Embracing Divine Assignments with Courage and Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of divine assignments and the courage required to step into them. We began by acknowledging that God is revealing specific assignments to each of us, and with that revelation comes a need for extraordinary courage. This courage is essential because receiving an assignment from God is only the beginning; we must act upon it. As we prayed for courage, we recognized that God has placed us in unique positions to fulfill His purposes, and He is calling us to move forward with boldness.
We then transitioned into Romans 8, focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul reminds us that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, whether it be for the sake of Christ or due to life's challenges. However, we are not left alone in our suffering. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, helping us in our weakness and aligning our prayers with God's will. This divine intercession ensures that even when we don't know what to pray, the Spirit is making a "hyper intervention" on our behalf, ensuring that all things work together for our good according to God's purpose.
We delved into the idea that God's definition of "good" may differ from our own, as it aligns with His will and what is ultimately profitable for us. This understanding challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and His deliberate plan for our lives. We are reminded that our role is to love God deeply and to remain faithful to the assignments He has given us. This love and faithfulness are crucial as they allow us to partner with the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's purposes.
Finally, we were encouraged to cultivate a love relationship with God and to ensure that we are among the "called ones" who are living according to His purpose. This involves a commitment to prayer and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide us, even when we don't fully understand the path ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Assignments and Courage: God has specific assignments for each of us, and stepping into these requires extraordinary courage. It's not enough to receive an assignment; we must act on it with boldness and faith, trusting that God will guide us. [01:03:57]
- Suffering and the Holy Spirit's Role: Suffering is part of the Christian journey, but we are not alone. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, helping us in our weakness and aligning our prayers with God's will, ensuring that all things work together for our good. [01:20:50]
- Understanding God's "Good": God's definition of "good" aligns with His will and what is ultimately profitable for us. This challenges us to trust in His sovereignty and His deliberate plan, even when it differs from our own understanding. [01:34:37]
- Love and Faithfulness: Our role is to love God deeply and remain faithful to the assignments He has given us. This love and faithfulness allow us to partner with the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's purposes, ensuring that we are aligned with His will. [01:42:00]
- Cultivating a Relationship with God: It's crucial to cultivate a love relationship with God and ensure that we are among the "called ones" living according to His purpose. This involves a commitment to prayer and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide us. [01:50:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:03:57] - Divine Assignments and Courage
- [01:10:42] - Worship and Romans 8 Introduction
- [01:15:56] - Suffering and the Christian Journey
- [01:20:50] - The Holy Spirit's Intercession
- [01:25:07] - Understanding Groanings and Intercession
- [01:27:35] - The Holy Spirit's Hyper Intervention
- [01:30:02] - God's Knowledge and Will
- [01:32:29] - All Things Work Together for Good
- [01:34:37] - Defining God's "Good"
- [01:38:11] - God's Deliberate Plan and Our Role
- [01:40:15] - Love and Intimacy with God
- [01:42:00] - The Balance of Divine Sovereignty and Human Intervention
- [01:43:53] - The Great Commandment and Our Role
- [01:50:05] - The Cloud of Witnesses and Our Journey
- [01:52:05] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-29
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul say about the role of the Holy Spirit in our weaknesses according to Romans 8:26-27? How does this relate to the concept of "hyper intervention"? [01:25:07]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned two types of suffering. What are they, and how do they relate to the Christian journey? [01:15:56]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between divine assignments and courage? What is the significance of this relationship? [01:03:57]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of understanding God's definition of "good" in Romans 8:28? [01:34:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Holy Spirit's intercession help believers align their prayers with God's will, especially when they are unsure of what to pray? [01:20:50]
2. The sermon discusses the idea of divine assignments. How might understanding one's specific assignment from God impact their daily life and decisions? [01:03:57]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that suffering can be seen as part of God's deliberate plan for believers? How does this perspective change the way one might view their own suffering? [01:38:11]
4. How does the concept of loving God deeply and remaining faithful to His assignments relate to the idea of partnering with the Holy Spirit? [01:42:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was giving you a specific assignment. How did you respond, and what role did courage play in your response? [01:03:57]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit? [01:50:05]
3. Consider a current challenge or suffering you are facing. How might viewing this situation through the lens of God's sovereignty and deliberate plan change your perspective or response? [01:34:37]
4. The sermon encourages cultivating a love relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your intimacy with God? [01:42:00]
5. Think about a situation where you struggled to understand God's definition of "good." How can you practice trusting in God's plan, even when it differs from your own understanding? [01:34:37]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to act with boldness and faith. What steps can you take this week to move forward in that area, trusting that God will guide you? [01:03:57]
7. How can you support others in your community who are facing suffering or challenges, and how might this support align with the Holy Spirit's intercession for them? [01:20:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Assignments with Courage
God has specific assignments for each of us, and stepping into these requires extraordinary courage. It's not enough to receive an assignment; we must act on it with boldness and faith, trusting that God will guide us. When God reveals a divine assignment, it is an invitation to partner with Him in His work. This partnership demands courage because it often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward despite it. As we pray for courage, we recognize that God has placed us in unique positions to fulfill His purposes, and He is calling us to move forward with boldness. [01:03:57]
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 is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a bold step forward today, trusting in His guidance?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Comfort in Suffering
Suffering is part of the Christian journey, but we are not alone. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, helping us in our weakness and aligning our prayers with God's will, ensuring that all things work together for our good. Suffering, whether for the sake of Christ or due to life's challenges, is an inevitable part of the Christian experience. However, believers are not left to endure it alone. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in comforting and interceding for us during these times. This divine intercession ensures that even when we don't know what to pray, the Spirit is making a "hyper intervention" on our behalf, aligning our prayers with God's will. [01:20:50]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's comfort during times of suffering? How can you extend that same comfort to someone else in need today?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Definition of Good
God's definition of "good" aligns with His will and what is ultimately profitable for us. This challenges us to trust in His sovereignty and His deliberate plan, even when it differs from our own understanding. Often, our understanding of what is "good" is limited by our immediate desires and circumstances. However, God's perspective is eternal and encompasses what is ultimately beneficial for us according to His purpose. Trusting in God's definition of good requires surrendering our own expectations and embracing His sovereignty, knowing that His plans are always for our ultimate benefit. [01:34:37]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to see God's goodness? How can you begin to trust in His higher perspective and plan today?
Day 4: Love and Faithfulness in Divine Partnership
Our role is to love God deeply and remain faithful to the assignments He has given us. This love and faithfulness allow us to partner with the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's purposes, ensuring that we are aligned with His will. Loving God and being faithful to His assignments are foundational to our Christian walk. This love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to align our lives with His purposes. Faithfulness involves consistently choosing to follow God's direction, even when it is challenging. By doing so, we partner with the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's purposes on earth. [01:42:00]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your love and faithfulness to God in a practical way today? What specific steps can you take to align your actions with His purposes?
Day 5: Cultivating a Deep Relationship with God
It's crucial to cultivate a love relationship with God and ensure that we are among the "called ones" living according to His purpose. This involves a commitment to prayer and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide us. A deep relationship with God is cultivated through intentional time spent in His presence, prayer, and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. This relationship is not passive but requires active engagement and a desire to know God more intimately. As we grow in our love for God, we become more attuned to His voice and His calling on our lives. [01:50:05]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can draw closer to God this week? How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for His guidance?
Quotes
"You will begin to make steps in that assignment I don't care what it looks like Do something with what God Has given you That's why the presence Is so strong right now I was sitting there worshiping And I was overwhelmed Because five years ago I said God could you create a space In this house In which your presence Was so thick That we couldn't stand it And as I'm sitting here worshiping I'm saying God you did it I said God you did it But in that same breath I said God I want more God I want more God give me the city Give me this city Give us this city God And I believe God is going to honor that In his sons and daughters Because you are in places and spaces That I won't ever go to Or can't ever go to But he's put an assignment on you For this hour Now raise your hands to the Father Raise your hands to the Father Father Father Father Father Lord I just released That anointing That apostolic anointing To do The assignments that you put on your children The assignments that you put on your children Right now God Right now God Lord I pray for an extraordinary measure Of courage An extraordinary measure Of courage Of courage Release it right now God That this would be the week God's steps are going to be taken Steps are going to be taken Father In the name of the Father And the Son and the Holy Spirit Double portion Double portion Thank you Father Thank you Father Thank you Father Thank you Father Thank you Father Thank you Father Thank you Father Courage An extraordinary measure Of courage Courage, Father." [01:00:30] (129 seconds)
"This is what Paul said in Romans chapter eight, verse 18, the New King James translation. He said, for, I consider that this, this, that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us. What is he talking about? He's saying that we are going to suffer on this side of the cross. That there is suffering on this side of the cross. Now there's two kinds of suffering. I personally believe he's talking specifically about a specific kind of suffering, but you can include other types of suffering as well. There's suffering because of life being challenging. Right? so you're like getting entered into the living. So I don't want to put you in a situation where have to Dillos." [01:15:23] (61 seconds)
"And then there's suffering for the namesake of christ and there are different kinds of suffering but would we agree that suffering is suffering pain is pain anguish is anguish i do specifically believe that the gospel writer is talking about suffering for the namesake of christ for some reason or another i've been this week and the week before kind of fixated on some of the the videos that you can watch on youtube around the persecuted church and all of that that believers in these countries are suffering for because of their belief in jesus like part of their understanding is to believe is to suffer and they just accept that they accept in fact there was a video of a room of chinese believers and when asked you know how many of you have suffered for the namesake of christ raise your hand all of them raise their hand and then the the person that asked the question went a little deeper and he asked he says how many of you have gone to prison" [01:16:34] (88 seconds)
"for christ all but one raised their hand now if i ask that question here how many have gone to prison you know for the namesake of christ probably very few of any hands would raise so there is a a type of suffering that that paul is talking about that gets pretty radical and pretty extreme and he's talking about a time ofOW WE ARE FALSES AND WE ARE SHOWED OFF AS BEING basically saying that compared to what is coming for the believer, compared to what we get to enter into, there is no suffering on this earth that can compare. That's what he's saying. In other words, he's basically saying to the believer, if I had to choose one or the other," [01:18:05] (62 seconds)
"I would take both. I would suffer knowing that something greater is coming. But whether we suffer for Christ or whether we just suffer because life is difficult, as a believer, we all are subject to suffering. But the good news, say good news, is that as believers, we are not left alone in our suffering. We are not left alone. You know, Paul goes on after verse 18, he says, even nature is suffering. Nature is suffering and groaning for the imminent return. The return of Jesus. And then he goes on and says, yes, and believers, we too ourselves are groaning for the full fulfillment of what God has in store for every son and daughter." [01:19:15] (83 seconds)
"It says, likewise, the Spirit, speaking of the Holy Spirit, also helps in our weakness. So Paul is acknowledging that that we are human. We are frail. We are going through stuff in our life, whether it's for Christ or whether it's life circumstances that we are going through stuff. And we do get to a point where we are weak. You know, and there's something about acknowledging our weakness. And just because you're called to the gospel ministry, just because you have a title doesn't mean that you don't experience weakness. I don't care how annoying. I don't care how annoying. you are if you're in the skin you will experience frailty and weakness and guess what it's okay to acknowledge that" [01:21:42] (66 seconds)
"he said paul said the holy spirit will help in our weakness weakness for we do not know what we should pray as we ought what does he say he says there is a way we should pray but we don't always know the way to pray there's things that we should be praying about concerning our weakness concerning our circumstances but we don't always know what to pray what to pray what to pray i mean we approach the throne of grace and we say whatever comes out of our mouth sometimes we have something to say sometimes we don't have nothing to say sometimes it seems like it comes out eloquently and and sometimes it seems like it's gibberish" [01:22:56] (58 seconds)
"sometimes it's rote memory where we just say the same thing over and over and over and over again because we just don't know what else to say but clearly paul is indicating that there's some way that we ought to pray concerning our situations and i am so grateful that god didn't leave us to our own humanity man this is paul's whole point in chapter 8. this is paul's whole point in chapter 8. as he's expounding on all these amazing doctrines he says the doctrines are worthless if we don't operate under the influence of the holy spirit he says the holy spirit will help in our weakness for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought to know but the holy spirit himself say himself makes our lives to be dwelling in his word for the Now scene. It's intercession, say intercession for us with groanings, which cannot be uttered. Now, some will use that portion of scripture and suggest that. He's talking about tongues." [01:24:10] (88 seconds)
"How many have heard that before? For. Maybe. Maybe not. All I know is when you when you look at the word groanings in the Greek. It's basically. Let's see, how do you say this? Unintelligible. Is that is that is that the proper word? For my. Scholars out here, unintelligible. Also, emotion without words. Is what it also means. So whether it's. Uttering things that are. Unintelligible or whether it's emotions that somehow we can't put words to. There is this sense of groaning. It's the same word used earlier when Paul was referring to nature groans. And then he said, humans groan. And he comes back and says, the Holy Spirit groans." [01:25:46] (82 seconds)
"And he's in this groaning. He's making some sort of intercession. Now, I looked up that word. Intercession, and I repeated it several times in the Greek so I could impress you with how to say it. And I knew once I got up here, I would forget. Because it's a long one. So I could just pull up my YouTube and then put it toward my microphone and let you hear YouTube. Say it. But it's like. Hooper into. Something like that. It's a long Greek word. But essentially it means. These two things. The first part means super or hyper. And the second part means pleading. Intervening as in making an appeal. So the Holy Spirit. In that state of groaning. On behalf of us. Is making some sort of super appeal to the father. Now hold on." [01:27:06] (81 seconds)
"He's dialed into our circumstance that's causing a weakness. In our humanity. We're struggling. We mean well. But we're struggling. And the Holy Spirit says. I'm not going to let you do this alone. Now, when he says that he helps us, he doesn't replace our struggle or our groanings or our initiative. He just comes alongside and helps us. But he dials into your specific and I think you need to you need to bring that to your memory. It's your specific circumstance. It's not just whitewashed general circumstance. It's what you are going through. And he looks at you. And he sees the distress signal coming from your very being. How many how many have ever been in a situation where the only prayer you could pray was help?" [01:28:11] (72 seconds)
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