Embracing New Beginnings: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
In this sermon, the focus is on embracing the new beginnings that God promises, as highlighted in Isaiah 43:18-19. The message encourages believers to let go of the past and trust in God's ability to create new paths and opportunities. The sermon begins by addressing the trials and tests of faith that believers face, emphasizing that these challenges are meant to strengthen and expand one's faith. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
The sermon transitions into a reflection on the history of Israel, particularly their time in exile in Babylon, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by individuals today. It underscores the reasons for Israel's exile, such as the overwhelming power of their enemies, idolatry, and the pride of their leaders. These historical lessons serve as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of humility and faithfulness.
The core of the message is the promise of new beginnings. God assures His people that He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, symbolizing hope and renewal. The sermon outlines three key instructions for experiencing these new beginnings: not dwelling on the past, seeing through the eyes of faith, and walking with God, the path-maker. It encourages believers to adopt God's perspective, which is not limited by human understanding, and to trust in His timing and provision.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to embrace the new year with faith and anticipation of God's surprises and blessings. It emphasizes the importance of walking with God, adhering to His ways, and trusting in His promises for a prosperous and blessed future.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith Tested and Strengthened: Trials and tests of faith are not meant to break us but to build and expand our faith, enabling us to achieve the impossible. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and remain steadfast in your belief in God's promises. [02:30]
2. Letting Go of the Past: While we cannot choose to forget the past, we can choose not to live in it. The past is meant for learning, not for dwelling. Embrace the new things God is doing and move forward with hope and expectation. [01:07:23]
3. Seeing Through the Eyes of Faith: To perceive the new things God is doing, we must look through the eyes of faith, not just our physical eyes. Faith provides the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. [01:17:29]
4. Walking with the Path-Maker: Trust in God, the creator of new paths, and walk with Him. He knows the way and will guide you through life's uncertainties. Stay close to Him, and you will not be led astray. [01:34:42]
5. God's Unlimited Ways: God's methods are not limited by our understanding. He can use unexpected means to fulfill His promises and bring about His plans. Trust in His creativity and sovereignty to work in your life. [01:29:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:30] - Faith Tested and Strengthened
- [41:48] - Communion and Reflection
- [44:04] - Trusting in God's Promises
- [46:44] - New Year, New Beginnings
- [48:12] - Understanding Israel's History
- [50:58] - Lessons from Israel's Exile
- [52:22] - The Power of Humility
- [54:33] - God's Promise of Renewal
- [56:14] - Overcoming Great Challenges
- [57:19] - Avoiding Idolatry
- [58:42] - The Danger of Pride
- [01:01:57] - Embracing New Opportunities
- [01:03:15] - Three Instructions for New Beginnings
- [01:07:23] - Letting Go of the Past
- [01:17:29] - Seeing Through the Eyes of Faith
- [01:34:42] - Walking with the Path-Maker
- [01:29:04] - God's Unlimited Ways
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing New Beginnings
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 43:18-19
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three key instructions given in Isaiah 43:18-19 for experiencing new beginnings? [01:03:15]
2. How does the sermon describe the trials and tests of faith that believers face? What is their purpose according to the sermon? [02:30]
3. What historical context does the sermon provide about Israel's exile in Babylon, and how does it relate to the challenges faced by individuals today? [50:58]
4. What does the sermon say about God's promise to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert? How is this symbolic of hope and renewal? [01:01:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the instruction to "not dwell on the past" in Isaiah 43:18? What practical steps can believers take to apply this in their lives? [01:07:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that seeing through the eyes of faith differs from relying solely on physical sight? How can this perspective change a believer's outlook on new beginnings? [01:17:29]
3. The sermon emphasizes walking with God, the path-maker. What does this mean in the context of facing life's uncertainties, and how can believers ensure they are walking with God? [01:34:42]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's unlimited ways and His ability to use unexpected means to fulfill His promises? What examples from the sermon illustrate this point? [01:29:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a past experience where your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience about trusting in God's promises? [02:30]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel stuck in the past. What steps can you take this week to let go and embrace the new things God is doing? [01:07:23]
3. Consider a situation where you need to see through the eyes of faith rather than relying on your physical understanding. How can you practice this perspective in your daily life? [01:17:29]
4. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you walk with God, the path-maker, to navigate this challenge? What practical actions can you take to stay close to Him? [01:34:42]
5. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected way to fulfill a promise in your life. How did this experience shape your understanding of His creativity and sovereignty? [01:29:04]
6. As you look forward to the new year, what specific steps can you take to prepare for the surprises and blessings God has in store for you? How can you align your plans with His will? [46:44]
7. How can you ensure that you are not placing anything above God in your life, avoiding modern-day idolatry? What changes might you need to make to prioritize God as number one? [57:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Faith Through Trials
Trials and tests of faith are not meant to break us but to build and expand our faith, enabling us to achieve the impossible. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and remain steadfast in your belief in God's promises. When faced with difficulties, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and question God's presence. However, these moments are designed to deepen our reliance on Him and to strengthen our spiritual resilience. By trusting in God's plan, we can transform our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. [02:30]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What current challenge in your life can you view as an opportunity for God to strengthen your faith? How can you actively trust Him in this situation today?
Day 2: Moving Forward from the Past
While we cannot choose to forget the past, we can choose not to live in it. The past is meant for learning, not for dwelling. Embrace the new things God is doing and move forward with hope and expectation. Holding onto past mistakes or regrets can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing the new beginnings God has in store. By releasing the past, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God in our lives, allowing Him to guide us into a future filled with His promises. [01:07:23]
Isaiah 43:25 (ESV): "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."
Reflection: Is there a past event or mistake that you are struggling to let go of? How can you invite God to help you release it and embrace His new plans for you?
Day 3: Seeing with Eyes of Faith
To perceive the new things God is doing, we must look through the eyes of faith, not just our physical eyes. Faith provides the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. By adopting a faith-filled perspective, we can recognize God's hand in our lives, even when circumstances seem unclear. This spiritual vision allows us to trust in His promises and remain hopeful for the future, knowing that He is always at work for our good. [01:17:29]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see God's work? How can you practice viewing this situation through the eyes of faith today?
Day 4: Walking with the Path-Maker
Trust in God, the creator of new paths, and walk with Him. He knows the way and will guide you through life's uncertainties. Stay close to Him, and you will not be led astray. Walking with God requires a daily commitment to seek His guidance and follow His lead. By aligning our steps with His, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is directing our path toward His perfect will. [01:34:42]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally walk with God today? What steps can you take to ensure you are following His guidance in your daily decisions?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Unlimited Ways
God's methods are not limited by our understanding. He can use unexpected means to fulfill His promises and bring about His plans. Trust in His creativity and sovereignty to work in your life. Often, we try to confine God to our limited understanding, expecting Him to work in predictable ways. However, His ways are higher than ours, and He often surprises us with His innovative solutions. By trusting in His limitless power, we can rest assured that He is working all things together for our good. [01:29:04]
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: How can you open your heart to the unexpected ways God might be working in your life? What is one area where you need to trust His sovereignty more fully?
Quotes
"Imanmu teruji kau berkata pak kenapa saya sudah melakukan semua yang benar justru tetap sesuatu yang buruk terjadi itu imanmu sedang diuji tapi dengar baik the test of your faith has never come but the test of your faith makes your faith bigger and bigger can move mountains will do what is impossible, give a hand while standing in front of God who believes, say it together." [00:03:49]
"Kalau tahun lalu dia jamin hidup kita. Kalau kehidupan kita yang akan datang ada jaminan surga bagi kita. Maka kehidupan kita sekarang dan tahun ini pun ada jaminan dari Tuhan. Sebab itu mari kita mengingat janji Tuhan yang sungguh luar biasa. Dan dengan bangga kita mengangkat roti dan anggur kita." [00:42:34]
"Jadi sebelum kita lihat bagaimana kita bisa mengalami yang baru, kita mau belajar sedikit tentang Israel. Bagaimana orang Israel, mereka ya berada di pembuangan, daripada akhirnya mereka dibebaskan dari pembuangan itu. Nah maksudnya pembuangan ini apa? Jadi sejarahnya gini Bapak Ibu, kita semua tahu orang Israel keluar dari Mesir, mereka masuk ke tanah perjanjian, mereka membagi wilayah, dan akhirnya mereka dipimpin oleh Tuhan sendiri." [00:51:36]
"Janganlah ingat -ingat hal -hal yang dahulu. Dan janganlah perhatikan hal -hal yang dari zaman purba kalah. Ayat 19, baca bersama -sama. 1, 2, 3. Ya, lihat. Aku hendak membuat sesuatu yang baru, yang sekarang sudah tumbuh. Belumkah kamu mengetahuinya? Ya. Aku hendak membuat jalan di padang gurun, dan sungai -sungai di padang belantara. Percaya sama -sama katakan. Aamiin. All things new. Yaitu Tuhan membuat semuanya baru." [00:50:12]
"Karena itu kita diajar sama firman Tuhan. Jangan suka ingat -ingat. Sekali lagi ulangin. Jangan suka apa Saudara? Tapi gimana caranya ya? Karena saya gak tau dengan Saudara. Tapi untuk saya bisa lupa. Akan sesuatu terutama yang menyakitkan. Itu hampir mustahil ya. Kita ini gak bisa lupa. Kita tuh seringkali suka nginget -nginget memang." [01:04:47]
"Kita ini tidak bisa memilih untuk melupakan yang lalu. Saya ulangi sekali lagi. Seringkali kita tidak bisa memilih untuk apa? Melupakan. Tapi kita bisa memilih untuk tidak hidup di masa lalu. Saya ulangi sekali lagi. Kita gak bisa memilih apa yang kita ingat dan apa yang kita lupa. Bisa lupa total itu namanya amnesia. Biasanya cuma ada di telenovela." [01:06:46]
"Karena yang tau masa depan hanya satu pribadi Siapa? Tuhan Hanya Tuhan yang tau masa depan Gak ada yang tau lah masa depan sodara Mau dateng ke peramalah orang pinter lah Gak ada yang tau masa depan sodara Kita aja sampe kemarin Akhir tahun kita masih berpikir Tahun ini PPN jadi 12 % semuanya Gak taunya 1 Januari gak jadi kan." [01:17:54]
"Kalau kita liat dari perspektif kita Pasti gak bisa Tapi Kita ini lu terbatas Kita denger kabar ada virus baru di Cina aja kita udah takut Ya kan? Wah apa lockdown lagi kedua? Apa sih gitu kan? Kadang -kadang kita ini manusia ini kita ini terbatas Mau liat kekuatan kita Kekuatan kita tuh kecil Tapi ayo dalam segala hal di tahun ini Liat dari perspektif Tuhan." [01:22:25]
"Tuhan yang sama yang membelah laut. Kuasanya gak dibatasi oleh apapun. Kalau dia bisa belah laut, dia bisa juga membuat jalan di Padanggurun. Kalau dia bisa tolong orang lain. Apa yang membuat saudara berpikir dia gak bisa tolong saudara? Kalau Tuhan tolong GSJS, Tuhan tolong gembala saudara, Tuhan tolong gerejain." [01:24:44]
"Karena Tuhan kita tidak terbatas. Kasih tau kanan -kiri, Tuhan tidak terbatas. Tuhan gak pernah dibatasi oleh apapun ya. Caranya Tuhan itu kadang -kadang luar biasa. Sadar gak seringkali Tuhan kita itu adalah Tuhan yang penuh dengan kejutan -kejutan. Selalu penuh dengan kejutan -kejutan." [01:27:29]
"Karena itu saya semakin yakin bahwa apa yang Tuhan janjikan pasti dia genapi. Ada amin? Karena Tuhan pernah berjanji di dalam Pentatuk. Pentatuk adalah lima kita pertama. Kita melihat itu di dalam kejadian keluaran imamat Bilangan dan Yosua. Kita bisa lihat itu." [01:30:62]
"Jangan kau membatasi cara Tuhan untuk memberkati saudara. Dia gak akan pakai cara yang lama. Dia Tuhan yang kreatif. Dia bisa menciptakan cara yang baru untuk mengangkat dan memberkati. Dan mengubah hidup saudara. Pemain musik boleh naik. Dan yang terakhir. Yesaya patiga ayat 19. Yesaya patiga ayat 19. Ayat terakhir. Ayo kita baca sama -sama. Satu, dua, tiga." [01:31:54]
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