Embracing God's Grace: Faith Overcomes Opposition
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that "greater are they that are for us than they that are against us." This powerful statement reminds us that God's presence and support in our lives far outweigh any opposition we may face. We often feel isolated, unsupported, or overwhelmed by life's challenges, but we must remember that God is always with us, providing strength and hope. Our perception of our circumstances can shape our reality, and by focusing on God's promises, we can transform our outlook and embrace the future with faith and courage.
We delved into the story of Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord amidst a world filled with wickedness and corruption. Noah's story illustrates the importance of faith and obedience. Despite the world's chaos, Noah chose to follow God's instructions, building an ark that ultimately saved his family. This narrative teaches us that grace is an opportunity, a period where we can align ourselves with God's will and receive His blessings. However, grace requires action; it is not enough to believe—we must also act on our faith.
Grace is a gift from God, an opportunity to make things right before judgment. It is not a free pass but a chance to align our lives with God's plan. Our faith gives us access to this grace, and through it, we can experience transformation and salvation. We are called to be active participants in God's work, building His kingdom and living lives that reflect His love and righteousness. As we embrace God's grace, we are empowered to overcome challenges and live with purpose and joy.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Support Surpasses Opposition: In moments of feeling alone or unsupported, remember that God's presence and support are greater than any opposition. Our perception shapes our reality, and by focusing on God's promises, we can transform our outlook and embrace the future with faith and courage. [36:48]
- Noah's Faith and Obedience: Noah's story teaches us the importance of faith and obedience. Despite the world's chaos, Noah chose to follow God's instructions, building an ark that saved his family. This narrative illustrates that grace requires action; it is not enough to believe—we must also act on our faith. [46:07]
- Grace as an Opportunity: Grace is a gift from God, an opportunity to make things right before judgment. It is not a free pass but a chance to align our lives with God's plan. Our faith gives us access to this grace, and through it, we can experience transformation and salvation. [01:00:43]
- Active Participation in God's Work: We are called to be active participants in God's work, building His kingdom and living lives that reflect His love and righteousness. As we embrace God's grace, we are empowered to overcome challenges and live with purpose and joy. [01:14:16]
- Faith Transcends the Earthly Dimension: Faith takes us from a carnal mindset to a spiritual mindset, transforming our thinking and enabling us to access God's power and grace. It is through faith that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. [01:07:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[36:48] - Greater Are They That Are For Us
[40:40] - The Power of Perception
[44:48] - Living with Gratitude
[46:07] - Noah's Faith and Grace
[56:03] - Understanding Grace
[57:06] - Building the Ark
[57:56] - Faith and Obedience
[01:00:43] - Accessing Grace Through Faith
[01:01:20] - The Role of Grace in Salvation
[01:04:16] - The Hope in Christ
[01:07:30] - Faith Transcends the Earthly
[01:11:39] - The Reality of Death and Judgment
[01:14:16] - Overflow of God's Blessings
[01:15:43] - Living a Life of Purpose
[01:17:35] - Embracing God's Plan
[01:18:27] - Building the Church
[01:19:54] - Invitation to Faith and Grace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 6:8 - "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
2. Romans 5:1-2 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "greater are they that are for us than they that are against us" mean in the context of the sermon? [36:48]
2. How did Noah demonstrate faith and obedience according to the sermon? [46:07]
3. What is the significance of the "grace period" as explained in the sermon? [56:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and grace? [01:00:43]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of Noah illustrate the concept of grace requiring action? [46:07]
2. How does the sermon suggest that our perception can shape our reality, especially in terms of faith? [40:40]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of grace in our salvation and daily lives? [01:01:20]
4. How does the sermon connect the idea of being active participants in God's work with the concept of grace? [01:14:16]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated or unsupported. How can the reminder that "greater are they that are for us than they that are against us" change your perspective in similar situations? [36:48]
2. Noah acted on his faith by building the ark. What is one specific action you can take this week to act on your faith? [46:07]
3. The sermon describes grace as an opportunity to align with God's plan. What is one area of your life where you feel called to align more closely with God's will? [01:00:43]
4. How can you actively participate in building God's kingdom in your community or church? What steps can you take to start this week? [01:18:27]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of perception. How can you shift your focus from negative thoughts to God's promises in your daily life? [40:40]
6. Consider the concept of a "grace period" in your spiritual life. Is there an area where you need to take advantage of this grace period to make things right? [56:03]
7. How can you encourage others in your life to embrace God's grace and live with purpose and joy? What practical steps can you take to support them? [01:14:16]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence Transforms Our Perception
In moments of feeling alone or unsupported, it is crucial to remember that God's presence and support are greater than any opposition. Our perception of our circumstances can shape our reality, and by focusing on God's promises, we can transform our outlook and embrace the future with faith and courage. This profound truth encourages us to shift our focus from the challenges we face to the divine support that surrounds us. By doing so, we can find strength and hope in God's unwavering presence, allowing us to navigate life's difficulties with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. [36:48]
2 Kings 6:16-17 (ESV): "He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your perception to focus on God's promises and presence in this situation today?
Day 2: Faith in Action: Noah's Example
Noah's story teaches us the importance of faith and obedience. Despite the world's chaos, Noah chose to follow God's instructions, building an ark that saved his family. This narrative illustrates that grace requires action; it is not enough to believe—we must also act on our faith. Noah's faith was not passive; it was demonstrated through his obedience to God's commands, even when it seemed illogical to those around him. His story challenges us to consider how we can actively live out our faith, trusting in God's plan and taking steps that align with His will, even when the path is unclear. [46:07]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in God's promises, even if it seems challenging or counterintuitive?
Day 3: Grace as a Transformative Opportunity
Grace is a gift from God, an opportunity to make things right before judgment. It is not a free pass but a chance to align our lives with God's plan. Our faith gives us access to this grace, and through it, we can experience transformation and salvation. Grace invites us to participate in God's redemptive work, allowing us to be transformed by His love and empowered to live lives that reflect His righteousness. This opportunity calls us to examine our lives and consider how we can align ourselves more closely with God's will, embracing the transformative power of His grace. [01:00:43]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to embrace God's grace more fully, allowing it to transform your actions and attitudes today?
Day 4: Active Participation in God's Kingdom
We are called to be active participants in God's work, building His kingdom and living lives that reflect His love and righteousness. As we embrace God's grace, we are empowered to overcome challenges and live with purpose and joy. This calling invites us to engage with the world around us, using our unique gifts and talents to further God's kingdom and make a positive impact in our communities. By actively participating in God's work, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life aligned with His purposes. [01:14:16]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to actively participate in building God's kingdom today?
Day 5: Faith Transcends the Earthly Dimension
Faith takes us from a carnal mindset to a spiritual mindset, transforming our thinking and enabling us to access God's power and grace. It is through faith that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. This transformative power of faith allows us to rise above earthly limitations and embrace a spiritual perspective that aligns with God's purposes. By cultivating a mindset rooted in faith, we can access the strength and grace needed to navigate life's challenges and fulfill our God-given potential. [01:07:30]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one earthly mindset or habit you need to let go of to embrace a more spiritual perspective today? How can you begin to make this shift?
Quotes
Let's praise the Lord again. There is none like you, God. Glory be to your name. They that are for us are more than they that are against us. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Amen. I said greater are they that are for us than they that are against us. You walked in this room and you felt like you're the only one here. Amen. Amen. You're the only one trying to survive. Greater are they that are for you than they that are against you. [00:36:48] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
You know our perception determines our reception. How we see things determines who we're becoming and if we're always seeing negative problems nobody likes us everybody hates us guess we'll just go eat some worms big ones fat ones skinny ones little ones all up in a squirm that's the song of your life you need to get your eyes opened a little bit and realize God is for you and he's not against you God is with you always even to the end of the world though he slay me yet will I trust him. [00:37:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
There is, Christians have no business walking around frowning all the time and finding fault and problems with everything. God forgave you of your sins, washed you, made you new, gave you a fresh start, gave you a hope, gave you something you didn't deserve, gave you a promise of heaven, gave you a hope in this life. [00:40:40] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Doesn't sound very impressive does it it was not pretty folks the cross was not a romantic beautiful pretty scene Jesus was hanging naked bleeding out dying on a cross and he did it and he forgave the people that did it to him because he saw this I said he saw this come on he saw something in the future he saw you getting forgiveness for your sins he saw you going down in the waters of baptism and coming up a new person he saw you being filled with the power of the holy ghost. [00:42:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Living for God is fun I said living for God is fun Man, this world thinks they're having fun They ain't having fun They're just pushing their pain out till tomorrow We get to have the joy of the Lord today. [00:46:07] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Grace is the season where you're not judged, but your sins can be forgiven. You see the difference. And he hath raised us up together, made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. So now we see that it's the grace of God that has appeared to us in Christ Jesus. [01:03:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Paul said, I labored more than them all yet not I it was the grace of God that was working in me Paul said it was by God's grace Paul raised up churches he established apostles prophets he he worked with ministries he pointed bishops and deacons and elders in every place he built churches all over Asia and Paul said it wasn't me why because when God gives you a plan you can't take credit for it all you can do is work it. [01:05:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Faith. Faith. If you don't have faith today, let me help you build your faith. Amen. God is here. And God is here to meet your need. I don't even know that you'd walked into the room if you didn't have faith today. I believe you have faith today. To every man's given a measure of faith, you got something. You may not feel like your faith is great. You may feel like you have a lot of doubt. [01:19:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If you're struggling with obedience, and you feel like you just can't make the next step, or you try and you fail, you try and you fail, you try and you fail. Amen. I want you to know that there's still grace available. And the Bible teaches us that the grace of God assists and helps us. Don't you feel good when somebody gives you a grace period? You ever felt like, oh, I'm late, and you call, and they say, no problem. You still have faith. [01:20:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?