Embracing Divine Grace Through the Holy Spirit

 

Summary

In our time together, I want to emphasize the immense power and grace available to us through the Holy Spirit. Often, we find ourselves trying to control our lives, much like a player in Mario Kart hoping for a power-up to propel us forward. Yet, we forget the divine power at our fingertips, capable of transforming our lives in ways we cannot imagine. This power is not about fixing our problems with human effort but about surrendering to God’s will and allowing His grace to work through us.

We are gathered here not just to share tips on marriage or life but to encounter the living God who sits on His throne, ready to pour out His grace upon us. Our lives, our marriages, and our struggles are all under His sovereign gaze, and He alone can bring about the change we seek. It is crucial to approach Him with humility, recognizing that our efforts are futile without His divine intervention.

Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared a story of a friend who, despite being on the brink of leaving his marriage, experienced a miraculous change of heart through the power of prayer. This is a testament to the fact that God can work beyond our understanding, bringing about transformation that is not dependent on our words or actions but on His grace.

As we navigate the complexities of life and relationships, it is essential to maintain an eternal perspective. Our ultimate goal is not just to have a happy marriage but to live in a way that glorifies God and prepares us for the moment we stand before Him. This perspective helps us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and focus on the eternal significance of our actions.

Finally, I want to remind you of the nature of God’s throne—a throne of grace. It is a place where we can confidently approach to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. This understanding should transform the way we pray and live, knowing that God is eager to bless us and guide us through His grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Power at Our Fingertips: We often underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit available to us. Instead of relying solely on our efforts, we should surrender to God’s will and allow His grace to transform our lives. This divine power can change everything, much like a Mario Kart power-up that propels us forward. [01:39]

2. The Importance of Eternal Perspective: Our lives and marriages should be viewed in light of eternity. The ultimate goal is not just happiness but living in a way that glorifies God and prepares us for the moment we stand before Him. This eternal perspective helps us focus on what truly matters. [21:02]

3. God’s Throne of Grace: God’s throne is a throne of grace, where we can confidently approach to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. This understanding should transform our prayers and our lives, knowing that God is eager to bless and guide us. [47:26]

4. The Role of Humility in Receiving Grace: Humility is crucial in our relationship with God. Pride is our greatest enemy, and God opposes the proud. By approaching God with humility, we open ourselves to receive His grace and wisdom, allowing Him to work in our lives. [01:02:36]

5. The Transformative Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about miraculous changes in our lives and relationships. By praying with faith and humility, we invite God’s grace to work in ways beyond our understanding, leading to transformation and renewal. [04:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Prayer
- [00:36] - Mario Kart Analogy
- [01:39] - Power of the Holy Spirit
- [02:24] - God's Sovereignty and Grace
- [03:35] - Personal Story of Transformation
- [05:14] - The Role of Prayer
- [09:14] - Family Introduction
- [11:05] - Greatest Hope in Life
- [13:23] - Suffering and Worship
- [19:22] - Eternal Perspective in Marriage
- [27:20] - Understanding God's Nature
- [35:22] - Worship with Reverence and Awe
- [47:26] - Throne of Grace
- [01:02:36] - Humility and Grace in Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 12:18-29
2. Hebrews 4:14-16
3. Psalm 23

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Observation Questions:

1. In Hebrews 12:18-29, what imagery is used to describe God, and how does it contrast with the concept of a "throne of grace" mentioned in Hebrews 4:16? [45:58]

2. How does the pastor use the analogy of Mario Kart to illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [01:39]

3. What personal story did the pastor share to demonstrate the transformative power of prayer, and what was the outcome? [04:26]

4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having an eternal perspective in our marriages and lives? [21:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the description of God as a "consuming fire" in Hebrews 12:29 influence our understanding of His nature and our relationship with Him? [35:22]

2. The pastor mentioned that many marriage issues are not truly about marriage but about our relationship with God. How does this perspective change the way we approach conflicts in relationships? [22:12]

3. What does it mean to approach God's throne with confidence, as described in Hebrews 4:16, and how does this affect our prayer life? [45:58]

4. How does the pastor's prayer for God to reveal areas of deception in our lives challenge us to seek truth and humility? [41:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you tried to control a situation in your life. How might surrendering to the Holy Spirit's power have changed the outcome? [01:39]

2. The pastor emphasized the importance of an eternal perspective. How can you shift your focus from temporary struggles to eternal significance in your daily life? [21:02]

3. Consider your current prayer life. How can you approach God's throne of grace with more confidence and expectation of His mercy and grace? [45:58]

4. Identify an area in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take to cultivate humility and open yourself to His grace? [01:02:36]

5. Think of a relationship in your life that could benefit from the transformative power of prayer. What specific prayer can you commit to for this relationship? [04:26]

6. The pastor shared a story of a couple who worshiped God amidst deep suffering. How can you cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude even in difficult times? [13:23]

7. Reflect on the pastor's analogy of the SCUBA tank. How can you ensure that your relationship with God is the primary source of fulfillment in your life, rather than relying on others to meet your needs? [23:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Power Beyond Our Control
The Holy Spirit offers us a power that transcends our human efforts, inviting us to surrender to God's will and experience transformation. Often, we try to control our lives, seeking solutions through our own strength, much like a player in Mario Kart hoping for a power-up. However, the true power lies in recognizing the divine presence within us, capable of changing our lives in unimaginable ways. This power is not about fixing our problems through human effort but about allowing God's grace to work through us, transforming our lives from the inside out. By surrendering to His will, we open ourselves to the immense power and grace available to us through the Holy Spirit. [01:39]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to maintain control? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area today?


Day 2: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our lives and marriages should be viewed through the lens of eternity, focusing not just on happiness but on glorifying God and preparing for the moment we stand before Him. This eternal perspective helps us see beyond our immediate circumstances, guiding us to live in a way that honors God. By maintaining this focus, we can navigate the complexities of life and relationships with a sense of purpose and direction, understanding that our actions have eternal significance. This perspective encourages us to prioritize what truly matters, aligning our lives with God's eternal plan. [21:02]

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary challenges to eternal values in your daily decisions and interactions?


Day 3: Approaching the Throne of Grace
God's throne is a place of grace, where we can confidently approach to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. This understanding should transform the way we pray and live, knowing that God is eager to bless and guide us. By recognizing the nature of His throne, we can approach Him with confidence, trusting in His willingness to provide for our needs. This perspective encourages us to rely on His grace, allowing it to shape our lives and guide us through challenges. As we approach His throne, we are reminded of His abundant mercy and grace, available to us at all times. [47:26]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to approach God's throne of grace with confidence today?


Day 4: Humility as a Pathway to Grace
Humility is crucial in our relationship with God, as pride is our greatest enemy. By approaching God with humility, we open ourselves to receive His grace and wisdom, allowing Him to work in our lives. This humility involves recognizing our limitations and acknowledging our dependence on God. It is through this posture of humility that we can experience the fullness of His grace, transforming our lives and guiding us in our journey of faith. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with God's will, inviting His grace to work in and through us. [01:02:36]

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where pride is hindering your relationship with God? How can you practice humility in that area today?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about miraculous changes in our lives and relationships. By praying with faith and humility, we invite God's grace to work in ways beyond our understanding, leading to transformation and renewal. Prayer is not just about asking for what we want but about aligning our hearts with God's will, allowing His grace to flow through us. Through prayer, we can experience the transformative power of God's presence, bringing healing and restoration to our lives and relationships. This power is available to us when we approach God with a heart of faith and humility. [04:55]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to invite God's transformative power into your life and relationships?

Quotes


I just feel like sometimes we don't know the amount of power that's available to us, that's right there at our fingertips, that can change everything. And so we keep like our hands on the wheel like we're gonna fix it, we're gonna push push push. But when you read the scriptures, they're supposed to be like this power. [00:01:42]

And we have almighty God on his throne, that this book is filled with times when someone just changes completely. There's like a power. And so the last thing I want to do is come here and just give you a few thoughts on marriage, help you communicate better and have your kids like you or whatever. [00:02:25]

I remember just saying, "God, can you just do a miracle right now?" because I have one last talk with him. Can you just do a miracle right now where I know it's you and it's not me, and it's just boom, would you just hit him? And we're talking, we're in my living room, and I'm talking to him, and he just gets up and he goes, "I gotta go." [00:03:43]

And Jesus says, "My yoke is easy. It's come to me, you who are weary, just exhausted, just don't have this peace. Come, let me take on my yoke. My yoke is easy, my burden is light." That's our God of Grace. [00:06:07]

I think right now currently my greatest hope is that Jesus would come back and make all things new and right. I happen to be in a little bit of a, like sometimes you just carry the weight of where the world is at, and it's hard sometimes. The darkness feels so dark. [00:11:44]

And so when I think, okay, what's the most loving thing I can do is helping you think with an eternal lens, like to prepare you for the most important second of your existence, that one second when suddenly this is just over, it's just over, and I find myself before this Almighty being. [00:21:37]

And so my heart is for you to just to know that you know him. And I believe that's the root of this. And besides, marriage isn't forever. Jesus made that clear. In heaven, there's not going to be a marriage. And there is going to be a marriage to the lamb, to Jesus himself. [00:24:36]

And so we want to be one with all of this. And sometimes we can just get into our little problems, and some of that's because we don't look at the big picture of everything that's going on. [00:34:06]

And so I've just been praying, God, I want to know, show me where I'm deceived, show me where I think I'm right and I'm not, and I'm begging you, pray that this weekend, pray that tonight, God show me where I'm deceived because the enemy is a Deceiver, he's a liar, the Bible says. [00:41:54]

And God is opening my eyes because look, yeah, I told him my dad died when I was 12. I had a terrible relationship with him, though. We never had a conversation. He would beat me so bad for the tiniest things. I remember, you know, when we opened a door, we have to open it really slowly so it doesn't click. [00:48:49]

And yet I never noticed Hebrews 4:16, that we draw near, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find Grace to help in time of need. God has opened my eyes just in the last two weeks, just like I asked him to, and he has shown me that his throne is a throne of grace. [00:47:26]

And so somehow, to be that type of man in the home, we need the grace of God and say, God, okay, I need to become that Lord, and only you can do that in me. And so that's a great promise is the holy spirit that he puts in us and enables us. [01:00:35]

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Transcript
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