Embracing God's Abundance: A Year of Transformation
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound truth that God has set us up for an extraordinary year, a year that surpasses all previous ones. Drawing from Ephesians 3, we are reminded of God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. This year, God challenges us to believe in His greatness and to be conduits of His blessings. We are called to live a life of giving, not just within the church but in every aspect of our lives, listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings to bless others.
As we look forward to 2025, the year of the open door, we are encouraged to live godly lives. This godly living is the key to experiencing the open doors of blessings that God has prepared for us. The transformation of Saul to Paul serves as a powerful example of how a life can be radically changed by the grace of God. Saul, once a persecutor of the church, became a vessel of God's grace, demonstrating that no past is too great for God to redeem.
The message emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds with the Word of God, allowing it to transform us and align us with the mind of Christ. This renewal is not about adhering to a set of rules but about embracing the royal law of love, which fulfills all other laws. We are reminded that we are new creations in Christ, and our past no longer defines us. Instead, we are called to live in the kingdom of God, where the King supplies all our needs and protects us.
In this year of godly living, we are encouraged to walk in the power and equipping of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live as sons and daughters of God. This empowerment allows us to overcome fear and live boldly, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. As we embrace this new identity, we are invited to access the promises of God and experience the fullness of His blessings.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Exceeding Abundance: God challenges us to believe in His ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. This year, we are called to be conduits of His blessings, living a life of giving and listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings. [35:23]
2. The Year of the Open Door: 2025 is declared as the year of the open door, where godly living is the key to experiencing God's blessings. By aligning our lives with His will, we can walk through these open doors and receive His abundant grace. [46:20]
3. Transformation Through Grace: The transformation of Saul to Paul illustrates the power of God's grace to change lives. No past is too great for God to redeem, and we are called to embrace our new identity as new creations in Christ. [01:05:28]
4. Renewing the Mind: Renewing our minds with the Word of God is essential for living a godly life. This renewal aligns us with the mind of Christ and empowers us to fulfill the royal law of love, which encompasses all other laws. [01:06:26]
5. Living in the Kingdom: As new creations, we live in the kingdom of God, where the King supplies all our needs and protects us. Embracing this identity allows us to access the promises of God and experience the fullness of His blessings. [01:31:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:36] - God's Exceeding Abundance
- [35:23] - Challenge to Believe
- [36:12] - Living a Giving Life
- [37:29] - Year of the Open Door
- [38:00] - Overcoming Unbelief
- [39:01] - Mind Renewal
- [40:13] - Declaration of Faith
- [41:53] - Preparing for 2025
- [43:18] - Cooperation in Faith
- [44:08] - The Enemy's Distractions
- [46:20] - Godly Living and Open Doors
- [47:12] - Paul's Transformation
- [49:08] - Conversion and New Life
- [51:09] - Understanding the Law
- [52:08] - The Gift of Jesus
- [54:00] - Embracing New Identity
- [55:43] - Saul's Past and Change
- [58:06] - The Open Door of Sonship
- [01:01:04] - Encounter with Glory
- [01:03:27] - Ananias and Paul's Change
- [01:06:26] - The Royal Law of Love
- [01:10:12] - Led by the Spirit
- [01:12:09] - Walking in Victory
- [01:17:01] - Ministry to Jews and Gentiles
- [01:21:33] - Called to Lead
- [01:25:02] - Crucified with Christ
- [01:31:32] - Living in the Kingdom
- [01:34:00] - Accessing God's Promises
- [01:39:33] - Empowered by the Spirit
- [01:45:15] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 3:20-21
- Galatians 2:20
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 3:20, what is God able to do beyond our expectations? How does this relate to the sermon’s theme of God’s exceeding abundance? [34:36]
2. In Galatians 2:20, Paul speaks about being "crucified with Christ." What does this mean in the context of living a godly life as discussed in the sermon? [47:48]
3. How does the transformation of Saul to Paul illustrate the power of God's grace, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:05:28]
4. What role does renewing the mind play in aligning with the mind of Christ, according to the sermon? [39:01]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "new creation" in 2 Corinthians 5:17 challenge the way believers view their past and present identity? [54:00]
2. The sermon mentions living a life of giving and being a conduit of God's blessings. How does this align with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping? [36:12]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that godly living is the key to experiencing open doors of blessings in 2025? [46:20]
4. How does the sermon describe the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in helping believers overcome fear and live boldly? [01:39:33]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to believe in His exceeding abundance. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [35:23]
2. The sermon emphasizes living a life of giving. Identify one practical way you can be a blessing to someone outside of the church this week. [36:12]
3. Consider the transformation of Saul to Paul. Is there an area in your life where you need to embrace your new identity in Christ and let go of the past? [01:05:28]
4. What specific steps can you take to renew your mind with the Word of God daily? How might this impact your ability to live a godly life? [39:01]
5. The sermon speaks about living in the kingdom of God where the King supplies all needs. How can this perspective change the way you approach your daily challenges? [01:31:32]
6. Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome this fear and live more boldly? [01:39:33]
7. As you look forward to 2025, what is one "open door" you are praying for, and how can you align your life with God's will to walk through it? [46:20]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Abundant Possibilities
God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think is a profound truth that challenges us to expand our faith. This year, we are called to be conduits of His blessings, living a life of giving and listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings. As we embrace this calling, we open ourselves to the limitless possibilities that God has in store for us. By trusting in His greatness, we can experience a year that surpasses all previous ones, filled with opportunities to bless others and be blessed in return. [35:23]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can trust God to do more than you can imagine? How can you actively listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings to bless someone today?
Day 2: The Year of Open Doors
As we look forward to 2025, the year of the open door, we are encouraged to live godly lives. This godly living is the key to experiencing the open doors of blessings that God has prepared for us. By aligning our lives with His will, we can walk through these open doors and receive His abundant grace. The transformation of Saul to Paul serves as a powerful example of how a life can be radically changed by the grace of God, demonstrating that no past is too great for God to redeem. [46:20]
Revelation 3:8 (ESV): "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to align more closely with God's will to walk through the open doors He has set before you?
Day 3: Transformation Through Grace
The transformation of Saul to Paul illustrates the power of God's grace to change lives. Saul, once a persecutor of the church, became a vessel of God's grace, demonstrating that no past is too great for God to redeem. We are called to embrace our new identity as new creations in Christ, leaving behind our past and stepping into the fullness of God's grace. This transformation is not about adhering to a set of rules but about embracing the royal law of love, which fulfills all other laws. [01:05:28]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on a past mistake or regret. How can you embrace your new identity in Christ and allow His grace to transform that area of your life?
Day 4: Renewing the Mind
Renewing our minds with the Word of God is essential for living a godly life. This renewal aligns us with the mind of Christ and empowers us to fulfill the royal law of love, which encompasses all other laws. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's truth to transform our thoughts and actions, enabling us to live in a way that reflects His character. This process of renewal is ongoing and requires intentionality and commitment. [01:06:26]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one specific thought pattern or belief that you need to renew with the truth of God's Word? How can you incorporate Scripture into your daily routine to facilitate this renewal?
Day 5: Living in the Kingdom
As new creations, we live in the kingdom of God, where the King supplies all our needs and protects us. Embracing this identity allows us to access the promises of God and experience the fullness of His blessings. We are invited to walk in the power and equipping of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live as sons and daughters of God. This empowerment allows us to overcome fear and live boldly, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. [01:31:32]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace your identity as a citizen of God's kingdom? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live boldly and reflect Christ's character today?
Quotes
For he has set us up this year. Anybody believe that God has set you up this year? God has set you up this year. For the greatest year that you have ever known. No, no, no. No, no, no, no, no. I'm talking about the greatest year that you have ever known. Matter of fact, if you could combine all the years before, it will not measure up to what God wants to do this year. [00:33:56]
It says in Ephesians chapter 3, it says, Now unto him. Who? Unto him. Who is able to do exceeding. Abundantly. Above. All that you can ask or think. Come on. There may be some things that you've asked. You've asked. You've asked before, but there have been some things that you didn't think. You didn't ask because he was like, I think that might be a little bit too much. [00:34:36]
Will you allow God to bless you so much that you can be a blessing? Will you allow? Will you be a pipeline to let it flow through you? So to let it flow through you means that you have a giving life. Your lifestyle is giving. Constantly giving. Not just in church. Not just in church. Not just in church. Not just in church. But you're listening to the Holy Spirit. When he said give, you give a word. [00:35:32]
And the Spirit of God says he will do exceeding abundantly now in 2025, in this year of the open door, all that we can actually think. Now that you've heard what God has done, that shouldn't be too much for you to think about. That shouldn't be too much for you to ask of. Because he's not a respecter of person. But you know what he is? A respecter of faith. [00:37:20]
Getting in the word of God will expand your believing. Praise God. Come on, hear this now. We don't just read the word because, yeah, it's a good thing to do. We got some mind renewal going on. We got some mind washing going on. Not brain washing, mind washing. Your brain is just an organ. Mind washing. We're washing the mind so we can have the mind of Christ. Because he said, let this mind be in you. [00:38:24]
So now let me show you how to get that. Oh, Lord, I receive that. All right. Come on. Go ahead and take it. Amen. If it's good to you, say, I'll take that. Come on. Praise God. So that's what he wants to do. So what specifically what the Lord spoke to us about then was that 2025 would be a year of God living godly. Right. So 2025 will be living, living godly. [00:45:45]
So I want you to grasp what Holy Spirit was saying. He's saying that there is an open door. But the way to experience the open door is going to take godly living. Okay. It's good stuff. Good stuff. Let's go here to Galatians chapter two. We're going to get in our text here. So Galatians chapter two. And we're going to go verse 20. [00:46:31]
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away. Passed away means what? Dead. Old things are dead and all things are become new. What? All things. So therefore we are to walk in this newness of life. That's why the apostle Paul said that in second Galatians. Let's go back over there. Chapter 20. Hallelujah. [01:24:24]
I dare say that we don't live in this earth. On this earth. You know where we live? We live in the kingdom of God. Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo. Oh, that's something different. We live in the kingdom of God. Now, I want to say. In the kingdom. You know who's responsible for supplying all our needs? The king. The king is. You know who's the one who's supposed to protect you in the kingdom? The king is. [01:31:15]
So now, you understand that if a person comes from one nation, right, and they are now brought into a nation, you know, how they naturalize and you do your pledge and all that, what happens? You must now, you have to understand how to operate in that nation. Right? You got to operate. Why? Because they have different laws. Right? So you can't take your old nation laws and try to live it in the new nation. [01:32:11]
Now remember what I shared with you before when I first came up here. It was now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you can actually think. So first of all, you've got to believe that. That he has the ability and the power to do exceeding abundantly above all that you can actually think. You've got to first know that. [01:34:18]
It says in Romans chapter 10, it says that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, that word call it means to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and he died for his sins. It says that they shall be rescued. God desires to rescue. Let him rescue you today. That you can now become sons and daughters of God. That you can now live in the kingdom of God. [01:46:03]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?