Embracing Obedience and Vulnerability in Faith
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of not continuing to walk in old ways after giving my life to Jesus. The message emphasized the need to be remade in Christ and to avoid being lukewarm in my faith. I was drawn to the idea that laying the contents of my heart on God's altar allows His fire to be poured out on me, enabling me to remain fervent in my faith. The sermon also highlighted the importance of obedience in my walk with God, whether in big or small matters. I was encouraged to be obedient the first time God instructs me to do something, as this obedience will bring blessings.
The sermon also touched on the importance of vulnerability and letting go of perfectionism. I was reminded that I don't have to strive to prove myself to God, but rather be ready to receive the blessings He has for me. The sermon also emphasized the importance of honoring those who have gone before me in faith and learning from them. It was a powerful reminder that God can do amazing things through me if I am obedient and willing to be used by Him.
Key takeaways:
- The importance of laying the contents of my heart on God's altar to allow God's fire to be poured out on me, enabling me to remain fervent in my faith ([29:34]).
- The need to be obedient the first time God instructs me to do something, as this obedience will bring blessings ([30:34]).
- The importance of letting go of perfectionism and being ready to receive the blessings God has for me ([31:08]).
- The importance of honoring those who have gone before me in faith and learning from them ([31:48]).
- The power of obedience in young people and the impact it can have when they are obedient to God's call ([06:44]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. Young people can set an example in their speech, life, love, faith, and purity. The world may have changed, but the Word of God remains the same. Young people can set the tone and example in their schools and families. #!!03:06!!#
2. The church can come alongside students by believing in the Word of God, praying for students, and speaking life over young people. We should stop putting limits on them and start opening doors of opportunity. #!!04:14!!#
3. Obedience to God's prompting can lead to amazing things. A student-led Bible study started by a young man in his school grew to about 70 students meeting every Wednesday morning. This was not a human idea but a God-given one. #!!06:44!!#
4. Consistent time with the Lord is crucial. There's a significant shift when it goes from "I have to" to "I want to" spend time with the Lord. The difference is noticeable in days spent with Him and those without. #!!20:56!!#
5. Finding a community of other believers is important. This community can hold you accountable, lead you, and speak truth over you. #!!21:54!!#
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. 1 Timothy 4:12-16
2. Acts 2:42-47
3. James 5:13-20
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What are some ways that young people can set an example in their speech, life, love, faith, and purity?
2. How does the church come alongside students according to the sermon?
3. What was the result of the young man's obedience to God's prompting to start a Bible study in his school?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does 1 Timothy 4:12-16 relate to the idea of young people setting an example?
2. How does Acts 2:42-47 illustrate the importance of community among believers?
3. How does James 5:13-20 encourage us to pray for each other and speak life over each other?
Application Questions:
1. How can you set an example in your speech, life, love, faith, and purity in your current context?
2. How can you come alongside the young people in your life and encourage them in their faith?
3. Can you recall a time when you obeyed God's prompting and saw amazing results?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Consistent Time with God
The power of consistent time with God is transformative. It's not about the quantity of time, but the quality of the relationship that is built during these moments. When we intentionally set aside time to commune with God, we cultivate a desire to spend more time with Him. This desire then fuels our spiritual growth and deepens our relationship with Him. [20:56]
Bible Passage: Psalm 63:1 - "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you carve out consistent time to spend with God?
Day 2: The Importance of Spiritual Community
Finding a community of believers is crucial in our walk with Christ. This community provides accountability, encouragement, and a space to grow in our understanding of God. It's in these communities that we can experience the power of the Holy Spirit working through others. [22:52]
Bible Passage: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you actively seek and contribute to a spiritual community?
Day 3: The Impact of Obedience
Obedience to God's call can lead to incredible impact. When we listen to God's promptings and act on them, we become vessels for His work. This obedience can lead to transformation not only in our lives but also in the lives of those around us. [08:19]
Bible Passage: 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: Reflect on a time when you felt God prompting you to act. What was the outcome of your obedience or disobedience?
Day 4: Surrendering to God in Difficult Times
In times of difficulty, surrendering to God can bring about unexpected spiritual growth. Instead of focusing on our circumstances, we can use these moments to deepen our relationship with God. This surrender leads to a deeper understanding of God's character and His faithfulness. [19:55]
Bible Passage: James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: Reflect on a difficult time in your life. How can you surrender this situation to God and allow Him to use it for your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Letting Go of Control
Letting go of control and trusting God is a challenging but necessary part of our spiritual journey. When we surrender our plans and desires to God, we allow Him to work in and through us. This surrender leads to a deeper trust in God and His plans for our lives. [28:34]
Bible Passage: 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: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to let go of control. How can you surrender this area to God?
Quotes
1. "What would the world look like if we began to believe what the word of God said about young people? Something else we can do is we can pray for students. Man, every single one of us had an opportunity to do that today. I wonder what our world would begin to look like if every morning when we woke up and we saw a bus driving down the street, we would just pray quickly, 'Lord, would you bless the students on that bus?'" - 04:41
2. "I believe that God can do an amazing thing in you. I believe that God can do an amazing thing through you. And we started speaking life over them and not death. We can believe what God says about him about students in his world. We can pray for him. We can speak life." - 06:14
3. "This was not our idea. This was an idea that God put in the heart of Trey. This was an idea that God stirred in his heart. And what has been able to happen because of Trace's connection to the local church and his belief that hey, God can move in and through the local church, we've been able to come together and partner." - 08:19
4. "In all things, be an example. In the way that you speak, man, what a big one right now where we think, man, I'll get my speech together maybe like when I'm in a job interview for the first time, right? Can I tell you right now, in all things, you can set the example. You can set the course. You can set the tone for the life that you see in your schools." - 03:38
5. "There's something so significant that happens when it goes from 'I have to' to 'I want to.' You know, and here's the thing, if you're early on in your relationship with Jesus and it still feels like 'I have to,' like lean in through that season, push through. Like do whatever you can do to lean in in that time." - 21:26
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