Embracing God's Ongoing Creation in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "New Things" and how God, as our Creator, is continually at work in our lives, creating and renewing. We began by acknowledging the joy and excitement that new things bring into our lives, whether it's a new pair of shoes or a new car. This excitement is a reflection of God's nature as a Creator who delights in making all things new. From the very beginning, God has been creating—He created the heavens and the earth, and He continues to create new life in us through Jesus Christ.
We delved into 2 Corinthians 5:17, which tells us that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. This means that God is not done creating; He is continually at work in us, transforming us and making us new. However, we often get stuck in our old ways, thinking that the newness stops at salvation. But God wants to do new things in our lives every day, and one of the ways we can experience this is through worship.
Worship is not just about singing songs; it's about encountering God and allowing Him to work in us. We looked at Isaiah 43:15-20, where God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, telling the people to forget the former things because He is doing something new. This newness requires us to be open and aware, ready to embrace what God has for us.
Jesus' parables in Matthew 9:16-17 further illustrate this point. He talks about not putting new wine into old wineskins and not patching old garments with new cloth. These parables teach us that we cannot fit new things into old ways of living. We need to become new creations, continually renewed by God, to handle the new things He wants to do in our lives.
Finally, we discussed the importance of worship in keeping our hearts pliable and open to God's new work. Worship tenderizes our hearts, making us receptive to His new creations. We concluded with a call to worship, encouraging everyone to sing and praise God, not just as a routine, but as a way to stay new and open to His ongoing work in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is a Creator and Continues to Create: God’s creative work did not stop at the beginning of time or at our moment of salvation. He is continually at work, creating new things in our lives. This ongoing creation is a testament to His nature and His desire to bring newness into every aspect of our existence. [30:00]
2. Embrace the Newness in Worship: Worship is a powerful way to experience God's new work in our lives. It’s not just about singing songs but about encountering God and allowing Him to transform us. Worship keeps our hearts tender and open to His new creations, making us receptive to His ongoing work. [33:48]
3. New Things Require New Ways: Jesus' parables about new wine and old wineskins teach us that we cannot fit new things into old ways of living. We need to become new creations, continually renewed by God, to handle the new things He wants to do in our lives. This requires a willingness to let go of old patterns and embrace new ways. [46:26]
4. Praise as Provision and Freedom: Praise is not just an act of worship but a pathway to provision and freedom. When we praise God, we open ourselves up to His provision and experience breakthroughs that we might not find through other means. Praise brings freedom, as seen in the story of Paul and Silas, who worshiped in prison and experienced miraculous deliverance. [55:44]
5. Worship as a Language of Heaven: Singing and worship are integral to our relationship with God. They are expressions of our love and devotion, and they align us with the language of heaven. By engaging in worship, we participate in a divine dialogue that keeps our hearts pliable and open to God's new work. [53:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:51] - Introduction to "New Things"
[25:42] - The Importance of Worship
[26:22] - Worship as a Defining Nature
[27:20] - Prayer and Gratitude
[27:56] - The Joy of New Things
[29:10] - God as Creator
[30:00] - New Creation in Christ
[32:36] - Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation
[33:48] - Worship and Breakthrough
[34:33] - Isaiah's Prophecy of New Things
[35:57] - Embracing the New
[39:33] - Parable of the New Cloth
[46:26] - Parable of the New Wine
[55:44] - Praise as Provision and Freedom
[58:14] - Call to Worship and Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "New Things"
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17
2. Isaiah 43:15-20
3. Matthew 9:16-17
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to someone who is in Christ? How does this relate to the concept of being a new creation? [30:00]
2. In Isaiah 43:15-20, what does God instruct the people to do regarding the former things, and what new things does He promise to do? [35:57]
3. What is the significance of Jesus' parables about new wine and old wineskins in Matthew 9:16-17? How do these parables illustrate the need for new ways of living? [46:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea that God is continually creating new things in our lives challenge the notion that spiritual growth stops at salvation? [30:47]
2. What does it mean to be "stuck" in old ways, and how can worship help us become open to God's new work in our lives? [32:36]
3. How do Jesus' parables about new wine and old wineskins apply to our personal lives and spiritual practices? What old patterns might we need to let go of to embrace new things from God? [46:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually "stuck." What old patterns or routines were you holding onto, and how did you eventually break free? [30:47]
2. Worship is described as a way to keep our hearts tender and open to God's new work. How can you incorporate more genuine worship into your daily life? [33:48]
3. Jesus' parables about new wine and old wineskins suggest that new things require new ways. What specific old habits or mindsets do you need to change to make room for God's new work in your life? [46:26]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of worship in experiencing God's provision and freedom. Can you share a personal experience where worship led to a breakthrough or provision in your life? [55:44]
5. How can you make worship a more integral part of your life, not just during church services but in your everyday activities? What practical steps can you take to become a person of worship? [49:13]
6. The sermon mentioned that singing and worship are expressions of our love and devotion to God. How can you overcome any discomfort or self-consciousness you might feel about singing or worshiping openly? [49:57]
7. Think about the concept of worship as a language of heaven. How can you align your daily actions and attitudes with this heavenly language to stay new and open to God's ongoing work? [53:38]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Ongoing Creation in Our Lives
God’s creative work did not end with the creation of the world or our moment of salvation. He is continually at work, creating new things in our lives. This ongoing creation is a testament to His nature and His desire to bring newness into every aspect of our existence. We often think that the newness stops at salvation, but God wants to do new things in our lives every day. This requires us to be open and aware, ready to embrace what God has for us.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are reminded that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. This means that God is continually at work in us, transforming us and making us new. We need to recognize and embrace this ongoing creation, allowing God to work in every area of our lives. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of His new creations and the joy that comes with them. [30:00]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck in old patterns? How can you invite God to create something new in that area today?
Day 2: Embrace the Newness in Worship
Worship is a powerful way to experience God's new work in our lives. It’s not just about singing songs but about encountering God and allowing Him to transform us. Worship keeps our hearts tender and open to His new creations, making us receptive to His ongoing work. When we engage in worship, we are participating in a divine dialogue that aligns us with the language of heaven.
Isaiah 43:15-20 speaks of God doing something new and calls us to forget the former things. This newness requires us to be open and aware, ready to embrace what God has for us. Worship is a key way to stay open to God's new work, as it tenderizes our hearts and makes us receptive to His ongoing creation. [33:48]
Psalm 96:1-2 (ESV): "Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day."
Reflection: How can you make your worship time more intentional this week to truly encounter God and allow Him to work in you?
Day 3: New Things Require New Ways
Jesus' parables about new wine and old wineskins teach us that we cannot fit new things into old ways of living. We need to become new creations, continually renewed by God, to handle the new things He wants to do in our lives. This requires a willingness to let go of old patterns and embrace new ways. By doing so, we can fully experience the new things God has for us.
In Matthew 9:16-17, Jesus explains that new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. This illustrates the need for new ways of living to accommodate the new things God wants to do in our lives. We must be willing to let go of old habits and embrace new ones, allowing God to continually renew us. [46:26]
Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: What old habits or patterns do you need to let go of to make room for the new things God wants to do in your life?
Day 4: Praise as Provision and Freedom
Praise is not just an act of worship but a pathway to provision and freedom. When we praise God, we open ourselves up to His provision and experience breakthroughs that we might not find through other means. Praise brings freedom, as seen in the story of Paul and Silas, who worshiped in prison and experienced miraculous deliverance.
When we engage in praise, we are not only honoring God but also positioning ourselves to receive His provision and freedom. This act of worship can lead to breakthroughs in our lives, as it opens us up to God's power and presence. By praising God, we can experience His miraculous work in our lives. [55:44]
Acts 16:25-26 (ESV): "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need a breakthrough? How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine to invite God's provision and freedom?
Day 5: Worship as a Language of Heaven
Singing and worship are integral to our relationship with God. They are expressions of our love and devotion, and they align us with the language of heaven. By engaging in worship, we participate in a divine dialogue that keeps our hearts pliable and open to God's new work. Worship is not just a routine but a way to stay new and open to His ongoing work in our lives.
Worship is a powerful tool that helps us stay connected to God and His ongoing work in our lives. It is a way to express our love and devotion, aligning us with the language of heaven. By making worship a regular part of our lives, we can keep our hearts tender and open to God's new creations. [53:38]
Revelation 5:9 (ESV): "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'"
Reflection: How can you make worship a more intentional and meaningful part of your daily life to stay open to God's new work?
Quotes
1. "A defining nature of the people of refresh should be people of worship. Because there's so many attributes of worship. That please the heart of God. And there's so many things in my life that I've been able to break through and overcome because of worship. And I'm afraid that we're missing out on some of those benefits as a church because we haven't quite gone there all the way. We haven't surrendered in worship sometimes." [26:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is a creator. And when he creates, he creates new things. The earth was void and without form. And what did he do? He began to speak into existence, sun, moon, and stars, heavens and earth, sky, water, land, plants, animals, and eventually breathed life into humanity. God. Is a creator. But I have a question for you. Is he done creating? Did, did he spend six days and rest on the seventh and then go, I'm done? No. Because he is a creator. It's who he is. God is our creator." [29:10] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When it comes to your walk with God, we should never be there because he's a God of new things. He's a God who's constantly desiring to stir up in you something new, something of calling, something of purpose, something of intimacy with him. There is always something. It's in a completely vast, unexplored area in front of you that he has for you. So he's made you new, but didn't stop there. So I ask you again, is he done creating? He's not." [31:17] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In worship, he's not done encountering you. And you're not done encountering him. There's more that can be done in a moment of worship than in a lifetime of anything else. I've had more experience with God in worship, true, honest, pure worship from my soul to him than anything else. I've, I've had what looks like a breakdown in worship, but it was actually a breakthrough. You guys get what I'm saying? Like, like I've had those moments where I just like, God, I don't know what's happening. I'm just crying and I can't figure it out. And he just moves in me." [33:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When God is speaking something into your life, if you take a new thing and you live by an old standard, it creates a mess. You can't just add new things to old things. You can't just add new things to old things. You can't just take this new word from God and plug it into your life like before. You can't do that. Because like that patch, the new patch in the old clothes, you can't use these new things in old recipes. You can't take this new thing and put it in your old way of life. You can't take these new things, because new things don't belong in your old way of life." [44:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You can't just add Jesus to your life and call it good. You have to become a new creation. And the wineskin teaches us that we can't be an old thing and expect new things. You can't be an old wineskin and expect new wine. You see, from the natural standpoint, Jesus is telling the story. Wineskins. And a wineskin is usually a leather or some kind of animal hide. And they would seal it up, and they would pour new wine in it, and they would tie it off. And that wine would ferment in there. And as it would ferment, it expanded. And the new wineskin could stretch and shape with the expansion of this new wine." [46:26] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "One of the best ways for you to stay in the position of a new wineskin so that you can receive new wine is to be a person of worship. Because worship tenderizes our hearts. It keeps us soft and pliable. A hard-hearted person is someone who does not worship. But a worshiper, a worshiper is someone who is moldable by him. He pours new things into them. And I know some of you guys are going, well, TJ, I don't really feel comfortable singing and I don't have a good voice and you know, and can we call those what they are? Excuses." [49:13] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Praise is our provision. Many, many times when we find ourselves in a position of need, whether it's a spiritual need, a physical need, an emotional need, whatever it is, we find ourselves in a position of need where we need provision. Praise is a gateway that often gets you there. It's the pathway of your breakthrough. When there were some kings gathered together in the desert and armies were all there, they're going to die of thirst. They had no water. And so they called the prophet Elijah and they said, hey, can you give us a word from God? And what's going to happen? And you know what he does? He goes, bring a harpist. We got to take a worship break real quick, got to take a praise break before we get a word from God." [55:44] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Praise is how we stay new in him. We'll stay new in him when we're a people of praise. We will be new cloth. Not old cloth with a new patch. New. We'll stay pliable like the new wineskin, which makes us able to receive new things. And that's so important, church. Our church will be three years old next month. Yeah. Let's go. So in a lot of ways, this sermon sounds like a course correction of where we've been. But the reality is we're not old enough to have a where we've been yet, but you're old enough to have a where you've been. And so what I'm really trying to do is take where you've been and create a new where we are out of it." [57:27] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "For so many of us, we didn't even know we could worship until we knew Him. Am I right? And maybe you're here today and you don't know Him. You don't have a relationship with Him. Today's your day to do that. That very first verse I read, anyone who is in Him is a new creation. If you want to experience the new creation that the Creator brings in you, if you need that new, if you're like, I'm stuck, I don't know what's going on in my life, there's something missing, the new is coming. The new is here in this room today for you. You know what we call that? Salvation." [58:55] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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