Embracing God's Spirit for a Transformative Future

 

Summary

For 43 years, it has been my privilege to serve as your senior pastor, and today, as I deliver my final message, I am filled with gratitude and expectancy. Reflecting on the journey of our church, I am reminded of the humble beginnings when we started with nothing but a vision and faith in God's promises. Today, I want to revisit the very first message I preached, which laid the foundation for what Saddleback Church has become. This message is a testament to the principle of beginning with the end in mind, a value that has guided us throughout our journey.

In Zechariah 4:6-10, God reminds us that success is not achieved through human strength but by His Spirit. This passage has been a cornerstone for our church, emphasizing that our foundation must be built on God's Word, our plans aligned with His purposes, and our confidence rooted in His promises. As we look to the future, we are reminded that God rejoices in small beginnings and guarantees success when we rely on Him.

Our church's success is not measured by size but by transformed lives. We are committed to doing God's Word, not just hearing it, and fulfilling His purposes. Trusting in God's promises gives us the confidence to dream big and take risks in faith. Depending on God's Spirit is our strength, and loving God and people is our attraction. Love is the most powerful force, and it is what will continue to draw people to our church.

As we transition to a new generation of leadership under Pastor Andy and Stacy, I challenge you to join them in this journey. Will you commit to doing God's Word, fulfilling His purposes, trusting His promises, depending on His Spirit, and loving people extravagantly? The future of Saddleback Church is bright, and I invite you to be part of this extraordinary adventure. Together, we will continue to make history for the global glory of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Success by God's Spirit: True success in building a church or any endeavor is not achieved through human strength but by relying on God's Spirit. This principle, drawn from Zechariah 4:6-10, reminds us that our efforts must be rooted in divine power, not our own abilities. As we trust in God's Spirit, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the purposes He has set before us. [09:52]

2. Foundation on God's Word: The only legitimate foundation for a church is the Bible. While many churches study and teach God's Word, Saddleback Church is committed to doing it. This means applying biblical principles in our daily lives and making a tangible impact in our community and beyond. The Bible was given to change lives, not just increase knowledge. [16:31]

3. Fulfilling God's Purposes: Our plans should align with God's eternal purposes. By structuring our church around His purposes, we ensure that our efforts are fruitful and successful. This involves serving God's purpose in our generation, doing the eternal in a contemporary way, and making a lasting impact. [22:49]

4. Trusting God's Promises: Confidence in God's promises allows us to dream big and take risks in faith. Jesus' assurance that we can do greater works through prayer and faith challenges us to expand our vision and trust in His power. Our goals should be determined by the size of our God, not our limitations. [25:06]

5. Love as Our Attraction: Love is the most powerful force that attracts people to Christ and His church. By genuinely loving others, we create a community that reflects God's heart and draws people in. Love is the key to endurance and success, and it is what will continue to make Saddleback Church a beacon of hope and transformation. [41:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - Introduction and Reflection
- [01:12] - Privilege of Service
- [01:57] - Repeating the First Message
- [02:42] - The Beginning of Saddleback
- [04:41] - The Story of Dave and Jenny
- [06:24] - Imagining the First Service
- [08:05] - Launching a Miracle
- [09:37] - Zechariah's Message
- [11:19] - God's Guarantee of Success
- [14:17] - Five Reasons for Success
- [15:12] - Foundation on God's Word
- [21:35] - Fulfilling God's Purposes
- [24:23] - Trusting God's Promises
- [32:24] - Depending on God's Spirit
- [40:03] - Love as Our Attraction
- [48:22] - The Charter of the New Church
- [52:06] - Challenge to the Next Generation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Zechariah 4:6-10

Observation Questions:
1. According to Zechariah 4:6-10, what is the source of success in building the temple, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about relying on God's Spirit? [09:52]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of small beginnings, as mentioned in Zechariah 4:10? [10:22]
3. How does the pastor describe the foundation of Saddleback Church, and what biblical principle does this reflect? [15:12]
4. What are the five reasons given in the sermon for why the church is guaranteed to succeed? [39:34]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of "beginning with the end in mind" influence the way a church or individual might approach their goals and plans? [02:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love acts as an attraction for people to the church, and how is this supported by biblical teachings? [41:00]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of success in the context of a church, and how does this differ from worldly definitions of success? [12:27]
4. What role does trusting in God's promises play in the vision and mission of the church, according to the sermon? [25:06]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strength rather than God's Spirit. How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [09:52]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of doing God's Word, not just hearing it. What is one specific action you can take this week to apply a biblical principle in your life? [16:31]
3. Consider the idea of small beginnings. Is there a small step you can take in your personal or spiritual life that you believe God is calling you to start? [10:22]
4. How can you actively participate in fulfilling God's purposes in your community or church? Identify one area where you can serve or contribute. [22:49]
5. The sermon challenges us to love people extravagantly. Who in your life needs to experience God's love through you, and what is one way you can show them love this week? [41:00]
6. Trusting in God's promises allows us to dream big. What is one dream or goal you have that you need to trust God with, and what steps can you take to pursue it in faith? [25:06]
7. As the church transitions to new leadership, how can you support and encourage the new leaders in their journey? What specific actions can you take to be part of this new chapter? [52:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Success Through Divine Power
Success in any endeavor, especially in building a church, is not achieved through human strength but by relying on God's Spirit. This principle, drawn from Zechariah 4:6-10, emphasizes that our efforts must be rooted in divine power, not our own abilities. When we trust in God's Spirit, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the purposes He has set before us. This reliance on divine strength is a reminder that our human limitations are not a barrier to fulfilling God's plans. Instead, they are an opportunity to witness His power at work in our lives and communities. [09:52]

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying solely on your own strength? How can you invite God's Spirit to empower you in this area today?


Day 2: Living Out God's Word
The foundation of a church must be the Bible, not just in study but in action. While many churches teach God's Word, the true challenge is in doing it. This means applying biblical principles in our daily lives and making a tangible impact in our community and beyond. The Bible was given to change lives, not just increase knowledge. By living out God's Word, we become a testament to its transformative power, showing others the practical implications of faith in action. [16:31]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific biblical principle you can actively apply in your life this week to make a difference in your community?


Day 3: Aligning with God's Purposes
Our plans should align with God's eternal purposes. By structuring our lives and communities around His purposes, we ensure that our efforts are fruitful and successful. This involves serving God's purpose in our generation, doing the eternal in a contemporary way, and making a lasting impact. When we align our actions with God's purposes, we participate in His grand narrative, contributing to His kingdom work in meaningful ways. [22:49]

"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." (Psalm 33:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you align your personal goals with God's eternal purposes? What changes might you need to make to ensure your plans reflect His heart?


Day 4: Confidence in God's Promises
Confidence in God's promises allows us to dream big and take risks in faith. Jesus' assurance that we can do greater works through prayer and faith challenges us to expand our vision and trust in His power. Our goals should be determined by the size of our God, not our limitations. By trusting in His promises, we are emboldened to step out in faith, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken. [25:06]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you need to hold onto more tightly? How can this promise inspire you to take a bold step of faith today?


Day 5: Love as the Ultimate Attraction
Love is the most powerful force that attracts people to Christ and His church. By genuinely loving others, we create a community that reflects God's heart and draws people in. Love is the key to endurance and success, and it is what will continue to make a church a beacon of hope and transformation. When love is at the center of our actions, it becomes the defining characteristic of our faith, inviting others to experience the love of Christ through us. [41:00]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's love through you today? What specific action can you take to show them this love?

Quotes

You will succeed not in your own power not in your own strength or power but by my spirit says the lord nothing not even a mountain will stand in your way zerubbabel who is the priest is laying the foundation of this temple and he will complete it so do not look at this do not despise these small beginnings for the eyes of the lord rejoice to see this work begin. [00:09:48]

Success is not size, success has changed lives you'll hear me say that a thousand times in the years ahead success has changed lives we will focus on health not growth because if you're healthy growth is automatic i don't have to command my kids to grow they grow if they're healthy. [00:12:24]

Doing god's word will be our foundation the only legitimate foundation for any church is the bible god's word and building on any other foundation is going to guarantee failure but god makes many many promises about his word here's one of them isaiah 55 11 he says this my word comes out of my mouth and it will not fail. [00:15:12]

Every true church believes god's word teaches god's word studies god's word even memorizes god's word but what's going to be different about saddleback valley community church is that we're going to focus on putting god's word into practice we're going to do god's word not simply study it not simply teach it not simply quote it not simply memorize it. [00:16:07]

Doing god's word will be our foundation fulfilling god's purposes will be our plan we're not going to grow this church on our plans we're going to structure everything around god's purposes proverbs 19 21 says this many are the plans in a man's heart but it is the lord's purpose that will prevail. [00:21:35]

Trusting god's promises will be our confidence you know one of the most incredible amazing mind-shattering statements of jesus is in john chapter 14 and i'll be honest with you friends it's hard to grasp and comprehend what jesus is saying here it's literally mind blowing because in john chapter 14 verses 12 to 14 jesus says this. [00:24:23]

God by his mighty power work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of infinitely beyond our highest prayers our desires our thoughts our hopes i don't know about you but i'm a pretty big dreamer god says rick think of the biggest thing you could ever dream or hope or ask or imagine and i can top that. [00:26:25]

Depending on god's spirit will be our strength we are going to stay totally dependent on god for all this to happen now in the bible the word for total dependence on god you know what it's called humility humility may be one of the most misunderstood words today humility is not demeaning yourself or belittling your gifts or pretending you're not talented at something. [00:32:24]

Love is what attracts growing churches love and loving churches grow you know for the past 12 weeks i've been doing door-to-door door-to-door in southern orange county just talking to people talking to people in this area about their lives and you know what i discovered that behind the doors of all these beautiful homes there are a lot of lonely people. [00:41:00]

If we as a church family genuinely love people we'd have to lock the doors to keep people out we want this church to be famous for its love not anything else i want people to say that's the church where you go if you need love they love you there god repeatedly tells us over and over that love is the most important ingredient for the success of anything. [00:41:44]

Love never gives up love never loses faith love is always hopeful love endures through every circumstance and love never fails in other words if you love you're going to be a success love never fails notice that god says that if what you were attempting is done in love it cannot fail so regardless of the results if what you're doing is being done out of love you are already a success because love never fails. [00:42:51]

Real love is not words or emotions real love is an action real love is something you do real love is a choice and this church is in the love business and we're going to love thousands of people into heaven we're going to build bridges of love between our heart and there and watch jesus walk across. [00:48:22]

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Transcript
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