Embracing Holy Moments Through Obedience to God
Summary
The sermon series focuses on the concept of holy moments and the transformative power of obedience to God's will. The speaker underscores the importance of serving in Jesus' name, despite the challenges of busy schedules, and encourages prioritizing such service. The significance of personal responsibility for spiritual growth is highlighted, with an emphasis on the individual's duty to engage with God's Word and pursue personal development, rather than solely relying on church attendance or accumulating knowledge without obedience.
The power of a single moment of obedience is a recurring theme, with the speaker illustrating how such moments can have profound impacts, both positive and negative. The Christmas story is used to demonstrate the importance of holy moments, with a focus on Joseph's obedience in accepting his role as the earthly father of Jesus. The speaker also shares personal experiences of obeying God's word without full understanding, later realizing the benefits and blessings that came from such obedience.
The sermon addresses the challenges that can shake one's faith, such as betrayal or hurt, and the temptation to believe that God has failed us during these times. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promise that He works for the good of those who love Him, even in the most difficult circumstances. The role of Joseph is examined in detail, with the speaker highlighting his occupation, hard work, righteousness, and faithfulness.
Prayer is discussed as a means to seek God's will, with the speaker sharing how their prayer life has evolved to become more specific and centered around God's will in various aspects of life. The congregation is encouraged to listen to God's guidance, make obedient decisions, and experience the transformative power of holy moments.
The speaker also reflects on various personal memories, both joyful and sorrowful, that have left a lasting impact. These memories are described as holy moments that shape our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to view everyday decisions as holy moments and to recognize the power of obedience in making a positive difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Serving in the name of Jesus requires intentional prioritization, as it often competes with the busyness of life. By making holy decisions and trusting in God's wisdom, individuals can fulfill their responsibility to obey, leaving the outcomes in God's hands. This obedience can lead to God working for our good in ways we cannot foresee. [59:35] [01:01:03] [01:02:02]
- Spiritual growth is a personal responsibility, and individuals should not blame others for their lack of progress. It is essential to act on the knowledge of God's Word already received, taking steps of obedience that can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper relationship with God. [01:07:58] [01:08:47] [01:09:41]
- One moment of obedience can have a significant impact, as seen in the Christmas story and Joseph's life. These moments can arise from clear scriptural teachings, the Holy Spirit's prompting, or godly counsel. The outcome of such obedience can be beyond imagination, demonstrating the power of God's work through our decisions. [29:12] [30:00] [30:37]
- Obedience to God does not always require complete understanding. By sharing personal experiences, the speaker illustrates that obeying God's word can lead to blessings and benefits that may not be immediately apparent. This principle encourages trust in God's wisdom and timing. [46:26] [47:16] [47:57]
- Holy moments often coincide with life's hardest challenges. By responding in obedience to God, even in the lowest and most soul-crushing experiences, individuals can allow God to work everything together for their good. This promise is specifically for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. [44:14] [44:56] [45:36]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:18-25 - The story of Joseph's obedience in accepting his role as the earthly father of Jesus.
2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
3. Matthew 6:9-10 - The Lord's Prayer, focusing on "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Joseph's initial reaction when he found out Mary was pregnant, and what did he plan to do? (Matthew 1:19)
2. How did the angel of the Lord address Joseph's fears and what instructions were given to him? (Matthew 1:20-21)
3. According to Romans 8:28, for whom does God work all things together for good?
4. In the Lord's Prayer, what does Jesus teach us to pray regarding God's will? (Matthew 6:10)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Joseph decided to obey the angel's message despite the potential social and personal consequences? (Matthew 1:24) [49:44]
2. How does Romans 8:28 provide comfort during difficult times, and what conditions are attached to this promise? [45:27]
3. What does it mean to pray for God's will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven," and how might this influence our daily decisions? (Matthew 6:10) [01:10:40]
4. How can one moment of obedience, as seen in Joseph's story, have a significant impact on God's plan? [28:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt prompted to obey God without fully understanding why. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [48:22]
2. Joseph faced a holy moment of decision at a low point in his life. Can you identify a challenging moment in your life that turned into a holy moment through obedience? [35:38]
3. Romans 8:28 speaks of God working for the good of those who love Him. How can you remind yourself of this promise during your current struggles? [44:48]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of personal responsibility for spiritual growth. What steps can you take this week to engage more deeply with God's Word and pursue personal development? [01:07:02]
5. The speaker shared how their prayer life has evolved to be more specific and centered around God's will. How can you incorporate this approach into your own prayer life? [01:11:49]
6. Serving in Jesus' name often competes with the busyness of life. What is one activity you can cut out of your schedule to prioritize serving others this week? [58:14]
7. Think of a recent decision you made. How might viewing it as a holy moment have changed your approach or outcome? [01:05:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentionality in Service
Intentional service in Jesus' name often requires setting aside the busyness of life to prioritize God's call. By choosing to serve and obey, individuals can trust that God will work through their actions for the greater good, even when the outcomes are not immediately visible. This act of faith demonstrates a commitment to living out one's beliefs in tangible ways. [59:35]
James 2:17-18 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: How can you prioritize serving others this week, despite the busyness of your schedule?
Day 2: Personal Responsibility in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a personal journey that requires active participation and obedience to God's Word. It is not enough to simply attend church or accumulate knowledge; one must also apply that knowledge through actions that reflect a growing relationship with God. This personal responsibility is the foundation for a transformative faith experience. [01:07:58]
Philippians 2:12b-13 - "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Reflection: What is one step of obedience you can take today to act on the knowledge of God's Word you have received?
Day 3: The Impact of Obedience
A single moment of obedience can have a ripple effect, influencing not only the individual's life but also the lives of others. The Christmas story exemplifies this through Joseph's obedience, which played a pivotal role in God's plan. Such moments are often guided by scriptural teachings, the Holy Spirit's prompting, or wise counsel, leading to outcomes beyond our imagination. [29:12]
1 Samuel 15:22 - "But Samuel replied: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Can you recall a time when your obedience to God led to unexpected blessings or outcomes?
Day 4: Trusting Without Full Understanding
Obedience to God does not always come with full understanding or immediate clarity. Trusting in God's wisdom and timing can lead to blessings and benefits that may only become apparent in hindsight. This trust is a testament to one's faith in God's overarching plan and His ability to work through our decisions. [46:26]
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 area in your life where you need to trust God's wisdom and timing, even though you don't fully understand His plan?
Day 5: Holy Moments in Life's Challenges
Life's most challenging moments can also be holy moments if one responds with obedience to God. These experiences, while often difficult, can be the times when God's work in our lives is most evident. The promise of God's goodness is for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, even in the midst of trials. [44:14]
Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Reflection: How can you respond with obedience to God in a current challenge you are facing, and trust that He is working for your good?
Quotes
"You have no idea what God can do with just one moment of obedience in your life." [29:12] (Download)
"Don't ever underestimate what God can do with one moment of obedience in your life." [31:54] (Download)
"Most Christians don't even need to know more than they already know until they start being obedient to what they already know." [01:07:58] (Download)
"Obedience is our responsibility. The outcome is God's responsibility. Our part is obedience. God's part is taking care of the rest of it the way it needs to be taken care of." [01:02:02] (Download)
"You don't have to understand to obey. You don't have to understand completely to obey immediately either." [47:57] (Download)
"It's a sad moment, but at the same time it's a holy moment if you let it be. If you look to God during that and lean on him, it becomes a very holy moment." [24:42] (Download)
"The sooner we can trust God's wisdom more than we trust our own, the sooner we can have holy moments that God uses for great things." [01:01:03] (Download)
"Holy moments though, all of them. You don't remember life in years necessarily. You remember those certain moments that stand out vividly, shaping who we are." [26:12] (Download)
"It might be the holiest moment in the world when you cut one thing out to do a better thing instead, like serving in the body of Christ." [59:35] (Download)
"Don't ever underestimate how God can powerfully use a moment of obedience in those hard moments of your life." [46:26] (Download)
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