Embracing Godly Grit: Faith Through Life's Trials
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a new series titled "Godly Grit," which emphasizes the importance of steadfast resolve in following God's path and principles, especially during challenging times. We began with a light-hearted joke to set the tone, but quickly transitioned into the serious matter of understanding what it means to have godly grit. Unlike human effort, which is often about working hard and staying late, godly grit involves working with the knowledge that God is in control and has already promised an end result. This kind of grit is essential for building an unwavering faith that can withstand life's trials.
We explored the concept of godly grit through two foundational scriptures: James 1:12 and Philippians 3:13. James 1:12 teaches us that God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation, promising them the crown of life. Philippians 3:13 encourages us to forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead, emphasizing the importance of focusing on God's promises rather than our past mistakes or pains.
A significant part of today's discussion was about living with scars—those emotional and spiritual wounds that we all carry. We examined how to handle these scars through the lens of godly grit, focusing on three key areas of forgiveness: forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and forgiving God. Forgiving others is crucial because it aligns us with God's will and frees us from the burden of resentment. Forgiving ourselves is equally important, as it allows us to live free from the weight of past mistakes. Lastly, forgiving God helps us to realign our focus on His goodness and promises, rather than blaming Him for the unexplainable scars in our lives.
In conclusion, godly grit is about choosing God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures, and living a life of unwavering faith. This steadfast resolve enables us to handle our scars in a way that glorifies God and allows us to receive the crown of life He has promised.
### Key Takeaways
1. Godly Grit vs. Human Effort: Godly grit is not about human effort but about working with the knowledge that God is in control. It involves a steadfast resolve to follow God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures. This kind of grit builds an unwavering faith that can withstand life's trials. [48:13]
2. Enduring Trials for God's Promises: James 1:12 teaches that God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. This endurance, fueled by godly grit, leads to receiving the crown of life that God has promised. It's a reminder that our trials are not in vain but are part of God's greater plan for us. [51:19]
3. Forgiving Others: Forgiving others is essential for our spiritual well-being. Matthew 6:14-15 emphasizes that our forgiveness from God is contingent on our willingness to forgive others. Holding onto resentment not only affects our relationship with others but also hinders our relationship with God. [01:08:14]
4. Forgiving Ourselves: Self-forgiveness is crucial for living a life free from the weight of past mistakes. Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens, promising rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). This act of self-forgiveness allows us to focus on God's promises rather than our past failures. [01:14:38]
5. Forgiving God: Sometimes, we unintentionally blame God for the unexplainable scars in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God's plans for us are for good and not for disaster. Understanding this helps us to shift our focus from blaming God to trusting in His goodness and promises. [01:19:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:35] - Opening Joke
[45:52] - Introduction and Honoring the Pastor
[47:26] - Introduction to Godly Grit
[48:13] - Godly Grit vs. Human Effort
[49:19] - Importance of Unwavering Faith
[50:21] - Definition of Godly Grit
[51:19] - Foundational Scripture: James 1:12
[52:28] - Foundational Scripture: Philippians 3:13
[53:55] - Forgetting the Past
[54:53] - Personal Stories and Scars
[57:41] - Handling Scars and Forgiveness
[59:15] - The Weight of Unforgiveness
[01:00:39] - Living with Scars
[01:01:58] - The Key to Forgetting the Past: Forgiveness
[01:04:10] - Biblical Definition of Forgiveness
[01:07:06] - Forgiving Others
[01:10:40] - Forgiving Ourselves
[01:14:38] - Jesus' Invitation to Rest
[01:17:20] - Forgiving God
[01:19:42] - God's Plans for Good
[01:22:14] - God Works All Things for Good
[01:23:43] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
[01:24:26] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[01:25:52] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Godly Grit
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:12 - "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
2. Philippians 3:13 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
3. Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 1:12, what is promised to those who patiently endure testing and temptation?
2. In Philippians 3:13, what does Paul encourage believers to do with their past?
3. What does Matthew 6:14-15 say about the relationship between forgiving others and receiving forgiveness from God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "godly grit" differ from human effort, as explained in the sermon?
2. Why is it important to focus on God's promises rather than our past mistakes, according to Philippians 3:13?
3. How does forgiving others, as mentioned in Matthew 6:14-15, impact our spiritual well-being and relationship with God?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or temptation you faced. How did you handle it, and how might "godly grit" have changed your approach?
2. Is there a past mistake or pain that you find difficult to forget? How can you shift your focus to God's promises for your future?
3. Think of someone you need to forgive. What steps can you take this week to release resentment and treat the offense as if it never happened?
4. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to forgive yourself? How can you bring these burdens to Jesus and find rest for your soul?
5. Have you ever unintentionally blamed God for an unexplainable scar in your life? How can you realign your focus on His goodness and promises?
6. How can you cultivate a steadfast resolve to follow God's path and principles in your daily life, especially when facing worldly pressures?
7. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate "godly grit" in your interactions with others this week. How will this impact your faith and relationships?
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the concept of "godly grit" and apply the principles discussed in the sermon to their own lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind participants that the journey of faith involves both challenges and growth.
Devotional
Day 1: Godly Grit: Trusting in God's Control
Godly grit is not about human effort but about working with the knowledge that God is in control. It involves a steadfast resolve to follow God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures. This kind of grit builds an unwavering faith that can withstand life's trials. Unlike human effort, which often focuses on working hard and staying late, godly grit is about trusting that God has already promised an end result. This trust allows us to work diligently without the anxiety of uncertainty, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan. [48:13]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying solely on your own effort? How can you begin to trust more in God's control and promises today?
Day 2: Enduring Trials for God's Promises
James 1:12 teaches that God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. This endurance, fueled by godly grit, leads to receiving the crown of life that God has promised. It's a reminder that our trials are not in vain but are part of God's greater plan for us. When we face challenges, it's easy to become discouraged and lose sight of God's promises. However, enduring these trials with patience and faith allows us to grow spiritually and align ourselves more closely with God's will. [51:19]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that you need to endure with godly grit? How can you remind yourself of God's promises during this time?
Day 3: Forgiving Others
Forgiving others is essential for our spiritual well-being. Matthew 6:14-15 emphasizes that our forgiveness from God is contingent on our willingness to forgive others. Holding onto resentment not only affects our relationship with others but also hinders our relationship with God. Forgiveness is a powerful act that frees us from the burden of bitterness and allows us to experience God's grace more fully. It aligns us with God's will and opens our hearts to His love and mercy. [01:08:14]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 4: Forgiving Ourselves
Self-forgiveness is crucial for living a life free from the weight of past mistakes. Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens, promising rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). This act of self-forgiveness allows us to focus on God's promises rather than our past failures. When we hold onto guilt and shame, we hinder our spiritual growth and miss out on the peace that God offers. By forgiving ourselves, we can move forward with confidence in God's grace and live out His purpose for our lives. [01:14:38]
Psalm 103:12 (ESV): "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
Reflection: What past mistake are you struggling to forgive yourself for? How can you embrace God's forgiveness and let go of this burden today?
Day 5: Forgiving God
Sometimes, we unintentionally blame God for the unexplainable scars in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God's plans for us are for good and not for disaster. Understanding this helps us to shift our focus from blaming God to trusting in His goodness and promises. When we forgive God, we realign our hearts with His love and open ourselves to His healing and restoration. This act of forgiveness allows us to see our scars through the lens of God's grace and purpose. [01:19:42]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you have blamed God for your pain? How can you begin to trust in His goodness and plans for your life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But let me tell you something. It's going to take some work. And so it's my honor to be able to introduce our new series entitled Godly Grit. Okay? Godly Grit. Because in order for us to actually attain, to actually see, to actually receive the promises of God, it's going to require us to have godly grit. Now, don't get godly grit confused with human effort. Okay? Because that's what we talked about last series. We talked just being in the rat race. Just having normal human grit is just going to keep you in the rat race. They're just going to tell you, work hard, show up early, stay late. Right? Those types of things. That's human effort." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Godly grit is the steadfast resolve to choose God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures. Godly grit is the steadfast, meaning that it is consistent. It does not change. It will not stop. There's discipline involved. Resolve, meaning that there is no other choice. I have burned the plows. I am only going. I am following God's way. I am resolved to choose God's path and principles. Meaning, I will only be obedient to where God wants me to go. I will only have what God wants me to have. I will only do what God wants me to do based on his word." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Forgiveness is releasing resentment and treating the offense as if it never happened, freeing the offending party from blame. Forgiveness is releasing resentment, meaning all of the negative emotions that I feel as a result of the things, the people, the places that hurt me, I let it go. All of those emotions, I shall not live from that place of emotion simply because I am releasing resentment. I treat the offense as if it never happened, meaning that I don't bring it up every chance I get. Meaning I don't try to get brownie points by letting people know all the things I've been through." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus gives us the answer. In Matthew chapter 11, verses 28 to 30. This is Jesus. It says, then Jesus said, come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens. Some of us have made some serious mistakes. Some of us have done some things that are unspeakable. Things that we would have never imagined that we'd ever do. But Jesus says, come to me. All of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens. And I will give you rest. Jesus will give you rest." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And we know that God causes everything. God causes everything. Every pain. Every hurt. Every bit of shame. He causes everything. To work together. For the good of those who love God. And are called according to his purpose for them. That's you. That's you. You've been called. You have a purpose. Yes, you have scars. But God has still promised you a crown of life. But it's going to take you making that step to have a steadfast resolve. choose God's path. His principles. And his way." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But you have to understand, godly grit is different. Godly grit is work, knowing that God is in control, knowing that God has already promised an end result. And so the entire purpose of this series is not just so, you know, we have godly grit to where we live in obedience, we understand God's grace. But it's really so that we're able to build an unwavering faith. Because we all know, we all read our Bibles here, that faith, that without faith, it is impossible to please God. And not just having faith when everything is good. It's easy to have faith when everything is good. When your marriage is rocking on all cylinders, bills are paid, there's a little extra. Go on a nice date. Seems like work is going well. It's easy to have faith then. But do you have that same type of unwavering faith when things get hard?" (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because understand that your scars do not disqualify you. From your purpose. But that's only through God's grace. That's only through God's love. But that's only also because of your godly grit that you have to develop. And the only way you'll be able to achieve the promise and the only way for you to receive the crown of life that Jesus has given to us, you have to have godly grit. And so that's why for the sake of our conversation, the title of this message is living with scars. Living with scars. our main question for today that we're going to answer, how do we use godly grit to handle our scars?" (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Because, understand, if you're living with that weight, all that shame, all that embarrassment, all that condemnation that you feel over yourself. You're only compounding the weight of life. And so now you're basically giving God two areas that he needs to work on with you. As opposed to you freeing yourself from that weight so that way you can live free and focus on the promises. And, again, when we live with that weight, we end up hurting other people. Because as the saying goes, we all know it, hurt people hurt people. And that's why it's so important for us as Christians to live free. Simply because. When you're around somebody that's free, there's a difference." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And what you'll come to find, at least what I've come to find, it's always the people that love you the most that are the easiest targets because they're closest to you. And because we do serve a God that loves us, when the unexplainable stuff happens, when someone passes away and it's random, they were in good health. I just saw them last week. God, why? It's easy to just point the finger at God because when it comes to those scars, we need somebody to blame. And also when we think about the timing of when these things happen, it's usually, well, I just started going to church and then this unexplainable thing happened. I just started tithing and then all of a sudden I went bankrupt. So I'm going to stop that." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so practically, what does this look like? Being honest with Jesus in your prayer closet. You don't have to put up this facade with Jesus like you got it all together. I know we like to. I know we want to pray powerful prayers. And that's all wonderful. But I can tell you the most powerful prayer is a transparent one. So if you can just be transparent with God. And say, God, these are my scars. These are my scars. And I need help with handling them. That's when Jesus is going to give you rest." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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