Embracing Our Calling: Overcoming Compromise and Fear

 

Summary

In our series "Maybe It's Me," we've been exploring the idea that the challenges we face might not be due to our external circumstances but rather the sin within us that only a Savior can heal. Today, we focus on Gideon, a biblical figure who teaches us about our calling and the importance of not compromising it. The central theme is that our environment is not an inconvenience but an opportunity for us to be agents of change. We are called to serve, love, and transform our surroundings.

Ephesians 4:1 urges us to live a life worthy of our calling, reminding us that we are created by God and for God. Our primary calling is to worship God, equip the saints, and evangelize the world. However, many Christians have turned these callings into mere suggestions, leading to a life of compromise. The story of Gideon in the book of Judges illustrates the dangers of compromise and the power of faith. Gideon transitions from being a coward to a courageous leader, and finally, a compromiser. This journey reflects the struggles many of us face in our spiritual lives.

The book of Judges is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, despite the repeated failures of His people. It shows us that God continually raises deliverers to bring His people back to Him. Gideon's story is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or perceived inadequacies, to fulfill His purposes. We are encouraged to embrace our true identity in Christ, free from fear and compromise, and to walk in the calling God has placed on our lives.

As we reflect on Gideon's life, we are challenged to examine our own lives and the things that have a monopoly on our souls. Are we living for our careers, our reputations, or are we living for God? The call is to reorient our lives around God's purposes, to be fully committed to Him, and to engage in fervent prayer and intercession for our families, communities, and nation. This is not a burden but a liberating invitation to live the life we were created for.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding Our Calling: Our calling is not just a career or a role we play; it is the reason we are alive. We are created by God and for God, and until we understand this, life will never make sense. Our primary calling is to worship God, equip the saints, and evangelize the world. [03:34]

- The Danger of Compromise: The story of Gideon illustrates how compromise can lead to chaos. Compromise is often subtle and sneaky, but it can lead us away from God's purposes. We must be vigilant in maintaining our commitment to God and not allow the world to dictate our values and actions. [06:36]

- Identity in Christ: Gideon's transformation from a coward to a courageous leader shows the power of understanding our true identity in Christ. We are not defined by our past or our perceived inadequacies. In Christ, we are righteous, holy, and called to fulfill God's purposes. [09:49]

- The Power of Prayer: Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare. Just as Moses' prayers led to victory for the Israelites, our fervent prayers can bring about transformation in our lives and communities. We are called to be prayer warriors, interceding for our families, communities, and nation. [41:27]

- Living Without Fear: Fear is not our birthright. We are called to live courageously, trusting in God's promises and His presence with us. When we align our lives with God's purposes, we can overcome fear and live boldly for Him. [13:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:34] - Understanding Our Calling
- [06:36] - The Danger of Compromise
- [09:49] - Identity in Christ
- [13:10] - Living Without Fear
- [15:46] - The Sin Cycle
- [19:06] - Covenant vs. Covering
- [22:44] - Gideon's Transformation
- [25:08] - Kingdom Makeover
- [27:58] - Embracing God's Truth
- [30:44] - Faith Over Resume
- [32:41] - Partnering with God
- [35:50] - What Has a Monopoly on Your Soul?
- [38:50] - The Promise of God's Presence
- [41:27] - The Call to Fight

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:1
2. Judges 6:11-16

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 4:1 urge believers to do, and how does this relate to the concept of calling discussed in the sermon? [03:34]

2. In the story of Gideon, what are the three phases of his life as described in the sermon, and how do they reflect the struggles of a believer? [09:49]

3. How does the book of Judges illustrate the cycle of sin and deliverance, and what role does Gideon play in this cycle? [06:36]

4. What specific actions did Gideon take to address the compromises in his life and his community, according to the sermon? [38:50]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "calling" in Ephesians 4:1, and why is it important for believers to understand their calling as more than just a career? [03:34]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of compromise in a believer's life, and how does Gideon's story serve as a warning against it? [06:36]

3. How does the sermon describe the transformation of Gideon's identity, and what does this suggest about the power of understanding one's identity in Christ? [25:08]

4. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of intercessory prayer, and how is this connected to the story of Gideon and the Israelites? [41:27]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have turned your calling into a mere suggestion, as mentioned in the sermon? How can you reorient your life to align with God's purposes? [03:34]

2. Consider the subtle compromises you might be making in your spiritual life. What steps can you take to address these compromises and strengthen your commitment to God? [06:36]

3. How do you perceive your identity in Christ? Are there past inadequacies or fears that you need to overcome to embrace your true identity? What practical steps can you take to do this? [25:08]

4. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer in spiritual warfare. How can you incorporate more fervent prayer into your daily routine, and who or what will you commit to intercede for? [41:27]

5. Fear is described as not being our birthright. Identify a specific fear that holds you back. What promise of God can you focus on to overcome this fear and live courageously? [13:10]

6. The sermon challenges us to examine what has a monopoly on our souls. What is currently dominating your thoughts and actions, and how can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with God? [35:50]

7. How can you actively participate in being an agent of change in your community, as Gideon was called to be? What specific actions will you take this week to serve and love those around you? [09:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Purpose
Our calling is not merely a career or a role we play; it is the very reason for our existence. We are created by God and for God, and until we grasp this truth, life will remain a puzzle. Our primary calling is to worship God, equip the saints, and evangelize the world. This understanding transforms our perspective, allowing us to see our lives as part of a greater divine narrative. When we align our lives with this calling, we find fulfillment and purpose beyond our personal ambitions. [03:34]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to align your daily activities with your divine calling to worship, equip, and evangelize?


Day 2: The Subtlety of Compromise
The story of Gideon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromise. Compromise often begins subtly, gradually leading us away from God's purposes. It can manifest in small decisions that seem insignificant but ultimately steer us off course. We must remain vigilant, ensuring that our values and actions are dictated by God's Word rather than the world's standards. By doing so, we safeguard our spiritual integrity and remain steadfast in our commitment to God. [06:36]

James 4:4 (ESV): "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you may be compromising your values. What practical steps can you take to realign this area with God's standards today?


Day 3: Discovering Our True Identity in Christ
Gideon's transformation from a coward to a courageous leader illustrates the power of understanding our true identity in Christ. We are not defined by our past or perceived inadequacies. In Christ, we are righteous, holy, and called to fulfill God's purposes. Embracing this identity empowers us to overcome fear and live boldly for Him. It is a journey of faith, where we learn to see ourselves as God sees us, capable of great things through His strength. [09:49]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view your current challenges? What is one step you can take today to live out this identity?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare. Just as Moses' prayers led to victory for the Israelites, our fervent prayers can bring about transformation in our lives and communities. We are called to be prayer warriors, interceding for our families, communities, and nation. Through prayer, we partner with God in His redemptive work, witnessing His power and presence in tangible ways. It is an invitation to engage deeply with God's heart and purposes. [41:27]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Who or what is God placing on your heart to pray for today? How can you commit to interceding for them consistently this week?


Day 5: Living Courageously Without Fear
Fear is not our birthright. We are called to live courageously, trusting in God's promises and His presence with us. When we align our lives with God's purposes, we can overcome fear and live boldly for Him. This courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of faith, knowing that God is with us in every circumstance. It is a call to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip and empower us for the journey ahead. [13:10]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: What is one fear that is holding you back from fully embracing God's calling? How can you take a step of faith today to confront this fear with God's promises?

Quotes

"And Maybe It's Me started about a month ago where I posed the question, maybe, just maybe, the problems in your life are not your surroundings, but it's the sickness of sin in your soul that you cannot conquer on your own, but you need a Savior to heal you of that sickness. And when he heals you of that sickness of sin, your life can get really, really good." [00:00:08] (17 seconds)


"Rick Warren said it this way. He would say, you were made by God and for God. Until you understand that, life will never make sense. And then let's quote some Russell Brand today. Why not? Okay. Russell Brand, this is when he said that the light bulb went on for him when he found the Lord. We don't choose whether or not we worship. We choose what we worship." [00:01:17] (19 seconds)


"It would be ludicrous to miss your appointment and your schedule to go to a football game instead of your wedding. We can agree on that. Yes. That's why it's a joke. But somewhere along the way, our callings, when the Lord knitted you and wired you, you have an appointment with God. Ephesians shows you. The general calling of every believer, every person in the house, if you're a believer in Christ, your general calling, the number one thing Ephesians shows us, your calling is to worship God." [00:03:04] (28 seconds)


"And somewhere along the way, worshiping God became a side dish. I'll worship him sometimes. I'll sing a few songs on a Sunday when I show up, and then I'll go live for myself Monday through Saturday. And as silly as that story of the Super Bowl is, a lot of Christians are living silly lives right now. And if I could put it this way, equipping the saints, the reason why you're alive is to make disciples." [00:03:38] (27 seconds)


"And it's subtle, and it's sneaky, but you see this book of chaos. And it's not because of outright rebellion. It's because of compromise. And it's chaos, the compromise, the chaos. And there's this verse in Judges 17, and this is why the book is so dark. It says in Judges 17, in those days, Israel had no king, so they did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. And if that's not the Bay Area, and that's not our culture today, that we do whatever seems right in our own eyes." [00:08:34] (24 seconds)


"Fear is this thing where you give all this bandwidth to that doesn't even happen. They show that 90% of what we worry about actually never happens. The lie that a lot of warriors and fearful people think is, if I worry about it today, I can have peace tomorrow. If I fixate enough and try to control it and worry about it, then eventually if I worry enough, then I can have peace on the other end." [00:12:38] (22 seconds)


"When you live in a compromising culture, a compromising culture is like secondhand smoke. It will give you a vision of your life and a vision of who you are. And both of them are wrong. But when the gospel comes into your life, it gives you a vision of your life and actually who you are. And what is happening to Gideon is he is getting what I call a kingdom makeover." [00:24:17] (24 seconds)


"And if you know the story of Gideon, he has some fleeces he throws out. He's like, God, will you please show me that this is real, real? Like, I need to know it's real, real. Because if you know anything about Gideon, that he is going to tear down his family's idols, the Baal and Ashtoreth poles. And if you know anything, if I could just, this is 100 verses, so this could have been like a four-week series." [00:38:50] (20 seconds)


"Because let's be honest, you can't go to war with fearful people. I'm telling you. Show me your friends, I'll show you your future. The people you surround yourself with, they're either going to propel you or pull you back. Some of you need to lose some friends to gain some new friends. And so then he whittles it down more and more, down to 300 soldiers." [00:40:11] (21 seconds)


"And if I could hop around a little bit, the enemy that torments them in Judges is this enemy called the Amalekites. They are one of the keystone enemies of God's people. So much so that there's a verse in Exodus 17 that I find interesting. It says this, Moses built an altar and called the Lord as my banner. He said, because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against Amalekites from generation to generation." [00:41:57] (27 seconds)


"And fervent prayer, if I could just even give you a story I found, I didn't even know this was actually what he said, but Jim Zimbala, when he was birthing the Brooklyn Tabernacle, he shows up to this church and he says, more people are turning to crack than to Christ at this moment in New York City. And they had a handful of people and he just felt the same thing. And I started reading it and it made my spirit leap. God said the same thing to him back then, he goes, the church needs a return to fervent prayer." [00:44:05] (22 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 17, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?