Embracing God's Provision Through Faith and Surrender
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to declare that Jesus Christ is Lord over every aspect of our lives—our fears, anxieties, sicknesses, and every part of our existence. We were reminded of the finished work of Christ, who conquered sin and brokenness over 2,000 years ago. This victory is not partial but complete, and through the Holy Spirit, we experience wholeness, life, and freedom. Jesus desires to be Lord over every part of our lives, and we are called to surrender every piece of our story, week, family, identity, and work to His leadership.
We explored the story from 2 Kings 4:1-7, where a widow in deep grief and financial distress sought help from the prophet Elisha. Despite her dire situation, Elisha asked her what she had in her house. Her response was "nothing at all, except a jar of oil." This story teaches us that God often uses what we already have in our hands to perform miracles. The widow's act of faith in gathering empty vessels and pouring out her small amount of oil resulted in a miraculous provision that met her needs and those of her sons.
We were challenged to examine our own lives and consider what we are holding back from God. Are we running to Him first in times of need, or are we turning to other forms of anesthesia like food, social media, or work? Do we trust that God loves to meet our needs, or are we too proud or ashamed to ask? The story of the widow reminds us that supernatural blessing and favor often flow from how we steward what we already have. Our faith and obedience in private, behind closed doors, are crucial for experiencing God's provision.
Finally, we were reminded that our faith journey is not just about us but also about the next generation. Our acts of faith and obedience today lay the foundation for future generations to experience God's goodness and faithfulness. We are called to be diligent stewards of this season, to run to God first, to ask boldly for what we need, and to faithfully steward what He has already placed in our hands.
### Key Takeaways
1. Run to God First: In moments of loss, great faith, or deep trouble, our first response should be to run to God. The widow in 2 Kings 4 ran to the prophet Elisha, the mediator who gave her access to God's heart. We have Jesus as our mediator, and we should seek Him first in every situation. This act of running to God first sets the foundation for experiencing His provision and guidance. [29:52]
2. Trust in God's Provision: God loves to meet our needs, but we must be willing to ask. Often, our pride, fear, or shame holds us back from fully trusting in God's provision. The widow's willingness to ask Elisha for help opened the door for a miraculous provision. We must approach God with boldness, trusting that He cares about our needs and is ready to provide. [52:33]
3. Steward What You Have: Supernatural blessing and favor often flow from how we steward what we already have. The widow had only a small jar of oil, but her act of faith in using what she had led to a miraculous provision. We must be faithful with what God has placed in our hands, whether it seems small or insignificant. Our faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater blessings. [01:06:06]
4. Private Faithfulness Matters: The miracle of the oil happened behind closed doors, emphasizing the importance of our private faith life. Our hidden life with God—our time in prayer, Scripture, and solitude—matters greatly. It is in these private moments that our faith is built up and we are prepared for public acts of obedience and service. [01:13:17]
5. Legacy for the Next Generation: Our faith and obedience are not just for our benefit but also for the next generation. The widow's act of faith not only provided for her but also for her sons. Similarly, our faithfulness today lays the foundation for future generations to experience God's goodness. We must remember that our journey with God impacts those who come after us. [01:17:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:52] - Jesus Desires to Be Lord Over Everything
[31:21] - Belong, Hope, Grow, Become
[35:29] - Spiritual Growth in Small Groups
[36:42] - Prayer for North Point Community Church
[39:58] - The Capital C Church
[41:20] - Importance of Taking Notes
[42:44] - The Widow's Story: 2 Kings 4:1-7
[44:11] - What Do You Have in Your House?
[47:14] - Searching for What’s Right in Front of You
[49:58] - Running to God First
[52:33] - Trusting God to Meet Our Needs
[01:00:02] - Stewarding What’s in Your Hand
[01:06:06] - Faithfulness in Little Things
[01:13:17] - Private Faithfulness Matters
[01:17:48] - Legacy for the Next Generation
[01:20:40] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[01:26:02] - Prayer of Confession and Repentance
[01:28:42] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
[01:29:07] - Taking the Next Step of Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Kings 4:1-7
- Matthew 6:33-34
- Hebrews 4:16
#### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, what did the widow initially say she had in her house when Elisha asked her? How did this small item play a role in the miracle?
2. According to Matthew 6:33-34, what are we instructed to seek first, and what promise is given to us if we do so?
3. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach something with confidence. What are we to approach, and what are we promised to receive when we do?
4. In the sermon, what were some examples given of things people might turn to instead of running to God first in times of need? [51:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha asked the widow what she had in her house instead of immediately providing for her needs? What does this teach us about God's provision? [44:11]
2. How does the instruction in Matthew 6:33-34 to seek first the kingdom of God relate to the widow's story in 2 Kings 4? What does this tell us about priorities in our faith journey?
3. Hebrews 4:16 speaks about approaching the throne of grace with confidence. How does this concept of boldness in approaching God compare to the widow's boldness in asking Elisha for help? [52:33]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of private faithfulness. Why do you think the miracle of the oil happened behind closed doors, and how does this relate to our personal faith practices? [01:13:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant need or challenge. Did you run to God first, or did you turn to other forms of comfort or distraction? How can you make running to God your first response in the future? [51:15]
2. The widow's small jar of oil was used for a great miracle. What small resources or talents do you have that you might be overlooking? How can you offer these to God for His use? [44:11]
3. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God's throne with confidence. Is there something you need to ask God for boldly right now? What is holding you back, and how can you overcome that barrier? [52:33]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of private faithfulness. What are some specific ways you can cultivate a stronger private faith life, such as through prayer, Scripture reading, or solitude? [01:13:17]
5. The story of the widow shows that our faith and obedience can impact future generations. How can your current faith practices and decisions lay a foundation for the next generation in your family or community? [01:17:48]
6. Consider the idea of stewardship mentioned in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are not being a good steward of what God has given you? What steps can you take to improve in this area? [01:06:06]
7. The sermon challenged us to ask boldly for what we need. Identify one specific need or desire you have been hesitant to bring to God. How can you approach Him with confidence this week and trust in His provision? [01:01:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Run to God First
In moments of loss, great faith, or deep trouble, our first response should be to run to God. The widow in 2 Kings 4 ran to the prophet Elisha, the mediator who gave her access to God's heart. We have Jesus as our mediator, and we should seek Him first in every situation. This act of running to God first sets the foundation for experiencing His provision and guidance. When we prioritize God in our lives, we open ourselves to His wisdom, comfort, and miraculous interventions.
Running to God first is not just about seeking help in times of crisis but also about cultivating a daily habit of turning to Him in all circumstances. Whether we are celebrating a victory or facing a challenge, our first instinct should be to seek God's presence and guidance. This practice builds a strong foundation of faith and trust, enabling us to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence in God's provision and care. [29:52]
2 Chronicles 20:12 (ESV): "O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed. Did you turn to God first? How can you make seeking God your first response in future situations?
Day 2: Trust in God's Provision
God loves to meet our needs, but we must be willing to ask. Often, our pride, fear, or shame holds us back from fully trusting in God's provision. The widow's willingness to ask Elisha for help opened the door for a miraculous provision. We must approach God with boldness, trusting that He cares about our needs and is ready to provide.
Trusting in God's provision requires us to let go of our self-reliance and acknowledge our dependence on Him. It means believing that God is not only able but also willing to meet our needs. This trust is built through a relationship with God, where we learn to recognize His faithfulness in both small and significant ways. As we grow in our trust, we become more confident in asking God for what we need, knowing that He delights in providing for His children. [52:33]
Matthew 7:11 (ESV): "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
Reflection: What is one need you have been hesitant to bring to God? Take a moment to boldly ask Him for His provision today.
Day 3: Steward What You Have
Supernatural blessing and favor often flow from how we steward what we already have. The widow had only a small jar of oil, but her act of faith in using what she had led to a miraculous provision. We must be faithful with what God has placed in our hands, whether it seems small or insignificant. Our faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater blessings.
Stewardship is about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and using it wisely for His glory. It involves being diligent and responsible with our resources, time, and talents. When we faithfully steward what we have, we position ourselves to receive more from God. This principle applies to all areas of our lives, including our finances, relationships, and spiritual gifts. By honoring God with what we have, we invite His blessing and favor into our lives. [01:06:06]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can be a better steward. What practical steps can you take to honor God with what you have?
Day 4: Private Faithfulness Matters
The miracle of the oil happened behind closed doors, emphasizing the importance of our private faith life. Our hidden life with God—our time in prayer, Scripture, and solitude—matters greatly. It is in these private moments that our faith is built up and we are prepared for public acts of obedience and service.
Private faithfulness is about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God that is not dependent on external validation or recognition. It involves spending time in God's presence, seeking His guidance, and allowing Him to shape our character. These private moments with God are crucial for our spiritual growth and prepare us for the challenges and opportunities we face in our public lives. By prioritizing our private faith life, we build a strong foundation that sustains us in all circumstances. [01:13:17]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: How can you create more intentional time for private moments with God this week? What changes can you make to prioritize your hidden life with Him?
Day 5: Legacy for the Next Generation
Our faith and obedience are not just for our benefit but also for the next generation. The widow's act of faith not only provided for her but also for her sons. Similarly, our faithfulness today lays the foundation for future generations to experience God's goodness. We must remember that our journey with God impacts those who come after us.
Leaving a legacy of faith involves living in a way that inspires and equips the next generation to follow God. It means modeling a life of obedience, trust, and devotion to God. Our actions, decisions, and attitudes can have a lasting impact on our children, grandchildren, and others who look up to us. By being intentional about our faith journey, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our lifetime, influencing future generations to experience God's faithfulness and love. [01:17:48]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation? How can you model a life of faith that inspires others to follow God?
Quotes
1. "What piece of your story, what piece of your week, what piece of your existence right now, what piece of your family, of your identity, of your work, have you refused to give over to the leadership of Jesus and in a gesture of faith just with hands raised maybe today you would say Jesus I desire for you to be reign, to reign and to rule over that as well, every part. You alone are Lord." [29:52] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The most important decision you're going to make in life is will you or will you not surrender your life to Jesus. The second most important decision is will I allow his presence to change me transform me and I'm going to be a part of your life and I'm going to be a part of your life and transform me every day and that's why we highlight growth and we do that most certainly in rows like this on Sundays but more importantly as we come into the fall season and new rhythms the best spiritual growth that you will experience is in a small group." [35:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In moments of loss, great faith, believing for more, or deep trouble, who are we crying out to first? It's a big question. Whether you're in a season of grief and mourning, a season of loss, a season of pain, misunderstanding, or a season of great faith, or a season of deep trouble, or a season of believing God for more? Let me ask you, who do you cry out to first?" [49:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do we trust that the Father loves to meet our needs? Anyone else ever get annoyed by people who know what they want, but they're too afraid or embarrassed to ask? Let me break that down for you. Have you ever been out to eat with somebody? I'm like, hey, let's go to, have you ever been out to eat with somebody? I'm like, hey, let's go to, have you ever been out to eat with somebody? It's spelled with two Ds, not with Ts, but it's S-H-I-D-D-Y-S. I didn't swear. It's a restaurant. They serve like incredible burgers, right?" [54:05] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Supernatural blessing and favor flow out of how we steward what's already in your hand. What if the miracle you're believing for is already in your hand? What if what you're searching for is right there in your back pocket or under your pillow or right there in your hand? What if? What if? Some of you are like, I don't know. I'm not sure about that one. Maybe you're desperately saying, God, I want, I want greater kingdom impact. I want to be used by you. I want to preach and teach to thousands." [01:04:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Filling up empty vessels begins in private. Verse three. He said, go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors. Empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. What a miracle. She operates in faith and she does this ridiculous crazy thing. And sometimes when I'm reading a story like in the Old Testament, I need to engage my imagination and I need to try and put myself in the right place." [01:13:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "All of this matters because the next generation stands on our shoulders. If we're not careful, we forget that this kingdom life isn't about us. We forget that all this running to him first and time with the Father, asking in faith, actually has nothing to do with me and has everything to do with those coming up behind who were leading faithfully to become disciplined followers of Jesus." [01:16:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "In her desperation from her heart cry, out of her turning to the Lord for help because of her obedience, not only did she find life, but she and her sons found life and wholeness and the supernatural provision of God. And I think there's a lesson for that for you and I today in the ebbs and flows of our surrender to Jesus. In moments that feel like despair or grief or loss or creditors knocking at the door." [01:17:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "In seasons of loss, in seasons of great faith, seasons of believing for more, seasons of deep trouble? Who are you crying out to first? Who are we crying out to first? And is it the mediator? Are we seeking first his kingdom? Do we trust that the father loves to meet our needs? In desperation, we cry and he hears and responds and he answers our prayer. Not just in theory, but in conviction and in practice." [01:20:40] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Can I challenge you to remember that God's gifted you with what's ever in your hand for this right now season? And do we believe that the supernatural blessing and the favor that we're so desperately searching for, that deeper sense of purpose and significance maybe flows out of how we steward what's in our hand right now and that the miracle takes place behind shut doors? The filling up of the empty vessels begins in private." [01:21:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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