Embracing God's Favor Amid Life's Disruptions

 

Summary

Rejoice, favored one! This message is a profound reminder that God's favor is not something we earn; it is a gift given freely through Jesus. Just as Mary was chosen without having done anything to earn it, we too are recipients of God's grace. The Incarnation, as Dallas Willard describes with the Emmanuel principle, signifies that God is with us, offering a life lived in His presence. This calls us to be present to the presence of God in our daily lives, recognizing His work and guidance in every moment.

In our journey, we may encounter disruptions and challenges, much like Mary did. Her life was turned upside down by the news of her divine pregnancy, yet she embraced it with faith. This teaches us that even when life doesn't follow our expected script, God is still at work. The story of Mary and Jesus is a testament to the fact that God's plans often defy human expectations, yet they are filled with purpose and promise.

Mary's initial perplexity and pondering over the angel's message reflect a deep engagement with God's word. Her willingness to embrace the unknown and trust in God's plan is a powerful example for us. It reminds us that faith often involves stepping into uncertainty, trusting that God will illuminate our path, even if only a few steps at a time.

The Kingdom of God, as proclaimed by Jesus, is a present reality that we are invited to participate in. It is a kingdom where the impossible becomes possible, where love and grace abound, and where our lives, no matter how non-standard they may seem, can become outposts of God's kingdom. This Advent season, let us embrace the disruptions and uncertainties, knowing that God is with us, and His plans are unfolding in ways we may not yet understand.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Favor is a Gift: Just as Mary was chosen without merit, we too receive God's favor through Jesus. This grace is not earned but freely given, reminding us of the unconditional love God has for us. [01:02]

2. Presence in the Present: The call to be present to God's presence in our lives is a profound invitation. It challenges us to recognize God's work in the mundane and the miraculous, guiding us through every moment. [01:33]

3. Embracing Disruption: Mary's life was disrupted by God's plan, yet she embraced it with faith. This teaches us that God's plans may not align with our expectations, but they are filled with purpose and promise. [04:42]

4. Faith in Uncertainty: Mary's journey shows us that faith often involves stepping into the unknown, trusting that God will guide us, even if only a few steps at a time. This trust is essential in our walk with God. [03:26]

5. Kingdom Reality: The Kingdom of God is a present reality where the impossible becomes possible. Our lives, no matter how non-standard, can become outposts of God's kingdom, filled with love and grace. [09:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:02] - God's Unmerited Favor
- [01:17] - The Emmanuel Principle
- [01:33] - Being Present to God's Presence
- [02:03] - Recognizing God's Guidance
- [02:27] - Embracing Life's Disruptions
- [03:13] - Trusting in God's Illumination
- [03:44] - Mary's Perplexity and Faith
- [04:14] - Sanctified Wallowing
- [05:09] - Mary's Journey and Jesus' Heart
- [06:10] - The Kingdom Language
- [06:56] - Mary's Faithful Response
- [07:46] - Rejoicing in Disruption
- [08:41] - Non-Standard Life, God's Plan
- [09:26] - Kingdom Outposts in Our Lives

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:28-38 - The Annunciation to Mary
2. Matthew 1:23 - The Emmanuel Principle
3. Romans 8:28 - God's Purpose in Disruptions

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 1:28-38, how does Mary initially react to the angel's message, and what does this reveal about her character? [03:44]

2. What is the significance of the term "Emmanuel" as mentioned in Matthew 1:23, and how does it relate to the concept of God's presence in our lives? [01:17]

3. How does the sermon describe the way God's favor is given to us, and what example from Mary's life illustrates this? [01:02]

4. According to Romans 8:28, how does God work through disruptions and challenges in our lives? How is this reflected in Mary's story? [04:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Mary's willingness to embrace the unknown and trust in God's plan teach us about faith and obedience? How can this be applied to our own lives? [07:46]

2. How does the concept of being "present to the presence" of God challenge our understanding of mindfulness and daily living? [01:33]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's plans might defy human expectations, and how should we respond to such disruptions? [04:42]

4. How does the Kingdom of God, as described in the sermon, differ from worldly kingdoms, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? [06:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's favor in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you remain open to recognizing God's favor in unexpected ways? [01:02]

2. What are some practical ways you can be more present to God's presence in your daily routine? Consider specific moments or activities where you can invite God's presence. [01:33]

3. Think of a recent disruption or challenge you faced. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation, and what did you learn from it? How can you apply this lesson to future challenges? [04:42]

4. How can you cultivate a mindset of faith and trust when stepping into uncertain situations, similar to Mary's response to the angel's message? [07:46]

5. Identify an area of your life that feels "non-standard" or unconventional. How can you view this as an opportunity to be an outpost of God's Kingdom, filled with love and grace? [09:40]

6. During this Advent season, what specific steps can you take to embrace the disruptions and uncertainties in your life, trusting that God's plans are unfolding? [08:00]

7. How can you support others in your community who are experiencing disruptions or challenges, helping them to see God's purpose and presence in their lives? [09:26]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Favor as a Divine Gift
God's favor is a profound gift that is not earned but freely given through Jesus Christ. Just as Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God without any merit of her own, we too are recipients of God's grace. This grace is a testament to the unconditional love that God has for each of us, reminding us that His favor is not based on our actions or worthiness but on His boundless love. Embracing this truth can transform our understanding of our relationship with God, leading us to live in gratitude and humility. [01:02]

"For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and celebrate God's unearned favor in your life today?


Day 2: Being Present to God's Presence
The call to be present to God's presence in our lives is an invitation to recognize His work in both the mundane and the miraculous. This awareness challenges us to see God's hand in every moment, guiding us and offering us His peace. By cultivating a habit of mindfulness and attentiveness to God's presence, we can experience a deeper connection with Him, allowing His guidance to shape our daily decisions and interactions. [01:33]

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create moments of stillness in your day to become more aware of God's presence around you?


Day 3: Embracing Life's Disruptions with Faith
Mary's life was profoundly disrupted by God's plan, yet she embraced it with faith and trust. This teaches us that God's plans may not align with our expectations, but they are filled with purpose and promise. When we encounter disruptions and challenges, we are invited to trust in God's greater plan, knowing that He is at work even when life seems uncertain. Embracing these moments with faith can lead to growth and transformation. [04:42]

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one disruption in your life that you can choose to embrace with faith, trusting in God's purpose?


Day 4: Faith in the Midst of Uncertainty
Mary's journey exemplifies the essence of faith, which often involves stepping into the unknown and trusting that God will guide us. Her willingness to embrace uncertainty and trust in God's plan is a powerful example for us. In our own lives, faith requires us to take steps forward, even when the path is not fully illuminated, trusting that God will provide the light we need for each step. [03:26]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide you?


Day 5: Living as Outposts of God's Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is a present reality where the impossible becomes possible, and our lives can become outposts of this kingdom. By embracing God's love and grace, we can reflect His kingdom in our daily lives, no matter how non-standard they may seem. This Advent season, we are invited to participate in God's unfolding plans, allowing His love to transform us and those around us. [09:40]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be an outpost of God's kingdom in your community, reflecting His love and grace to those around you?

Quotes


initially Rejoice favored one and that expression favored one is a single word what's striking here is Mary didn't do anything to earn the status of favored one God just chooses her for no reason at all God's favor comes to you through Jesus in the same way you don't have to earn it you don't have to achieve it you don't have to God just loves you rejoice favored one the Lord is with you [00:00:47]

this is the great news of the Incarnation what Dallas Willard calls the Emmanuel principle that runs through all the Bible the offer of the with God life now God is present with you and the question is as Roger Brotherton put it in our day folks talk a lot about mindfulness being present in the present but what we're called to is one more step being present to the presence in the present in this moment [00:01:17]

God is present God is present with you in your work God wants you to be connected to your work and you will find Jesus there we were talking today to a friend who uh had kind of a dream job lifetime possibility to achieve something and all of a sudden it was taken away and I thought there would just be you know Devastation and heartbreak and instead there was this unbowed Spirit Well God has something else for me now I wonder what it will be [00:02:20]

there's an old old saying that I love the headlights of a the car only show you 15 fet of Illumination at one time but that 15 ft will get you all the way home I have a renewed appreciation to that I'm I got a t a car from an app uh that I'm using while I'm up here in the Bay Area and last night I was driving home from the East Bay and the headlights went out you tried driving when you got to get off of the freeway when there are no headlights to guide you on there that will scare the snot out of you [00:03:01]

Mary was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be bary's going to continue to reflect on and Ponder and wonder about she is troubled here I was talking to my sister yesterday about uh ways in which I was kind of sad and she said you know sometimes instead of just pushing that away and saying I shouldn't be sad and I just want to be positive uh you need to allow those feelings to be present because there's no other way to deal with and find God except to do that right where you are [00:03:44]

her whole life is going to be deeply deeply disrupted uh I was just thinking about stuff I don't usually think about when I think about Mary and Jesus like she would have to go through morning sickness pretty much every woman does my understanding is and for Mary uh when she woke up in the morning and said Jesus I'm sick that was like a prayer she was literally the first woman to say that and uh she would be aware of him and talking with him and be present with him but her life would be deeply disrupted by this [00:04:37]

Don't Be Afraid Mary the angel said for you have found favor with God and now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you will name him Jesus he will be great and will be called the son of the most high and the Lord God will give to him the Throne of his ancestor David he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there will be no end you will notice all of this Kingdom language here about Jesus [00:06:08]

Mary said to the angel how can this be since I'm a virgin the angel said to her the holy spirit will come upon you and the power of the most high will overshadow you therefore the child to be born will be holy he will be called Son of God and now your relative Elizabeth in her old age is also conceived the son and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be Barren for no word from God will be impossible [00:07:08]

here am I the servant of the Lord let it be with me according to your word rejoice and that's coming for Mary and it's coming for you and you may be ready to Rejoice right now but if you're not if you need to ponder right now just remember the very first Christmas that came came as a disruption and it did not look the way that anybody thought that it was going to look [00:07:41]

nonstandard my life is non-standard what I'm doing right now is non-standard but so far so good non-standard but so far are so good well that was marriage Journey non-standard I'm pregnant and I'm not married yet non-standard but so far so good Jesus will be present with you for with God nothing is impossible that's not a chirpy sacran sentiment [00:08:49]

think about another family out where I know where the mom and the dad have had not one but two children with Down syndrome and they with God no word is impossible nothing is impossible doesn't mean that that's going to be taken away that those children will be standard children as our world thinks of standard it means that enough love and Grace will be available that that too can be a little Outpost of the Kingdom that family can be a little Outpost of the Kingdom your life this day right here can be a little Outpost of the Kingdom [00:09:18]

Rejoice favored one the Lord is with you hey thanks for joining us my name is Tim I'm a part of the team here at become new and I live in Minnesota so it's freezing where I am be sure to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss any future teachings from John as we walk through the Christmas story a few vers [00:09:56]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?