Embracing Peace and Authority in Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, I emphasized the power of standing firm in our spiritual authority and the peace that comes from loving and adhering to God's instructions. I reminded us that we are beyond blessed and highly favored, and that we should expect miracles, breakthroughs, and victories in every battle because our God is undefeated. I encouraged everyone to participate in our church's various programs, such as Celebrate Recovery (CR), School of Roar, and Ironman, to build faith and community.

I highlighted the importance of knowing who we are in Christ and the authority we possess. I spoke about the difference between being a peacekeeper, who merely exists in the storm, and a peacemaker, who commands the storm to be still. I urged us to pursue peace actively, even if it means letting go of toxic relationships or situations.

I also addressed the reality of storms in our lives, whether they are caused by us, others, or circumstances beyond our control. I reassured everyone that peace is possible in the midst of these storms through God's protection and presence. I shared from Psalm 91, which promises that those who dwell in God's shelter will find refuge and protection from danger.

I spoke about the power of resisting the devil and the importance of not glorifying his agenda. I encouraged everyone to take their emotions off the throne and let God be God. I also touched on the topic of tithing, explaining its significance and the blessings that come from being obedient to God's financial principles.

I concluded by inviting those who are currently facing storms to come forward for prayer, declaring peace over their lives and commanding the waves of chaos to be still.

Key Takeaways:

- Our spiritual posture is crucial in accessing the promises of God. By loving His instruction, we can experience great peace and avoid stumbling. This peace is not just a feeling but a divine assurance that we are aligned with God's will and protected from life's battles. [01:48:49]

- Being a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper is a call to active engagement with the world around us. Peacemakers set boundaries, speak to storms, and pursue peace, reflecting God's character and being recognized as His children. This requires courage and a willingness to let go of what disrupts our peace. [01:20:38]

- Psalm 91 is a powerful reminder of God's protection and faithfulness. By dwelling in His shelter, we are promised safety from harm and the assurance that He is actively working on our behalf. This passage encourages us to trust in God's defense rather than our own understanding of safety. [01:04:44]

- Deliverance from life's storms and the enemy's schemes is often a matter of resisting and standing firm in our faith. We have the authority to command the devil to flee and to live in victory. This requires us to stop glorifying the enemy's agenda and to focus on God's light and life. [01:31:50]

- Tithing is not just a financial obligation but a covenant relationship with God that unlocks His blessings and provision. It is an act of trust and obedience that aligns us with God's kingdom economy, ensuring that we are never forsaken or in lack. [49:17]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:1-4 (NIV)
> "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

2. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
> "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

3. James 4:7 (NIV)
> "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 91:1-4, what are the promises given to those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
2. In Matthew 5:9, what is the distinction made between peacemakers and peacekeepers as discussed in the sermon? [01:20:00]
3. What does James 4:7 instruct believers to do in order to make the devil flee? How was this concept emphasized in the sermon? [01:30:07]
4. How did the pastor describe the difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker in the context of dealing with life's storms? [01:20:00]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does dwelling in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91) provide peace in the midst of life's storms? Reflect on the pastor's explanation of this passage. [01:04:44]
2. What practical steps can believers take to actively pursue peace as peacemakers, according to the sermon and Matthew 5:9? [01:20:00]
3. How can resisting the devil, as instructed in James 4:7, lead to deliverance from life's storms? Discuss the pastor's insights on this topic. [01:30:07]
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of not glorifying the enemy's agenda. How can focusing on God's light and life change our perspective during difficult times? [01:30:32]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How can you apply the promise of Psalm 91 to find refuge and peace in God's presence? [01:04:44]
2. Are there any relationships or situations in your life where you have been a peacekeeper rather than a peacemaker? What steps can you take to set boundaries and pursue peace actively? [01:20:00]
3. The pastor encouraged taking emotions off the throne and letting God be God. What specific emotions or thoughts do you need to surrender to God this week? [01:30:32]
4. How can you resist the devil in your daily life, as instructed in James 4:7? Identify one area where you need to stand firm in your faith and take action. [01:30:07]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of knowing who we are in Christ. How can you remind yourself of your spiritual authority and identity in Christ during challenging times? [01:48:07]
6. Tithing was discussed as a covenant relationship with God. How can you practice financial obedience and trust in God's provision this week? [01:49:17]
7. The pastor invited those facing storms to come forward for prayer. How can you seek support and prayer from your small group or church community when you are in the midst of a storm? [01:44:17]

This guide aims to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection based on the sermon and related Bible passages. May it help you grow in faith and community.

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Assurance
Peace and stability in life come from loving and living by God's Word, which provides a divine assurance that surpasses mere human understanding. This assurance is not just a fleeting emotion but a state of being that confirms one's alignment with the divine will. It is a peace that acts as an anchor, keeping individuals steadfast amidst life's tumultuous waves. By cherishing God's instructions, one can navigate through life's challenges without stumbling, secure in the knowledge that they are under the protection of the Almighty. This peace is a testament to the spiritual posture that opens the door to God's promises and blessings. [01:48:49]

"Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." - Psalm 119:165 ESV

Reflection: How can you more deeply integrate God's instructions into your daily life to experience His peace?

Day 2: The Courage to Make Peace
Being a peacemaker involves more than maintaining the status quo; it requires actively shaping the environment to reflect the peace of God. Peacemakers are not passive; they set boundaries, speak truth to power, and confront chaos with the authority given to them. This role is a reflection of God's character and a testament to one's identity as a child of God. It demands bravery and the willingness to release anything that disrupts inner peace, including toxic relationships or situations. By doing so, peacemakers contribute to a world that mirrors the kingdom of heaven. [01:20:38]

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 ESV

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to actively pursue peace in a situation where you have been a peacekeeper?

Day 3: Sheltered in God's Faithfulness
The promise of Psalm 91 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering protection and faithfulness. Those who choose to dwell in the shelter of the Most High are assured of refuge and safety from the perils that lurk. This divine promise encourages believers to place their trust in God's defense rather than their own understanding of security. It is a call to rest in the knowledge that God is actively working on behalf of His children, offering them a fortress against the storms of life. [01:04:44]

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." - Psalm 91:1 ESV

Reflection: In what practical ways can you demonstrate your trust in God's protection over your own solutions?

Day 4: Authority Over Adversity
Believers are empowered to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith, commanding the forces of darkness to flee. This authority is not a mere concept but a tangible reality that enables individuals to live in victory over life's storms and the enemy's schemes. It is crucial to focus on God's light and life, rather than glorifying the enemy's agenda. By dethroning emotions and allowing God to reign supreme, one can experience deliverance and triumph. [01:31:50]

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 ESV

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to exercise your God-given authority and resist the enemy today?

Day 5: The Blessing of Obedience
Tithing is an expression of trust and obedience that goes beyond a financial transaction; it is a covenantal act that aligns believers with God's kingdom economy. This practice opens the door to blessings and provision, ensuring that those who give are never forsaken or in lack. It is a tangible demonstration of faith, acknowledging God as the source of all provision and the One who sustains. [49:17]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;" - Proverbs 3:9 ESV

Reflection: How can you honor God with your resources today in a way that reflects your trust in His provision?

Quotes

1) "Peacekeepers just learn to exist in the storm... Peacekeepers just exist in the storm. The peacemakers learn to speak to the storm and the stormy winds get quiet... You have to pursue it. And to pursue it, you're going to have to let some things go and some people go." [01:20:38] ( | | )

2) "He will cover you and completely protect you with his opinions... His faithfulness is a shield and a wall... when he puts a wall between you and whatever's trying to devour you, the enemy is defeated." [01:04:44] ( | | )

3) "The season for stumbling is over. It's over. You don't have to stumble ever again... The God you serve does not stumble. The God you serve is not weak. He's never lost a battle." [01:48:49] ( | | )

4) "Resist the devil and he will flee. You can get your own self delivered. You don't do the deliverance session... if you will resist what is controlling you, it has to leave bottom line." [01:29:20] ( | | )

5) "It is time for us as believers to take the enemy off the throne. Stop glorifying his agenda. Stop talking about his agenda... Take your emotions off the throne and let God be God." [01:30:53] ( | | )

6) "He gives you the authority to call those things that are not as though they are when you live in covenant with him... He's not trying to get your money. He's trying to get money to you." [47:06] ( | | )

7) "You will call upon him and he will answer... He is with you when trouble comes... He will rescue you when trouble comes... with long life, you will satisfy him and see his salvation." [01:27:33] ( | | )

8) "I am casting all of my cares, all of my anxieties, all of my worries, all of my concerns, once and for all... For he cares about me with deepest affection. And he watches over me very carefully." [01:16:16] ( | | )

9) "He has left his peace with me. His perfect peace he has given to me... My heart will not be troubled. Nor will I let it be afraid... I have his perfect peace to calm me in every circumstance and give me courage and strength for every challenge." [01:17:09] ( | | )

10) "Are you a peacekeeper or a peacemaker? Peacekeepers just want to keep the peace regardless of what it costs... Peacemakers set boundaries to ensure peace in their midst. Peacemakers are bold and courageous." [01:18:49] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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