Embracing God's Timing and Living in His Spirit
Summary
Summary:
Today, we gather to celebrate the presence and power of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It is through His sacrifice on the cross that we have the privilege to stand boldly in His presence, free from shame and guilt. As we worship and seek His face, we are reminded of the importance of staying connected to Him, embracing the season we are in, and learning from it. God is not in a hurry, and His timing is perfect. We are encouraged to remain faithful and focused, trusting that He will bring to pass what He has promised.
In this season, God is calling us to get into position and fulfill the assignments He has placed on our lives. It is time to "get it done" and advance His kingdom. This requires us to live in the Spirit, staying aware of His presence and power in our lives. By doing so, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is for us and will supply all we need to accomplish His will. We are reminded that our salvation by grace is not the end but the beginning of living out our purpose in His glory.
As we move forward, we must prioritize intimacy with God, allowing His Spirit to guide and equip us. This involves praying in tongues, meditating on His Word, and maintaining a heart of obedience. Our obedience should stem from a revelation of His love, not obligation. By listening to His voice and trusting in His guidance, we can fulfill our God-given purpose with joy and peace. Let us embrace this year as a time of grace and the Spirit, ready to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Acknowledge Jesus First: Our gatherings and worship should always begin with acknowledging Jesus, the source of our salvation and strength. His sacrifice allows us to stand boldly in His presence, free from shame and guilt, and find grace in our time of need. [00:00]
2. Embrace Your Season: God encourages us to embrace the season we are in, learning and growing from it. His timing is perfect, and what may take years for man can happen in a moment with God. Stay focused and faithful, trusting His process. [48:29]
3. Get It Done: We are called to get into position and fulfill the assignments God has placed on our lives. This requires living in the Spirit, staying aware of His presence, and trusting that He will supply all we need to accomplish His will. [56:59]
4. Live in the Spirit: Staying in the Spirit means being aware of God's presence and power in our lives. It enables us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is for us and will work all things for our good. [01:14:09]
5. Obedience from Revelation: Our obedience to God should come from a revelation of His love, not obligation. By listening to His voice and trusting His guidance, we can fulfill our God-given purpose with joy and peace. [01:25:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Acknowledging Jesus
- [02:00] - Embracing the Season
- [04:00] - Encouragement for David and McKenzie
- [06:30] - Prophetic Word for Tammy
- [09:00] - Prayer for Keith and Andrea
- [12:00] - Clarity in Decision Making
- [15:00] - Introduction to the Message
- [18:00] - Get It Done
- [21:00] - Living in the Last Days
- [24:00] - The Importance of Grace
- [27:00] - Living in the Spirit
- [30:00] - The Power of Obedience
- [33:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [36:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
2. Ephesians 2:8-10 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
3. Romans 8:1-2 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is it important to acknowledge Jesus first in our gatherings and worship? [00:00]
2. What does the pastor mean by "embracing your season," and how does this relate to God's timing? [48:29]
3. How does the sermon describe living in the Spirit, and what are the benefits mentioned? [01:14:09]
4. What is the significance of obedience stemming from a revelation of God's love rather than obligation, as discussed in the sermon? [01:25:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of approaching God's throne with confidence, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:16, change the way believers view their relationship with God?
2. In Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the relationship between grace, faith, and good works, and how does this shape a believer's purpose?
3. Romans 8:1-2 speaks of freedom from condemnation. How does this freedom impact a believer's daily life and spiritual journey?
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living in the Spirit. How might this influence a believer's response to challenges and decisions? [01:14:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt shame or guilt. How can the understanding of Hebrews 4:16 help you approach God differently in similar situations?
2. Think about the current season of your life. What steps can you take to embrace it fully and learn from it, trusting in God's perfect timing? [48:29]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to "get it done." What practical steps can you take to fulfill this assignment? [56:59]
4. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of living in the Spirit this week? Consider incorporating practices like prayer, meditation on the Word, or praying in tongues. [01:14:09]
5. Reflect on a time when you obeyed God out of obligation rather than love. How can you shift your perspective to obedience from a revelation of His love? [01:25:19]
6. Is there a specific challenge you are facing where you need to trust in God's provision and presence? How can you remind yourself of His promises in this situation?
7. Consider a person in your life who needs encouragement. How can you be a source of God's love and grace to them this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Acknowledging Jesus as Our Foundation
In our spiritual journey, it is crucial to begin by acknowledging Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our faith. His sacrifice on the cross grants us the privilege to stand boldly in His presence, free from shame and guilt. This acknowledgment is not just a ritual but a profound recognition of His role as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. By placing Jesus at the center of our lives, we find strength and grace in our time of need. This foundational truth empowers us to live confidently, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. [00:00]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How can you intentionally acknowledge Jesus as the foundation of your day today? What practical steps can you take to keep Him at the center of your thoughts and actions?
Day 2: Embracing God's Perfect Timing
In every season of life, God calls us to embrace the moment we are in, trusting in His perfect timing. While human understanding may see delays or setbacks, God's perspective is eternal, and what may take years for us can happen in an instant with Him. By staying focused and faithful, we learn to trust His process, knowing that He is not in a hurry. This trust allows us to grow and learn from each season, preparing us for the fulfillment of His promises. [48:29]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: What season are you currently in, and how can you embrace it with faith and patience? Consider one way you can trust God's timing in your life today.
Day 3: Fulfilling Our God-Given Assignments
God has placed specific assignments on each of our lives, calling us to get into position and fulfill them. This requires living in the Spirit, staying aware of His presence, and trusting that He will supply all we need to accomplish His will. By aligning ourselves with His purpose, we can advance His kingdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. It is time to "get it done" and step into the roles He has prepared for us, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [56:59]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What specific assignment do you feel God has placed on your life? How can you take a step today to get into position and begin fulfilling it?
Day 4: Living in the Spirit's Power
Living in the Spirit means being constantly aware of God's presence and power in our lives. This awareness enables us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is for us and will work all things for our good. By staying connected to the Spirit, we are equipped to navigate life's difficulties with peace and assurance, trusting in His guidance and provision. This spiritual living transforms our perspective, allowing us to see beyond the immediate and into the eternal. [01:14:09]
Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What is one practical way you can rely on His power today?
Day 5: Obedience Rooted in Love
Our obedience to God should stem from a revelation of His love, not from obligation. By listening to His voice and trusting His guidance, we can fulfill our God-given purpose with joy and peace. This obedience is a response to His love, leading us to live out our faith authentically and passionately. As we prioritize intimacy with God, we allow His Spirit to guide and equip us, transforming our actions into expressions of love and devotion. [01:25:19]
1 John 5:3 (ESV): "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find obedience challenging? How can you shift your perspective to see obedience as a response to God's love rather than a duty?
Quotes
"His willingness to go to the cross to shed his blood that we have the ability to be here today to stand in his presence how many all enjoyed worship come on to stand in the presence of god amen amen without shame without guilt without feeling the sense of inferiority but coming in boldly as hebrews talks about boldly into his throne room where we can find grace to help in the time of need some people would ask you why do you go to church on sunday morning say because man i'll get all the help i can get come on somebody i'll go get anything that i can to accomplish what god has placed upon our lives" [00:40:59] (37 seconds)
"God will always call you to himself before he sends you out. God will always call you to a time of prayer. God will always call you to a time of intimacy. Why? Because he wants to build inside of you a habit or a way of thinking and doing that will produce the best results for the kingdom of God. Dedicate and consecrate yourself. Why? For many will be longing and looking for what you have and possess. Do you know what you have? Do you know what you possess? The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you." [01:00:45] (47 seconds)
"when you stay in the Spirit, it enables you to have a perspective and have an understanding of the circumstances that you're facing. When you stay in the spirit, temptation is obvious. How did I get here? What am I doing? A lack of the spirit. No condemnation. For they that are in Christ, there is no condemnation. Romans chapter 8, turn there. Romans chapter 8, verse 1. For there is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Who do not walk according to the flesh, but walk according to the spirit. There is a requirement for us to stay in the spirit." [01:14:09] (56 seconds)
"Romans chapter 8, starting verse 5. Listen to this. Jumping down, we read verse 1. For those who live according to the flesh, watch this, they set their minds on the things of the flesh. They set their mind. On the things of the flesh. But those who live according to the Spirit or the renewed man on the inside, they set their mind to the things of the Spirit. For to be carnal or carnally or fleshly minded, watch this, it produces death. It produces death in your life. It produces the hardship. But to be spiritually minded, watch this, is life and peace." [01:18:10] (58 seconds)