Embracing God's Promises: Abundance Through Adversity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that God’s promises are steadfast and that we will not leave empty-handed. Drawing from the story of Moses and the Israelites in Exodus, we saw how God assured them that they would not leave Egypt empty but would depart with the wealth of their oppressors. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God’s promises are not just for survival but for abundance and favor, even in the face of adversity.
We also delved into the life of Joseph, whose journey from being his father's favorite to a slave and then to the prime minister of Egypt illustrates the importance of holding onto God's promises despite life's trials. Joseph’s story teaches us that the hardships we endure are often the very things that prepare us for the fulfillment of God’s promises. His unwavering faith and integrity, even in the darkest times, positioned him to save not only his family but also an entire nation.
The sermon emphasized that our struggles and the seeds we plant in faith are not in vain. Whether we see the fruits of our labor in our lifetime or not, God is faithful to fulfill His promises. The legacy of faith can transcend generations, as illustrated by the story of Brother Barnett, whose prayers continued to bear fruit long after his death.
We were encouraged to embrace the promises of God, to sow seeds of faith, and to trust that God will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing. The call was clear: do not give up, for you will not leave empty. God’s promises are sure, and He is working all things together for our good and His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Promises Are Unfailing: Just as God assured the Israelites that they would not leave Egypt empty-handed, He assures us that His promises will be fulfilled. We are reminded that God’s plans for us include abundance and favor, even when we face opposition and hardship. [02:59]
2. Trials Prepare Us for Greater Things: Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace teaches us that the trials we face are often the very things that prepare us for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Our hardships are not wasted; they are part of God’s divine preparation. [12:32]
3. Faithfulness in Adversity: Joseph’s unwavering faith and integrity, even in the darkest times, positioned him to save his family and an entire nation. This teaches us the importance of remaining faithful and trusting God’s promises, even when we do not see immediate results. [13:39]
4. Legacy of Faith: The story of Brother Barnett illustrates that the prayers and seeds of faith we plant can bear fruit long after we are gone. Our faithfulness can impact future generations, and God’s promises can transcend our lifetime. [24:25]
5. Embrace God’s Promises: We are called to embrace and walk in the promises of God, sowing seeds of faith and trusting that God will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing. We are encouraged not to give up, for we will not leave empty. [48:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:16] - Introduction and Exodus 3
[02:59] - God’s Assurance to Moses
[03:59] - Favor in the Sight of the Egyptians
[04:59] - Departure with Wealth
[05:54] - Personal Application
[06:59] - Seeds We Plant
[07:34] - Joseph’s Story Begins
[08:12] - Joseph’s Favor and Dreams
[09:30] - Prophetic Significance
[10:42] - Joseph’s Trials
[12:32] - Embracing the Promise
[13:39] - Joseph’s Leadership
[14:31] - Holding onto God’s Promises
[15:19] - Fire Shut Up in My Bones
[16:17] - Joseph’s Prophetic Gift
[17:23] - Perseverance Through Trials
[18:28] - God’s Promises Fulfilled
[19:18] - Paul’s Encouragement
[20:38] - The Power of the Gospel
[21:15] - Living by Faith
[22:20] - Legacy of Faith
[24:25] - Generational Impact
[26:11] - Walking in God’s Promises
[27:13] - Rejecting God’s Promises
[28:24] - Trusting God’s Word
[29:33] - Moses and the Egyptian Magicians
[30:02] - Supernatural Signs
[32:10] - Obeying God’s Instructions
[33:35] - Supernatural vs. God’s Work
[34:15] - Mercy and Faithfulness
[35:37] - Embracing God’s Promises
[36:11] - Joseph’s Leadership in Egypt
[37:29] - Pharaoh’s Dream
[39:05] - Storing Up Seed
[40:07] - Joseph’s Family Reunion
[42:42] - Saving the Family
[44:31] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
[45:18] - Prayer for Restoration
[46:37] - Household Salvation
[47:17] - Restoration and Promises
[48:03] - Declaration of Faith
[49:06] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:19-22 - "But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go. And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians."
2. Genesis 50:20 - "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
3. Romans 1:16-17 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did God promise Moses about the Israelites' departure from Egypt? ([02:59])
2. How did Joseph's position in Egypt change over time, and what was the ultimate outcome of his trials? ([12:32])
3. What does the story of Brother Barnett illustrate about the legacy of faith? ([24:25])
4. According to Romans 1:16-17, what is the power of the gospel and who is it for?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise that the Israelites would not leave Egypt empty-handed reflect God's character and His plans for His people? ([02:59])
2. In what ways did Joseph's trials prepare him for his role in Egypt, and how can this be applied to our own lives? ([12:32])
3. What does the story of Brother Barnett teach us about the impact of our prayers and faithfulness on future generations? ([24:25])
4. How does Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16-17 about not being ashamed of the gospel challenge us in our daily lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were leaving a situation empty-handed. How can the promise that "you will not leave empty" change your perspective on that experience? ([02:59])
2. Joseph faced many hardships before seeing God's promises fulfilled. How can you maintain faith and integrity during your own trials? ([12:32])
3. Brother Barnett's prayers continued to bear fruit long after his death. What legacy of faith do you want to leave for future generations, and how can you start building that legacy today? ([24:25])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of sowing seeds of faith. What specific seeds of faith can you plant in your life right now, and how can you nurture them? ([07:34])
5. How can you embrace and walk in God's promises, even when you do not see immediate results? Share a specific promise from God that you are holding onto and how you are trusting Him to fulfill it. ([13:39])
6. The sermon mentioned that our struggles are not in vain and that God is working all things together for our good. How can you remind yourself of this truth during difficult times? ([18:28])
7. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. How can you boldly share the gospel in your community, and what steps can you take to overcome any fear or shame associated with it? ([20:38])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Promises Are Unfailing
God’s promises are steadfast and reliable, offering us assurance even in the face of adversity. Just as God assured the Israelites that they would not leave Egypt empty-handed, He assures us that His promises will be fulfilled. This is not just about survival but about experiencing abundance and favor. The story of the Israelites leaving Egypt with the wealth of their oppressors is a powerful reminder that God’s plans for us include blessings beyond our immediate understanding. We are encouraged to trust in His promises, knowing that He is faithful to bring them to fruition. [02:59]
Exodus 3:21-22 (ESV): "And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and steadfastness in fulfilling that promise today?
Day 2: Trials Prepare Us for Greater Things
Joseph’s journey from being his father's favorite to a slave and then to the prime minister of Egypt illustrates the importance of holding onto God's promises despite life's trials. His story teaches us that the hardships we endure are often the very things that prepare us for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Joseph’s trials were not wasted; they were part of God’s divine preparation for his future role. This encourages us to view our own trials as opportunities for growth and preparation for greater things that God has in store for us. [12:32]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you see God’s hand in preparing you for something greater through that experience?
Day 3: Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph’s unwavering faith and integrity, even in the darkest times, positioned him to save his family and an entire nation. This teaches us the importance of remaining faithful and trusting God’s promises, even when we do not see immediate results. Joseph’s faithfulness in adversity is a powerful example of how our commitment to God can lead to significant outcomes, not just for ourselves but for others as well. We are called to maintain our faith and integrity, trusting that God is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. [13:39]
Psalm 105:19-21 (ESV): "Until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to remain faithful? How can you seek God’s strength to maintain your integrity and trust in His promises?
Day 4: Legacy of Faith
The story of Brother Barnett illustrates that the prayers and seeds of faith we plant can bear fruit long after we are gone. Our faithfulness can impact future generations, and God’s promises can transcend our lifetime. This encourages us to think beyond our immediate circumstances and consider the lasting impact of our faith and actions. We are reminded that our legacy of faith can influence and bless others, even after we are no longer here to see the results. [24:25]
Hebrews 11:4 (ESV): "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks."
Reflection: What seeds of faith are you planting today that could impact future generations? How can you be intentional about leaving a legacy of faith?
Day 5: Embrace God’s Promises
We are called to embrace and walk in the promises of God, sowing seeds of faith and trusting that God will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing. The encouragement is clear: do not give up, for you will not leave empty. God’s promises are sure, and He is working all things together for our good and His glory. This calls us to actively trust and engage with God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect timing. [48:03]
2 Peter 1:4 (ESV): "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to embrace more fully today? How can you actively walk in that promise and trust in God’s perfect timing?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "No matter who you are this morning. No matter where you've been this morning. No matter spiritually, physically, emotionally, where you are at right now. You do not have to stay that way. You don't have to. And as much as you may not like to hear it. And as much as I do not want to say that. The things that you've gone through. The price that you've paid up to now. That is what is making you who you really are." [05:54] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I hope your prayers are so big that there's no way they can all be answered before you die. Hallelujah. I hope your prayers are so big that a hundred years from now, the Lord is still answering the prayers that you're praying today. Amen and hallelujah." [22:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't give up. You're not going away empty. God is going to bring to pass every promise that he has made you. Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. I may be taking scripture a little bit out of context. Forgive me if I am, but can I say also from generation to generation." [24:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "No matter what it looks like today, no matter where you're at today, don't give up. You're not gonna go away empty. You don't have to leave this building empty but more importantly you don't have to leave this life empty. I believe the promise of God is for you to walk away and I'm not just talking about dollar bills and shiny stuff." [43:42] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You may have been struggling all your life. You may have been spit on, beat up, washed out, and kicked out. But I'm telling you, you hold on to the promises of God. I'm speaking restoration over you right now. Whoever you are, I'm speaking restoration over you right now in the name of Jesus. Body, soul, and spirit." [47:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Joseph, in the midst of all those battles, chose to embrace the promise of God, even though he had not seen it yet with his natural eyes. Even though he had not seen it, it did not stop him from sowing seed. Joseph was a prophet. Joseph was a natural born leader. Joseph was that kind of guy that in whatever room he was in, he wound up being the leader." [13:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The things that you've gone through. The price that you've paid up to now. That is what is making you who you really are. And in fact, you couldn't go to the level that God's calling you to. Most likely. Had you not been through everything. Everything you've been through. Now listen, I'm not talking about if you've been an abuse. If you've been beat. If it's things like that. I'm never saying that's the will of God." [06:59] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You may have given up. You might have spent your life giving up. And grabbing back a hold. Come on, y'all. I'm too old to not be real. You might have spent your life just throwing your hands up and saying, I'm done. And then only realizing that you can't be done. Just like Jeremiah the prophet, when he tried to throw his hands up and said, I'm not going to do this anymore." [14:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You may be in a place right now where you ain't really felt anything in a long time but you faithfully stood your ground and you faithfully kept on exercising what God has given you. The first thing that Joseph asked his brothers is your dad still alive and they said yes he lives in his will you may have been disconnected from the fathers." [42:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What are you going to do with the seed God gives you? God gives you a promise. You need to release that promise. God gives you a promise. You need to walk in that promise. You don't have to. You get to. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind." [26:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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