Embracing Our Identity and Power in Christ
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the power that comes with it. I highlighted that God's divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. I encouraged the congregation to rest in Christ, even when the world around us is chaotic, because we are His sons and daughters. I also stressed the importance of fellowship in the church, where we can support and minister to each other. I further discussed the need to be careful in our busyness, to ensure we are doing God's work and not just our own. I also shared my personal journey of establishing a church, the frustrations I faced, and how I learned to let go of my own expectations and surrender to God's plan.
Key Takeaways:
- God's divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him [ 37:32]
- Understanding our identity in Christ is powerful and life-changing [ 38:46]
- The church is a place for fellowship and mutual support, especially during tough times [ 39:27]
- We need to be careful in our busyness to ensure we are doing God's work and not just our own [ 30:45]
- Letting go of our own expectations and surrendering to God's plan is crucial in our spiritual journey [ 33:26]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. No specific Bible passages were mentioned in the sermon.
Observation Questions:
1. What does the speaker mean when he talks about the "year of the door"?
2. How does the speaker describe his experience of changing the church service from Sunday to Saturday?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What could the "year of the door" symbolize in our spiritual journey?
2. How can the speaker's experience of changing the church service day be seen as a metaphor for stepping out of our comfort zones in our faith journey?
Application Questions:
1. Can you think of a time when you felt God was leading you to step out of your comfort zone? How did you respond?
2. The speaker talks about the importance of not just doing what is familiar or comfortable in church. How can you apply this principle in your own spiritual journey?
3. The speaker mentions the concept of doors opening and closing in our lives. Can you identify a door that has recently closed or opened in your life? How do you see God's hand in this situation?
4. The speaker talks about the importance of following God's plan, even when it's uncomfortable or unfamiliar. How can you better align your life with God's plan, even when it's challenging?
5. The speaker mentions the idea of frustration leading to a new season. Can you think of a time when frustration led to growth or change in your life? How did you see God working in that situation?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Identity in Christ
Understanding your identity as a son or daughter of God is a powerful revelation that can change your life. When you truly grasp this, you no longer live up to people's expectations because you've already got His approval. He loves you, knows your name, and cares about you deeply. This understanding brings rest and peace, even when the world around you is in chaos ([37:32]).
2 Peter 1:3 - "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change your perspective on the challenges you face?
Day 2: Break the Mold of Traditional Church
God may call you to do things differently than what is traditionally expected. This can be seen in the story of the pastor who was led to hold church services on Saturdays instead of Sundays. When he obeyed, the church experienced tremendous growth ([21:28]).
Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: In what ways is God calling you to break from tradition and do something new?
Day 3: Expect Open and Closed Doors
The new year on the Hebrew calendar is associated with the word "door," symbolizing both open and closed doors. As one door closes, God opens another one specifically designed for you. This is a time of transition and change, but also of excitement and anticipation ([00:36]).
Revelation 3:8 - "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
Reflection: What doors do you see God opening and closing in your life right now?
Day 4: Embrace God Encounters
God encounters can be life-changing experiences. They can come in various forms and at unexpected times, but they always leave a lasting impact. Embrace these encounters and allow them to transform your life ([02:31]).
Acts 9:3-4 - "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had a God encounter. How did it change your life?
Day 5: Build for the King
God's calling on your life is about building something for Him, not fulfilling your own dreams. This requires stripping away your own expectations and surrendering to His plan. When you do this, you'll find that His plan is far greater than anything you could have imagined ([18:36]).
1 Corinthians 3:9 - "For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."
Reflection: How can you surrender your own plans and expectations to build something for God?
Quotes
1. "My first place is sonship and so we have a lot of guys and that are that are just out there for their own cause for profit. We need to keep our eyes open and our ears open because there are things taking place right now that if you agree with it could really distract and deter you from your encounter with the Lord." - 12:13
2. "If you don't know who you are in Christ, it is hardly possible to function in a five-fold office. Do you understand that your identity is a son and you have access to your father? Leaders frustrate their calling when they operate on a level that they are not purposed to operate on." - 14:14
3. "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him. When you really understand how powerful that is, it'll change your life because now you're not living up to people's expectations because you've already got his expert and you he loves you." - 38:46
4. "God's saying I'm going to send you a trickle and when you learn how to manage that trickle I'll give you some more. Seize the season, seize the moment, seize the day, seize the opportunity. A door is opening and doors are closing." - 30:45
5. "Leaders feel frustration and they don't understand that the frustration many times is God saying there's an open door that I want you to cross over into. The frustration you feel in the spirit is wanting to move you through that door. This church is entering into a season of divine promotion." - 17:04
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