Embracing Growth: The Journey of Faith and Obedience
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in faith and obedience, particularly highlighting the need for spiritual mentorship and the pursuit of supernatural blessings. The speaker draws on the story of Joshua and the Israelites to illustrate the significance of perseverance, holiness, and separation from worldly influences to experience God's presence and guidance. The congregation is encouraged to not only seek personal victory and blessings but also to contribute to the growth of the entire church community.
The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical narratives to underscore the importance of obedience in all areas of life, especially finances. Stewardship is presented as a high honor in God's kingdom, and the speaker urges the audience to surrender their possessions to God's order. The message also touches on the concept of manna as both a blessing and a test from God, reminding the congregation of the importance of obedience in preparation for inheriting the promised land.
The sermon further discusses the consequences of disobedience, using the story of Achan as a cautionary tale. The importance of identity in God, rather than in the opinions of others, is also addressed. The speaker calls for an increase in faith and confidence in God's promises, emphasizing the need for growth in various spiritual disciplines.
The speaker concludes by highlighting the painful process of obedience, such as the circumcision of the Israelites, which symbolizes the cutting off of sin and worldly attachments. The sermon ends with a call to action for the congregation to declare their commitment to growth and to focus on seeking the Lord's blessings, avoiding the temptation to revert to past vices and immorality.
Key Takeaways:
- Continuous spiritual growth is essential for Christians, and it involves actively seeking God's guidance and blessings beyond past experiences. This pursuit requires a willingness to be mentored and to remain teachable, as well as a commitment to financial stewardship as an expression of obedience to God's ownership over everything. [01:28:48]
- Supernatural blessings are a key aspect of Christian faith, and believers are encouraged to persevere in seeking God's promises, even in the face of apparent loss. The story of Joshua meeting the captain of the host of the Lord serves as a reminder that God prepares His followers for victory and provides direction at the right moment. Holiness and separation from the world are crucial for attracting God's presence. [01:22:33]
- Obedience in every aspect of life, especially in financial matters, is a sign of true stewardship and honor in the kingdom of God. Surrendering one's own kingdom to God allows Him to entrust believers with His authority, leading to a life ordered by His will and stepping into the fullness of His plans for us. [01:33:39]
- The journey of faith is not just for individual benefit but also for the edification of the church community. Personal growth and victory require leaving comfort zones and embracing change, with the understanding that even in dark moments, victory is near. Commitment to moving forward in faith is a challenge that believers must accept. [01:38:33]
- Obedience to God, even when it is painful, is a transformative act that can remove a lifetime of reproach. The example of the children of Israel at Gilgal illustrates the power of obedience to unlock God's promises. Believers are called to hunger for the things of God and to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, removing distractions and opposing spirits to fulfill God's calling. [49:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 5:8-15 (ESV)
> "When the circumcising of the whole nation was finished, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. And the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And he said, 'No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, 'What does my lord say to his servant?' And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so."
2. John 6:47-51 (ESV)
> "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event took place at Gilgal according to Joshua 5:8-15?
2. How did the Israelites' source of food change after they entered the Promised Land? [52:28]
3. What was the response of Joshua when he encountered the commander of the Lord's army? [54:05]
4. According to John 6:47-51, what does Jesus refer to Himself as, and what promise does He give to those who believe in Him?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was the act of circumcision at Gilgal significant for the Israelites' identity and relationship with God? [50:46]
2. How does the cessation of manna and the beginning of eating the produce of the land symbolize a new phase in the Israelites' journey? [52:28]
3. What does the encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army teach us about recognizing and responding to God's presence and authority? [54:05]
4. How does Jesus' declaration in John 6:47-51 about being the "bread of life" connect to the Israelites' experience with manna in the wilderness?
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of continuous spiritual growth. What specific steps can you take this week to grow in your faith and obedience to God? [49:14]
2. Reflect on a time when obedience to God was painful or challenging for you. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? [50:46]
3. The sermon mentioned the need for spiritual mentorship. Do you have a mentor in your life who can guide and challenge you in your faith journey? If not, how can you seek one out? [29:13]
4. Financial stewardship was highlighted as an expression of obedience. Are there areas in your financial life that you need to surrender to God's order? What steps can you take to align your finances with God's principles? [33:45]
5. The story of Achan serves as a cautionary tale about disobedience. Are there any "accursed things" in your life that you need to remove to fully experience God's blessings? [08:26]
6. How can you contribute to the growth and edification of your church community, moving beyond seeking personal victory to helping others grow in their faith? [38:21]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to action to declare commitment to growth. What specific commitment can you make today to ensure you continue growing in your spiritual journey? [39:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Mentorship
Growth in faith is not a solitary journey; it requires guidance from those who have walked the path before. Spiritual mentorship is a vital component of this growth, providing wisdom and accountability as one seeks to deepen their relationship with God and understand His will. This journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of God's presence and a willingness to learn and be shaped by His word. [01:28:48]
Hebrews 13:7 - "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
Reflection: Who in your life embodies the faith you aspire to? How can you engage with them to help guide your spiritual growth?
Day 2: Pursuing Holiness and Separation
The pursuit of God's supernatural blessings requires a life of holiness and a conscious separation from worldly influences. As believers, the call to live a life set apart is not just about personal piety but also about creating a space where God's presence can move freely. This commitment to holiness is a testament to one's faith and a magnet for divine guidance and blessings. [01:22:33]
1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Reflection: What worldly influences do you need to separate from in order to create more room for God's presence in your life?
Day 3: Honoring God with Stewardship
True stewardship is an act of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all possessions. It is a sign of trust and honor, surrendering one's finances and resources to God's divine order. This obedience opens the door to God's kingdom and allows believers to step into the fullness of His plans, experiencing His authority and provision. [01:33:39]
Matthew 25:21 - "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'"
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your trust in God's sovereignty today through your financial decisions and stewardship?
Day 4: Edifying the Church Community
The journey of faith is not a solitary endeavor but one that contributes to the edification of the entire church community. Personal victories and spiritual growth should lead to a ripple effect, inspiring and uplifting others within the body of Christ. This collective growth strengthens the church and enables it to be a beacon of hope and transformation in the world. [01:38:33]
Ephesians 4:15-16 - "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Reflection: What specific action can you take this week to encourage spiritual growth in someone else within your church community?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Obedience
Obedience to God, especially when it involves personal sacrifice or discomfort, is a powerful act that can lead to spiritual transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises. The process of obedience is often painful, but it is necessary for cutting off sin and worldly attachments, allowing believers to walk in the fullness of God's calling and blessings. [49:32]
Joshua 5:8-9 - "And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where God is calling you to obedience, and what steps can you take to obey His direction today?
Quotes
"God has greater things in store but if you don't grow, you don't get it. If you don't step out, you won't see it. If you don't walk in obedience, it won't happen. You've got to grow." [01:28:48] (Download)
"Do you have a spiritual mentor in your life that can speak anything to you and challenge you, correct you, and rebuke you? Do you have a voice in your life that can look you in the eyes and say you're going the wrong direction?" [01:30:38] (Download)
"Authority comes to God's people, but you can't walk in authority until you learn how to be obedient to authority. Faith leads to obedience, and obedience leads to separation." [01:14:29] (Download)
"You cannot allow your circumstance to define who you are; you gotta let the word of God define who you are. Your identity comes from God, and until you recognize who you are in Christ, you're going to be searching for people's approval." [01:16:14] (Download)
"We don't win until everybody in the church wins. We don't win until everybody gets their victory. I'm not in it for myself. I'm in it for every soul that's in the room and the souls that are not." [01:38:33] (Download)
"Stewardship is the highest level of honor in the kingdom of God, amen, because God hands stewardship of the kingdom to us. He wants to entrust us with his authority." [01:33:39] (Download)
"You've got to have greater faith if you're going to grow. You've got to believe God has something better for me. God can improve my situation. God can bless. God can strengthen. God can bless my marriage." [01:43:52] (Download)
"I want to have that faith that says anything can happen. Anything can happen. Anything can happen. God can do anything. He can work in our lives. He can raise up and put down." [01:45:17] (Download)
"One act of obedience can undo a lifetime of sin. Think about that, one act of obedience completely erased their past. I don't care how much distance, how long you've been disobedient to God, today you can be obedient to God and you can remove the reproach from off of your life." [52:52] (Download)
"God tested them and He gave them manna to prove them whether they would obey Him or not. Manna was a test of obedience. They were asked to gather enough manna for that day, not more, not less, demonstrating daily dependence on God's provision." [56:18] (Download)
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