]
2. In John 5, Jesus asks the man at the pool of Bethesda if he wants to get well. Why might this question be significant, and what does it reveal about the man's situation? [02:32]
3. What does Paul mean when he refers to the Corinthians as "babes in Christ" in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3? How does this relate to spiritual maturity? [03:50]
4. The sermon mentions that a blessed life often requires starting new habits and stopping old ones. Can you identify any examples given in the sermon? [08:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does meditating on God's Word, as instructed in Joshua 1:8, contribute to spiritual growth and alignment with God's will? [05:44]
2. What might Jesus' question to the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5 suggest about our own willingness to embrace change and healing? [19:17]
3. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul discusses the need for spiritual maturity. How does this maturity impact one's ability to live a blessed and successful life? [23:25]
4. The sermon suggests that success is not measured by worldly standards but by discovering and living out our God-given purpose. How can one discern their purpose according to the sermon? [21:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of success. How does it align or differ from the biblical perspective shared in the sermon? What changes might you need to make in your life to align more closely with God's definition of success? [01:21]
2. Consider the question Jesus asked the man at the pool: "Do you wish to get well?" Are there areas in your life where you need to ask yourself a similar question? What steps can you take to pursue healing and change? [19:17]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of inviting God into every aspect of our lives. Identify one area of your life where you have not fully invited God in. What practical steps can you take to change this? [10:51]
4. Spiritual maturity is highlighted as essential for a successful life. What specific actions can you take to grow in your spiritual maturity this week? Consider areas such as prayer, Bible study, or community involvement. [23:25]
5. The sermon challenges us to make a positive impact on others. Identify one person in your life who you can bless this week. What specific action will you take to make their life better? [24:55]
6. Reflect on any old habits that may be hindering your spiritual growth. What is one habit you can commit to changing this month, and how will you hold yourself accountable? [08:32]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of being "all in" for Jesus. What does being "all in" look like in your current season of life, and what changes might you need to make to fully commit to your faith? [26:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Success Through God's Word
True success is not measured by worldly standards but by spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. The Bible teaches that meditating on and living according to God's Word is the foundation for prosperity and success. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the importance of keeping God's Word at the forefront of our minds and actions. This involves a daily commitment to study and reflect on scripture, allowing it to guide our decisions and shape our character. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we begin to see success not as the accumulation of wealth or status, but as a life lived in harmony with God's purposes. [01:21]
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to incorporate meditation on God's Word into your daily routine?
Day 2: Embracing Change for a Blessed Life
A blessed life requires a willingness to change and embrace new habits. It involves inviting God into every aspect of our lives and being open to His transformative power. This means being ready to let go of old patterns and embrace new ways of living that align with God's will. Change can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth and receiving God's blessings. By allowing God to work in us, we open ourselves to the transformation that leads to a truly blessed life. [10:51]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one habit or mindset you need to change to invite God's transformative power into your life today?
Day 3: Growing in Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity is essential for a successful life. Moving beyond spiritual infancy and embracing the deeper truths of God's Word allows us to grow and thrive. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, encourages believers to move past the basics of faith and delve into a deeper understanding of God's teachings. This growth is not just about acquiring knowledge but about applying it to our lives and allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes. As we mature spiritually, we become more equipped to live a life that is both blessed and successful. [23:25]
"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to seek deeper understanding and maturity?
Day 4: Discovering Your God-Given Purpose
Success is not measured by worldly standards but by discovering and living out our God-given purpose. It involves making a positive impact on others and being fully committed to our faith. As we trust and obey God's Word, we open ourselves to the blessings He has in store for us. This requires a willingness to seek God's guidance and align our lives with His plans. By doing so, we find true fulfillment and success in living out the purpose God has designed for us. [21:36]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to discover and pursue your God-given purpose?
Day 5: Trusting God's Plan Through Obedience
A blessed life does not equate to an easy life. It often requires us to make difficult changes and be obedient to God's calling, trusting that His plans for us are good. This involves surrendering our own desires and trusting in God's wisdom and timing. Obedience to God may lead us through challenges, but it also brings us closer to the blessings He has prepared for us. By trusting and obeying God, we demonstrate our faith and open ourselves to His guidance and provision. [08:32]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust and obey God's plan, even if it requires difficult changes?
Quotes
"Joshua 1, verse 8, a very familiar passage says this. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth. But you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." [00:01:46] (26 seconds)
"Well, a common part of our prayer is for God to bless us. As a matter of fact, maybe when you woke up this morning, when you went to bed last night, maybe a part of your prayer was, God, I want your blessing. God, I want you to bless my family. I want you to bless my kids. I want you to bless... I want you to bless our home. Maybe this morning over your breakfast, you're praying for God to bless your food. There's something inside of us that desires blessing from God. We want to have that blessing. We want to call upon God for his blessing because there is a universal desire in all of us to know the blessing of God and to have this blessing that leads to success. We want blessing that will lead to a life filled with success." [00:04:11] (39 seconds)
"And so Joshua 1 .8 says, And this book of instruction must not depart from you. And you are to meditate on it. Day and night. So he's saying, first of all, I'm going to give you the instruction manual, but it's up to you to read it. Not just read it. Not just put it on a shelf somewhere, but I want you to meditate on it. I want you to glean as much from it as you can. I want you to apply it to your life so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then, as you carefully observe everything written in it, for then you will, you will prosper and have good success." [00:05:44] (42 seconds)
"A blessed life doesn't always mean an easy life. And I meet so many people who want to make that equation. They want to say, well, if I had an easy life, I'd have a blessed life. If I had a blessed life, I'd have an easy life. Not necessarily. See, a blessed life often means starting some new things. Maybe there's some things you need to do differently. Maybe there's some things you need to start. Maybe there's some things you need to stop. See, a blessed life often means I'm going to start some new things. I'm going to be a different person. I'm not going to hold that grudge. I'm not going to be as mean-spirited. I'm not going to be as critical." [00:08:14] (36 seconds)
"If you don't invite God into your situation, if you don't invite God into your circumstance, you're not going to be blessed. You're not going to be blessed. You're not going to circumstances. If you don't invite God into the process, then you will miss out on God's blessing. What do I mean by that? I meet so many people who never really involve God. They don't involve God in their finances. They don't involve God with the raising of their kids. And what happens is, the book of James says, you have not because you ask not. And a lot of people never include God, never ask God's counsel, if you will, as to what I need to do differently to have the blessing that comes from you. Next, if we don't get involved with what God is doing, if we don't get involved with what God is inviting us to do, see, God will open the door, but you got to walk through it." [00:09:42] (45 seconds)
"Here's the thing that we all say or do at least some point. God, change my circumstances. God, change him. God, change her. God, change them. God, change my boss's mind. God, change my spouse's mind. God, I want you to do a work in them. God, change my circumstances. And many times, sometimes Jesus begins by changing you. We must be willing for Jesus to change us, not just our circumstances." [00:10:51] (26 seconds)
"It is easier to blame others than to get real with yourself and to get real with God. It is easier to blame others as to why you don't go to church, or why you don't give, or why you don't forgive, or why you don't love, or why you don't have a good attitude. It's easier to blame others than to get real with yourself and to get real with who God is. Next, you'll never know blessing as long as you surround yourself with toxic people." [00:12:37] (26 seconds)
"What prevents blessing from coming into our life? Not stopping what's killing you and others. Here's my point. If you, if me, if we don't stop what's killing us, then we'll never know the blessing of God. Mark, what do you mean by that? I mean this. Ask yourself a question. What's killing your marriage? What's killing your marriage? What is it that you've allowed into your marriage that's killing it? What person, what habit, what addiction, what situation, what circumstance? Well, we're just friends. We're just friends. Can I have friends that are guys? Can I have friends that are girls? Really? Ask yourself, what's killing your marriage? What's killing your family? What's killing your family?" [00:14:44] (46 seconds)
"Because I know people, and you know people, who've been doing the same thing year, after year, after year, after year. And people have said, hey, look, you might want to try this, you might want to do that, you might want to get a little closer, you might want to move back. And year after year after year, they keep doing the same thing over and over again. And finally, you're asking yourself, do you really want to get better? Do you really want a better marriage? Do you really want a better life? Do you really want better kids? Do you really want a better situation? Because obviously, you haven't done anything at all, not even a moment." [00:18:59] (32 seconds)
"You never know blessing until you are obedient to the Word of God. You will never know blessing until you do exactly what Joshua writes down when he says you're called to meditate upon it. You're called to know it. You're called to embrace it. You're called to make sure that you know where it is and where it's going and how it affects you and bring it into your life. So here's the next question. What is the definition of success?" [00:20:57] (24 seconds)
"See, there are three great days in every person's life, hopefully. Three great days. Day number one, the day they're born. Day number two, when they are born again, when they believe in the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But day number three is when you discover your purpose in life. I will argue that is the greatest definition of success. Not how much money you have or how many things or how many toys or how many gizmos you have, but when you discover what is your purpose in life. Here's the point. The fruit of a blessed life is a successful life. And this happens the day you understand and you begin to know your purpose. And not only when you know your purpose, but when you live out your purpose. When you know the purpose that God has given you, the very reason why you're on this planet, and you begin to live out your purpose, that is the day that success begins to come into your life." [00:21:36] (59 seconds)
"That's your goal in 2025. That is your goal in 2025, that there's somebody that God has brought into your life, somebody that God wants you to minister to, someone God wants you to witness to, someone God wants you to invite, so their life can be better, not just, again, in monetary things or other worldly things, but to be better as a person, as a child of God. Next, what fuels success is this, it's being all in." [00:24:55] (27 seconds)
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