Embracing Divine Increase: Faith, Presence, and Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, the Increase of His Government and Peace

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, and His rule and peace will never end, inviting us to trust His leadership and presence in our lives. When we feel overwhelmed by the turmoil of the world or our own circumstances, we can remember that Jesus’ government is always increasing—He is in control, leading us, and offering us peace that surpasses understanding. No matter what is happening around us, we are invited to be present with God, to sit in His presence, and to let His peace increase in our hearts. Our identity is rooted in who He says we are, and as we submit to His rule, we become part of His ever-expanding kingdom of peace. [02:23]

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to intentionally invite Jesus’ peace and leadership today, trusting that His government is increasing even in areas that feel chaotic or uncertain?

Day 2: The Danger of Selfish Increase

God’s design for increase is not for selfish accumulation, but for kingdom purposes; we are warned not to store up treasures for ourselves, but to ensure our hearts are aligned with God’s priorities. The parable in Luke 12 reminds us that true increase is not about hoarding for personal comfort, but about stewarding what God gives us for His glory and the good of others. Our hearts follow our treasure, so we must ask ourselves whether our pursuit of growth and blessing is for ourselves or for the expansion of God’s kingdom. As we experience God’s provision, we are called to generosity, to sowing into others, and to living with open hands. [12:54]

Luke 12:16-21, 34 (ESV)
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to accumulate for yourself rather than sowing into God’s kingdom or blessing others, and how can you take a step toward generosity today?

Day 3: You Are Seed-Bearing Fruit

God has made you to be fruitful and to carry seed within you—your life is the result of others’ faithfulness, and you are called to sow into others for the sake of the kingdom. Just as every fruit contains seeds that produce after their kind, you have the inherent ability to multiply God’s work by investing in others, sharing your faith, and nurturing spiritual growth. You are the fruit of someone’s labor in Christ, and now you carry the potential to impact others, whether through prayer, encouragement, or sharing the gospel. Recognize the seeds God has placed in you and consider how you might sow them for His glory. [15:36]

Genesis 1:11-12 (ESV)
And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Reflection: Who is one person God has placed in your life that you can intentionally invest in or encourage in their faith journey this week?

Day 4: Faith in the Promise Despite Delay

Like Abraham, we are called to trust God’s promises even when fulfillment seems slow or impossible, knowing that God’s faithfulness endures through generations and small beginnings. Abraham’s journey was marked by long waiting, human mistakes, and moments of doubt, yet he is remembered as a hero of faith because he continued to trust God’s word and look forward to God’s greater purpose. Even when the promise seems small—just one child, or a handful of descendants—God’s plan is unfolding, and our faithfulness in the waiting is precious to Him. We are invited to lean into God, trust His timing, and believe that our small acts of faith are part of His story of increase. [22:13]

Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV)
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

Reflection: What is one promise or prayer you are still waiting on God to fulfill, and how can you choose to trust Him and act in faith today despite the delay?

Day 5: Devotion to the Practices of Increase

The early church saw incredible increase as they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer—these simple, consistent practices create space for God’s word and Spirit to multiply in our lives and communities. Being a disciple of Jesus means being intentional about gathering with others, learning together, sharing life, and praying persistently. God’s design is that as we devote ourselves to these rhythms, His word and His kingdom will continue to increase in us and through us. Ask God to show you where you can lean in more deeply, whether by inviting someone over, joining a group, or committing to regular prayer. [26:39]

Acts 2:42 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Reflection: Which of these four practices—teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, or prayer—do you sense God inviting you to deepen your devotion to this week, and what is one concrete step you can take?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gather with the assurance that our meeting is not by chance, but by divine appointment. God is always at work, orchestrating connections and moments for His purposes. As we open our hearts to His presence, we are reminded that to truly experience Him, we must also be present—attentive and receptive to what He is doing in and around us. Our identity is rooted in being children of God, loved and called by Him, and it is from this place of identity that we are invited to participate in His ever-increasing kingdom.

Isaiah 9:6-7 anchors our reflection: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, is actively leading and increasing His reign on earth. Even in a world marked by turmoil, pain, and disappointment, God’s kingdom is advancing. Stories from around the globe—New Zealand, the UK, the US—testify to a quiet revival, especially among young people, as hearts are turning to Jesus in unprecedented ways. This increase is not just numerical; it is spiritual, generational, and deeply personal.

God has designed both creation and His kingdom for increase. Just as fruit contains seeds for future growth, so too do our lives carry the potential to multiply God’s goodness. Each of us is the fruit of someone’s labor in Christ, and we, in turn, are called to sow seeds—of faith, love, generosity, and prayer—into the lives of others. Yet, increase is not for selfish gain. Jesus warns against storing up treasures for ourselves; rather, our increase is meant to serve God’s purposes and bless others.

The journey of increase often involves waiting, disappointment, and even loss. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith sometimes means trusting God through long seasons of unfulfilled promise, yet God’s word endures and His plans unfold in His timing. We are called to be faithful stewards of the seed He has given us, to sow generously, and to trust Him for the harvest.

Practically, this means devoting ourselves to the teaching of God’s word, to fellowship, to sharing life with others, and to prayer. As we do, the word of God will continue to increase in our lives, our families, our church, and our city. Let us be present, attentive, and willing to respond to what God is asking of us—whether it’s a prayer, a conversation, an act of generosity, or simply being available to those around us. May we be a people marked by increase, rooted in Christ, and devoted to His kingdom.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Presence Precedes Encounter To experience God’s presence, we must first be present ourselves—fully attentive and open to Him. Spiritual encounters are not accidental; they require us to intentionally “dial in” and make space for God to speak and move. This posture of presence is foundational to hearing His voice and discerning His leading in our lives. [00:40]
2. Increase Is God’s Design, But Not for Self God has woven increase into the fabric of creation and His kingdom, but it is never meant to be hoarded for personal gain. True kingdom increase is outward-focused, meant to bless others and advance God’s purposes. We must regularly examine whether our pursuit of growth is aligned with God’s heart or simply feeding our own desires. [12:54]
3. You Are Both Fruit and Seed-Bearer Each believer is the result of someone else’s faithfulness and is also entrusted with the capacity to sow seeds into others. Our lives are meant to reproduce—spiritually, relationally, and generationally. Recognizing the “seed” within us calls us to intentional investment in others, knowing that even small acts can yield a harvest beyond our imagination. [15:36]
4. Faith Endures Through Delay and Disappointment The story of Abraham teaches that God’s promises often unfold over time, sometimes through seasons of waiting, struggle, and even apparent loss. Faith is not the absence of doubt or difficulty, but the persistent trust that God’s word will prevail. Even when the increase seems small or slow, God is building something eternal through our faithfulness. [22:13]
5. Devotion to the Essentials Fuels Kingdom Growth The early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer was the soil in which God’s word multiplied. These simple, foundational practices remain the keys to personal and communal increase. By prioritizing these rhythms, we position ourselves for God’s ongoing work and become conduits of His increase in our world. [26:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Being Present to God’s Presence
[02:23] - The Identity of Jesus and His Government
[03:28] - Global Stories of Revival and Increase
[05:03] - God’s Design for Increase in Creation
[10:28] - Increase and the Reality of Disappointment
[11:28] - Death, Disappointment, and Enduring Promise
[12:54] - The Danger of Selfish Increase
[14:24] - Seed-Bearing Fruit: God’s Principle of Multiplication
[15:36] - Gratitude for Spiritual Heritage
[17:34] - The Seed Within: Our Capacity to Reproduce
[18:30] - Sowing Seed and the Blessing of Abraham
[22:13] - Faith in the Gap Between Promise and Fulfillment
[24:39] - Small Beginnings and Enduring Promises
[26:39] - Devotion to Teaching, Fellowship, and Prayer
[27:19] - Praying for Increase
[32:02] - Listening for God’s Voice and Responding
[33:11] - Closing and Thanksgiving

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Isaiah 9:6-7 — “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

- Genesis 1:11-12
“And God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”

- Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Observation Questions

According to Isaiah 9:6-7, what titles are given to Jesus, and what do they reveal about His role and character?
In Genesis 1:11-12, what is the significance of fruit having seed in it? What does this say about God’s design for creation?
What were the four things the early church devoted themselves to in Acts 2:42?
The sermon mentioned that “increase is built into the way God has made the world.” What examples from nature or life did the pastor use to illustrate this? [[05:03]]

Interpretation Questions

The passage in Isaiah says, “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” What does it mean for Jesus’ kingdom to be always increasing, even in times of turmoil or disappointment? [[02:23]]
The pastor said, “You are fruit of someone’s labor in Christ.” How does recognizing yourself as both fruit and seed-bearer change the way you see your role in God’s kingdom? [[15:36]]
Why do you think God designed both creation and His kingdom for increase, but warns against selfishly storing up treasures for ourselves? [[12:54]]
The early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer was described as the “soil” for God’s word to multiply. Why are these simple practices so essential for spiritual growth and increase? [[26:39]]

Application Questions

The pastor emphasized being “present” to God’s presence. Are there specific distractions or habits in your life that keep you from being attentive to what God is doing? What is one step you can take this week to be more present with God? [[00:40]]
Think about the “seed” God has placed in your life—gifts, opportunities, relationships. Who is one person you sense God is asking you to invest in or encourage this week? What might that look like practically? [[18:30]]
The sermon warned against seeking increase for selfish reasons. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to “store up treasures” for yourself? How can you shift your focus to use your resources for God’s purposes and to bless others? [[12:54]]
The story of Abraham was used to show that faith often means waiting and trusting through disappointment. Is there a promise or prayer you are waiting on God to fulfill? How can you remain faithful and hopeful in the “gap” between promise and fulfillment? [[22:13]]
The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Which of these four areas do you find most challenging to practice regularly? What is one way you can grow in that area this month? [[26:39]]
The pastor shared stories of revival and increase happening globally, especially among young people. Where do you see signs of God’s kingdom increasing around you? How can you join in or support what God is doing? [[03:28]]
The sermon ended with a call to respond—whether through prayer, a conversation, generosity, or simply being available. What is one specific action you feel prompted to take after hearing this message? [[32:02]]

Sermon Clips

Increases built into the way God has made the world. That's just like true. You know, God has made the world to increase. You know, you just stick around, there's increase. But God has made his kingdom to increase.

For unto us a child is born and unto us the son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. This is who Jesus is. Everyone say Jesus. Let's not be confused as to who he's talking about. This is talking about Jesus, the Son of God. [00:02:09]

Of the increase of his government, which means he's in control and leading. Would you say this? He's in control. He's in control. And he's leading. He's leading. He's leading you. Be led. Of the increase of his government, am I part of his government, submitted to that, and of peace, there should be no end. And if you're feeling turmoil this morning, his peace is going to increase upon you if you allow it. [00:02:42]

There's all this stuff we see on the TV, but there's all these people coming to know Jesus. People in Oxford, students in Oxford are waking up in the morning and finding a Christian because they've had a dream that Jesus has turned up and say what do I do with this? They're turning up at churches and saying, saying I had this encounter with Jesus and I want to know how to follow him and this is what he told me. [00:05:03]

You are fruit of someone's labor in Christ. Are you not? Has not someone intervened in your life along the way and helped you to be here? You know, sometimes it's just a supernatural visitation of God like God to Saul along the road to Damascus, but then there was Ananias and then there were some others and then there was the interaction with the apostles and there's many people that go to make up the journey. You, you are the fruit of someone's labor. [00:15:43]

But if I'm a fruit. And, but if I'm a fruit. What do I contain? I got seed in me. Oh. I have the ability to produce fruit. Oh, okay. I have the ability inherent in me. Part of my identity is I am a seed bearing fruit. Who am I? I'm a seed bearing fruit. [00:17:04]

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. So he gives us seed to sow. He gives us opportunities and we need to sow. [00:18:21]

Remember Jesus talking about unless the seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed? There's a part of death in life that is needed for there to be increase and you can keep the seed that you've harvested and eat it all, consume it, or even consume 105%, you borrow some more, or you can put some seed aside and so you can multiply and increase it. The principle's the same in the kingdom of heaven. [00:18:38]

Through Jesus Christ God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. There's a blessing that was upon Abraham that it can be mine according to the scriptures. Abraham was a blessed man. [00:19:49]

Abraham struggled through years of promise. It was 99 years old before he had Isaac. There was a big gap between when God said to Abraham go and I'll make you the father of a great nation and one son was born and sometimes we struggle like Abraham and we get our human interventions in place to try and get the promise to come to pass and we end up with problems and difficulties like Abraham did. You got to trust God and lean by faith. [00:20:33]

If there's a space between the promise of God and you receiving the promise of God, can you be like Abraham and you go, God I'm gonna trust you? The human emotions are there and real. Like Sarah just laughed when God again said to her, we're gonna have, you're gonna have a child. You know, she just laughed at God. God, you're kidding, it was like you made me and you don't know what's happened to my body? Hello, this is impossible. [00:22:33]

But the promise of God endures. The promise of God endures. And while it might seem small, what God is doing, and it might just be one person that you are spending time with and helping to follow Jesus. It might be one person you're praying for, one child that's in your world to care for and nurture, or three. It can be part of God's plan for his kingdom to have incredible increase. Don't be impatient. Can you lean into God and trust him? [00:24:21]

Of the increase of his government, there will be no end. Of the increase of his government. And I want to fit into that and not buck and pull against that. I want to go with that. [00:25:06]

Your fruit that has seed. Huh. So I wonder what God is saying to you today. What's he asking of you? What's he asking of us? [00:25:50]

And I was thinking about this. I thought, well, the early church saw an incredible increase. And their keys, what they did was wrapped up in Acts 2 .42 initially. And all the believers divided themselves to the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, and to the sharing of meals, including the Lord's Supper, and to prayer. Will you be a disciple of Jesus? Will you be devoted to... [00:26:08]

Pay attention to being in church. Pay attention to being in small groups. Pay attention to being with one another and inviting people. When was the last time you invited someone over to your house? Winter's a great time for that. And to prayer. Be devoted to prayer. [00:26:55]

May the word of God continue to increase. May the word of God continue to increase. From the front to the back, would you engage your heart with God here? Say, God, God, would your word continue to increase in this land, in Australia? Father, in this city? God, in our suburbs? In our family? God, in my home? God, may your word continue to increase in my life. [00:27:57]

What's the Lord asking of you? Good place to sit first is, what is he saying to you about who you are? But then you can step, when you hear that, to God. So what do you want? What are you up to? What do you want me to do? Who is there that I can be praying for? Who is there that I can have a conversation with? Maybe just one. Or two, or maybe there's many more. Right where you are, who is there that God has placed around about you? What's the seed that He's put in your hand that you can sow? What's He asking of you to financially contribute? What's He asking of you to do? A phone call to make, a meal to have, invite some people over. God, God, what are you up to? What do you want of me? Here am I, Lord. Here am I, would you send me? [00:32:02]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the significance of divine connections in faith?

How does increase relate to both blessing and disappointment?

What role does sowing seed play in spiritual growth?