Embracing God's Call: Foundations of Faith and Prayer
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound message of Jude, focusing on how to live a life that embraces God's calling. We delved into the importance of building our lives on our most holy faith, which involves making Jesus the Lord of our lives, studying the Bible, dying to our flesh, and praying in the Holy Spirit.
We began by understanding that God has a distinct purpose for each of us, created uniquely with specific giftings. Embracing this call involves recognizing that we are part of God's kingdom, akin to a father-son business, where we work alongside Him in His divine plans.
A significant part of today's message was the emphasis on the dangers of apostasy, as Jude warns us. It's crucial to contend earnestly for the faith amidst a world where false teachings and diluted doctrines are prevalent. This apostasy will grow until the return of Christ, marked by the rise of a charismatic world leader who will deceive many.
To counter these challenges, we must build our lives on the solid foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean simply believing more or trying harder; it's about deepening our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. The gospel is not about our goodness but about Jesus' finished work on the cross, which is complete and sufficient for our salvation.
Studying the Bible is non-negotiable in this process. It's not about reading through the Bible quickly or superficially but about deeply understanding God's Word, which reveals His character and will. This involves slowing down, taking notes, and using tools like study Bibles and concordances to dig deeper into the scriptures.
Praying in the Holy Spirit is another critical aspect. This means aligning our prayers with God's will, not our own desires. It's about seeking what God wants in every situation, especially when faced with challenges or opposition from others.
Lastly, keeping ourselves in the love of God is essential. This doesn't mean trying to earn God's favor, which we already have, but living in the awareness of His love and grace daily. It's about recognizing that even when we fail, God's love and mercy are new every morning, ready to use us for His purposes.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Embracing God's Call: Understanding that God has a unique purpose for each of us is foundational. We are not random creations but integral parts of God's kingdom with specific roles to play. This realization should drive us to live intentionally, aligning our daily actions with God's will. [09:26]
2. The Danger of Apostasy: In a world where false teachings are rampant, it's crucial to hold firmly to the true gospel. Apostasy is a real threat, and as believers, we must be vigilant in contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, ensuring our beliefs and teachings align with scripture. [03:23]
3. The Foundation of Our Faith: Our faith must be built on the understanding of Jesus' complete work on the cross. It's not about our efforts or trying to add to what Jesus has already finished. This foundation gives us security and confidence in our salvation, which is based solely on Jesus' sacrifice. [12:19]
4. The Importance of Bible Study: To truly know God and His will, studying the Bible is essential. It's not enough to skim through the scriptures; we must delve deeply, using tools and resources to understand the context and teachings thoroughly. This study transforms our lives and equips us for every good work God has prepared for us. [25:22]
5. Praying in the Holy Spirit: Aligning our prayers with God's will is crucial. It's not about imposing our desires on God but seeking His plans and purposes in every situation. This type of prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God and ensures that we are moving in sync with His will. [46:51]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:46] - Introduction to Embracing God's Call
- [03:23] - Warning Against Apostasy
- [09:26] - Understanding Our Unique Purpose
- [12:19] - Building on the Foundation of Faith
- [25:22] - The Critical Role of Bible Study
- [46:51] - Praying in the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jude 1:20-21 (NKJV): "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
2. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV): "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jude 1:20-21, what are the four actions believers are encouraged to take? ([01:26])
2. What does 1 Corinthians 3:11 say about the foundation of our faith? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on Jesus' finished work on the cross? ([12:57])
3. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the four purposes of Scripture mentioned? How do these purposes equip believers? ([28:15])
4. What does the pastor mean by "praying in the Holy Spirit"? How does this differ from praying our own will? ([46:51])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that Jesus is the foundation of our faith (1 Corinthians 3:11) change the way we approach our spiritual growth? ([12:57])
2. Why is it important to study the Bible deeply rather than just reading it superficially? How does this impact our understanding of God and His will? ([25:22])
3. What does it mean to "keep yourself in the love of God" according to the sermon? How does this concept challenge common misconceptions about earning God's favor? ([50:04])
4. How can praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20) transform our prayer life and align us more closely with God's will? ([46:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current Bible study habits. Are you reading or studying the Bible? What steps can you take to deepen your study and understanding of Scripture this week? ([31:04])
2. Think about a recent situation where you prayed for something. Were you praying for your will or seeking God's will? How can you shift your prayers to align more with the Holy Spirit's agenda? ([46:51])
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to feel God's love and grace. How can you remind yourself daily of God's unconditional love and mercy, especially when you fail? ([50:04])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of dying to our flesh. What personal beliefs, values, or opinions do you need to surrender to embrace God's ways fully? ([43:54])
5. How can you practically "build up your most holy faith" in your daily life? Consider specific actions like making Jesus the Lord of your life, studying the Bible, and praying in the Holy Spirit. ([21:41])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged by false teachings or diluted doctrines. How can you contend earnestly for the faith and stay grounded in the true gospel? ([03:23])
7. How can you keep yourself in the love of God amidst daily challenges and failures? What practices can help you stay aware of His love and grace? ([50:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Purpose
God has intricately designed each of us with a unique purpose that aligns with His kingdom. Understanding this can transform how we live daily, urging us to act intentionally and align our actions with God's will. This realization isn't just about acknowledging our roles; it's about actively participating in God's divine plan, akin to working in a family business where every role is crucial. By embracing our God-given purpose, we step into the responsibilities He has set for us, which leads to a more fulfilling and impactful life. [09:26]
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What specific role do you believe God has created you for in His kingdom, and what steps can you take today to fulfill this role?
Day 2: Guarding Against Apostasy
In a world rife with diluted doctrines and false teachings, it is imperative to hold steadfastly to the true gospel. Apostasy poses a real threat, and vigilance in our faith is crucial. We must earnestly contend for the faith, ensuring our beliefs and teachings are always aligned with Scripture. This involves not only personal vigilance but also a communal responsibility to encourage and correct each other in love. [03:23]
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Reflection: How can you better equip yourself to identify and resist false teachings that you might encounter in everyday life?
Day 3: Foundation of Our Faith in Christ's Work
Our faith must be anchored in the understanding and acceptance of Jesus' complete work on the cross. It's not about our efforts or trying to add to His finished work. This foundation gives us security and confidence in our salvation, which is based solely on Jesus' sacrifice. Understanding this allows us to live freely and confidently, knowing our salvation is secure as we rest in His sufficient grace. [12:19]
Hebrews 10:14 - "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: How does understanding the completeness of Jesus' work on the cross change the way you view your daily struggles and victories?
Day 4: The Critical Role of Bible Study
To truly know God and His will, deep and thoughtful study of the Bible is essential. This isn't about quick reads but about engaging deeply with Scripture to understand God's character and will. Using tools like study Bibles and concordances can enrich our understanding and transform our lives, equipping us for every good work God has prepared for us. [25:22]
Acts 17:11 - "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to deepen your study of the Bible, and how can you incorporate this into your daily routine?
Day 5: Aligning with God Through Prayer
Praying in the Holy Spirit means aligning our prayers with God's will, not our desires. This type of prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God and ensures that we are moving in sync with His will. It's about seeking His plans in every situation, especially when faced with challenges or opposition. [46:51]
Romans 8:26-27 - "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: Can you identify an area of your life where your desires might be overshadowing God's will? How can you realign your prayers to focus more on His will than your own?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible shows us God's character. Each book of the Bible reveals character of God and God's holiness and his unchanging, faithful, gracious nature. He's amazing. And he's revealing himself to us through his word. So get started. You'll be incredibly blessed. Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be what? Filled." [43:17]
2. "It's okay to say someone is weak in their faith or strong in their faith as long as when we say that it refers to or relates to how well we know Jesus and not how much we believe. And let me try to unpack that a little bit. We all know John 3, 16, right? For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him would not perish but would have everlasting life." [15:01]
3. "We all make over 300 decisions every single day. And you know what I know? In my life, a lot of those decisions are wrong. But when I make those wrong decisions, Jesus is able to keep me from stumbling. And with his word and with his Holy Spirit, he guides me right back on track." [06:51]
4. "Take notes and mark up your Bible. The Bible's a holy Bible, but the paper's not holy. The paper's just paper. Mark it up. Put notes in it. Highlight it. Put all kinds of notes in the corners. Write all over it. Use a highlighter. Circle key words. Write down the main points of the chapter." [36:10]
### Quotes for Members
1. "What then does it mean to build up our life on our most holy faith? Well, it means that we are building our lives on the solid foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean simply believing more or trying harder; it's about deepening our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us." [17:27]
2. "Keeping myself in the love of God means bathing in God's grace and his mercy. It means that I'm just aware, I'm cognizant that Jesus wants to bless me even when I feel like a failure. It's realizing that Jesus wants to bless me even though I've stumbled and I've blown it again for the umpteenth time." [53:03]
3. "The Bible tells us very clearly that God and his word are one and the same. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. That's John 1.14. John 1.1. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. All things were made through him and nothing was made without him." [23:04]
4. "Praying in the Holy Spirit simply means praying the Holy Spirit's agenda. Not my agenda. It means praying God's will. Not what? Not my will. It means praying in Jesus' name. Not praying in my name. And I want you to know, praying in Jesus' name is not a tag we put on the end of our prayer." [46:51]
5. "The only way we can transform our life is by letting God transform our life. And the only way that can happen is by knowing God. And knowing God definitely will transform your life. Now know this. Notice that I said, I didn't say read the Bible. What did I say? Study the Bible." [25:22]
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