Embracing Risk: Bold Faith in God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the value of "no matter what" and the importance of taking risks in our faith journey. We began by acknowledging that many of the good things we enjoy today are the result of someone taking a risk. Whether it's starting a business, loving someone, or even trusting God for healing, risks are inherent in achieving something great. However, past failures can make us risk-averse, causing us to live cautiously and miss out on God's blessings.
Our church has a history of taking risks, from its founding to various outreach programs. These risks have led to significant blessings and growth. This led us to reflect on what God might be calling us to risk today. Whether it's going all in with Him, joining a ministry, or starting a family, these steps can feel daunting without guarantees. But Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
We also discussed the concept of living life with an advantage, likening it to playing a game of poker with all the chips. When we realize that we have God's backing, we can live boldly and take risks. Matthew 16:24-26 teaches us that following Jesus requires us to deny ourselves and take up our cross, but it also promises that losing our life for His sake will lead to finding it.
Faith is not blind trust but confidence in God's promises. Hebrews describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This confidence comes from knowing God's character and His promises. Ephesians 1 tells us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and has chosen us for adoption through Jesus Christ. This means we can live with the assurance that God is on our side, giving us good gifts and guiding us through His Spirit.
We concluded by emphasizing that even in the face of trials, like the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, our faith in God secures our future. Even if things don't go as planned, we win because our eternity is secure in Him. Therefore, we should not live with a scarcity mindset but with the confidence that God is in control and has our best interests at heart.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of Risk: Taking risks is essential for experiencing God's blessings. Many good things in life come from stepping out in faith, despite past failures or fears. Trusting God often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones to receive His best. [01:48]
2. Living with an Advantage: Understanding that we have God's backing allows us to live boldly. Like playing a game with all the chips, knowing that God is on our side helps us take risks without fear. This mindset shift enables us to trust in His provision and guidance. [06:35]
3. Faith as Confidence: Faith is not blind trust but confidence in God's promises. Hebrews describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This confidence comes from knowing God's character and His promises, allowing us to live boldly. [11:19]
4. God's Good Gifts: God delights in giving good gifts to His children. Even in times of struggle, we can trust that He has our best interests at heart. This understanding helps us to live with an advantage, knowing that God is always working for our good. [16:46]
5. Eternal Security: Our future is secure in God, even if things don't go as planned. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that faith in God secures our future. Even if we face trials, we win because our eternity is secure in Him. [27:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - The Value of Risk
[01:48] - Overcoming Risk Aversion
[02:45] - Church History of Risk
[03:33] - Personal Reflection on Risk
[04:30] - Philippians 4:13
[05:09] - Applying Scripture to Life
[05:49] - By-All-Means Mentality
[06:35] - Living with an Advantage
[07:51] - Matthew 16:24-26
[09:26] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[10:11] - Understanding Faith
[11:19] - Faith as Confidence
[12:26] - Assurance in God's Promises
[14:11] - God's Good Gifts
[16:46] - Trusting God in Trials
[18:23] - Personal Story of Condemnation
[20:29] - Living with an Advantage
[21:27] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[22:44] - Equipped by the Holy Spirit
[24:05] - Secure Future in Christ
[25:18] - Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[27:39] - Eternal Security
[28:17] - Personal Testimony of God's Provision
[33:19] - Encouragement to Take Risks
[34:01] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2. Matthew 16:24-26: "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'"
3. Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 4:13 say about our ability to face challenges? How does this verse encourage us to take risks in our faith journey? [04:30]
2. According to Matthew 16:24-26, what does Jesus say is required to follow Him? How does this relate to the concept of taking risks? [07:51]
3. How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith? What are the two key components of faith mentioned in this verse? [11:19]
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the value of taking risks? How did these examples help to convey the message? [00:48]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding Philippians 4:13 change the way we approach difficult situations or decisions in our lives? [04:30]
2. What does it mean to "deny oneself and take up one's cross" as mentioned in Matthew 16:24-26? How can this be seen as a form of risk-taking in our spiritual lives? [07:51]
3. How can the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 help us to trust in God's promises even when we cannot see the outcome? [11:19]
4. The sermon mentioned that many good things in life come from taking risks. How can this perspective help us to overcome fear and hesitation in our faith journey? [01:48]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to take a risk in your faith. How did Philippians 4:13 provide you with the strength to move forward? [04:30]
2. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What is one area of your life where you feel God is asking you to take a risk for His sake? How can you practically take that step this week? [07:51]
3. Hebrews 11:1 speaks about having confidence in what we hope for. What is one promise of God that you need to have more confidence in? How can you remind yourself of this promise daily? [11:19]
4. The sermon discussed living with an advantage because of God's backing. How can you shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance in your daily life? [06:35]
5. Think about a past failure that has made you risk-averse. How can you use the lessons from this sermon to overcome that fear and step out in faith again? [01:48]
6. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was used to illustrate eternal security. How does their story inspire you to trust God even when the outcome is uncertain? [27:39]
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take this week to place that area in His hands and take a risk for His glory? [33:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Value of Risk
Taking risks is essential for experiencing God's blessings. Many good things in life come from stepping out in faith, despite past failures or fears. Trusting God often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones to receive His best. [01:48]
Throughout history, significant achievements and blessings have often come from taking risks. Whether it's starting a new venture, loving someone deeply, or trusting God for a miracle, risks are inherent in achieving something great. However, past failures can make us hesitant, causing us to live cautiously and miss out on God's blessings. Reflecting on the history of our church, we see that taking risks has led to growth and blessings. This encourages us to consider what God might be calling us to risk today. Whether it's committing fully to Him, joining a ministry, or starting a family, these steps can feel daunting without guarantees. But Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Taking risks in faith is not about being reckless but about trusting God's promises and stepping out in obedience. When we take risks for God, we position ourselves to receive His best. It's about moving beyond our comfort zones and trusting that God has something greater in store for us. As we reflect on the value of risk, let's ask ourselves what steps of faith God is calling us to take today.
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 area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk? How can you step out in faith today, trusting in His promises?
Day 2: Living with an Advantage
Understanding that we have God's backing allows us to live boldly. Like playing a game with all the chips, knowing that God is on our side helps us take risks without fear. This mindset shift enables us to trust in His provision and guidance. [06:35]
Living with an advantage means recognizing that we have God's support in every aspect of our lives. When we understand that God is on our side, we can live boldly and take risks without fear. This is similar to playing a game with all the chips, knowing that we have the ultimate advantage. Matthew 16:24-26 teaches us that following Jesus requires us to deny ourselves and take up our cross, but it also promises that losing our life for His sake will lead to finding it.
This mindset shift is crucial for our faith journey. When we realize that we have God's backing, we can trust in His provision and guidance. It allows us to live with confidence, knowing that God is always working for our good. As we reflect on living with an advantage, let's consider how this understanding can transform our approach to life's challenges and opportunities.
Psalm 118:6-7 (ESV): "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me."
Reflection: How does knowing that God is on your side change the way you approach challenges and opportunities? What bold step can you take today, trusting in His support?
Day 3: Faith as Confidence
Faith is not blind trust but confidence in God's promises. Hebrews describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This confidence comes from knowing God's character and His promises, allowing us to live boldly. [11:19]
Faith is often misunderstood as blind trust, but it is actually confidence in God's promises. Hebrews describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This confidence is rooted in our understanding of God's character and His promises. When we know who God is and what He has promised, we can live boldly, trusting that He will fulfill His word.
This kind of faith is essential for our spiritual journey. It allows us to move forward with assurance, even when we cannot see the outcome. By knowing God's character and His promises, we can have confidence that He is working for our good. As we reflect on faith as confidence, let's consider how we can deepen our understanding of God's promises and live with greater assurance in His faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to have confidence in God's promises? How can you deepen your understanding of His character and promises to strengthen your faith?
Day 4: God's Good Gifts
God delights in giving good gifts to His children. Even in times of struggle, we can trust that He has our best interests at heart. This understanding helps us to live with an advantage, knowing that God is always working for our good. [16:46]
God is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children. Even in times of struggle, we can trust that He has our best interests at heart. This understanding helps us to live with an advantage, knowing that God is always working for our good. Ephesians 1 tells us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and has chosen us for adoption through Jesus Christ.
This assurance of God's goodness is crucial for our faith journey. It allows us to trust in His provision and guidance, even when circumstances are challenging. By recognizing that God is always working for our good, we can live with confidence and peace. As we reflect on God's good gifts, let's consider how we can cultivate a mindset of gratitude and trust in His provision.
James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude for God's good gifts in your life? In what ways can you trust His provision and guidance, even in times of struggle?
Day 5: Eternal Security
Our future is secure in God, even if things don't go as planned. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that faith in God secures our future. Even if we face trials, we win because our eternity is secure in Him. [27:39]
One of the most comforting truths of the Christian faith is the assurance of eternal security. Our future is secure in God, even if things don't go as planned. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful example of this. Despite facing a fiery furnace, their faith in God secured their future. They trusted that God was in control, regardless of the outcome.
This assurance of eternal security allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that our eternity is secure in Him. Even if we face trials and challenges, we can trust that God is in control and has our best interests at heart. As we reflect on eternal security, let's consider how this assurance can transform our perspective on life's challenges and help us live with greater faith and confidence.
John 10:28-29 (ESV): "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal security change your perspective on life's challenges? In what ways can you live with greater faith and confidence, knowing that your future is secure in God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The truth is that good things in life are oftentimes found on the other side of risk. Many things that we trust now today started with somebody taking a risk, which is pretty wild. But, like, at the same time, this word risk is something that feels a little bit scary. You know, maybe we've experienced something in life that made us risk-averse because we've experienced something and the idea of the success on the other side just simply wasn't there the way that we thought it would be." [00:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is it that God might be calling us to that might be challenging our faith right now, but on the other side of that is greatness, goodness, blessing, beyond what we could think or imagine? Perhaps God's calling us to just, simply go all in with him. Perhaps God's calling us to join Team Orange, to become a leader in this place, to help other people experience him. Maybe it's joining foundations or trusting him with our finances. Perhaps it's starting a business that you know he's been calling you to. Perhaps it's starting a family." [03:33] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is confidence that God is and will do what he promised to do. Faith is that God is and that he will do what he promised. So how can we step out and live a life that's at an advantage? Well, there are promises that God has given us that we can put our full trust and hope in today that can lead us to live into this life where no matter what we can win." [12:59] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our insight is that God is on our side and he delights in giving good gifts to his children. He delights in giving good gifts, gifts to his children. Going back to Ephesians one, it says, praise be to the God and father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed us, blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he chose us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ and according to his pleasure and will." [17:31] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our insight for this point is that even if I die, I win. You see, the Holy Spirit of God has deposited an inheritance in us, not just for this moment, but for all moments. The truth is that I don't have to live with a scarcity mindset. Because I have all the advantages of God with me, that even if things don't go my way, I am still living with a chip stacked in my favor, that even if I die, eternity is mine. So what is it that I'm fearing in this moment? What is it that I'm holding back? Why would I hold back? Because God himself is on my side, and he has promised me that I win no matter what." [27:39] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now, something that you need to know about this church is that this church has been around for almost 42 years now. And since the beginning, we've taken a lot of risks. I was thinking this week about how Pastor Arlie and Sister Jerry, 42 years ago, got into a car and drove all the way up to Loudoun County, Virginia, where there was just farmland. And yet, here we are. Here we are today because of a risk that was taken." [02:45] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, faith is not this blind thing where I'm just like, oh, I think in all this different stuff. No, it's actually confidence in understanding that God has said something. He has made promises to his children and I can be confident that those things are going to happen. You see, faith is confidence that God is and will do what he promised to do. Faith is that God is and that he will do what he promised." [12:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our insight is that in Christ, failure is never final. Scripture tells us that his mercies are new every morning, that we can get up and live a different way. And so today I want to encourage you. We live with an advantage in our lives because God, the father, he loves us. And then there's the gift that he gave us of his son, forgiveness, freedom from sin, hope for the future." [20:29] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our insight for this path, this, this point here is that with the Holy Spirit, we are equipped with the Holy Spirit. We are quick equipped to face any challenge and accomplish, accomplish God's purposes for our lives. How do I love my family? How do I lead my family with the spirit of God? I can find those tangible ways to do that. How can I make a difference in my church? How can I make a difference in my neighborhood? How can I make a difference in this nation with the tangible help of God?" [22:44] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our bottom line for today is we don't need to live with a scarcity mindset. When in Christ, we can live with an advantage. So I asked to ask the question, what is it that God is calling you to? What is the purpose for which you're created? And I want to encourage you that today, by stepping out, by taking a risk, by putting your faith in him, you can actually live secure. That God is going to watch out for you, that he's going to take care of you, that he loves you. He proved it when he sent the gift of his son. That through the gift of his son, you have access to his spirit. And your future, your is secure." [33:19] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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