Embracing Godly Emotions: Worship, Surrender, and Joy
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound impact of godly emotions and the importance of surrendering our struggles to God. We began by acknowledging that worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifestyle that should permeate our homes. God created us as emotional beings, and while our emotions can sometimes lead us astray, they can also be a powerful tool for spiritual growth when aligned with God's will. We discussed the importance of laying down our burdens at the altar and picking up the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control.
We delved into the concept of managing emotions, particularly anger and frustration. These emotions are natural but can lead us away from God's righteousness if not managed properly. The key is to respond rather than react, to be slow to anger, and to seek God's wisdom in every situation. We also touched on the importance of community and the role of family in modeling godly emotions. Worship and devotion should be integral parts of our daily lives, not just reserved for church services.
We also discussed the idea of radical joy, a joy that persists even in the midst of life's frustrations. This joy comes from a deep relationship with God and a conscious effort to surrender our will to His. By doing so, we can transform our homes into places of worship and our lives into testimonies of God's grace and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship as a Lifestyle: Worship should extend beyond the church and into our daily lives. Creating a home environment where worship is a regular practice invites God's presence and helps us lay down our burdens and pick up His peace and joy. [38:43]
2. Managing Emotions: Emotions like anger and frustration are natural but must be managed to align with God's will. Responding rather than reacting, and being slow to anger, allows us to handle these emotions in a way that produces righteousness. [51:12]
3. Community and Family: The role of family and community is crucial in modeling godly emotions. By worshiping together and supporting each other, we create a strong foundation that helps us manage life's challenges and grow spiritually. [57:25]
4. Radical Joy: True joy is not dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. By surrendering our will to His and focusing on His promises, we can experience a joy that transcends life's frustrations and challenges. [01:16:45]
5. Surrender and Submission: Surrendering our struggles to God and submitting to His will is essential for spiritual growth. This involves a conscious effort to lay down our burdens and trust in God's plan, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. [01:22:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:08] - Call to the Altar
[30:34] - Worship and Surrender
[35:31] - Godly Emotions
[36:30] - Shepherding the Home
[37:35] - Worship in the Home
[38:43] - God's Presence in Worship
[39:36] - Managing Tensions
[41:16] - Fruit in the Storm
[42:46] - Fruits of the Spirit
[43:39] - Born into Frustration
[44:45] - Peace of God
[45:39] - Core Values
[46:17] - Demolishing Arguments
[50:20] - Thinking Like God
[51:12] - Managing Anger and Frustration
[56:43] - Natural Reactions
[57:25] - Emotions in the Home
[01:02:17] - Wisdom in Counsel
[01:03:04] - Relationship with God
[01:06:33] - Gathering Together
[01:07:18] - Exploring Anger
[01:08:13] - Cultivating Patience
[01:11:08] - Counsel from James
[01:16:00] - Hiding God's Word
[01:16:45] - Radical Joy
[01:20:13] - Passive Aggression
[01:21:45] - Willful Submission
[01:22:40] - Surrendering Emotions
[01:25:52] - Jesus' Example
[01:26:47] - Closing Worship
[01:30:03] - Final Prayer
[01:30:41] - Making a Difference
[01:31:12] - Fellowship and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
2. Romans 8:20: "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope."
3. Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to Romans 8:20, why was creation subjected to frustration?
3. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are we instructed to do instead of being anxious?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of worship in our daily lives? [38:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the fruits of the Spirit help us manage our emotions, particularly anger and frustration? [42:46]
2. What does it mean to lay down our burdens at the altar and pick up the fruits of the Spirit? [30:34]
3. How does the concept of radical joy differ from happiness based on circumstances? [01:16:45]
4. What role does community and family play in modeling godly emotions according to the sermon? [57:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Worship as a Lifestyle: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine at home? What specific changes can you make to create a worshipful environment in your household? [38:43]
2. Managing Emotions: Think of a recent situation where you felt anger or frustration. How could you have responded differently to align with God's will? What steps can you take to be slow to anger in the future? [51:12]
3. Community and Family: How can you encourage your family or community to support each other in managing emotions and growing spiritually? What practical steps can you take to foster a supportive environment? [57:25]
4. Radical Joy: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you find joy in this situation by focusing on your relationship with God and His promises? [01:16:45]
5. Surrender and Submission: Identify a struggle you are currently facing. What does surrendering this struggle to God look like for you? How can you consciously lay down this burden and trust in God's plan? [01:22:40]
6. Cultivating Patience: Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person? [01:11:08]
7. Responding vs. Reacting: Recall a time when you reacted impulsively to a situation. How can you practice responding thoughtfully instead? What strategies can you use to pause and seek God's wisdom before reacting? [01:08:13]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key takeaways and apply them to their daily lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind everyone that the goal is to grow together in faith and understanding.
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship should extend beyond the church and into our daily lives. Creating a home environment where worship is a regular practice invites God's presence and helps us lay down our burdens and pick up His peace and joy. Worship is not confined to Sunday services; it is a continuous act of devotion that permeates every aspect of our lives. By integrating worship into our daily routines, we create a sanctuary in our homes where God's presence is felt, and His peace and joy are abundant. This practice helps us to lay down our burdens and embrace the fruits of the Spirit, transforming our homes into places of spiritual growth and renewal.
Incorporating worship into our daily lives involves more than just singing hymns or praying. It means living in a way that honors God in all we do, from our interactions with family members to our work and leisure activities. When we make worship a lifestyle, we invite God's presence into every moment, allowing His peace and joy to fill our hearts and homes. This continuous act of devotion helps us to stay connected to God, even in the midst of life's challenges, and to experience His transformative power in our lives. [38:43]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate acts of worship into your daily routine to invite God's presence into your home?
Day 2: Managing Emotions
Emotions like anger and frustration are natural but must be managed to align with God's will. Responding rather than reacting, and being slow to anger, allows us to handle these emotions in a way that produces righteousness. Emotions are a natural part of being human, but they can sometimes lead us away from God's righteousness if not managed properly. Anger and frustration, in particular, can cause us to react impulsively and harm our relationships. The key to managing these emotions is to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, seeking God's wisdom in every situation.
By being slow to anger and taking time to reflect before responding, we can align our emotions with God's will and handle them in a way that produces righteousness. This approach not only helps us to maintain our composure but also allows us to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, such as patience and self-control, in our interactions with others. By seeking God's guidance and wisdom, we can navigate our emotions in a way that honors Him and promotes peace and understanding in our relationships. [51:12]
James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt anger or frustration. How could you have responded differently to align your emotions with God's will?
Day 3: Community and Family
The role of family and community is crucial in modeling godly emotions. By worshiping together and supporting each other, we create a strong foundation that helps us manage life's challenges and grow spiritually. Family and community play a vital role in shaping our emotional and spiritual well-being. When we worship together and support one another, we create a strong foundation that helps us navigate life's challenges and grow in our faith. By modeling godly emotions within our families and communities, we set an example for others to follow and create an environment where spiritual growth can flourish.
Worshiping together as a family or community not only strengthens our bonds but also invites God's presence into our collective lives. It provides an opportunity to share our struggles, seek counsel, and encourage one another in our faith journeys. By fostering a supportive and worshipful environment, we can help each other manage emotions in a way that honors God and promotes spiritual growth. This collective approach to worship and emotional management creates a resilient and spiritually vibrant community. [57:25]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to creating a supportive and worshipful environment within your family or community?
Day 4: Radical Joy
True joy is not dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. By surrendering our will to His and focusing on His promises, we can experience a joy that transcends life's frustrations and challenges. Radical joy is a profound sense of happiness that persists regardless of our external circumstances. This joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is sustained by our trust in His promises. By surrendering our will to God's and focusing on His faithfulness, we can experience a joy that transcends the frustrations and challenges of life.
This radical joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing we are loved and cared for by God. It allows us to remain hopeful and positive even in difficult times, as we trust in God's plan and His ability to work all things for our good. By cultivating a close relationship with God and continually surrendering our will to His, we can experience this enduring joy and become a testimony of His grace and love to those around us. [01:16:45]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What are some ways you can focus on God's promises to cultivate a sense of radical joy in your life, even amidst challenges?
Day 5: Surrender and Submission
Surrendering our struggles to God and submitting to His will is essential for spiritual growth. This involves a conscious effort to lay down our burdens and trust in God's plan, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. Surrender and submission are crucial aspects of our spiritual journey. By laying down our burdens and trusting in God's plan, we open ourselves to His peace and guidance. This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous process of submitting our will to God's and allowing Him to lead us.
When we surrender our struggles to God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and our trust in His wisdom and timing. This act of submission allows us to experience His peace, which guards our hearts and minds against anxiety and fear. By continually surrendering our will to God's, we grow spiritually and become more attuned to His voice and direction in our lives. This ongoing process of surrender and submission is essential for our spiritual growth and our ability to navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence. [01:22:40]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God wants to do things always. He's always wanting to do something in our lives. There's some of you here that have come in with bondage and struggle and strife and frustration. This is where you lay it all down right here. This altar right here is where you lay things down. You lay things down and then you pick things up." [28:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The spirit is in this place. Where two or three are gathered, He is there. He is there. He is there. Surrender it. Lay it down. Feet. Lay it down. Let's sing that song and I want you just to move to this altar. God is speaking to you to surrender it. We can't do it ourselves. Jesus, we need Jesus." [30:34] (118 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord inhabits those praises. He says, I inhabit them. And we give him a reason. And we give him the reigns. The song talks about, this is where I lay it down. And this is it. It's not a physical place. It's not a place. Even though we use an altar. Just like in the Bible, they used an altar of remembrance. People went to it. We come to the altar to lay things down and pick things up." [40:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's fruit coming in the midst of that storm that you're in. I believe that's a word from God. There's fruit. Because God is always trying to make sense of life. There's things that he wants to do. He wants to do in you and me. Every time we get together. And so we're here in this place and we're together. And we're saying, Lord God, speak to me." [41:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Surrender means giving to the Lord the things we cannot control and asking for help when we try to take control. We should be singing this song in our spirit all the time. Lord, this is my surrender. God, I surrender that to your will, not my will." [01:25:52] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God made us emotional people. God made us to be able to respond and to listen and to emote things that are godly. Unfortunately, we live in a world that is a little bit messed up. Did you know that? How many of you know that sometimes we get emotional in the wrong ways? And we do things, we say things, and we are things that God doesn't want us to be." [36:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are problems we need to solve in this world. There are problems that you need to solve in your life. But most of the time, they're not problems we can solve. They're tensions we just have to manage. We have to manage those tensions. They're never going to go away. They're going to continue to come back up. All of those things that we feel inside are going to come back up." [39:36] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The frustration that we're born into. And the Lord subjected us to it so that we will have the opportunity to choose something else. Because the bondage of corruption only is bondage if we let it be bondage. If we are bound to it. But we don't have to be bound to it. So I want to talk about managing the feelings of anger or frustration." [51:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The frustration of man, it does not produce the righteousness of God. So when you're frustrated, when you're in that moment, just understand that usually that's not going to produce the righteousness of God. But if we get perspective, if we get, if we slow ourselves down, slow to anger, slow to respond or to react, then James says, and, and, and the spirit of God says to us, then, then it allows me to speak." [01:16:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We think that if not doing something, you think, okay, at least I didn't do this. How many of you have thought that? At least I didn't explode. I hear people all the time say, well, at least I'm not this guy. You know, the one who has aggression. Who's aggressively enraged. You know, but how many of you know that passive aggression is almost worse? Because we passively do things and we think, well, at least I'm not doing that." [01:20:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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