Embracing Risk: Faith and Surrender in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of "No Matter What" as part of our Family Values series. This value emphasizes the importance of taking risks, understanding that many of life's greatest rewards lie on the other side of risk. We explored how risk is inherent in various aspects of life, from starting a business to personal relationships, and how fear of failure can make us risk-averse. However, we are reminded that our church's history is built on taking bold risks, and these risks have led to significant blessings and growth.
We examined Philippians 4:13, which states, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," and discussed how this verse challenges us to trust in God's provision and strength rather than our own understanding. We also looked at Matthew 16:24-26, where Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, emphasizing that true life is found in surrendering everything to God.
We discussed the concept of faith, not as blind trust, but as confidence in God's promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This confidence is built on God's proven faithfulness and His promises to us. We also explored Ephesians 1, which highlights the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, including the love of the Father, the gift of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Through personal stories and biblical examples, we saw how God provides and sustains us, even when circumstances seem dire. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 illustrated unwavering faith in God's deliverance, even in the face of death. This kind of faith assures us that, with God, we are always at an advantage, no matter the risks we face.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of Risk: Taking risks is essential for growth and success. Many of life's greatest rewards lie on the other side of risk. Whether it's starting a business, pursuing a relationship, or stepping out in faith, we must be willing to take risks to experience God's blessings. [37:25]
2. Faith Over Fear: Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This verse challenges us to trust in God's provision and strength rather than our own understanding. When we lean on God, we see opportunities for His greatness to manifest in our lives. [42:34]
3. Surrendering to God: Matthew 16:24-26 calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. True life is found in surrendering everything to God. This surrender is not a loss but a gain, as it leads to a life lived with divine purpose and advantage. [46:07]
4. Faith as Confidence: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This confidence is built on God's proven faithfulness and His promises to us. Faith is not blind trust but a confident expectation based on God's character and promises. [49:20]
5. Living with an Advantage: Ephesians 1 highlights the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, including the love of the Father, the gift of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit. With these blessings, we can live life with an advantage, knowing that God is on our side and our future is secure. [01:00:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:28] - Introduction and Family Values
[37:25] - The Value of Risk
[39:28] - Overcoming Fear of Failure
[40:28] - Church History and Taking Risks
[41:31] - God's Call to Faith
[42:34] - Philippians 4:13: Strength in Christ
[43:43] - Living with an Advantage
[44:50] - The Concept of Risk
[46:07] - Surrendering to God
[47:48] - Understanding Faith
[49:20] - Faith as Confidence
[50:43] - God's Promises
[52:23] - God's Good Gifts
[53:55] - Personal Story: Pastor Fred
[55:46] - God's Forgiveness and Hope
[57:31] - Living with an Advantage in Christ
[59:03] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[01:00:24] - Equipped by the Holy Spirit
[01:01:18] - The Inheritance of the Spirit
[01:02:17] - Future Security in Christ
[01:03:13] - Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[01:04:51] - Faith in God's Deliverance
[01:05:46] - Living Without Fear
[01:06:43] - Personal Story: Financial Struggle
[01:10:41] - Trusting God's Provision
[01:11:29] - Closing Prayer
[01:12:47] - Final Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
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 suggest about the source of our strength and ability to face challenges? [42:34]
2. According to Matthew 16:24-26, what does Jesus say is required to follow Him? [46:07]
3. How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith, and what two key elements does it include? [49:20]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of taking risks to experience God's blessings? [40:28]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea of taking risks relate to the concept of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1? [49:20]
2. In what ways does Philippians 4:13 challenge us to trust in God's provision rather than our own understanding? [42:34]
3. What does it mean to "deny oneself and take up one's cross" in the context of Matthew 16:24-26, and how might this look in everyday life? [46:07]
4. How can the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 inspire us to have unwavering faith in God's deliverance? [01:03:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant risk. How did your faith in God influence your decision-making process? [39:28]
2. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself to rely on Christ's strength (Philippians 4:13) in your daily challenges? [42:34]
3. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross (Matthew 16:24-26). What is one area of your life where you need to surrender more fully to God? [46:07]
4. Hebrews 11:1 speaks of faith as confidence and assurance. How can you cultivate this kind of faith in your current circumstances? [49:20]
5. The sermon mentioned living with an advantage because of the spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1). How can you live more confidently knowing that God is on your side? [01:00:24]
6. Think about a personal story or testimony where you experienced God's provision in a time of need. How can sharing this story encourage others in their faith journey? [01:06:43]
7. What specific steps can you take this week to step out in faith and take a risk that you believe God is calling you to? [41:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Value of Risk
Taking risks is essential for growth and success. Many of life's greatest rewards lie on the other side of risk. Whether it's starting a business, pursuing a relationship, or stepping out in faith, we must be willing to take risks to experience God's blessings. Risk is inherent in various aspects of life, and fear of failure can often make us risk-averse. However, we are reminded that our church's history is built on taking bold risks, and these risks have led to significant blessings and growth. By embracing risk, we open ourselves up to the opportunities God has in store for us. [37:25]
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 fear of failure is holding you back? How can you take a step of faith and trust God with that risk today?
Day 2: Choosing Faith Over Fear
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This verse challenges us to trust in God's provision and strength rather than our own understanding. When we lean on God, we see opportunities for His greatness to manifest in our lives. Faith over fear means believing that God is greater than any obstacle we face and that His strength is sufficient for us. By choosing faith, we allow God to work through us in powerful ways. [42:34]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively choose faith over fear in this situation and rely on God's strength?
Day 3: Surrendering to God
Matthew 16:24-26 calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. True life is found in surrendering everything to God. This surrender is not a loss but a gain, as it leads to a life lived with divine purpose and advantage. Surrendering to God means letting go of our own plans and desires and trusting that His plans for us are far greater. It is an act of faith that brings us closer to Him and aligns our lives with His will. [46:07]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Faith as Confidence
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This confidence is built on God's proven faithfulness and His promises to us. Faith is not blind trust but a confident expectation based on God's character and promises. By having faith, we trust that God will fulfill His promises and that He is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it. This kind of faith gives us the strength to face any challenge with hope and assurance. [49:20]
Romans 4:20-21 (ESV): "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God fulfilled a promise in your life. How can this past experience strengthen your confidence in His promises for your current situation?
Day 5: Living with an Advantage
Ephesians 1 highlights the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, including the love of the Father, the gift of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit. With these blessings, we can live life with an advantage, knowing that God is on our side and our future is secure. Living with an advantage means recognizing and embracing the spiritual resources available to us through our relationship with Christ. It is a life of confidence, purpose, and assurance, knowing that we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit. [01:00:24]
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV): "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 can you tap into the spiritual blessings and resources available to you in Christ to live a life of purpose and confidence today?
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." [38:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is confidence in what we hope for. And hope is wanting something that does not have a guarantee. I'm hoping I'm going to get a raise. I hope that this person will be friends with me. I hope that I'll be successful in X, Y, and Z. Well, what is it that happens that makes faith? Faith happens when hope so becomes confidence that something will be so." [49:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is not this blind thing where I'm just like, oh, I'm thinking 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." [50:43] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't need to live with a scarcity mindset when in Christ, we can live with an advantage. So I have 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." [01:10:41] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "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." [41:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. How do we get from hope so to assurance? How do you get from I hope this will happen to I absolutely believe it's going to happen? Well, it's actually very simple. If you wanted a raise, how does it all of a sudden become confidence? Well, it comes from when your boss walks into your office and says to you, hey, I know you've been hoping for a raise. I'm going to give you that raise." [49:20] (29 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." [57:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "With the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to face any challenge and 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, I can do that." [01:00:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "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." [01:05:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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