Embracing Hope and Expansion Through God's Grace
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of hope, healing, and the potential for expansion in our lives through God's grace. I stressed that church is not just about getting by, but about finding hope for a better future. I also discussed the concept of unveiling potential, highlighting that God has made provisions to expand the dimensions of our lives. This expansion could be in our families, jobs, or even our peace. I also touched on the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the blessings that come with it. I emphasized that God is in the process of perfecting us daily and that we should strive to follow His teachings, even though we may not get it right every day.
Key Takeaways:
- Church is not just about getting by, but about finding hope for a better future [ 45:07]
- God has made provisions to expand the dimensions of our lives [ 45:53]
- Obedience to God's commandments brings blessings [ 54:23]
- God is in the process of perfecting us daily [ 51:51]
- We should strive to follow God's teachings, even though we may not get it right every day [ 52:41]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Leviticus 26:3-13 #!!46:32!!#
2. John 14:15 #!!50:12!!#
3. Romans 10:9 #!!50:58!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What are the promises God makes in Leviticus 26:3-13 if we obey His commandments?
2. How does John 14:15 relate to the concept of obedience discussed in Leviticus 26?
3. What does Romans 10:9 tell us about the nature of salvation?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of obedience in Leviticus 26 relate to our understanding of God's blessings?
2. What does John 14:15 imply about the relationship between love for God and obedience to His commandments?
3. How does Romans 10:9 help us understand the role of faith and confession in our salvation?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to obey God's commandments. Did you choose obedience? Why or why not?
2. How can you demonstrate your love for God by obeying His commandments in a specific area of your life this week?
3. Can you think of a time when you experienced God's blessings as a result of your obedience?
4. How can you apply the truth of Romans 10:9 in your daily interactions with others, especially those who do not yet know Christ?
5. What is one specific way you can strive for obedience in your life this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Journey of Perfection
God is in the process of perfecting us daily, indicating that we are not yet perfect. This journey of perfection is a response to God's love and salvation. We may not get it right every day, but we should strive to follow His guidance daily [51:51].
Philippians 3:12 - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt you fell short of perfection. How can you use that experience to better follow God's guidance?
Day 2: The Blessing of Obedience
God has given us commandments to live by, and obedience to these commandments is a prerequisite for expansion. If we love Jesus and believe in His sacrifice, we should strive to move closer to Him through obedience [54:23].
Deuteronomy 28:1 - "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth."
Reflection: What is one commandment you struggle to obey? How can you work towards better obedience in this area?
Day 3: The Promise of Resources
In our season of blessing, God promises to provide us with resources. Understanding the balance of these resources, like rain, is crucial to avoid droughts or floods in our lives [57:09].
Ecclesiastes 11:6 - "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well."
Reflection: What resources has God blessed you with recently? How can you use these resources to further His kingdom?
Day 4: The Freedom from Slavery
God has freed us from the yoke of slavery, allowing us to walk erect. This freedom is a gift from God and a testament to His love and power [47:59].
Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you still feel enslaved? How can you lean on God's power to find freedom?
Day 5: The Hope for Expansion
God has designed us for expansion, not to remain stagnant. He has made provision to expand the dimensions of our lives, whether in our family, job, or peace [45:53].
Isaiah 54:2 - "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to expand? How can you step out in faith to embrace this expansion?
Quotes
1. "All you have to do is believe in your heart and declare with your mouth that Jesus Christ is your lord and you're a Christian. No preacher, no pastor, no critic, no atheist, no new age thinker could take your salvation away because God has done it already." - 50:58
2. "God gives you a hopeful future. So many people think that just getting by is what church is about. But I'm here to declare to you that God wants you to have hope for better." - 45:07
3. "God has given us some prerequisites to expansion. He says in the verse you have to be obedient. If you love me, you will keep my Commandments." - 50:12
4. "God cares so much about you as his child, he wants to bless you. All I want to do is give you the blessing that God has written and ordained for you in his book." - 55:45
5. "In your season of blessing, God is going to give you resources. Some of us are praying for the rain and we don't understand that too little rain is a drought and too much rain is a flood." - 57:09