Embracing Boldness: Cultivating Unshakable Faith

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we embark on a journey to explore the concept of being bold, as we launch our new series, "Unshakable." This series will delve into the life of Elijah, a remarkable figure in biblical history, to understand how we can cultivate an unshakable faith. Our focus today is on the theme of boldness, a quality that can transform our lives and faith. I shared a personal story from my high school days when my father encouraged me to be bold on the basketball court. This lesson in boldness extended beyond sports and became a guiding principle in my life, even leading me to meet my wife, Sarah.

As we examine Elijah's story in 1 Kings 17, we see a man who exemplified boldness in his faith. Elijah boldly confronted King Ahab, declaring that there would be no rain or dew until he said so. This act of courage was just the beginning of Elijah's journey. He trusted God's provision, even when it meant relying on ravens for food and a widow for sustenance. Elijah's boldness was not just in his words but in his actions, as he followed God's instructions without hesitation.

In our own lives, we are called to be bold in our faith, to trust in God's provision, and to see the world as God sees it. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, believing that God will provide, and viewing ourselves and others through God's eyes. We must be bold for God, not against others, and shine the light and love of Jesus in a world that often feels dark. As we strive for an unshakable faith, let us be bold in our actions, our beliefs, and our love for others.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be Bold in Faith: Elijah's story teaches us the importance of being bold in our faith. Boldness is not just about speaking out but also about taking action based on God's guidance. We must be willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will lead us and provide for us, even when the path is uncertain. [22:33]

2. Trust in God's Provision: Elijah's reliance on ravens and a widow for sustenance demonstrates the need to trust in God's provision. We must shift our focus from the circumstances to the Provider, believing that God will meet our needs in unexpected ways. This trust allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that God is in control. [26:58]

3. See Through God's Eyes: To be bold in our faith, we must learn to see ourselves and others as God sees us. This perspective helps us recognize the potential and purpose that God has placed within us, enabling us to act with courage and compassion. By seeing through God's eyes, we can overcome our limitations and embrace the opportunities before us. [29:00]

4. Boldness for God, Not Against Others: Our boldness should be directed towards advancing God's kingdom, not opposing others. Like Elijah and Jesus, we should be bold for the sake of love, justice, and truth, seeking to uplift and transform rather than condemn. This approach fosters unity and reflects the heart of God. [37:42]

5. Embrace Opportunities for Boldness: God often presents us with opportunities to practice boldness in our daily lives. Whether it's reaching out to someone in need or standing firm in our beliefs, these moments are chances to grow in faith and impact the world around us. Let us seize these opportunities with courage and trust in God's guidance. [42:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:40] - Personal Story of Boldness
- [07:31] - Prayer for Boldness
- [08:58] - Introduction to Elijah
- [10:34] - Elijah's Bold Declaration
- [13:42] - God's Provision for Elijah
- [15:55] - Elijah and the Widow
- [17:35] - The Miracle of Provision
- [19:07] - Lessons from Elijah's Boldness
- [21:58] - Boldness in Belief
- [23:47] - Trusting God's Timing
- [25:41] - Acting on God's Promptings
- [28:31] - Seeing Through God's Eyes
- [31:55] - Embracing God's Perspective
- [36:33] - Boldness for God, Not Against Others
- [41:48] - Closing Prayer and Challenge

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Unshakable Faith and Boldness

Bible Reading:
- 1 Kings 17:1-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What bold action did Elijah take when he confronted King Ahab, and what was the significance of his declaration? [13:42]

2. How did God provide for Elijah after he made his bold declaration to Ahab? Describe the means of provision. [15:55]

3. What was the widow's initial reaction to Elijah's request for food, and how did her situation change after she followed his instructions? [17:35]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of boldness through the personal story shared by the pastor? [04:40]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Elijah's boldness in confronting Ahab reflect the kind of faith that is unshakable? Consider the risks and trust involved. [22:33]

2. How does the story of Elijah and the widow challenge our understanding of God's provision, especially in times of scarcity? [26:58]

3. What does it mean to see through God's eyes, as discussed in the sermon, and how does this perspective influence our actions and decisions? [29:00]

4. How does the sermon suggest that boldness should be directed towards advancing God's kingdom rather than opposing others? [37:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you need to be bold in your faith. What steps can you take to act on God's guidance, even if the path seems uncertain? [22:33]

2. Consider a time when you had to trust in God's provision. How did that experience shape your faith, and how can you apply that trust to current challenges? [26:58]

3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to see yourself or others as God sees them. What practical steps can you take to adopt God's perspective? [29:00]

4. Think of a recent opportunity where you could have been bold for God but chose comfort instead. What can you do differently next time to seize such opportunities? [42:51]

5. How can you practice being bold for God in your community this week? Consider specific actions you can take to shine the light and love of Jesus in a tangible way. [41:04]

6. Reflect on a relationship where you have been bold against someone rather than for God. How can you shift your approach to align with the sermon’s message of boldness for God? [37:42]

7. What is one specific way you can encourage someone else to be bold in their faith this week? How can you support them in taking that step? [42:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Bold Faith in Action
In the story of Elijah, boldness in faith is not merely about speaking out but involves taking decisive action based on God's guidance. Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab, where he declared a drought, exemplifies this boldness. His actions were rooted in a deep trust in God's word and a willingness to step out in faith, even when the path was uncertain. This kind of boldness requires courage and a firm belief that God will lead and provide, regardless of the circumstances. As believers, we are called to emulate Elijah's example by stepping out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and meet our needs. [22:33]

1 Kings 18:36-37 (ESV): "And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take bold action? How can you step out in faith today, trusting in His guidance and provision?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Unseen Provision
Elijah's reliance on ravens and a widow for sustenance highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision, even when it comes in unexpected ways. This trust requires shifting our focus from our circumstances to the Provider, believing that God will meet our needs. Elijah's experience teaches us that God's provision may not always align with our expectations, but it is always sufficient. By trusting in God's provision, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is in control and will provide for us in ways we may not anticipate. [26:58]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Think of a time when you were surprised by God's provision. How can you cultivate a mindset of trust in God's provision, even when it seems unlikely or unexpected?


Day 3: Seeing Through God's Eyes
To be bold in our faith, we must learn to see ourselves and others as God sees us. This perspective allows us to recognize the potential and purpose that God has placed within us, enabling us to act with courage and compassion. By seeing through God's eyes, we can overcome our limitations and embrace the opportunities before us. This shift in perspective helps us to act boldly, not out of fear or judgment, but out of love and a desire to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. [29:00]

Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."

Reflection: How can you begin to see yourself and others through God's eyes today? What steps can you take to align your perspective with God's view of your potential and purpose?


Day 4: Boldness for God's Kingdom
Our boldness should be directed towards advancing God's kingdom, not opposing others. Like Elijah and Jesus, we are called to be bold for the sake of love, justice, and truth, seeking to uplift and transform rather than condemn. This approach fosters unity and reflects the heart of God. By being bold for God's kingdom, we can make a positive impact in the world, shining the light and love of Jesus in a world that often feels dark. [37:42]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: In what ways can you be bold for God's kingdom today? How can you use your actions and words to promote love, justice, and truth in your community?


Day 5: Embracing Opportunities for Boldness
God often presents us with opportunities to practice boldness in our daily lives. Whether it's reaching out to someone in need or standing firm in our beliefs, these moments are chances to grow in faith and impact the world around us. By embracing these opportunities with courage and trust in God's guidance, we can develop an unshakable faith that reflects His love and power. Let us be attentive to the opportunities God places before us and seize them with boldness and confidence. [42:51]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What opportunities for boldness has God placed in your life recently? How can you respond to these opportunities with courage and trust in His guidance today?

Quotes

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Transcript
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