Embracing God's Promises: A Journey of Faith
Summary
In Deuteronomy 6:17-25, we are reminded of the importance of diligently keeping the commandments of the Lord. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bring us into a place of blessing and promise. The story of Israel is a profound illustration of God's grace and mercy. Despite being the smallest and most overlooked nation, God chose Israel, nurtured them, and delivered them from the bondage of Egypt. This narrative is not just a historical account but a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. Just as God brought Israel out of Egypt, He brings us out of our own bondage and into His promises.
God's deliverance is not just about freeing us from our past but about bringing us into a future filled with His goodness. We often find ourselves trapped by our own desires and the consequences of our actions, but God offers us a way out. He calls us to let go of the things that hold us back and to trust Him as He leads us into His promises. This requires faith, patience, and a willingness to move forward even when the path is unclear.
The journey of faith is not always easy. Like Israel, we may find ourselves longing for the familiarity of our past, even if it was a place of bondage. But God calls us to look forward, to trust in His promises, and to embrace the new life He offers. This requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to let go of the past, and a commitment to follow God wherever He leads.
As we step into a new year, let us remember that God has brought us out to bring us in. He has a good future planned for us, one that is filled with His blessings and promises. Let us remain in a posture of faith and obedience, diligently keeping His commandments and unapologetically pursuing the promises He has for us. God is faithful, and He will bring us into the good things He has prepared for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Chosen and Delivered by God: Just as God chose Israel, He has chosen us, not because of our merits but because of His grace. Our past does not define us; God's choice does. He delivers us from bondage and brings us into His promises. [04:28]
2. Faith in the Unknown: Trusting God means moving forward even when the path is unclear. Like a child trusting a parent, we must trust God to lead us into His promises, knowing that He has a good future planned for us. [09:14]
3. Letting Go of the Past: To embrace God's promises, we must let go of the things that hold us back. Our tendency to cling to the familiar can hinder our progress. God calls us to move forward in faith, trusting Him with our future. [11:21]
4. Obedience and Diligence: Possessing God's promises requires obedience and diligence. We must be proactive in keeping His commandments and living according to His Word. This positions us to receive His blessings. [29:24]
5. Unapologetic Pursuit of God's Promises: We must be bold and unapologetic in pursuing the promises of God. There will be opposition, but with God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle and possess the blessings He has for us. [34:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:28] - God's Choice and Deliverance
[05:11] - From Bondage to Promise
[06:43] - Our Story Mirrors Israel's
[07:37] - Letting Go of the Past
[09:14] - Trusting God in the Unknown
[10:24] - Hope for a New Year
[11:21] - Moving Forward in Faith
[13:35] - Israel's Struggles and Lessons
[16:05] - Complaints and Consequences
[18:08] - Faith and Hope for the Future
[19:01] - God's Strategic Path
[20:02] - Patience in the Journey
[21:06] - Faith Requires Action
[22:43] - Remembering God's Faithfulness
[29:24] - Obedience and Diligence
[34:34] - Unapologetic Pursuit of Promises
[42:45] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Deuteronomy 6:17-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Deuteronomy 6:17-25 emphasize about the importance of keeping God's commandments? How does this relate to the well-being of the Israelites? [04:28]
2. In the sermon, how is Israel's story used as a metaphor for our spiritual journey? What parallels are drawn between their deliverance from Egypt and our personal experiences? [06:43]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the Israelites' struggle with letting go of their past? How did this affect their journey to the Promised Land? [11:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of faith and patience in inheriting God's promises? What challenges are mentioned in maintaining this posture? [21:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "chosen and delivered by God" challenge or affirm one's understanding of personal worth and identity? [04:28]
2. What does it mean to have "faith in the unknown," and how can this be practically applied in situations where the future is uncertain? [09:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that clinging to the past can hinder spiritual growth and progress? How can one overcome this tendency? [11:21]
4. How does the sermon define "obedience and diligence" in the context of possessing God's promises? What practical steps are suggested to live this out? [29:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt chosen by God despite feeling overlooked or insignificant. How did this experience shape your faith journey? [04:28]
2. Identify a situation in your life where the path forward is unclear. How can you practice trusting God like a child trusts a parent, as described in the sermon? [09:14]
3. What are some "familiar" things from your past that you find difficult to let go of? How can you take steps to release these and embrace God's promises for your future? [11:21]
4. Consider your current spiritual practices. How can you be more diligent in keeping God's commandments to position yourself for His blessings? [29:24]
5. The sermon encourages an "unapologetic pursuit of God's promises." What obstacles do you face in this pursuit, and how can you overcome them with God's help? [34:34]
6. As you step into a new year, what specific promises of God are you holding onto? How can you actively pursue these promises in your daily life? [10:24]
7. Reflect on the role of patience in your spiritual journey. What practical ways can you cultivate patience as you wait for God's promises to unfold? [21:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Chosen by Grace, Not by Merit
God's choice of Israel, despite their smallness and insignificance, is a profound testament to His grace. This choice was not based on their merits but on His love and purpose. Similarly, God chooses us, not because of our achievements or worthiness, but because of His grace. Our past, with all its failures and shortcomings, does not define us. Instead, it is God's choice and His deliverance that shape our identity. Just as He delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt, He delivers us from our own chains, bringing us into His promises. This understanding should fill us with gratitude and a sense of purpose, knowing that we are chosen and loved by God. [04:28]
Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (ESV): "It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unworthy or overlooked. How does knowing that God has chosen you by His grace change your perspective on that experience?
Day 2: Trusting God in Uncertainty
Faith often requires us to step into the unknown, trusting that God has a good future planned for us. Like a child trusting a parent, we are called to trust God even when the path is unclear. This trust is not blind but is rooted in the knowledge of God's character and His promises. As we journey through life, we may face uncertainties and challenges, but we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is leading us. This requires a shift in perspective, from fear of the unknown to faith in God's faithfulness. [09:14]
Isaiah 42:16 (ESV): "And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are facing uncertainty? How can you actively choose to trust God with this situation today?
Day 3: Letting Go to Move Forward
To embrace the promises of God, we must be willing to let go of the past. Our tendency to cling to the familiar, even if it was a place of bondage, can hinder our progress. God calls us to move forward in faith, trusting Him with our future. This requires courage and a willingness to release the things that hold us back. By letting go, we open ourselves to the new life and blessings that God has prepared for us. It is a journey of faith, where we learn to trust in God's promises and His plan for our lives. [11:21]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Identify one thing from your past that you are holding onto. What steps can you take today to let go and trust God with your future?
Day 4: The Power of Obedience and Diligence
Possessing God's promises requires obedience and diligence. It is not enough to simply believe; we must also act in accordance with God's Word. This means being proactive in keeping His commandments and living a life that reflects His values. Obedience positions us to receive God's blessings and to walk in the fullness of His promises. It is a daily commitment to align our lives with God's will, trusting that His ways are best. Through obedience, we demonstrate our love for God and our desire to honor Him in all that we do. [29:24]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life is God calling you to greater obedience? What practical steps can you take to be diligent in this area today?
Day 5: Boldly Pursuing God's Promises
We are called to be bold and unapologetic in pursuing the promises of God. There will be opposition and challenges, but with God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle. This pursuit requires courage, determination, and a steadfast faith in God's faithfulness. As we seek His promises, we must remain focused on His Word and His guidance, trusting that He will lead us to victory. By pursuing God's promises with boldness, we demonstrate our confidence in His power and our commitment to His purpose for our lives. [34:34]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you feel called to pursue boldly? How can you take a step of faith today to move towards that promise?
Quotes
"You know, Israel's story is really a wonderful one. It's a wonderful story. When you think about it, I mean, they, they were chosen by God. How would it, how would you feel if, if you didn't know what it was like to be chosen? If you were the smallest, the most ignored, if you were not, um, you know, you, you didn't have much to offer in your own eyes." [00:01:51] (21 seconds)
"God brought us out of that life. He offers us hope to a better one. He brings us out of, of darkness and brings us into his promises. He brings us into his good purpose. Did you catch how many times in this short little passage, God wanted to do good for Israel, that he brought them out for their good, that he made them promises for their good, that he delivered them from their enemies, that he gave them an inheritance. Why? To give them life, to do them good." [00:07:44] (32 seconds)
"God brought them out so he could bring them in. And if you believe that, and you want to receive those things for yourself, that God has brought you, that wants to bring you into, that God wants to bring you into. If you want the promise of God, if you want to receive the purposes of God for your life, then you have to understand the past does not define your future." [00:08:16] (21 seconds)
"And I was with someone recently and they're like, I don't know where we are. And I said, it doesn't matter as long as you know who you're with. Here's the thing. I don't know. I don't have to know where God is bringing me. I just have to know that I'm with him. Amen. It's like a little kid in the car. The car's driving. Mom knows where she's going. Her dad knows where she's going. But the kid doesn't have any idea. What do the kids say? Are we there yet? Where are we going? I don't know. This is weird. This is different. I want to be comfortable. I want to be home. I want to be on my Xbox or whatever. And it's like, no, you're asking all the wrong questions. You just need to know if you're by me, you're good to go." [00:09:16] (33 seconds)
"unfortunately the truth is it can be really hard for us to move forward i mean we hold on to things that we need to let go of we can't advance while we're chained to our past and then sometimes we retreat into what we know instead of moving towards god in the unknown why because at least i can control what i know at least i can i can i can hold on to this thing and i know this is real and i know this is mine and i know i can hold this until it's not until you can't until you get too tired and too lonely and too overwhelmed and everything just falls apart our tendency to run to what's comfortable what's normal keeps us from going to what's best you know on a lot of occasions there's a number of occasions i'm actually going to read a couple of them to you we're going to look at these in the scriptures but israel actually frustrated the purposes of god and they limited their own prosperity why because they kept comparing the past to their present they couldn't see the future because they were they were so worried about they couldn't see what god wanted to give them because they were so so focused on what they didn't have right now i don't have this i don't have this i'm missing this they were paralyzed by their fear and they were stuck in their situation they couldn't seeструкtency the dilemma they faced that there's an answer on the way. They couldn't see that God had made a way when there seemed to be no way. Even when they were standing on the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh chasing them down in the water in front of them, they didn't know that the scripture said that God had already prepared a path for them in the middle of the waters." [00:11:21] (99 seconds)
"God knows what you can handle. Maybe the reason why you're not going the direct path to your destiny is because you can't handle it yet. I don't want that. Maybe, just maybe, God wants you to go from A to B, but you got to go to C, C, Y, X, Q, R, B, back to Z, you know. God got to take you around because He knows what you can handle and if you face that thing." [00:19:55] (27 seconds)
"So we have to learn to move forward to the promises of God in faith. We have to let go of the things that bind us to our past and lift our eyes beyond our circumstances in the present. God brought us out of these things so that he could bring us into the good future he has for us. And it's through faith and patience we inherit God's promises." [00:20:30] (20 seconds)
"Faith is grown on the truth of God and his word. Faith is developed when you understand that God is faithful. That God is not a man that he should lie. He's not the son of man that he should repent. He doesn't change his mind. He's not fickle like our emotions." [00:22:38] (17 seconds)
"To possess the things of God, you have to contend for them. You have to press in with the spiritual violence. The Bible says the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Listen, you cannot be passive about the promises God has for you. Why? Because there are enemies against you. The devil does not want you walking to your purpose. Let's be honest. Some of our neighbors don't want us walking to blessing. Amen. Some of your co -workers don't. They don't want you to see, don't want you to have the blessing of God on your life. They don't want you to be promoted over them." [00:34:52] (29 seconds)
"You have to choose to pursue God with all your heart and your soul and your mind and your strength. You have to unapologetically go after God. You have to have the attitude that Jacob had when he grabbed a hold of that angel and said, I won't let you go until you bless me. You have to grab a hold of your purpose, your faith. You have to say, you know what? I am not letting this go no matter what comes against me. I am for God and everything else can deal with it." [00:37:48] (23 seconds)
"To possess these things, you have to build your faith. But it starts with remembering what God brought you out of. God brought you out, not to leave you kind of in the wobbly place, trying to figure things out. God brought you out to bring you in. But what did he bring you out of? Because if he did that for you, how much more will he bring you in to the promises he has for you?" [00:40:18] (20 seconds)
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