Embracing Lifelong Worship and Trusting God's Process
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and exalt the King of Kings, recognizing that our primary purpose is to worship God. We are created to worship, and this is a role we will never graduate from. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifelong commitment. We discussed the grace of God, which provides us with a space and place in His kingdom. This grace allows us to approach God's throne daily, knowing that we are adopted into His family and that He is faithful to the very end.
We also explored the story of Peter, focusing on his journey of faith and the lessons he learned. Peter's experiences teach us about the importance of humility, the dangers of pride, and the necessity of trusting God's plan even when we don't understand it. Peter's journey reminds us that we are all in a process of being molded and shaped by God for His purposes. We must be willing to submit to this process, even when it involves correction and discomfort.
The sermon emphasized that our growth and development are of great importance to Jesus. He uses every moment to challenge us, mold us, and prepare us for the work He has called us to. We are reminded that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Therefore, we must trust Him, even when we don't understand His plans.
Finally, we were encouraged to feed His sheep, meaning to care for others and pour into their lives. Each of us has a role to play in God's kingdom, and we must be willing to step into that role, despite our failures and shortcomings. God's grace is sufficient, and He will not abandon us. We are called to stay the course, trust the process, and continue to grow in our relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship as a Lifelong Commitment: Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifelong commitment. We are created to worship God, and this is a role we will never graduate from. Worship is our primary purpose, and it should be a continuous act of devotion and love towards our Creator. [20:06]
2. The Grace of God: God's grace provides us with a space and place in His kingdom. This grace allows us to approach His throne daily, knowing that we are adopted into His family. It is a safe and firm place where we can find rest, love, and mercy. [20:52]
3. The Journey of Peter: Peter's journey teaches us about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. We must be willing to trust God's plan, even when we don't understand it. Peter's experiences remind us that we are all in a process of being molded and shaped by God for His purposes. [55:17]
4. Trusting God's Plan: God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We must trust Him, even when we don't understand His plans. Our growth and development are of great importance to Jesus, and He uses every moment to challenge us and prepare us for the work He has called us to. [01:05:15]
5. Feeding His Sheep: We are called to care for others and pour into their lives. Each of us has a role to play in God's kingdom, and we must be willing to step into that role, despite our failures and shortcomings. God's grace is sufficient, and He will not abandon us. We must stay the course, trust the process, and continue to grow in our relationship with Him. [01:25:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:06] - Created to Worship
[20:52] - Grace: Space and Place
[21:34] - Renewing Our Love for Jesus
[22:08] - Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
[22:43] - Wholehearted Surrender
[23:24] - Supernatural Growth
[24:46] - Offering Message: Trusting God's Provision
[27:04] - God's Supernatural Provision
[27:54] - Trusting God in Difficult Times
[28:31] - Using Our Gifts for Provision
[29:08] - Prayer for the Offering
[29:57] - Church Announcements and Gratitude
[52:40] - Personal Testimony: Turbulence and Trust
[53:14] - Sermon Introduction: Do You Love Me?
[53:51] - The Process of Growth
[54:29] - Prayer for Understanding
[55:17] - Peter's Journey: Lessons in Humility
[56:26] - Key Scripture: Matthew 16:15-27
[57:10] - Peter's Mistake and Jesus' Correction
[57:50] - The Importance of Denying Ourselves
[58:31] - The Mission and Purpose
[59:12] - Revelation and Credit to God
[01:00:21] - The Mystery of Salvation
[01:00:53] - Peter's Pride and Correction
[01:01:25] - Trusting God's Plan
[01:02:11] - Walking Through the Valley
[01:02:57] - Familiarity with Jesus
[01:03:37] - Lifetime Learning and Discipleship
[01:04:19] - Trusting God's Higher Ways
[01:05:15] - God's Word and Purpose
[01:06:09] - Living God's Purpose
[01:07:11] - Leaving the Old Life Behind
[01:07:52] - Setbacks and Setups
[01:08:35] - Precursor to Greater Things
[01:09:14] - Recognizing God's Work
[01:09:47] - Encouragement in Dark Times
[01:10:14] - The Righteous Man Stumbles
[01:10:46] - God's Will and Our Will
[01:11:19] - Peter's Denial Foretold
[01:11:59] - Trusting God's Word
[01:12:38] - Peter's Overconfidence
[01:13:42] - God's Preparation
[01:14:23] - The Importance of Preparation
[01:15:15] - Learning Through Experience
[01:16:08] - God's Timing and Our Patience
[01:16:55] - God's Knowledge of Our Hearts
[01:17:27] - Desires and Ambitions
[01:17:55] - Change, Discomfort, and Correction
[01:18:48] - Shaking Up Our Lives
[01:19:29] - Moving Beyond Formalism
[01:20:03] - Peter's Familiarity with Jesus
[01:20:37] - Jesus' Correction of Peter
[01:21:11] - Seasons of Change
[01:21:43] - Confidence in God
[01:22:27] - Following Jesus in Faith
[01:23:05] - Continuing to Do Good
[01:23:47] - Letting Jesus Reveal Our Hearts
[01:24:33] - Asking for Wisdom
[01:25:15] - Feeding His Sheep
[01:25:51] - Biblical Christianity in Action
[01:26:21] - Answering the Call
[01:27:05] - Refusing the Enemy's Accusations
[01:27:40] - Trusting the God of Promise
[01:28:18] - Jesus' Restoration of Peter
[01:29:05] - God's Wounding for Growth
[01:29:59] - Trusting the Master's Process
[01:30:52] - Preparing for Revival
[01:31:31] - Meditating on the Word
[01:32:07] - God's Delays Are Not Denials
[01:32:36] - Renewing Our First Love
[01:33:08] - Encouragement for the Discouraged
[01:33:47] - Trusting Jesus as Lord
[01:34:30] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[01:34:58] - Closing and Announcements
[01:35:41] - Follow-Up Process and Resources
[01:36:31] - Midweek Services and Small Groups
[01:37:11] - Prayer Gathering and College Ministry
[01:38:11] - Celebrate Recovery and Final Encouragement
[01:39:01] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Church
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:15-27: "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus say to Peter when he correctly identified Him as the Messiah? ([55:17])
2. How did Peter react when Jesus spoke about His upcoming suffering and death? ([57:10])
3. What was Jesus' response to Peter's rebuke about His suffering? ([57:50])
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the key lessons we can learn from Peter's journey? ([55:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus called Peter "Satan" when he tried to prevent Jesus from going to the cross? What does this reveal about Peter's understanding of Jesus' mission? ([57:50])
2. How does Peter's journey illustrate the importance of humility and the dangers of pride in our spiritual walk? ([55:17])
3. What does it mean to "deny oneself and take up their cross" in the context of following Jesus? How does this apply to our daily lives? ([57:50])
4. How does the concept of being molded and shaped by God for His purposes challenge our understanding of personal growth and development? ([55:17])
#### Application Questions
1. Worship is described as a lifelong commitment. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond Sunday services? ([20:06])
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace in a tangible way. How did it impact your relationship with Him? ([20:52])
3. Peter's journey teaches us about the importance of humility. Can you identify a recent situation where you had to choose humility over pride? How did it affect the outcome? ([55:17])
4. Trusting God's plan can be challenging, especially when we don't understand it. What are some practical steps you can take to trust God more in uncertain times? ([57:50])
5. We are called to "feed His sheep" and care for others. Who in your life can you pour into and support this week? What specific actions can you take to show them God's love? ([01:25:51])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up. How did you find the strength to continue? How can you apply that experience to your current challenges? ([01:10:14])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of growth and development. What is one area of your spiritual life that you feel needs growth? What steps can you take to address it? ([55:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as a Lifelong Commitment
Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifelong commitment. We are created to worship God, and this is a role we will never graduate from. Worship is our primary purpose, and it should be a continuous act of devotion and love towards our Creator. Worshiping God is not confined to a specific time or place; it is a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of our lives. It involves recognizing God's sovereignty, expressing gratitude, and living in a way that honors Him daily. Worship is an ongoing journey of drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence in our lives. [20:06]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond Sunday services? What specific actions can you take to make worship a continuous part of your life?
Day 2: The Grace of God
God's grace provides us with a space and place in His kingdom. This grace allows us to approach His throne daily, knowing that we are adopted into His family. It is a safe and firm place where we can find rest, love, and mercy. Grace is not something we earn; it is a gift from God that enables us to live in His presence and experience His love. This grace reassures us that despite our flaws and failures, we are accepted and loved by God. It is through His grace that we find the strength to face each day and the hope to persevere through challenges. [20:52]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt God's grace in your life. How can you remind yourself daily of His grace and live in the assurance of His love and acceptance?
Day 3: The Journey of Peter
Peter's journey teaches us about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. We must be willing to trust God's plan, even when we don't understand it. Peter's experiences remind us that we are all in a process of being molded and shaped by God for His purposes. His journey was marked by moments of failure and correction, but also by growth and transformation. Peter's story encourages us to embrace humility, learn from our mistakes, and trust that God is working in our lives to fulfill His purposes. [55:17]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: Think about a recent experience where you struggled with pride or humility. How can you learn from Peter's journey and apply those lessons to your own life?
Day 4: Trusting God's Plan
God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We must trust Him, even when we don't understand His plans. Our growth and development are of great importance to Jesus, and He uses every moment to challenge us and prepare us for the work He has called us to. Trusting God's plan requires faith and surrender, especially during times of uncertainty and difficulty. It involves believing that God is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. [01:05:15]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plan? How can you surrender this area to Him and trust that His ways are higher than your own?
Day 5: Feeding His Sheep
We are called to care for others and pour into their lives. Each of us has a role to play in God's kingdom, and we must be willing to step into that role, despite our failures and shortcomings. God's grace is sufficient, and He will not abandon us. We must stay the course, trust the process, and continue to grow in our relationship with Him. Feeding His sheep means being attentive to the needs of others, offering support, and sharing the love of Christ. It is an active expression of our faith and a demonstration of God's love in action. [01:25:51]
John 21:17 (ESV): "He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs your care and support today? How can you actively "feed His sheep" and demonstrate God's love to them in a tangible way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I'm so thankful for the grace of God. This morning in Life Hour, we were talking about how the grace of God has given us space. It's given us space and a place. Can you say space and place? Meaning God gave you a place in His kingdom. When Jesus gave up His blood, He shed His perfect blood to make imperfect humanity perfect before the Lord. Meaning that you can approach His throne of grace daily. God said, come, don't run. Come. Come near to the Father. Because He's adopted you into His family." [20:52] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "No matter what's kept you away from God, this morning, the Father reaches his hand out to you, and he says, come. Come taste. Come eat. Come find. Come know. Today, he's calling you to know him." [22:08] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now, if God can do that with money, is there anything too hard for him? He could have said whatever he wanted in that moment to provide. And that was what God is saying to you today. I can say whatever I want and I can do whatever I want and I'll provide for my people no matter what. I have your best interest in mind. If you need a coin out of a fish's mouth, my friends, he can make it happen just like that." [27:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are in the Master's hands. Trust His process even when you don't understand. Do not back away from what God is doing in this place. There are greater things that are on the horizon than you can even imagine. The best is still yet to come. Stay the course. Prepare your heart. Prepare the soil of your heart. For there is new oil, there is new wine, and there is the sound of the abundance of rain." [01:29:59] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you have never made a decision to follow Jesus. That opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of that opportunity. You must make your peace with God. If you have not done that, please meet me at the altar. And I will walk with you through accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." [01:33:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We never graduate from being worshipers. I'll graduate from being a pastor, but I will never graduate from being a worshiper. I will worship around His throne for all of the ages because I love Him. Hallelujah." [20:06] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Peter thought he was ready for God to use his life. But we know that Jesus had other plans. He wasn't ready yet. He just thought he was. Peter had a will, but God knows how to shape a vessel for his purposes. Peter's failures were now being used to break the heart so God could reshape it into a heart of pure gold." [01:13:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It is in the moments of change, discomfort, and correction. Change, discomfort, and correction. Everyone say change. Discomfort. Correction. Say it again. Change. Discomfort. And correction. That. What? It is in those moments, the unexpected, that our lives move from being rigid to what? Fluid. Like a master potter adds water to the form of clay, God's changes in our life are meant to soften us so he can mold us." [01:17:27] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Don't stop doing the good you have planned because of the perceived failures that you're walking through. Just because you had a mishap, mistake, a habit rear its ugly head, a hurt rear its ugly head, right? Are you going to let that stop you? No. Don't let it stop you from doing the good. Get your butt back up. Get back in church and start worshiping God all over again." [01:23:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus comes to Peter and he says, do you love me? And then he says what? Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep. What does that mean? It means care for somebody who needs you. It means church, find somebody that you can pour into." [01:25:16] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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