Embracing Questions: Deepening Faith Through Dialogue
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new sermon series titled "Asking for a Friend," where we address the questions you have about faith, life, and God. This series is designed to provide biblical answers to the real-life issues you face. We begin by tackling the topic of whether it's okay to ask questions. Many of us grew up believing that questioning God or our faith was a sign of weakness. However, the Bible shows us that God welcomes our questions. He desires an open dialogue with us, and asking questions is a way to deepen our relationship with Him.
We explored the power of questions and how they can lead us to wisdom. James 1:5 tells us that if we need wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is the practical application of knowledge in a way that pleases God. God's wisdom is practical, divine, and Christ-like. It helps us navigate tough times, surpasses common sense, and makes us more like Jesus.
We also discussed the importance of community in seeking answers. Being part of a church family means having a support system that can help you find biblical answers to your questions. It's essential to engage deeply with Scripture, as it is the ultimate source of truth. The Bible should be our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true.
Finally, we emphasized the value of active participation in the church community. Neglecting Christian fellowship means forfeiting the encouragement, motivation, and support we receive from fellow believers. As we journey through this series, let's commit to being open, honest, and supportive of one another. God is not afraid of our questions, and neither should we be.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Questions: Questions are not a sign of weak faith but a pathway to deeper understanding and relationship with God. The Bible shows us that God welcomes our questions and desires an open dialogue with us. By asking questions, we engage in a process that can lead to wisdom and spiritual growth. [27:08]
2. Wisdom Beyond Knowledge: Wisdom is more than just accumulating knowledge; it is the practical application of that knowledge in a way that pleases God. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, which is practical, divine, and Christ-like. This wisdom helps us navigate life's challenges and make decisions that align with God's will. [30:17]
3. Community and Fellowship: Being part of a church community is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a support system where we can ask questions and find biblical answers. Neglecting Christian fellowship means missing out on the encouragement, motivation, and support that come from being part of a faith community. [44:21]
4. Deep Engagement with Scripture: The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and should be our standard for testing everything else. It's not enough to read the Bible superficially; we need to engage deeply with it, allowing it to read us and transform our lives. This deep engagement helps us find answers to our questions and align our lives with God's will. [55:32]
5. Active Participation in the Church: Active participation in the church community goes beyond attending Sunday services. It involves being involved in various church activities and events, contributing to the growth and well-being of the community. This active participation helps us build stronger relationships and provides opportunities for mutual encouragement and support. [01:03:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:07] - Introduction to the Series
[25:46] - The Importance of Asking Questions
[27:08] - The Power of Questions
[28:46] - Wisdom from God
[30:17] - Practical, Divine, and Christ-like Wisdom
[32:02] - Navigating Life with God's Wisdom
[33:32] - Wisdom Beyond Common Sense
[35:10] - Seeking Christ-like Wisdom
[36:39] - Jesus and the Power of Questions
[38:02] - Community and Fellowship
[44:21] - The Role of the Church Body
[45:46] - The Importance of Asking for Help
[47:16] - Finding Answers in Scripture
[55:32] - Deep Engagement with the Bible
[57:05] - Testing Truth with Scripture
[58:23] - Persecution and Following Christ
[01:01:31] - The Value of Community
[01:03:02] - Active Participation in the Church
[01:05:45] - Commitment to Openness and Honesty
[01:12:19] - Prayer for Wisdom and Understanding
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:5 (NIV) - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
2. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) - "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."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 1:5, what should we do if we lack wisdom? How does God respond to our request for wisdom? [30:17]
2. What are the three key traits of wisdom mentioned in the sermon? How do they help us in our daily lives? [32:02]
3. How does Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasize the importance of community and fellowship in the church? [01:01:31]
4. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the role of Scripture in our lives? How should we use it to find answers to our questions? [47:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to ask God for wisdom rather than relying solely on our own knowledge or the world's knowledge? [30:17]
2. How can practical, divine, and Christ-like wisdom help us navigate tough times and make decisions that align with God's will? [32:02]
3. In what ways does being part of a church community provide support and encouragement when we have questions or face challenges? [44:21]
4. How can deep engagement with Scripture transform our lives and help us align our actions with God's will? [55:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had a question about your faith or life. How did you seek answers, and what role did prayer and Scripture play in finding those answers? [27:08]
2. How can you actively seek God's wisdom in your daily decisions? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are applying this wisdom in a Christ-like manner? [30:17]
3. Think about your involvement in the church community. How can you contribute more actively to support and encourage others in their faith journey? [01:03:02]
4. What specific steps can you take to engage more deeply with Scripture? How can you make Bible reading and meditation a regular part of your routine? [55:32]
5. Identify a question or doubt you currently have about your faith. How can you bring this question to God and your church community for support and guidance? [45:46]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group to be open and honest about their questions and struggles? What can you do to create a supportive and loving environment? [01:05:45]
7. Reflect on the importance of community and fellowship in your spiritual growth. How can you prioritize and commit to being more involved in church activities and events? [01:01:31]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Questions
Questions are not a sign of weak faith but a pathway to deeper understanding and relationship with God. The Bible shows us that God welcomes our questions and desires an open dialogue with us. By asking questions, we engage in a process that can lead to wisdom and spiritual growth. God is not afraid of our questions, and neither should we be. When we bring our doubts and uncertainties to Him, we open the door to a deeper, more authentic relationship with our Creator.
James 1:5 tells us that if we need wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. This means that God is not only willing to listen to our questions but is also eager to provide us with the wisdom we need. Asking questions is a sign of a healthy, growing faith. It shows that we are actively seeking to understand God's will and apply it to our lives. [27:08]
Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Reflection: What is one question about your faith or life that you have been hesitant to ask God? Take a moment today to bring that question to Him in prayer.
Day 2: Wisdom Beyond Knowledge
Wisdom is more than just accumulating knowledge; it is the practical application of that knowledge in a way that pleases God. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, which is practical, divine, and Christ-like. This wisdom helps us navigate life's challenges and make decisions that align with God's will. God's wisdom surpasses common sense and is rooted in His divine nature, making us more like Jesus in our thoughts and actions.
Wisdom from God is not just about knowing what is right but also about doing what is right. It involves applying biblical principles to our daily lives and making choices that reflect God's character. This kind of wisdom is essential for living a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes for us. By seeking God's wisdom, we can navigate difficult situations with grace and make decisions that lead to spiritual growth and maturity. [30:17]
Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need God's wisdom today? Ask Him for guidance and be open to His leading.
Day 3: Community and Fellowship
Being part of a church community is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a support system where we can ask questions and find biblical answers. Neglecting Christian fellowship means missing out on the encouragement, motivation, and support that come from being part of a faith community. The church is not just a place to attend services but a family where we can grow together in our faith.
Engaging deeply with a church community allows us to share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and support one another in our spiritual journeys. It is in this context of community that we can find answers to our questions and receive the encouragement we need to persevere in our faith. Being part of a church family means we are not alone in our walk with God; we have brothers and sisters who can help us grow and stay accountable. [44:21]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community this week? Consider reaching out to someone who may need encouragement or support.
Day 4: Deep Engagement with Scripture
The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and should be our standard for testing everything else. It's not enough to read the Bible superficially; we need to engage deeply with it, allowing it to read us and transform our lives. This deep engagement helps us find answers to our questions and align our lives with God's will. Scripture is not just a book to be read but a living word that speaks to our hearts and minds.
By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we can gain a deeper understanding of His character and His plans for our lives. This involves not only reading the Bible but also meditating on it, studying it, and applying its truths to our daily lives. When we engage deeply with Scripture, we allow it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, leading to a transformed life that reflects God's glory. [55:32]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can engage more deeply with Scripture this week? Consider setting aside dedicated time for Bible study and reflection.
Day 5: Active Participation in the Church
Active participation in the church community goes beyond attending Sunday services. It involves being involved in various church activities and events, contributing to the growth and well-being of the community. This active participation helps us build stronger relationships and provides opportunities for mutual encouragement and support. Being an active member of the church means using our gifts and talents to serve others and advance God's kingdom.
When we actively participate in the life of the church, we not only grow in our own faith but also help others grow in theirs. This involvement can take many forms, such as volunteering, joining a small group, or participating in outreach activities. By being actively engaged, we demonstrate our commitment to the body of Christ and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the church. [01:03:02]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: How can you use your gifts and talents to serve your church community this week? Consider volunteering for a ministry or reaching out to someone in need.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We're here to celebrate the greatest freedom, right? Freedom through Jesus Christ. And so, I just want to welcome those that are new here, those for the first time, or maybe they've come and gone. And, you know, this is your home. And we love you, and you're always welcome. You're always welcome here with us." [25:07] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your question has power. Have you ever questioned your parents? I'm the pastor and I've never done that, right? Now, I just light up the pulpit. There's been times, a lot of times, especially in my teenage years where I've questioned my parents. Now I like, well, who are you to tell me to do that, right? That's a question even though it's a question that you know they're the ones that brought me into the world and they're the ones that can take me out." [28:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you come to God and you're, 'God, I want wisdom in this area that I'm struggling with,' what you're asking God is, 'I need some direction.' I have the knowledge, the world gives me all the knowledge. I can go and open up Google and find out all kinds of different answers. Okay, I can find out, 'Hey, I've got a cough and I've got an itch on my back, what do I have? Oh no, I've got leprosy,' right? It's going to give you the worst." [30:17] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's wisdom goes beyond our common sense. All right, so I'll ask you the question now. If you read the book of Genesis, you're going to know the rest of the world isn't going to know the answer to this question, and they've been arguing about this question especially in biology class: which came first, the chicken or the egg?" [33:32] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you seek wisdom, you're seeking it to be more like Jesus. All right, that's why you want wisdom. I want to be wise because I want to be like the pastor. No, okay, I make a lot of stupid mistakes. Okay, and you don't want to be wise like the pastor because the pastor is trying to be wise like Jesus." [35:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So just remember as disciples of Jesus, we need to be able to bring our questions not only to the pastors or the church leaders, right, but to the church body. You know, if you have somebody like, 'You know what, I can't reach the pastor, I have somebody that I can really talk to, let me ask them the question.' Okay, and make sure you go to somebody that is going to give you a biblical answer and not somebody that's just going to give you an answer, 'Well, this is, you know, everybody's doing it so you might as well do it too,' right?" [38:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you begin to do that, you begin to build this community and that's the power of the church of questions. Questions will help build you and move you on to the next stage, which is finding answers to our questions. And so, your answers can be found in scripture. All right, if anybody tells you, 'I've got the answer,' and they don't teach you or show you through the Bible and don't point you to God's word, turn around and walk away and find another person to give you an answer." [45:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The whole Bible, God's inspired word, should be our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. The whole scripture. Okay, you can't take half of a verse and go, 'I'm just going to use this half because I don't like the other half,' right? You got to use all of scripture. Test what the world is telling you. The world's going to give you some messed up answers. All right, so take their answers, apply it to the word and see, is their answer the correct way? Is their answer the biblical answer?" [57:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's value in community. There's no such thing as a lone Christian because if the Christian is alone, the wolf will take him. There's no such thing as a lone Christian. You have to be in a community setting. Community and fellowship are essential as we seek and share answers. What's your testimony? Your testimony is the answer to somebody else's question." [01:01:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Neglecting Christian fellowship means forfeiting the encouragement, motivation, and support we receive from the fellow believers. When you neglect coming to church, okay, you're not going to get the answers you want and you're not going to be able to ask the questions that you want. I can, you could text, right? I could take your text question, but I can only respond in under 130 characters." [01:05:45] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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