Embracing God's Sovereignty: A Call to Peacemaking
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are reminded of the sovereignty of God and His control over all things, which should bring us peace and confidence. As we prepare for the new school year, we pray for safety, blessings, and revival among our children, teachers, and administrators. We also reflect on the transformative power of the Gospel, particularly how it changes our emotions, focusing on anger. In a world filled with rage and vitriol, we are called to be peacemakers, guided by godly wisdom that produces peace among people.
James 3 teaches us that true wisdom is not just intellectual but is demonstrated through godly conduct. This wisdom is marked by meekness, gentleness, and peace, contrasting sharply with earthly wisdom, which leads to chaos and disorder. James warns us to be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives, as they can either lead us towards godly wisdom or demonic wisdom, which fosters bitterness, jealousy, and selfish ambition.
We are encouraged to immerse ourselves in God's Word, as it is the source of godly wisdom. This wisdom produces purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. The purity of God sets Him apart, and as His followers, we are called to pursue holiness. Our transformation is not by our own will but by the Holy Spirit working within us.
Finally, we are reminded that as peacemakers, we are to sow seeds of peace in every aspect of our lives, trusting God to bring a harvest of righteousness. This call to action challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love and peace of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty Brings Peace: Remembering that God reigns and is in control should bring us peace and confidence. His faithfulness in the past assures us of His continued guidance and protection. This truth is especially comforting as we face the uncertainties of a new school year, praying for safety, blessings, and revival among our children and educators. [35:54]
2. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The Gospel changes us, particularly our emotions. While we may struggle with anger in a world filled with rage, the Holy Spirit transforms us to be peacemakers. This transformation is a process that requires us to continually submit to God's Word and allow it to renew our minds. [41:29]
3. True Wisdom is Demonstrated Through Conduct: James 3 teaches that wisdom is not just intellectual but is shown through godly conduct. This wisdom is marked by meekness, gentleness, and peace, contrasting with earthly wisdom that leads to chaos and disorder. We must be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives, ensuring they lead us towards godly wisdom. [46:28]
4. The Importance of God's Word: Immersing ourselves in God's Word is crucial as it is the source of godly wisdom. This wisdom produces purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. The purity of God sets Him apart, and as His followers, we are called to pursue holiness, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. [51:30]
5. Sowing Seeds of Peace: As peacemakers, we are called to sow seeds of peace in every aspect of our lives, trusting God to bring a harvest of righteousness. This call to action challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love and peace of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. [01:11:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:54] - Praying for the New School Year
[36:25] - Seeking God's Grace for Our Children
[37:25] - Calling for Revival
[38:30] - The Centrality of God's Word
[39:00] - The Transformative Power of Scripture
[40:00] - Confrontation and Growth
[41:29] - The Gospel and Our Emotions
[42:29] - Addressing Anger in Our Lives
[44:29] - Godly Wisdom Produces Peace
[46:28] - True Wisdom Demonstrated Through Conduct
[51:30] - The Importance of God's Word
[52:59] - Two Types of Wisdom
[55:12] - The Influence of Worldly Wisdom
[58:41] - Overcoming Chaos with God's Word
[01:01:13] - Characteristics of Godly Wisdom
[01:11:48] - Sowing Seeds of Peace
[01:14:14] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[01:14:51] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- James 3:13-18 (ESV): "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3:13-18, what are the characteristics of godly wisdom? How do these contrast with earthly wisdom?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the influence of earthly wisdom on our emotions, particularly anger? ([42:29])
3. How does the pastor describe the role of God's Word in transforming our lives and emotions? ([39:00])
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that godly wisdom produces peace among people? ([44:29])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that wisdom should be demonstrated through conduct rather than just intellectual knowledge? How does this align with the pastor's message about living out our faith? ([46:28])
2. How does the pastor explain the impact of godly wisdom on our emotions, especially anger? What practical steps does he suggest for managing anger in a godly way? ([42:29])
3. The pastor mentions that the Holy Spirit transforms us from within. How does this transformation manifest in our daily lives according to the sermon? ([41:29])
4. What does it mean to sow seeds of peace in every aspect of our lives, and how does this relate to the concept of a harvest of righteousness? ([01:11:48])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by anger. How can you apply the principles of godly wisdom to manage your emotions in a similar situation? ([42:29])
2. The pastor talks about the importance of immersing ourselves in God's Word. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with Scripture? ([51:30])
3. Think about the influences in your life. Are there any sources of earthly wisdom that you need to distance yourself from? How can you replace them with godly influences? ([46:28])
4. In what ways can you actively sow seeds of peace in your family, workplace, or community this week? Be specific about the actions you will take. ([01:11:48])
5. The pastor emphasizes the need for Christian community beyond Sunday services. How can you get more involved in your church community to support your spiritual growth? ([01:07:51])
6. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with selfish ambition or jealousy. What practical steps can you take to cultivate meekness and gentleness instead? ([46:58])
7. How can you demonstrate the love and peace of Christ in a specific relationship or situation that is currently filled with conflict or tension? ([01:11:48])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty Brings Peace
Description: Remembering that God reigns and is in control should bring us peace and confidence. His faithfulness in the past assures us of His continued guidance and protection. This truth is especially comforting as we face the uncertainties of a new school year, praying for safety, blessings, and revival among our children and educators. [35:54]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: As you prepare for the new school year, what specific worries or uncertainties can you surrender to God's sovereignty today? How can you remind yourself of His past faithfulness in your daily routine?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
Description: The Gospel changes us, particularly our emotions. While we may struggle with anger in a world filled with rage, the Holy Spirit transforms us to be peacemakers. This transformation is a process that requires us to continually submit to God's Word and allow it to renew our minds. [41:29]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt anger. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform that anger into peace and kindness today?
Day 3: True Wisdom is Demonstrated Through Conduct
Description: James 3 teaches that wisdom is not just intellectual but is shown through godly conduct. This wisdom is marked by meekness, gentleness, and peace, contrasting with earthly wisdom that leads to chaos and disorder. We must be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives, ensuring they lead us towards godly wisdom. [46:28]
James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Reflection: What influences in your life might be leading you towards earthly wisdom? How can you replace them with influences that guide you towards godly wisdom?
Day 4: The Importance of God's Word
Description: Immersing ourselves in God's Word is crucial as it is the source of godly wisdom. This wisdom produces purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. The purity of God sets Him apart, and as His followers, we are called to pursue holiness, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. [51:30]
Psalm 119:9-11 (ESV): "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Reflection: How can you make time today to immerse yourself in God's Word? What specific steps can you take to ensure it becomes a daily habit?
Day 5: Sowing Seeds of Peace
Description: As peacemakers, we are called to sow seeds of peace in every aspect of our lives, trusting God to bring a harvest of righteousness. This call to action challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love and peace of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. [01:11:48]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you sow seeds of peace today? How can you practically demonstrate the love and peace of Christ to someone in need?
Quotes
1. "How many thank God for the fact that he reigns both now and forevermore? I pray that that will give you peace and I pray that you'll be reminded that he is faithful. That the same God that saw you through your yesterdays will keep you through your today and will see you safely home." [35:54] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As a matter of fact, the Bible makes it very clear how we are transformed, that if we want to overcome the habits and the hang-ups that hurt us, that we are renewed, we are transformed, rather, by the renewing of our minds. It's the Word of God that brings help, hope, and healing." [39:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are changed when we become Christians. The presence of the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and I for one am grateful, hopefully you are as well, that He doesn't leave us the way He finds us. There was a famous song that Billy Graham had sung at all of his crusades, Just As I Am. You can come just as you are, but you don't stay just as you are. Christ changes us. The Spirit transforms us." [40:59] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Has anyone noticed the increase in the level of anger in our culture and in the world around us? All right, let's make it a little bit more personal. Anybody notice the increase of anger inside not just our culture but our homes and our family and the church? Let's make it even more personal. Anybody notice the increase of anger in your own heart maybe?" [42:59] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Wisdom is not measured by intellect, it is measured by action. It is not measured by belief alone, it is measured by behavior. Who is wise among you? Let him show it by his lifestyle. Let him show it by his conduct. If you are wise, you're a wise woman in here, demonstrate it by your lifestyle. If you're a wise man, in here, demonstrate it by your conduct." [48:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We live in the age of information, but James is not impressed with the information age. We have information all around us. As a matter of fact, you know, I just paid my first college tuition payment. You guys pray for it, brother. And then I messed around and did the calculation. I got a four-year-old. I said, how long am I going to be paying college tuition? 2042. Oh, man." [49:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need to ask ourselves, what is the source of influence in our lives and understand that worldly wisdom produces chaos. And the next thing you know, there'll be chaos in your life. Or chaos in your family. Or chaos in our churches. Or chaos in our culture. And everybody's wondering, where does this come from? And how do we overcome it?" [57:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If there is hope that the chaos of the culture is going to be overcome, it's going to be because you and I say, let's be a people of the Word. Because where do you find godly wisdom? You find it in God's Word. Every time you open God's Word, you're getting a dose of godly wisdom. Every time you hear God's Word preached, you're getting a dose of godly wisdom." [59:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The message of Christianity is not some self-help message that you are strong enough in yourself with enough willpower to withstand the temptations of life. That's not the message of Christianity. The message of Christianity, as a matter of fact, is not independence. It is deeper dependence. It is a recognition. I need thee. Oh, I need thee. Lord, I need Christian community. I need to be formed by your Word. I need the church. I need the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I need the community of the saints." [01:09:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The world is full of anger and rage and bitterness and selfishness, and it's led to disorder and chaos. Our message is there's a better way. Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. And if you don't have a relationship with him, you can have a relationship with the Prince of Peace. Don't get lost. Get this close to his grace and leave without knowing his love." [01:14:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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