Embracing God's Call: Trust, Discipline, and Transformation
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of saying 'yes' to God, no matter the question. This 'yes' is not just about obedience, but about trust, discipline, and a willingness to be used by God for His purposes. The sermon emphasized that saying 'yes' to God is not always easy, as it often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and face challenges. However, it is through these challenges that we grow and become better equipped to serve God and others.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of discipline in the Christian life. Discipline, it was explained, is what keeps us on track when motivation wanes. It is what ensures that we continue to say 'yes' to God, even when it's difficult. The sermon concluded with a call to trust in God's plan, even when we can't see what He is doing. We were reminded that if we stay on the right path and don't grow weary, we will eventually reap a harvest of blessings.
Key takeaways:
- Saying 'yes' to God is about trust, discipline, and a willingness to be used by Him. It often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and facing challenges ([24:24]).
- Discipline is what keeps us on track when motivation wanes. It ensures that we continue to say 'yes' to God, even when it's difficult ([16:10]).
- Trusting in God's plan, even when we can't see what He is doing, is crucial. If we stay on the right path and don't grow weary, we will eventually reap a harvest of blessings ([18:54]).
- The Word of God is not for information, but for transformation. It is meant to be applied to our everyday lives ([17:23]).
- Saying 'yes' to God is the key to living an abundant life. It positions us in the center of God's will and under His protection ([23:42]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The Christian life is not a cruise ship, but a battleship. We are in a spiritual warfare and this requires discipline. Discipline will take you where motivation can't because discipline doesn't care about your feelings. It's a part of the discipline of our life to be in Father's House worshiping our father. [16:10]
2. The word of God is not for information, it's for transformation only through application. Living the disciplined Christian Life initially you may not see what God is doing but eventually, if you continue on the right path, you will reap a harvest if you do not grow weary. [17:23]
3. Sometimes, saying 'yes' is actually easier than saying 'no'. Yes always comes down to trust. Can we trust the person who has given us direction in our life whether we understand it or not? Can we trust that they are not in this to harm us and that they have our best interest in mind? [07:20]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Ephesians 6:10-20 - This passage talks about the spiritual warfare we are in and the armor of God we need to put on.
2. James 1:22-25 - This passage emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word, but doing what it says.
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - This passage talks about trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning on our own understanding.
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 6:10-20, what are the different pieces of the armor of God mentioned and what do they represent?
2. What does James 1:22-25 say about the importance of applying the word of God in our lives?
3. How does Proverbs 3:5-6 define trust in God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of a battleship in spiritual warfare apply to our Christian life according to Ephesians 6:10-20?
2. According to James 1:22-25, what are the consequences of being hearers of the word and not doers?
3. How can we apply the principle of trust as described in Proverbs 3:5-6 in our daily lives?
Application Questions:
1. How can we apply the discipline required in a battleship to our Christian life?
2. Can you share a personal experience where applying the word of God transformed your life?
3. Can you share a time when saying 'yes' to God's direction, even when it was difficult, resulted in a blessing or growth in your life?
Devotional
Day 1: "Christianity is a Battleship, Not a Cruise Ship"
Christianity is not a leisurely journey, but a spiritual battle. We are not called to a life of comfort and ease, but to a life of discipline and warfare against the forces of evil. This is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one, fought with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you had to exercise spiritual discipline. How did you handle it and what could you have done differently to better align with the teachings of Ephesians 6:10-18? In what areas of your life do you feel you are on a 'cruise ship' rather than a 'battleship'? What steps can you take to shift your mindset and actions towards being more disciplined in your faith?
Day 4: "Our Lives are for God's Glory"
Our lives are not our own. We were created by God, for God, and our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to Him. This means using our gifts, talents, and resources to reflect and express Jesus Christ in our world. It also means trusting Him in difficult times, knowing that even our trials can bring glory to God when we respond with faith and perseverance.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you used your blessings to reflect and express Jesus Christ in your world? How did it feel and what was the impact on others? Reflect on a difficult time in your life. How did you or could you have used that experience to bring glory to God? What changes can you make in your life to ensure that even in tough times, you are living for God's glory?
Quotes
1. "The greatest reason we could trust the Lord is found in Romans 5 verses 8-11 it says but when God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still Sinners and since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ he will certainly save us from God's condemnation." - 19:55
2. "When it comes to man doing life when it comes to breakthrough when it comes to Growing when it comes to blessing it it truly does come down to trust." - 07:31
3. "Proverbs chapter 3 literally is telling us to to slow down and try to wrap our minds around the Father Knows Best that our father in Heaven can be trusted that I need to listen to my father not just hear my father's voice." - 11:43
4. "This is the key to yes making your mind up to trust and take father and his word. Finding God's Wills not the difficult part obeying and following God's will no that'll challenge you but we got to get to the point where we make a decision." - 11:43
5. "Use this sermon use this series this month to just better us so that we can be better for you Lord give us the opportunity to say yes this week to you." - 24:15
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