Embracing Humility: Trusting God's Worthiness and Guidance
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of God's worthiness and the importance of giving Him the praise He deserves. We often find ourselves giving more attention and admiration to earthly figures and possessions, forgetting that there is a name above all names—God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The essence of our worship should reflect the magnitude of His glory, as He is the one who sustains our very breath. The Hebrew understanding of God's name, YHWH, is akin to the sound of breathing, reminding us that every breath we take is a testament to His grace and presence in our lives.
We also delved into the concept of pride and its destructive nature. Pride can hinder our spiritual growth, relationships, and even our ability to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. It is a silent predator, much like a lion, waiting to devour us if we are not vigilant. The antidote to pride is humility, which allows us to receive God's grace and power. Humility is not a sign of weakness but a position of strength, as it aligns us with God's will and opens the door for His blessings.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of being under authority and seeking counsel. God places people in our lives to guide us and help us see our blind spots. Submitting to authority is a demonstration of humility and a recognition that we cannot do life alone. It is through this submission that we gain the power and wisdom to navigate life's challenges.
Lastly, we were reminded that our struggles and weaknesses are not always meant to be removed. Sometimes, God allows them to remain to keep us dependent on Him. Our attitude should be one of trust and surrender, knowing that God cares for us deeply and is working all things for our good.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Worthiness: Our worship should reflect the magnitude of God's glory. He is the one who sustains our very breath, and every breath we take is a testament to His grace and presence in our lives. We must prioritize giving Him the praise He deserves, recognizing that He is above all earthly names and possessions. [33:47]
- The Dangers of Pride: Pride is a silent predator that can destroy relationships, hinder spiritual growth, and prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. It is essential to recognize pride's subtlety and actively seek humility, which allows us to receive God's grace and power. [45:02]
- The Power of Humility: Humility is not a sign of weakness but a position of strength. It aligns us with God's will and opens the door for His blessings. By staying low and humble, we position ourselves to be lifted by God at the right time. [46:19]
- Submission to Authority: Being under authority and seeking counsel is crucial for spiritual growth. God places people in our lives to guide us and help us see our blind spots. Submitting to authority demonstrates humility and acknowledges our need for guidance. [01:01:22]
- Trusting God in Our Struggles: Our struggles and weaknesses are not always meant to be removed. Sometimes, God allows them to remain to keep us dependent on Him. We must trust and surrender to God, knowing that He cares for us deeply and is working all things for our good. [01:07:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [32:31] - The Worthiness of God
- [33:47] - The Power of God's Name
- [35:01] - Giving God the Praise He Deserves
- [36:21] - Worship Through Giving
- [38:04] - Prayer and Gratitude
- [40:05] - Misconceptions About Tithing
- [42:06] - Preparing for a Move
- [43:36] - The Dangers of Pride
- [45:02] - Humility and God's Timing
- [46:19] - Standing Firm in Faith
- [48:56] - Pride and Dependence on God
- [50:09] - The Importance of Authority
- [52:00] - The Struggle with Pride
- [56:11] - Taming Pride with Humility
- [01:07:47] - Trusting God in Our Struggles
- [01:14:12] - God's Hand in Our Lives
- [01:22:19] - Invitation to Surrender
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)
"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of God's name and its connection to our breath? ([33:47])
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of pride and its potential impact on our lives? ([43:36])
3. According to the sermon, what role does humility play in our relationship with God and others? ([45:02])
4. What is the importance of being under authority and seeking counsel as discussed in the sermon? ([01:01:22])
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Hebrew understanding of God's name as the sound of breathing deepen our appreciation of His presence in our lives? ([33:47])
2. In what ways can pride act as a "silent predator" in our spiritual journey, and how can we recognize its subtlety? ([43:36])
3. Why might God allow struggles and weaknesses to remain in our lives, according to the sermon? ([01:07:47])
4. How does submitting to authority demonstrate humility, and why is this important for spiritual growth? ([01:01:22])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized earthly figures or possessions over God. How can you shift your focus to give God the praise He deserves? ([33:47])
2. Identify an area in your life where pride might be hindering your spiritual growth or relationships. What steps can you take to cultivate humility in that area? ([43:36])
3. Consider a struggle or weakness you are currently facing. How can you trust God more deeply in this situation, knowing that He is working for your good? ([01:07:47])
4. Think about someone in your life who provides guidance and counsel. How can you better submit to their authority and seek their wisdom? ([01:01:22])
5. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God and others? ([45:02])
6. Reflect on a recent decision you made without consulting God. How can you involve Him more in your planning and decision-making processes? ([50:09])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of God's worthiness and His sustaining presence in your life? ([33:47])
Devotional
Day 1: The Breath of Worship
Our worship should reflect the magnitude of God's glory. He is the one who sustains our very breath, and every breath we take is a testament to His grace and presence in our lives. We must prioritize giving Him the praise He deserves, recognizing that He is above all earthly names and possessions. The Hebrew understanding of God's name, YHWH, is akin to the sound of breathing, reminding us that every breath we take is a testament to His grace and presence in our lives. This profound truth calls us to a deeper awareness of God's worthiness and the importance of giving Him the praise He deserves. [33:47]
Psalm 150:6 (ESV): "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!"
Reflection: As you go about your day, take a moment to pause and consciously acknowledge each breath as a gift from God. How can you incorporate this awareness into your daily routine to enhance your worship?
Day 2: The Silent Predator of Pride
Pride is a silent predator that can destroy relationships, hinder spiritual growth, and prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. It is essential to recognize pride's subtlety and actively seek humility, which allows us to receive God's grace and power. Pride can often go unnoticed, lurking beneath the surface of our thoughts and actions. It can manifest in various ways, such as self-reliance, arrogance, or an unwillingness to admit mistakes. By acknowledging the dangers of pride, we can take steps to cultivate humility, which opens the door to God's grace and power in our lives. [45:02]
Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride may be hindering your growth. What practical steps can you take today to embrace humility and invite God's grace into that area?
Day 3: The Strength of Humility
Humility is not a sign of weakness but a position of strength. It aligns us with God's will and opens the door for His blessings. By staying low and humble, we position ourselves to be lifted by God at the right time. Humility allows us to see ourselves and others through God's eyes, fostering compassion, empathy, and a willingness to serve. It is through humility that we can truly experience the fullness of God's love and blessings in our lives. [46:19]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Consider a situation where you can choose humility over pride. How might this choice impact your relationship with God and others today?
Day 4: The Wisdom of Submission
Being under authority and seeking counsel is crucial for spiritual growth. God places people in our lives to guide us and help us see our blind spots. Submitting to authority demonstrates humility and acknowledges our need for guidance. It is through this submission that we gain the power and wisdom to navigate life's challenges. By recognizing the value of wise counsel and the importance of being under authority, we can grow spiritually and make decisions that align with God's will. [01:01:22]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: Think of a trusted mentor or leader in your life. How can you seek their guidance and wisdom in a current challenge you are facing?
Day 5: Trusting God in Our Struggles
Our struggles and weaknesses are not always meant to be removed. Sometimes, God allows them to remain to keep us dependent on Him. We must trust and surrender to God, knowing that He cares for us deeply and is working all things for our good. This perspective encourages us to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities for growth and reliance on God's strength. By trusting in God's plan, we can find peace and assurance in the midst of life's challenges. [01:07:47]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Reflect on a current struggle or weakness in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity to rely more on God's strength and grace?
Quotes
1) "And I will. We already know he's worthy, but sometimes we can unconsciously give God a little less than what he's worth. And I don't know. Zion Woodbridge and Zion Landover. Zion. Fort Washington. Zion. Anyway, I don't know if you've ever been into a concert. When I was a little younger, I remember Michael Jackson concerts, and they panned the camera. Y'all remember people be falling out and crying and snotting. And I'm saying, because, you know, Michael Jackson is a star. I've seen people wait in line in the rain and play top dollar for tickets to go see, you know, beehive and all, you know, I didn't seen people go above and beyond for just a name that's on earth. But there is a name that's above all names. He's king of kings and he's lord of Lord. And I'm not saying that he's not worthy of a little pity, Pat. I'm just saying if you lose your mind for Michael Jackson, if you lose your mind for somebody on this level, there's one who hung the snow, stars in the sky. That's a star above all stars." [32:31] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You can go in your closet and choose what kind of shoes you want to wear because God just been that gracious. I don't care what you think about me. I'm a. Oh, you're so extra. Yes, I am. You don't know what I've been through. Oh, I'm. Cause I know what it's like when I wasn't extra. Okay. Anyway. Well, welcome to Zion. On every campus that you're viewing this service, we thank God for your presence. And I'm privileged to be part of one of the baddest all star team of pastors with Pastor Shaman and Pastor PJ and Pastor Joy and Pastor Sean. I'm so grateful for all of our leaders, all that you do. And we gotta give it up for the hall of Fame coach, leader of us all, and Pastor Keith Battle and first lady Vicki battle. Can we make some noise? Thank you, Pastor battle, for entrusting us in your absence to be able to cover the flock." [36:21] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Okay, so when we give to God through the church or through ministries, when we sacrificially give a portion of what we have to God, it's not just a financial transaction. It's a heart transaction, because where our treasure is, our heart will be also. That's a word. Where our treasures are, they're lie. They're the desires of your heart will be also. Some people have just a misperception about church and God don't. He don't want your money. God wants your love. I love my wife, so I never think about what's left. I always think about what's. How much. How much more can I give when God has your love to give him, to take care of his sister? So, listen, just focus on loving him, and then it's a lot easier to focus on what you want to give to him." [40:05] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "I'm confident that God is preparing you to move you up. And if you don't believe me, I brought in my theme team to singhenne you a song to get you moving. Come on. Here. Yeah. Yeah. Some of y'all not too. Not too bougie. Remember you had the antenna on your tv with the channel like plies, and we tuned in. Okay. Y'all don't even. Anyway, I know. Zion Woodbridge. Pastor Shamon, Pastor Sean. I know. I know that y'all was dancing when you heard that we're moving up. But I didn't tell y'all how much it's gonna cost to move. Before you rise, you got to tame your pride. And my subject for our time today is the pride. Because pride is vicious. If you don't tame pride, it will destroy a marriage. It will mess up career advancements. It will rob you of the feedback necessary so you can develop into the purpose of that God has called you to be and experience all that he had." [43:36] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Pride is like a pack of lioness who will jump on you regardless of how big you think you are, what your title is. Matter of fact, the bigger you are, the harder you fall. If you don't tame your pride, it'll bring you down regardless of your position. So we got to deal with the what. So as we stand to go before God's word, Lord help us deal with pride in one Peter, chapter five. I will start reading at verse five. And it says, in the same way, you who are younger must the authority of the elders, all of you, dress yourselves in what as you relate to one another. For God opposes the proud and gives grace to the who. Humble, it says. So do what? So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God. I love this. And at the right time. And at the right time, they did not pass you over for promotion. It ain't the right time. Because if I move you up and you've not been humbled in proportion to your talent, the air of toxicity that will come from your elevation will make everybody around you sicken. It ain't time, it says, but at the right time, he will lift you up in honor." [45:02] (108 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Watch out for your great enemy. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for somebody to devour. Stand firm. Stand what? Stand what against him? And be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness. God called you in his kindness. God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus, so that after. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore you, he will support you, he will strengthen you, and he will place you. Oh, my grace. He will restore you, he will support you, he will strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. I know that this season for some of y'all might be shaky, but God is only using it to humble you. And after you've gone through what you're going through, he gonna restore you, he's going to support you, he's going to strengthen you, and he's going to place you on a firm foundation as you take, as firm as the seat that you can take right now. God says, I got you. I'm not going to let you freefall." [46:19] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And what I want you to understand is that any move you make, that's not a move of God, is pride. Pride is not just having a big head. Pride is thinking you can make it without God. And the way, Pastor Shamon, the way that you can tell pride is to evaluate your life, to see how often you talk to God before the plan, during the plan, and after the plan. James, chapter four. Go on and say, if you making plans without God. He said, that's. He said, that's boasting. You don't even know if you're going to be alive tomorrow, what you ought to be saying, if it is the Lord's will, I will do this or do that. But if you just wrote your little script schedule out, I'm gonna tell you this. Pride is natural. You ain't got the work to be proud. You don't have to be arrogant and look down on somebody to be proud. All you need to do to be proud is constantly make moves without considering whether God is moving on you." [48:56] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Pride. Pride. Peter says it's prowling like a lion. The great enemy wants to devour you. And pride is stubborn. Can I get. Amen? Like pharaoh. Do y'all remember the story of Exodus? Fat. It took ten times for pharaoh to say yes. I don't know about y'all, but after the little snake, the staff turned to the snake, and. And after the water turned the blood, I'm telling. I just. Hey, look. Ricardo, Rick, uh, Shadrach, Meshach, Benny, go look. Y'all got to wrap it up. We done. We ain't let my people go. Say less. They gone. I mean, but this dude was so determined to stand on his post that it cost him his family and his community because he would not humble himself. And God says, I got something for your tail. If you don't humble yourself, I'm going to break you. How many of us right now are families are paying a price? Because we won't." [53:47] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "I don't know who this is for, but you better keep on asking. You got eight more times to ask before you get your breakthrough. Don't you let pride take food off your family's table because you got in your feelings. Cause they reject. This ain't about you. They're not rejecting you. They're rejecting God. And when you reject God, God says, I'm gonna give them eight more times. I'm gonna bust them in the head. And then I'm gonna give you your yes. I'm gonna give you your yes with a blessing. Keep asking, keep asking, keep asking, keep asking. Until you get what God has in store for you before you rise. You got to tame your pride. But pride is a beast. So I'm going to give you three moves and one attitude that's going to help you tame it. Y'all ready? Here's move number one. They going to put it on the screen. Watch out. Say, watch out. Watch out. I said watch out. Because you can't see it. Pride high." [56:11] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "The Bible says that at the right time, he will lift you up and honor. In order to lift you up, it means that you first got to be down. Oh, Lord. Lord, I can't do it. Can I tell you all something? Too many of us live our lives based on what we can do. And if you only do what you can do, you'll never know what the grace of God can do. This moment right here, your lowest moment, is your moment of power. He says that he opposes the proudest, but he gives grace to the humble. The word grace seems soft, but it's actually power. And I want to give you an example of why staying low is actually power. Y'all think low is weak? God said, low is high. As a matter of fact, you cannot move up unless you move down. Uh oh." [01:05:12] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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