Embracing Growth Through Past Experiences and Faith
Summary
In the sermon titled "Lessons From The Rearview Mirror" delivered during a New Year's Eve service, the speaker reflects on the past year's teachings and experiences, emphasizing the importance of learning from them and looking forward to what lies ahead. The congregation is reminded of the various topics covered throughout the year, including resetting one's relationship with God, understanding Jesus' messages to the church, the essence of worship, the concept of church as family, soul care, wilderness experiences, grace, and the gifts of Christmas.
The speaker draws from Philippians 3:13-14 to encourage the congregation to use past experiences as a means to move forward, focusing on the ultimate prize of eternity with Jesus Christ. They invite individuals to seek prayer for support during their valley moments or to celebrate their mountaintop experiences. The importance of spiritual growth is highlighted, with the speaker rejecting the idea of retirement from Christian ministry and using the biblical story of Joseph to illustrate the power of reflective wisdom.
The speaker also discusses the story of Job, emphasizing that following God does not exempt one from facing valleys in life. They caution against the misconception that becoming a believer solves all problems, as it can make one a target for the enemy. The congregation is encouraged to seek support from the church family and to acknowledge their pain, seeking God's help to move out of the valley and grow in their faith.
The speaker uses the example of Peter stepping out onto the water to illustrate how faith is built when taking steps into the unknown. They encourage the audience to view their valley moments as opportunities for spiritual growth and to seek God's wisdom. The importance of not dwelling on the past but using it as a tool for growth is emphasized, with the speaker sharing personal experiences of their journey to becoming a pastor and the challenges they faced.
The significance of communion as a memorial of Jesus' suffering and a prophecy of His second coming is explained, and the congregation is invited to participate. The speaker prays for the upcoming year, asking for God's guidance and protection, and for the Holy Spirit to continue growing the church. They also lead a prayer for missionaries and announce upcoming church events.
Finally, the speaker encourages the congregation to reflect on the victories of the past year and to remember that growth can be found in trials. They share personal experiences of rejoicing before God and encourage others to do the same, regardless of others' opinions. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those going through valleys, reminding them of God's constant presence and guidance.
Key Takeaways:
- Reflecting on past experiences, both positive and negative, is crucial for spiritual growth. The biblical story of Joseph teaches us that every phase of life, even the most challenging ones, can impart valuable lessons about reliance on God and staying true to one's purpose. Believers are encouraged to look back to understand where they have come from, which can provide insight into where God is leading them.
- The journey of faith is filled with both mountaintop and valley experiences. While mountaintops offer moments of victory and clarity, valleys are where faith is often tested and strengthened. It is important for believers to embrace these times of trial, knowing that God is present and working in their lives, shaping them for His purposes.
- Communion serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return. It is a sacred practice that connects believers to the past, present, and future of their faith, offering a glimpse of the eternal feast that awaits them in God's kingdom.
- The church family plays a vital role in supporting individuals through their spiritual journey. Whether one is facing trials or celebrating victories, the community of believers provides wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder of God's faithfulness.
- As believers look forward to a new year, they are called to remember their spiritual milestones and trust in God's guidance for the future. Despite the inevitability of more valleys and mountaintop moments, confidence in God's power to lead and bring victory sustains their faith and propels them forward.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:13-14: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
2. 2 Samuel 6:14-15: "And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with joyful shouting and the sound of the trumpet."
3. James 5:11: "We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 3:13-14 encourage believers to do with their past experiences?
2. How did David express his joy and gratitude to God in 2 Samuel 6:14-15?
3. According to James 5:11, what is highlighted about Job's character and God's response to him?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to "forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead" as stated in Philippians 3:13-14? How does this perspective help in spiritual growth? [01:00:19]
2. What can we learn from David's uninhibited worship in 2 Samuel 6:14-15 about expressing our faith and gratitude to God? [38:25]
3. How does the story of Job, as referenced in James 5:11, challenge the misconception that following God exempts believers from suffering? [47:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Philippians 3:13-14, what past experiences do you need to let go of to move forward in your faith journey? How can you focus on the future God has for you? [01:00:19]
2. David danced before the Lord with all his strength. How can you incorporate more expressive and joyful worship into your daily life, even if it feels uncomfortable? [38:25]
3. Job endured immense suffering yet remained faithful. How can you find strength and maintain your faith during your own valley moments? What practical steps can you take to seek God's wisdom and support from your church family? [47:20]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and rejecting the idea of retirement from Christian ministry. What are some ways you can continue to grow spiritually and serve in your church community, regardless of your age or stage in life? [54:29]
5. The speaker shared personal experiences of overcoming challenges to become a pastor. Reflect on a time when you faced significant obstacles. How did you see God's hand in those moments, and how can that reflection guide you in future challenges? [42:46]
6. Communion was described as a memorial of Jesus' suffering and a prophecy of His second coming. How does participating in communion deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and your anticipation of His return? [01:08:25]
7. The church family plays a vital role in supporting individuals through their spiritual journey. How can you be more intentional in offering support and encouragement to others in your church community, especially those going through difficult times? [49:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom Through Life's Phases
Reflecting on life's phases imparts wisdom and purpose, teaching reliance on God through every challenge. Joseph's story exemplifies how even in hardship, one can learn valuable lessons and remain steadfast in faith. This reflection helps believers understand their past and discern God's future direction. [07:40]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 - "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up."
Reflection: How has a difficult phase in your life taught you to rely more deeply on God?
Day 2: Embracing Trials for Spiritual Strength
Valleys are not to be feared but embraced as they are the crucibles where faith is tested and fortified. Like Job, believers may find that their greatest growth occurs not on the mountaintops but in the depths of their trials, where God's presence is a constant guide. [07:40]
1 Peter 1:6-7 - "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Reflection: What valley are you currently walking through, and how can you see it as an opportunity to strengthen your faith?
Day 3: The Eternal Hope in Communion
Communion is a profound act that connects us to Jesus' past sacrifice, our present faith, and the future hope of His return. It is a sacred time to remember the cost of our salvation and anticipate the joy of eternity with Christ. [07:40]
1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
Reflection: As you take communion, what aspects of Jesus' sacrifice are you most grateful for, and how does this practice shape your view of the future?
Day 4: The Church as a Pillar of Support
The church is a spiritual family designed to support each member through every season of life. It is a source of wisdom, encouragement, and a testament to God's faithfulness, especially during times of trial and celebration. [07:40]
Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively seek or offer support within your church community this week?
Day 5: Trusting God's Guidance into the Future
Remembering spiritual milestones builds confidence in God's guidance for the future. As believers face new challenges and victories, they can trust in God's sovereignty to lead them through every valley and mountaintop experience. [07:40]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What is one spiritual milestone you can celebrate today, and how does it give you confidence in God's guidance for your future?
Quotes
"You can never reach the mountaintop unless you go through a valley. You can't reach that. And some of us right now are in the valley." [48:49] (Download)
"Without valleys, we would not have a deep faith in God." [51:10] (Download)
"Because the real prize isn't found in this side of life. The real prize is found in eternity with Jesus Christ. That's the prize." [01:01:38] (Download)
"Let the triumphs of 2023 not just be memories, but stepping stones to a deeper relationship with Christ." [01:02:49] (Download)
"Remember that 2023 with its mountaintops and valleys is not just a story of where we've been, but a map guiding us where we need to go." [01:02:49] (Download)
"God didn't call you to relax where you're at. God called you to grow. When do you stop spiritually growing? When you're on the other side into eternity." [55:11] (Download)
"But when you reflect on where God's brought you from, you get to see where God's going to take you. There is power in reflective wisdom." [56:14] (Download)
"If everything was easy in life, how great would your faith be? It would not be a great faith. Why? Because you have nothing to take a step out of." [52:17] (Download)
"So in your valley moments, I want you to look at your valley moments of 2023 and look at them as moments where you can grow and your faith can be built." [53:34] (Download)
"We're not here to mold you into the pastor, right? I'm not here to make you like me. I'm here to make you more like Christ." [54:23] (Download)
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