Embracing Sacrifice: Trusting God's Provision and Purpose
Summary
Today, we gathered to honor the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and to recognize Veterans Day, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation. We prayed for the healing and support of veterans, acknowledging the staggering suicide rates among them and the struggles they face upon returning home. Our gratitude extends to the freedoms we enjoy, such as the freedom of religion and speech, which are safeguarded by their sacrifices.
We also turned our attention to the spiritual journey, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's "Screwtape Letters," which illustrates the peaks and valleys of faith. God often refines us through trials, much like the widow in 1 Kings 17, who faced a dire situation yet was chosen by God to provide for Elijah. This story teaches us that God selects unlikely partners for His work, offering unique opportunities that require personal sacrifice and faith.
The widow's willingness to give her last meal to Elijah exemplifies the principle that God's multiplication begins with our subtraction. When we sacrifice, we tap into God's unlimited resources, experiencing His blessings in ways we cannot imagine. This narrative challenges us to trust God with our resources, understanding that He calls us to sacrifice not because He needs us, but to bless us and draw us closer to Him.
As we reflect on these lessons, we are reminded that God invites us to partner with Him in His work, often through personal sacrifice. This partnership is not just about giving materially but also about offering our lives as living sacrifices, trusting that God will provide and bless us abundantly. Let us embrace these opportunities with courage and faith, knowing that God is refining us for His greater purposes.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Refiner's Fire: God often places us in challenging situations to refine our faith, much like the widow in 1 Kings 17. These trials are not meant to break us but to prepare us for greater blessings and usefulness in His kingdom. Embrace the valleys, for they are where God shapes us the most. [34:00]
2. Unlikely Partners: God chooses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen with the widow who provided for Elijah. This teaches us that God values our willingness over our resources, and He often uses those who seem least likely to accomplish His work. Trust that God has uniquely chosen you for His plans. [35:48]
3. Sacrifice and Multiplication: God's blessings often follow our willingness to sacrifice. Just as the widow's resources were multiplied, our sacrifices open the door for God's abundant provision. Remember, God's multiplication begins with our subtraction. [42:59]
4. Trust in God's Provision: When God calls us to give, it is not because He needs us, but because He wants to bless us. Our sacrifices are opportunities to experience His faithfulness and provision in profound ways. Trust that God will supply all your needs as you step out in faith. [49:04]
5. First Fruits, Not Leftovers: God deserves the first and best of our resources, not the leftovers. By prioritizing God in our giving, we align ourselves with His purposes and open ourselves to His blessings. Let us give generously, knowing that God honors those who put Him first. [54:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:18] - Prayer for the Nation and Veterans
- [08:13] - Celebrating Freedoms
- [09:39] - Prayers for the Church Community
- [11:38] - Prayers for Leaders and Nations
- [19:49] - Cleansing Our Hearts
- [20:46] - Children's Church Prayer
- [34:00] - The Refiner's Fire
- [35:48] - Unlikely Partners
- [42:59] - Sacrifice and Multiplication
- [49:04] - Trust in God's Provision
- [54:56] - First Fruits, Not Leftovers
- [56:59] - God's Promise of Provision
- [57:50] - Opportunities and Sacrifice
- [01:05:03] - Declaration of Faith
- [01:27:12] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 17:8-16 - The story of the widow of Zarephath and Elijah.
2. James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy when you face trials.
3. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's power is made perfect in weakness.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the widow's initial reaction to Elijah's request for food, and how did her actions demonstrate faith? [34:00]
2. How does the story of the widow in 1 Kings 17 illustrate the concept of "God's multiplication begins with our subtraction"? [42:59]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of God choosing unlikely partners for His work? [35:48]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between personal sacrifice and experiencing God's provision? [49:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the story of the widow of Zarephath challenge common perceptions of who God chooses to fulfill His purposes? [35:48]
2. How does the concept of "The Refiner's Fire" relate to the trials and challenges faced by believers today? [34:00]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of giving God the "first fruits" rather than the leftovers? How does this align with biblical teachings? [54:56]
4. How can the principle of trusting in God's provision, as demonstrated by the widow, be applied to modern-day financial or personal challenges? [49:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to make a personal sacrifice. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [49:04]
2. The sermon mentions that God often uses unlikely individuals for His purposes. Can you identify a time when you felt unlikely or unqualified for a task God placed before you? How did you handle it? [35:48]
3. How can you practice giving God the "first fruits" of your time, talents, and resources this week? What specific steps can you take to prioritize God in your daily life? [54:56]
4. Consider the concept of "God's multiplication begins with our subtraction." What is one area of your life where you can practice subtraction to make room for God's multiplication? [42:59]
5. How can you support veterans or others in your community who are struggling, as mentioned in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to show kindness and love? [08:13]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of trusting God during trials. How can you cultivate a mindset of trust and faith when facing your own "valleys"? [34:00]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's provision. What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate that trust? [49:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Refiner's Fire
In life's journey, God often places us in challenging situations to refine our faith and character. These trials, much like the widow in 1 Kings 17, are not meant to break us but to prepare us for greater blessings and usefulness in His kingdom. Embracing the valleys of life allows God to shape us into vessels for His purpose. The widow's story reminds us that God uses these moments to mold us, teaching us to rely on Him and trust in His plan. As we navigate through life's peaks and valleys, we are encouraged to see these experiences as opportunities for growth and transformation. [34:00]
"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10, ESV)
Reflection: What current challenge in your life might God be using to refine your faith and character? How can you embrace this process today?
Day 2: Trust in Unlikely Partners
God often chooses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen with the widow who provided for Elijah. This teaches us that God values our willingness over our resources, and He often uses those who seem least likely to accomplish His work. Trust that God has uniquely chosen you for His plans, regardless of your perceived limitations. The widow's story is a testament to the fact that God sees potential where others may not, and He invites us to step into roles that may seem beyond our capabilities. By trusting in His choice, we open ourselves to being used in extraordinary ways. [35:48]
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel unlikely or unqualified? How can you trust God to use you in this area for His purposes?
Day 3: Sacrifice Leads to Multiplication
God's blessings often follow our willingness to sacrifice. Just as the widow's resources were multiplied, our sacrifices open the door for God's abundant provision. The principle that God's multiplication begins with our subtraction challenges us to trust Him with what we have, knowing that He can do immeasurably more than we can imagine. This narrative encourages us to give generously, not out of abundance, but out of faith that God will provide. By offering what we have, we invite God's miraculous provision into our lives, experiencing His blessings in unexpected ways. [42:59]
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." (Proverbs 11:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing you can sacrifice today, trusting that God will multiply it for His glory and your good?
Day 4: Trust in God's Provision
When God calls us to give, it is not because He needs us, but because He wants to bless us. Our sacrifices are opportunities to experience His faithfulness and provision in profound ways. Trust that God will supply all your needs as you step out in faith. The widow's story illustrates that when we prioritize God's call, He meets our needs in ways we cannot foresee. This trust in His provision allows us to live with open hands, ready to receive His blessings and share them with others. [49:04]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God for provision? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?
Day 5: Offer First Fruits, Not Leftovers
God deserves the first and best of our resources, not the leftovers. By prioritizing God in our giving, we align ourselves with His purposes and open ourselves to His blessings. The widow's willingness to give her last meal to Elijah exemplifies this principle, showing that when we give God our first fruits, He honors our faithfulness. This act of prioritizing God in our lives is a declaration of trust and devotion, inviting His presence and favor into our daily walk. [54:56]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize giving God the first and best of your resources today? What practical steps can you take to ensure He is first in your life?
Quotes
We pray, Father, for our search committee as we look for our next senior pastor, and we pray that you would be with them and guide them, and that, Holy Spirit, we know that you have a plan and a purpose, and we pray that you would reveal that to us. We pray for our leaders here at TMAC, and we also pray for our leaders spiritually, for Bishop Alex, for Archbishop Steve. [00:11:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And now, Holy Father, we invite you to pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. Help us, Father, to hear your voice, to know your heart, to hear you, Lord, and have the courage to obey you so that we might live that life that you have bought for us through the death of Jesus Christ. Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence. Fill this place with your glory. [00:12:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
This morning in Sunday School we talked about a book a famous book that was written by C .S. Lewis it's entitled Screwtape Letters it's a series of letters that were was written from supposedly from a upper level demon by the name of Screwtape to his protege Wormwood who has a young believer as his patient or his charge and Screwtape is advising Wormwood on how to sidetrack the patient to keep them from becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ. [00:29:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God likes to put pressure on us so that our faith is refined have you discovered that that God puts us in the valleys because God is refining us and he's refining us in fire difficult times when we're refined we're able to be used by God for greater good and we're able to be blessed in far greater ways it's sort of like the sign you see in gymnasiums the slogan no pain no gain that's the way the Christian life works. [00:30:50] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God offers unique opportunities to his very special children. In other words, God doesn't really give cattle calls where just anybody can apply. When God approaches us, he approaches us uniquely, individually. He touches our hearts specifically. God selects uniquely chosen people to invest in the work of God. [00:36:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God has chosen me to partner with him many, many times throughout my life. Sometimes I've missed it. But the times where I've yielded and allow God to use me for whatever he has on the stove, whenever he's cooked up, it's been a time of enormous blessing. But God's picky, and we need to recognize the honor of being called by god and we need to grab our chance when the opportunity presents itself to partner with god. [00:37:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God wants us to know that he is a good and kind and loving god of grace and what we get from god we can't possibly earn grace is god's favor that we get without any merit from us without doing anything to earn it we don't want to suffer we want success we don't identify with those who are low and hurting those who are high and healthy we don't like losers we like winners. [00:42:02] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God blesses when he asks for us to sacrifice. It seems that God treats believers like a rubber band. They are made to stretch. When a rubber band is not being stretched, it's small and relaxed, but as long as it remains relaxed, it's not doing what it was created to do. When it stretches, it gets bigger, larger. It becomes tense. It's dynamic. [00:43:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God's plan begins with offering us unique opportunities to participate in what he's doing. We ought to get excited about God's demands on our time and our talent and our resources, because God has counted us worthy, and he's saved us for a long time. He's saved us for a long time. He's saved us for a long time. sought us out individually, specifically to partner with him, but God's opportunities will almost always contain risks, challenges. [00:43:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
This speaks to the fact that God does not need us to accomplish his purposes. Have you figured that out? When God calls us to sacrifice, it's not because God is desperate and we need to help him out of a mess. God doesn't need to use you. He has honored you by giving you the power to do so. By calling you to sacrifice in order that you can get rid of the things that have become an obstacle between you and God so that he can bless you immeasurably and use you for his greatest glory. [00:51:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God provides for us when we have the courage to put him first. Verse 14. of Israel says there will always be plenty of flour and oil left in your container until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again. Jesus spoke of this Old Testament story in Luke 4 .25. Jesus said certainly there were many widows in Israel who needed help in Elijah's time when there was no rain for three and a half years and hunger stalked the land and yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. [00:55:50] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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