Embracing God's Call: Overcoming Excuses and Surrender
Summary
In a message focused on overcoming excuses and embracing God's calling, the central theme revolves around the authority and empowerment believers have to reject lies and pursue their divine purpose. The message begins by addressing the common human tendency to make excuses, highlighting how these often stem from a deeper root of fear, avoidance of commitment, and potential failure. The narrative of Moses is used as a prime example of someone who made excuses to avoid God's calling, only to be reassured by God's promise of presence and empowerment.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of rejecting excuses and leaning into God's calling, not because of personal ability, but because of who has called and equipped the believer. The story of Elijah is also referenced, illustrating how even a prophet of God struggled with fear and doubt, yet was reminded of his divine calling through a symbolic cloak, representing God's provision and calling.
The message further explores the concept of surrender as a key theme for the year, challenging individuals to be willing to do whatever God asks, including speaking to whom He directs and saying yes or no as He leads. The importance of being present with God to hear His voice is underscored, with an encouragement to be still and silent in His presence.
The speaker shares personal anecdotes, including a commitment to silence and the lessons learned during that time, as well as a story about his brother planting a pine tree sapling, which grew into a tree that outlived him, symbolizing legacy and the impact of faithfulness.
The message concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to rid themselves of excuses and to commit to pursuing Christ with diligence and faithfulness. The speaker invites the audience to respond to God's call, whether that means laying down excuses at the altar, committing to not making excuses any longer, or repenting and pursuing Christ for renewal.
Key Takeaways:
- The authority believers have to reject the enemy's lies is rooted in the truth of Scripture, which empowers them to rebuke negative thoughts and embrace God's truth. This authority is not partial but complete, as affirmed in Matthew 28, and it is essential to exercise this authority in overcoming mental and spiritual battles. [55:40]
- Excuses often serve as a defense mechanism to avoid accountability, commitment, and the risk of failure. However, they are ultimately counterproductive, distancing individuals from their God-given purpose. The parable of the great feast in Luke illustrates how excuses can lead to missing out on the kingdom of God, emphasizing the eternal significance of our choices. [58:26]
- The concept of surrender is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of who fights our battles. Surrender involves a willingness to follow God's direction, speak His words, and embrace His calling, regardless of personal comfort or understanding. This posture of surrender is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [34:45]
- Being in God's presence is vital for both the highs and lows of life. Whether experiencing joy or sorrow, the presence of God provides comfort, guidance, and perspective. The story of Elijah demonstrates that God often speaks in a still, small voice, requiring us to draw near and listen attentively. [42:34]
- Legacy is not determined by immediate success or recognition but by faithfulness over time. The story of the pine tree sapling, which grew into a tree that produced pine cones long after it was planted, serves as a metaphor for the enduring impact of our actions and the importance of patience and perseverance in our spiritual journey. [01:07:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
2. 1 Kings 19:9-13 - "There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: 'What are you doing here, Elijah?' He replied, 'I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.' The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"
3. Exodus 3:10-12 - "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.' But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the main excuse Moses used to avoid God's calling, and how did God respond to him? ([51:16])
2. How did Elijah react when he felt overwhelmed and fearful, and what did God do to reassure him? ([40:40])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the cloak that Elijah used to cover his face? ([43:13])
4. What does Matthew 28:18-20 say about the authority given to believers and their mission?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses felt inadequate to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and how does God's response address his fears? ([51:16])
2. How does the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 illustrate the importance of being in God's presence, especially during times of fear and doubt? ([42:34])
3. What does the concept of surrender, as discussed in the sermon, mean in the context of following God's direction and calling? ([34:45])
4. How does the authority given to believers in Matthew 28:18-20 empower them to overcome excuses and fulfill their divine purpose?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you made an excuse to avoid a task or calling you felt was from God. What was the root cause of your excuse, and how can you address it moving forward? ([29:29])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of being still and silent in God's presence. What practical steps can you take this week to create space for silence and listening to God? ([35:17])
3. Think about the concept of surrender discussed in the sermon. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control to God, and what steps will you take to do so? ([34:45])
4. The story of Elijah shows that God often speaks in a gentle whisper. How can you position yourself to hear God's whisper in your daily life? ([42:34])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of legacy and faithfulness over time. What is one action you can take this week to invest in a legacy of faithfulness? ([01:07:52])
6. Identify one excuse you have been using to avoid a commitment or responsibility. How can you replace that excuse with a step of faith and obedience to God's calling? ([57:46])
7. How can you use the authority given to you in Matthew 28:18-20 to overcome negative thoughts and lies from the enemy in your daily life? ([55:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Authority
Rejecting the enemy's lies is essential to walking in the fullness of God's truth and authority. Believers are called to exercise their God-given power to overcome mental and spiritual battles, standing firm in the promises of Scripture. This authority is complete and enables one to pursue their divine purpose with confidence. [55:40]
James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: What lies have you been believing about yourself, and how can you use Scripture to combat them today?
Day 2: Rejecting Excuses to Fulfill Purpose
Excuses can hinder one's journey towards their God-given destiny, serving as barriers to accountability and commitment. By recognizing and overcoming these excuses, individuals can step closer to fulfilling their divine purpose and avoid missing out on the kingdom of God, as illustrated in the parable of the great feast. [58:26]
Luke 14:18-20 - "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'"
Reflection: What excuses are you currently using to avoid stepping into your calling, and how can you overcome them?
Day 3: Surrender as Strength
Surrender to God is not a sign of weakness but an acknowledgment of the One who fights our battles. It requires a willingness to follow God's lead, speak His words, and embrace His calling, even when it challenges personal comfort. This surrender is a powerful step in spiritual growth and aligning with God's will. [34:45]
2 Chronicles 20:15 - "He said, 'Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice surrender, and what practical steps can you take to do so?
Day 4: The Presence of God in All Seasons
God's presence is a constant source of comfort, guidance, and perspective, regardless of life's circumstances. It is in the stillness and silence that one can hear God's voice most clearly, as Elijah did. Drawing near to God in both the highs and lows is essential for maintaining a strong relationship with Him. [42:34]
1 Kings 19:11-12 - "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake."
Reflection: How can you create moments of stillness in your day to listen for God's voice?
Day 5: Faithfulness as the Seed of Legacy
The true measure of legacy is not found in immediate success but in steadfast faithfulness over time. Like the pine tree sapling that grows and outlives its planter, the impact of one's actions can extend far beyond their lifetime. Patience and perseverance are key to leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. [01:07:52]
Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Reflection: What is one act of faithfulness you can commit to today that may contribute to your legacy?
Quotes
"The enemy will sit in your brain and break you down, and we have to look back at him with the authority that Matthew 28 tells us we have, which is all authority. We get to look back at that devil and go, 'nah, you're a liar and I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.'" [55:40] (Download)
"Our excuses typically separate us from the calling that God's placed in our life; it doesn't draw us closer to it. We have become excuse experts, people who are so good at coming up with the reason why we can't." [57:07] (Download)
"All the excuses do typically is avoid accountability, avoid commitment, they avoid potential failure, but they're branches off of the root of something much deeper, something much more serious." [57:46] (Download)
"Are you willing to do whatever I ask you to do? That's the idea of surrender. Are you willing to lean in to what I've asked you, are you willing to speak to the people I tell you to speak to?" [34:45] (Download)
"Excuses are the enemy of progress. Excuses are the reason why we're not moving forward. We have to shed the excuses and lean into what God's called us to do." [01:04:32] (Download)
"This is a signifying moment of legacy to me... 30 years later this year my mother for Christmas surprised us all with one of those pine cones from that tree." [01:05:55] (Download)
"Let's rid our excuses and pursue Christ, maybe that looks like you coming down and laying excuses down on the Altar and going God I don't care what comes against me this year I choose you." [01:13:47] (Download)
"The only way that you can hear from God clearly is if you're sitting in his presence. One of the things I learned is that I had to personally be silent and be still and rest in his presence." [35:17] (Download)
"Pass by wind, earthquake, fire, but He speaks through a whisper. Why? Somebody whispers, you have to lean in, you have to draw close. You can't hear somebody whispering and then walk away; you have to be in their presence." [42:34] (Download)
"The cloak was given to Elijah by God as a signal of his calling. This is who you are called to be; prophets wore a cloak that signified this is a prophet. So he always knew this is what God's called me to be, this is the cloak that I've been given." [43:13] (Download)
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