Embracing Obedience: Trusting God's Detailed Plan

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound significance of obedience, expectation, and the intricate details of God's plan for our lives. We began by reflecting on the upcoming baptism service and the powerful declaration of faith it represents. We also touched on the excitement surrounding our church's growth, including the construction of our new building and the anticipation of God's continued favor.

We delved into the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, drawing parallels between the biblical narrative and our own spiritual journey. We examined the account of Jesus at Bethany, where Mary anointed His feet with costly perfume, signifying her deep worship and the preparation for His burial. This act of devotion was a response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to God's voice.

We also considered the story of the man who provided the donkey for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This man's willingness to give what was precious to him demonstrated the transformative power of obedience. The donkey, once an ordinary animal, became part of a pivotal moment in history, illustrating how God can use our offerings for His glory.

Furthermore, we discussed the concept of blessings in increments of thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold, encouraging us not to settle for initial blessings but to pursue the fullness of what God has in store for us. We were reminded that God's first thought about us is complete and that He has a detailed plan for our lives.

As we give to the Lord, whether it be our resources, time, or talents, we do so with the expectation that He will use them to further His kingdom. We were encouraged to trust in God's detailed plan and to act in obedience when the Holy Spirit prompts us, knowing that our actions have eternal significance.

Key Takeaways:

- Obedience to God's prompting is not just about the act itself but about the willingness to trust in His greater plan. When we give to God what we hold dear, He can use it to bring about change that extends beyond our understanding. Our obedience can lead to blessings that we could never have anticipated. [01:15:58 ]

- The story of Mary anointing Jesus' feet is a powerful reminder to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it is crucial to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that allows us to discern when and how to act upon God's direction. This sensitivity can lead us to moments of profound worship and service. [59:52 ]

- God's detailed knowledge of our lives is a source of comfort and a call to action. Just as Jesus knew the location of the donkey, He knows where we are and what we are capable of. This knowledge is an invitation to step into the roles He has prepared for us, trusting that He has need of us for His divine purposes. [01:10:48 ]

- The principle of the thirty, sixty, and hundredfold blessings teaches us not to become complacent with initial successes or spiritual experiences. God always has more in store for us, and our spiritual growth should be a continual pursuit of deeper intimacy and greater revelation of His presence. [01:18:43 ]

- Generosity towards God's work is not a one-way transaction. When we give to God, whether it be our possessions, time, or love, He enriches these gifts and returns them to us in a new form, often with increased value and significance. This divine exchange is a testament to the principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive. [01:24:02 ]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 12:1-3 (NIV)
> "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

2. Luke 19:29-34 (NIV)
> "As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, "Why are you untying it?" say, "The Lord needs it."' Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, 'Why are you untying the colt?' They replied, 'The Lord needs it.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant act did Mary perform at Bethany, and what did it symbolize? ([54:18])
2. How did Jesus instruct His disciples to find the colt, and what was unique about it? ([01:03:54])
3. What was the reaction of the owner when the disciples took the colt, and how did they respond? ([01:10:25])
4. What was the atmosphere in Jerusalem during the Passover, and why was it significant for Jesus' entry? ([55:18])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mary chose to anoint Jesus' feet with such expensive perfume? What does this tell us about her understanding of Jesus' mission? ([59:52])
2. How does the story of the colt illustrate the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan? ([01:10:48])
3. What does the detailed knowledge Jesus had about the colt and its location tell us about God's awareness of our lives? ([01:13:18])
4. How does the concept of thirty, sixty, and hundredfold blessings challenge us to seek more from our spiritual journey? ([01:18:43])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to act. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([59:52])
2. What is something precious to you that you feel God might be asking you to offer up for His purposes? How can you take a step of obedience this week? ([01:12:18])
3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? ([59:52])
4. How can you ensure that you are not settling for initial blessings but are continually pursuing the fullness of what God has in store for you? ([01:18:43])
5. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's detailed plan. What steps can you take to demonstrate that trust this week? ([01:13:18])
6. How can you practice generosity in your community, knowing that God enriches and returns our gifts in new forms? ([01:24:02])
7. Identify one way you can act in obedience to God's prompting this week, even if it seems small or insignificant. How will you follow through? ([01:10:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Greater Plan
Obedience to God is not merely about the actions we take; it's about the heart behind those actions. When we offer something valuable to God, whether it's our time, resources, or personal comforts, we're demonstrating trust in His greater plan. This trust is not blind but is rooted in the understanding that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. By giving up what we hold dear, we open the door for God to work in ways we couldn't have imagined, bringing about blessings and change that reach far beyond our own lives. Our willingness to obey, especially when it's challenging, acts as a catalyst for God's transformative power in our lives and in the lives of others. [01:15:58]

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23

Reflection: What is one thing you feel God is asking you to surrender to Him, and how can you take a step of obedience in that area today?

Day 2: Cultivating Spiritual Sensitivity
The story of Mary anointing Jesus' feet is a poignant example of spiritual sensitivity and the profound impact of listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance. In a world that bombards us with distractions, it's essential to develop a spiritual discipline that allows us to hear God's voice amidst the noise. This discipline involves regular times of prayer, meditation on Scripture, and quiet reflection. As we grow in our ability to discern the Holy Spirit's promptings, we find ourselves in positions to offer acts of worship and service that have eternal significance. These moments are not just for our own spiritual growth but also serve as a testament to the world of God's love and power. [59:52]

"And the LORD said to Samuel, 'Pay attention to their voice, and do everything they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.'" - 1 Samuel 8:7

Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen more intently for the Holy Spirit's guidance?

Day 3: Embracing God's Detailed Knowledge
God's intimate knowledge of our lives is both comforting and empowering. Just as Jesus knew the exact location of the donkey needed for His entry into Jerusalem, He knows where we are in our journey and what we are capable of accomplishing in His name. This knowledge is not passive; it's an active call to step into the roles He has prepared for us. When we understand that God has need of us, we can move forward with confidence, trusting that we are part of His divine plan. Our lives are not a series of random events but are intricately woven into the larger tapestry of God's kingdom work. [01:10:48]

"O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar." - Psalm 139:1-2

Reflection: What are some ways you can be more attentive to God's knowledge of your life and His calling for you?

Day 4: Pursuing Spiritual Fullness
The principle of receiving blessings in increments of thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold is a call to not settle for the initial taste of God's goodness but to continually seek the fullness of what He has for us. Our spiritual journey should be marked by a relentless pursuit of deeper intimacy with God and a greater revelation of His presence in our lives. This pursuit is not about striving in our own strength but about yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to produce fruit in us. As we remain faithful in small things, God entrusts us with greater things, leading us into a more abundant life in Him. [01:18:43]

"And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." - Mark 4:18-19

Reflection: What is one area in your spiritual life where you have become complacent, and how can you reignite your pursuit of God in that area?

Day 5: The Divine Exchange of Generosity
Generosity towards God's work is a dynamic exchange, not a one-way transaction. When we give of our possessions, time, or love, God takes these offerings and enriches them, often returning them to us transformed with increased value and significance. This divine exchange is a testament to the principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive. As we invest in the kingdom of God, we find that our own lives are enriched in ways we could not have anticipated. This cycle of giving and receiving creates a rhythm of generosity that reflects the heart of God and builds His kingdom on earth. [01:24:02]

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." - Proverbs 11:25

Reflection: What is one specific way you can practice generosity this week, and how can you be open to the blessings that may come from it?

Quotes

"Jesus knows exactly where you are today, he knows exactly where you are, he knows exactly what you're doing... Jesus knows exactly where that donkey was and if God is God of detail that mean God is a god of plan and God is have a detailed towards your life because he has a plan in your life." [01:10:48 ]( | | )

"God says I got a 30-fold blessing, I got a 60-fold blessing, I got a 100-fold blessing... God said no, there's more where that come from if you continue to trust me and continue to grow in me that 30 will double to a 60... God always has promotion in mind." [01:18:43 ](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

"Jesus is getting ready to enter into the trumpet entry... before he does he thinks about this man who has a coat in the backyard... if I can get him to give me his coat then everything about him is getting ready to change if I can just get you to be if I can just get you to trust me." [01:15:58 ]( | | )

"Whatever you give to Jesus give it to him and he'll make it so much more Val to you... give him your husband, give him your wife, give him your children, give him your mind, give him your prayer life, give him everything you've got because he'll give it back to you." [01:24:02 ]( | | )

"Mary had gone into her room got the most expensive perfume... she just completely broke it she just broke it open and it just this by break it the whole Aroma of it just filled the room... she began to anoint Jesus's feet she began to worship Him." [58:59 ]( | | )

"Jesus said leave her alone because what she what she is doing is preparing me for my Barrel... Jesus would throw these things in because he knew that's what was going to happen... the spirit of God told Mary to do that and what's very important... we need to have that kind of ear to hear what the spirit is saying." [59:52 ]( | | )

"Mary was visited by an Angel and the angel says you're going to carry the Christ the son of the Living God... she knew it was a miraculous conception... she watched 30 years later when John baptized him in the River Jordan... she knew within her heart that he had a higher call on his life." [01:00:53 ]( | | )

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Transcript
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