Embracing God's Greater Dream for Our Lives
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God's dream for our lives is far greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves. We began by acknowledging the challenges and disappointments many face in life, and the bleak outlook the world often presents. Yet, we are reminded that God offers us a future filled with hope and promise, a future that shines brighter and brighter as we walk the path of the just.
We delved into the story of Abram, who was called by God to leave his familiar surroundings and step into a destiny that was far beyond his own dreams. Abram's initial desire was simply to have a son, but God's vision for him was to become the father of a great nation. This illustrates that God's plans for us often exceed our own expectations, and we are encouraged to dream big, aligning our dreams with His.
We also looked at the example of Jeremiah, who felt inadequate for the task God set before him, yet was called to be a prophet to the nations. Similarly, the nation of Israel, once slaves in Egypt, was destined by God to become a superpower, blessed above all other nations. These stories remind us that God sees potential in us that we may not see in ourselves, and He calls us to rise to the occasion.
The message emphasized the importance of dreaming big, not just for personal gain, but to make a mark in the world and to be a testament to God's greatness. We are called to be a light, to stand out, and to show the world what God can do through a life fully surrendered to Him. This requires us to agree with God's vision, to seek His plan, to assemble a supportive team, and to diligently pursue the dream He has placed in our hearts.
Ultimately, the dream God has for us is not just about personal success, but about being used by Him to save and impact the world. We are encouraged to believe in the dream, to persevere through setbacks, and to trust that God will bring it to fruition. As we align our dreams with God's, we become part of His greater plan to bring hope and transformation to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Vision Exceeds Our Own: God's dream for our lives is often much larger than our own aspirations. Like Abram, who desired a son but was promised a nation, we must align our dreams with God's greater vision for us. [06:20]
- Dream Big and Stand Out: We are called to dream big and to stand out in the world, not for our own glory, but to showcase God's greatness. Our lives should be a testament to what God can do, drawing others to Him. [18:18]
- Overcoming Inadequacy: Like Jeremiah, who felt inadequate, we may doubt our ability to fulfill God's calling. Yet, God equips and empowers us to rise above our limitations and fulfill His purpose. [09:02]
- Perseverance Through Setbacks: Setbacks are part of the journey, but they are not the end. We must persevere, learning from failures and trusting that God will bring His dream for us to pass. [01:03:20]
- Aligning with God's Purpose: Our dreams should ultimately align with God's purpose to save and impact the world. As we pursue His dream, we become instruments of His love and power in the world. [47:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:16] - God's Future for You
- [03:31] - Choosing the Path of the Just
- [04:32] - Dream Big
- [05:15] - Abram's Journey
- [06:20] - God's Bigger Dream
- [07:02] - Jeremiah's Calling
- [09:02] - God's Vision for Nations
- [10:33] - Israel's Promised Destiny
- [13:11] - Surpassing Survival
- [15:01] - Making Your Mark
- [17:16] - God's Blessing as a Testimony
- [20:32] - Prosperity as a Witness
- [23:24] - Solomon's Example
- [29:22] - Joseph's Dream
- [33:32] - Embracing God's Dream
- [38:38] - Guarding Your Dream
- [42:37] - Gideon's Transformation
- [47:11] - Saving the World
- [52:04] - Living God's Dream
- [55:19] - Assembling Your Team
- [58:16] - Diligence and Perseverance
- [01:03:20] - Learning from Setbacks
- [01:06:41] - Believing in Your Dream
- [01:07:56] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 4:18
2. Genesis 12:1-2
3. Jeremiah 1:4-10
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Proverbs 4:18 say about the path of the just, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about God’s future for us? [01:16]
2. In Genesis 12:1-2, what was Abram called to do, and what promise did God make to him? How does this illustrate the concept of dreaming big? [05:15]
3. How did Jeremiah initially respond to God’s calling in Jeremiah 1:4-10, and what was God’s response to his feelings of inadequacy? [09:02]
4. According to the sermon, how does the story of Israel in Deuteronomy 28 demonstrate that God’s dreams for us are bigger than our own? [11:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that God’s vision for our lives exceeds our own, as seen in the stories of Abram and Jeremiah? [06:20]
2. What does it mean to "dream big" according to the sermon, and how can this be applied to our personal lives? [18:18]
3. How does the sermon address feelings of inadequacy, and what biblical examples are used to illustrate overcoming these feelings? [09:02]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that setbacks are part of the journey, and how should believers respond to them? [01:03:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your dreams were too small compared to what God might have in store for you. How can you begin to align your dreams with God’s greater vision? [06:20]
2. The sermon encourages us to stand out and be a testament to God’s greatness. What specific actions can you take this week to showcase God’s work in your life? [18:18]
3. Consider a situation where you felt inadequate for a task. How can you rely on God’s strength and calling, as Jeremiah did, to overcome these feelings? [09:02]
4. Identify a recent setback you’ve experienced. How can you view this as a setup for a comeback, and what steps will you take to persevere through it? [01:03:20]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of assembling a supportive team. Who are the people in your life that can help you pursue God’s dream, and how can you engage them in your journey? [55:19]
6. How can you ensure that your dreams align with God’s purpose to save and impact the world? What changes might you need to make in your current pursuits? [47:11]
7. Reflect on the idea of being used by God to make a mark in the world. What specific area of your life do you feel called to impact, and what steps will you take to pursue this calling? [15:01]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Vision is Greater Than Our Own
God's vision for our lives often surpasses our own limited aspirations. Abram's story is a powerful example of this truth. He longed for a son, but God promised him a nation. This illustrates that God's plans for us are often beyond what we can imagine. We are encouraged to align our dreams with His, trusting that His vision is not only greater but also filled with hope and promise. As we walk in faith, we are invited to dream big, knowing that God's plans are designed to bring about a future that shines brighter and brighter. [06:20]
Genesis 15:5-6 (ESV): "And he brought him outside and said, 'Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
Reflection: What is one dream you have that seems too big or impossible? How can you begin to align this dream with God's greater vision for your life today?
Day 2: Stand Out to Showcase God's Greatness
We are called to dream big and stand out, not for our own glory, but to showcase God's greatness. Our lives should be a testament to what God can do, drawing others to Him. This requires us to live in a way that reflects His power and love, making a mark in the world that points back to Him. By embracing this calling, we become beacons of light, demonstrating the transformative power of a life surrendered to God. [18:18]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you let your light shine this week to draw others to God's greatness?
Day 3: Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy
Like Jeremiah, who felt inadequate for the task God set before him, we may doubt our ability to fulfill God's calling. Yet, God equips and empowers us to rise above our limitations and fulfill His purpose. He sees potential in us that we may not see in ourselves, and He calls us to rise to the occasion. By trusting in His strength and provision, we can overcome feelings of inadequacy and step into the roles He has prepared for us. [09:02]
Jeremiah 1:6-8 (ESV): "Then I said, 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a youth"; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: What is one area where you feel inadequate? How can you rely on God's strength to overcome this feeling and fulfill His calling?
Day 4: Perseverance Through Setbacks
Setbacks are part of the journey, but they are not the end. We must persevere, learning from failures and trusting that God will bring His dream for us to pass. This requires resilience and faith, knowing that God is working all things together for our good. By keeping our eyes on His promises and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of His dream, we can overcome obstacles and continue moving forward. [01:03:20]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent setback you faced. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth and perseverance in your journey with God?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Purpose
Our dreams should ultimately align with God's purpose to save and impact the world. As we pursue His dream, we become instruments of His love and power in the world. This alignment requires us to seek His plan, assemble a supportive team, and diligently pursue the dream He has placed in our hearts. By doing so, we become part of His greater plan to bring hope and transformation to the world. [47:11]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure your dreams align with God's purpose for your life and the world around you?
Quotes
"But the path of the just is as the shining light that shine of more and more unto the perfect day. Today, we're continuing the series that we've been studying entitled God's Future for You. And of course, in this series, during our 28-day challenge, we've learned that there are so many who look at their life today and feel disappointed." [00:00:50] (26 seconds)
"On the surface, it appears that our future is bleak like that of the world. But what we've learned during this series is that despite our past experiences, and even in the midst of this world, and all that's going on in this world, God has still made available to us an amazing future." [00:01:45] (19 seconds)
"We've learned that wherever you are in life, no matter what has happened so far, if today you choose to get on the path of the just, your future is guaranteed to get better and better, to be brighter and brighter. You're guaranteed to have the future God wants you to have." [00:02:04] (17 seconds)
"God wants you to dream big, and why not? He's a big God who can do big things in your life. So here in Genesis 12, we read about God speaking to a man named Abram. And if we were to back up to verse chapter 11 and verse 30, we find out that his wife was barren. In other words, she was unable to have children." [00:04:54] (21 seconds)
"God's dream for your life is bigger than your dream for your life. That's one reason why I want you to learn to dream big. Because you're going to have to agree with his dream for you to have his dream. Well, this wasn't just true of Abram. Go to Jeremiah chapter 1." [00:06:45] (21 seconds)
"God's dream is bigger than your dream. So you need to dream big. Deuteronomy 28 verse 1. Now, this is talking about the nation of Israel. And if you know anything about their story, you realize that God had already had made them, had caused them to stretch their thinking, stretch their faith." [00:10:33] (22 seconds)
"God wants you blessed above the people around you. Now for some folks, they struggle, with that one. Oh my, come on, let's look at some more scripture. Go to, go to Malachi chapter three. You need to stop believing God just to get you out of trouble, just to get you to a place where everything is all right." [00:17:16] (21 seconds)
"God wants to use you as his own commercial to the world. He wants to put you on stage. He wants people to watch your life and be able to say, this is presented by the most high God. And what I did for them, I will do for you. So you ought to sign up, say, Lord. I'm like, hey, yeah, bless me." [00:19:57] (19 seconds)
"God's got a great dream. He's got a dream for you, big dream, big, big. The Bible says that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. So that means that your brain can't even go where God, can go. So why would you think that you can figure out up here where God can take you?" [00:42:37] (29 seconds)
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