Embracing God's New Paths for Our Lives

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the theme "Do You See It?" which is centered on recognizing and embracing the new things God is doing in our lives and our church. Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, we are reminded not to dwell on past achievements or failures but to be open to the fresh and transformative work God is initiating. This requires us to have open eyes and ready hearts, prepared to receive and act upon the new paths God is creating for us.

We discussed the importance of personal growth in our spiritual journey, emphasizing the need to engage with the Word of God, cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, and participate in worship beyond Sunday services. These practices are foundational to understanding God's will and aligning our lives with His purposes. Additionally, we highlighted the significance of community, encouraging involvement in community groups where mutual sharpening and growth occur.

A key focus was on the concept of serving within the church, which is not only a means of contributing to the body of Christ but also a vital component of personal spiritual growth. Serving allows us to pour out what we have received, creating a cycle of receiving and giving that leads to maturity and vitality in our faith. We are each uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are meant to be used for the common good, building up the church and advancing God's kingdom.

We also addressed the importance of discovering our God-given purpose and passion, ensuring that our service aligns with the gifts and desires God has placed within us. This alignment leads to effective ministry and personal fulfillment. As a church, we are called to be ready for the new harvest God is preparing, which requires every member to find their place and actively participate in the mission.

Finally, we extended an invitation to those who have not yet taken the step of faith to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, emphasizing that God is calling each of us by name to a life of purpose and service in His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace the New: God is always doing something new and fresh in our lives. We must not get stuck in the past but be open to the new paths He is creating. This requires us to have open eyes and ready hearts to receive and act upon His new work. [52:12]

2. Engage with the Word and Prayer: To understand God's will and live for Him, we must be deeply rooted in His Word and cultivate a lifestyle of prayer. This ongoing communication with God is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with His purposes. [56:32]

3. Serve to Grow: Serving within the church is a vital component of spiritual growth. It allows us to pour out what we have received, creating a cycle of receiving and giving that leads to maturity and vitality in our faith. [01:00:14]

4. Discover Your Purpose and Passion: Each of us is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are meant to be used for the common good. Discovering our God-given purpose and passion ensures that our service aligns with the gifts and desires God has placed within us, leading to effective ministry and personal fulfillment. [01:05:39]

5. Respond to God's Call: God is calling each of us by name to a life of purpose and service in His kingdom. Our response should be like Samuel's, ready and willing to say, "Here I am, Lord." This willingness to step into our calling is crucial for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. [01:13:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction and Mission Trip Recap
- [03:15] - Series Overview: "Do You See It?"
- [05:30] - Big Picture Meeting Announcement
- [08:00] - Key Verse: Isaiah 43:18-19
- [10:45] - Embracing New Growth
- [13:30] - Importance of the Word and Prayer
- [16:00] - Worship and Community Groups
- [18:45] - Joining the Dream Team
- [21:30] - The Sea of Galilee vs. The Dead Sea
- [24:00] - Spiritual Gifts and Serving
- [27:15] - Responding to God's Call
- [30:00] - Parable of the Talents
- [33:00] - Discovering Purpose and Passion
- [36:00] - Invitation to Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 43:18-19
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- 1 Samuel 3:8-10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God promise to do, and what is the significance of the imagery used (pathway through the wilderness and rivers in the dry wasteland)? [49:33]

2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, how are spiritual gifts distributed among believers, and for what purpose are they given? [01:05:39]

3. In the story of Samuel's calling in 1 Samuel 3:8-10, how does Samuel respond to God's call, and what does this teach us about being attentive to God's voice? [01:10:49]

4. What examples were given in the sermon about how serving within the church can lead to personal spiritual growth? [01:00:14]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "forgetting the former things" in Isaiah 43:18-19 challenge us to view our past achievements and failures? What might this look like in a practical sense? [49:33]

2. In 1 Corinthians 12, why is it important for each believer to recognize and use their spiritual gifts for the common good? How does this contribute to the health of the church body? [01:05:39]

3. Reflecting on Samuel's response to God's call, what can we learn about the importance of being ready and willing to respond to God's direction in our lives? [01:10:49]

4. The sermon mentioned the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea as a metaphor for spiritual life. How does this metaphor help us understand the importance of both receiving and giving in our spiritual journey? [01:00:14]

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Application Questions:

1. What new thing might God be doing in your life right now that you need to be open to? How can you prepare your heart and mind to embrace it? [49:33]

2. How can you make engaging with the Word and prayer a more consistent part of your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week to deepen your relationship with God through these practices? [56:32]

3. Reflect on your current involvement in serving within the church. Are you more like the Sea of Galilee or the Dead Sea? What changes can you make to ensure you are both receiving and giving in your spiritual life? [01:00:14]

4. Have you discovered your spiritual gifts and how they align with your passions? If not, what steps can you take to explore and identify these gifts? How might you use them to serve others in your church community? [01:05:39]

5. Consider the story of Samuel's calling. How can you cultivate a posture of readiness to respond to God's call in your life? What might be hindering you from saying, "Here I am, Lord"? [01:10:49]

6. If you have not yet taken the step of faith to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, what is holding you back? How can you explore this decision further, and who can you talk to about it? [01:13:24]

7. Think about a specific area of ministry within the church that interests you. How can you take a step towards getting involved this week? What resources or support do you need to make this happen? [01:19:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Open Eyes for New Beginnings
God is constantly at work, creating new paths and opportunities in our lives. It is easy to become fixated on past successes or failures, but doing so can blind us to the fresh and transformative work God is initiating. By keeping our eyes open and our hearts ready, we can embrace the new things God is doing. This openness requires a willingness to let go of the past and a readiness to step into the unknown with faith. As we trust in God's guidance, we can walk confidently into the new paths He has prepared for us. [52:12]

Isaiah 42:9 (ESV): "Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace something new? How can you prepare your heart to receive and act upon this new work today?


Day 2: Rooted in the Word and Prayer
To truly understand God's will and align our lives with His purposes, we must be deeply rooted in His Word and cultivate a lifestyle of prayer. Engaging with Scripture and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with God through prayer are essential practices for spiritual growth. These disciplines help us discern God's voice and direction, enabling us to live in accordance with His will. By prioritizing time in the Word and prayer, we create a strong foundation for our faith, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace. [56:32]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in the Word and prayer into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to deepen your relationship with God this week?


Day 3: Serving as a Path to Growth
Serving within the church is not only a way to contribute to the body of Christ but also a vital component of personal spiritual growth. When we serve, we pour out what we have received, creating a cycle of receiving and giving that leads to maturity and vitality in our faith. Each of us is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are meant to be used for the common good. By actively participating in service, we grow in our understanding of God's kingdom and our role within it. [01:00:14]

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: What is one way you can use your unique gifts to serve others in your church or community this week? How might this act of service contribute to your spiritual growth?


Day 4: Discovering Purpose and Passion
Each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, and discovering our God-given purpose and passion is essential for effective ministry and personal fulfillment. When our service aligns with the gifts and desires God has placed within us, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. This alignment allows us to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of God's kingdom, using our talents to build up the church and serve others. By seeking God's guidance and exploring our passions, we can find our place in His mission and live out our calling with purpose. [01:05:39]

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 are some of the gifts and passions God has placed within you? How can you begin to align your service with these gifts to fulfill your God-given purpose?


Day 5: Responding to God's Call
God is calling each of us by name to a life of purpose and service in His kingdom. Our response should be like Samuel's, ready and willing to say, "Here I am, Lord." This willingness to step into our calling is crucial for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. By responding to God's call, we open ourselves to the transformative work He wants to do in and through us. As we embrace our role in His mission, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of purpose and service. [01:13:24]

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"

Reflection: In what ways do you sense God calling you to serve in His kingdom? How can you respond with a willing heart and take the first step toward fulfilling this call today?

Quotes

"God says this. But forget all that. All what? The previous stuff that he's done in our lives. Not that we would write it off or just never think of it again. But he's saying don't get stuck there. Don't just dwell there. Don't just be like that. The past was so great. You know never be another move forward. Listen. He's saying forget about that." [00:49:43] (22 seconds)


"And here's the thing that I want you to grab a hold of. That our God is always doing something new. There's always something new. There's always something fresh that God is involved with. He's not stuck in the past. He's not like hey I've run out of things. I don't know. I'm at a loss here. There's always something new and fresh that God is doing. The problem is we don't always have our eyes tuned in to see what he's doing." [00:50:28] (22 seconds)


"We need to be in the word. You cannot say God I want to live for you. God I want to serve you. And then not spend any time in the word of God. Because how do you know how to live for him? How do you know how to serve him? You have no idea what he wants you to do because you're not in the word." [00:51:45] (18 seconds)


"Prayer is another big one. You got to be praying. And I love that we spent the month of January talking about prayer. And I've really been challenged. I know I've personally been challenged in this idea of the one sentence prayers. Not that we neglect our morning prayer times or evening prayer times whenever it works for you. But just we don't leave it at that. But always. All throughout the course of the day you can be praying." [00:52:44] (24 seconds)


"And I've come to notice how many times throughout the course of the day I'm praying. I'm talking to God about this situation. About this is what is going on. And God help me here. And God I'm praying for this. And God I'm praying for that. And something will pop into my mind. And I'll pray. And I just find myself all throughout the day. Prayer isn't just an event. It happens like in my morning devotions. And when I'm done I'm not going to pray anymore because I already took care of that. Prayer is a lifestyle." [00:52:56] (24 seconds)


"And then after you've given it out. Then man I need more. And so I'm going to take in more. And then I'm going to give out. And then I'm going to have to take in some more. And then I'm going to give it out. And in that cycle of you receiving and giving and receiving and pouring in and receiving and blessing. There's growth. There's great growth that happens." [00:57:15] (18 seconds)


"Three different times in this passage, it declares to us that every one of us or each one of us has been gifted by God. There is a gift. There is a talent. There is an ability. A spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit has given us. That he has deposited into our lives that we need to be using for his Kenan. So God gives gifts to every believer." [01:04:28] (23 seconds)


"So let me just make this very clear to you. If you're a child of God, if you've invited Jesus Christ into your life, if he's your Savior, if he's your Lord, then part of receiving the Holy Spirit who lives and dwells in you, he also deposited in you a gift. There's something in you that is important. It's necessary. In fact, in verse 7 it says, he gives to each one. And it's given for the common good. That means it's not just for you to keep to yourself. It's for the common good. That means it's for everybody. It's for the church. It's so that the kingdom of God will grow. It's for the purpose of building the church." [01:05:05] (41 seconds)


"And in a very real way, I believe that God is calling every one of us. And he's calling us by name. He's called out your name. And he's waiting for us to respond. And the question is, how are you going to respond? God is calling us and saying, I've got a purpose for you. I've got a plan for you. I've deposited my gifts and my talent and my ability. Within you as one of my children. And I'm calling you and I'm asking you to step into these different areas of ministry." [01:12:38] (28 seconds)


"God has deposited within every one of us. His gift. There's some talent. There's some ability. A gift of the Holy Spirit that is put in every one of us as a child of God. What are you doing with it? Have you buried it in the ground? Or are you using it to help grow and advance the kingdom of God? Really, I want to ask you this question again. Do you see what your next step is?" [01:18:00] (31 seconds)


"Because when our ministries are strengthened, then we will be ready for the increase that God wants to bring into this place. We read Isaiah 43. He said, get ready. I'm doing something new. I'm doing a new thing. That's not just in our lives as individuals, but that's for our church. God is saying, do you see it? Church, I'm trying to get you ready. I'm trying to get you to be growing. I'm trying to get you to be moving forward so that you're ready to receive the new thing that I'm getting ready to release." [01:23:38] (31 seconds)


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Transcript
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