Embracing Spiritual Breaking for Greater Breakthroughs
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the concept of breaking and breakthrough in our spiritual lives. It began by addressing a common misconception that Christianity is about following a set of rules. Instead, it's about loving God and recognizing our inherent value, as demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The sermon emphasized the importance of humility and understanding our worth in God's eyes.
A powerful illustration was given through the story of a family in the church that experienced transformation when the father committed to his faith. This led to a ripple effect, positively impacting the entire family. The narrative of Joseph from Genesis was also highlighted, showing how he had to endure multiple hardships before realizing God's purpose for his life. This story served as a reminder that our own breaking and replanting are part of God's plan to bring about greater things.
The sermon also drew parallels between spiritual breaking and the rigorous training in the Marine Corps, where recruits are broken down to be built up as soldiers. This process is necessary for growth and transformation. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, God allows us to be broken to remove our old selves and prepare us for greater purposes.
Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19 was another focal point, illustrating how even a powerful prophet can experience fear and breakdown. Yet, God met Elijah in his lowest moments, providing sustenance and guidance for the journey ahead. This story reassures us that God is with us in our breakdowns and uses these moments to lead us to breakthroughs.
The message concluded with a call to embrace the process of breaking, understanding that it leads to spiritual growth and breakthroughs. It encouraged the congregation to be willing to go through the breaking process, trusting that God has a greater purpose and plan for their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Our Worth in God's Eyes: Recognize that our value is not based on our actions or adherence to rules but on God's immense love for us. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is a testament to our worth. Embrace humility while acknowledging the significant value God places on your life. [00:31]
2. Transformation Through Commitment: The story of a family transformed by the father's commitment to faith illustrates the power of spiritual leadership. When we plant ourselves in God's word and community, it can lead to profound changes not only in our lives but also in those around us. [01:30]
3. The Purpose in Breaking: Like Joseph, who endured many hardships before realizing God's purpose, we too must understand that our breaking and replanting are part of a divine plan. These experiences prepare us for greater things and help us grow spiritually. [04:30]
4. God's Presence in Our Lowest Moments: Elijah's story shows that even in our deepest fears and breakdowns, God is present. He provides sustenance and guidance, reminding us that He has not abandoned us. Our breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs when we trust in God's plan. [17:44]
5. Embracing the Process of Breaking: Spiritual growth often requires us to be broken and rebuilt. This process, though painful, is necessary for us to reach new heights in our faith. Be willing to go through the breaking, knowing that it leads to greater strength and purpose in God's plan. [26:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Understanding Our Worth in God's Eyes
[01:30] - Transformation Through Commitment
[02:15] - The Purpose in Breaking
[04:30] - Joseph's Journey of Breaking and Replanting
[05:23] - Parallels with Marine Corps Training
[07:31] - God's Presence in Our Lowest Moments
[12:05] - Elijah's Breakdown and God's Guidance
[17:44] - Embracing the Process of Breaking
[26:00] - Willingness to Be Broken for Greater Purpose
[33:36] - The Power of Breakthrough
[39:43] - God Makes a Way in Our Breakdowns
[44:09] - Relationship with Jesus
[48:39] - Prayer for Surrender and Breakthrough
[51:59] - Closing Prayer and Fellowship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 37-50 (The story of Joseph)
2. 1 Kings 19 (The story of Elijah's breakdown and God's guidance)
3. Psalm 34:18 (The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit)
### Observation Questions
1. What transformation did the family in the church experience when the father committed to his faith? ([01:30])
2. How did Joseph's hardships prepare him for God's purpose in his life? ([04:30])
3. What was Elijah's reaction after his victory over the prophets of Baal, and how did God respond to him? ([14:59])
4. According to Psalm 34:18, what is God's relationship with those who are brokenhearted?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Joseph illustrate the concept of being broken and replanted for a greater purpose? ([04:30])
2. In what ways does the Marine Corps training analogy help us understand the process of spiritual breaking and rebuilding? ([05:23])
3. How does Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 19 show that God is present in our lowest moments? ([17:44])
4. What does it mean to recognize our worth in God's eyes, and how does this understanding impact our spiritual journey? ([00:31])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt broken. How did you see God working in that situation, and what was the outcome? ([04:30])
2. The sermon mentioned a family transformed by the father's commitment to faith. How can you take steps to lead your family or community spiritually? ([01:30])
3. Joseph's story shows that hardships can prepare us for greater things. What current challenges might be preparing you for a future purpose? ([04:30])
4. Elijah experienced fear and breakdown even after a great victory. How can you seek God's presence and guidance during your own moments of fear and breakdown? ([14:59])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of humility and recognizing our worth in God's eyes. How can you practice humility while also embracing the value God places on your life? ([00:31])
6. The process of breaking and rebuilding was compared to Marine Corps training. What old mindsets or habits might God be asking you to let go of to grow spiritually? ([05:23])
7. How can you embrace the process of breaking, knowing that it leads to spiritual growth and breakthroughs? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's plan during difficult times? ([26:00])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Worth in God's Eyes
Understanding our worth in God's eyes is foundational to our faith. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our value is based on our actions or adherence to a set of rules. However, the truth is that our worth is rooted in God's immense love for us. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate testament to our value. This act of love shows that we are cherished and valued beyond measure. Embracing this truth requires humility, as we acknowledge that our worth is not self-derived but given by God. This understanding can transform how we see ourselves and others, leading to a more profound sense of purpose and identity in Christ. [00:31]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: How does understanding your worth in God's eyes change the way you view yourself and others today?
Day 2: Transformation Through Commitment
The story of a family transformed by the father's commitment to faith illustrates the power of spiritual leadership. When we plant ourselves in God's word and community, it can lead to profound changes not only in our lives but also in those around us. This transformation is not just about personal growth but also about the ripple effect it can have on our families, friends, and communities. By committing to our faith and leading by example, we can inspire others to seek God and experience their own transformations. This commitment requires dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable as we witness the positive impact on those we love. [01:30]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways can you commit more deeply to your faith today, and how might this impact those around you?
Day 3: The Purpose in Breaking
Like Joseph, who endured many hardships before realizing God's purpose, we too must understand that our breaking and replanting are part of a divine plan. These experiences, though painful, are necessary for our spiritual growth and preparation for greater things. Joseph's journey from being sold into slavery to becoming a ruler in Egypt is a powerful reminder that God uses our trials to shape us and fulfill His purposes. When we face difficulties, it's essential to trust that God is at work, even when we can't see the bigger picture. Our breaking is not the end but a step towards the greater things God has in store for us. [04:30]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How might God be using this experience to prepare you for something greater?
Day 4: God's Presence in Our Lowest Moments
Elijah's story shows that even in our deepest fears and breakdowns, God is present. He provides sustenance and guidance, reminding us that He has not abandoned us. Elijah, a powerful prophet, experienced fear and breakdown, yet God met him in his lowest moments, providing what he needed for the journey ahead. This story reassures us that God is with us in our breakdowns and uses these moments to lead us to breakthroughs. When we trust in God's plan, we can find hope and strength even in our darkest times, knowing that He is working for our good. [17:44]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: When have you felt God's presence in a difficult time? How can you seek His guidance and sustenance in your current struggles?
Day 5: Embracing the Process of Breaking
Spiritual growth often requires us to be broken and rebuilt. This process, though painful, is necessary for us to reach new heights in our faith. Just as Marine Corps recruits are broken down to be built up as soldiers, we too must undergo a breaking process to remove our old selves and prepare for greater purposes. Embracing this process means trusting that God is at work, even when it hurts. By being willing to go through the breaking, we can emerge stronger and more aligned with God's plan for our lives. This journey of breaking and rebuilding leads to greater strength and purpose in our faith. [26:00]
Jeremiah 18:4 (ESV): "And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do."
Reflection: What areas of your life might God be breaking down to rebuild? How can you trust Him in this process and embrace the growth He is bringing about?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I don't want to be a Christian because I don't want to follow all those rules. First of all, there aren't any rules. There aren't any rules. It's just love him. We're all junk. Come on. Like we're all messed up pieces of meat. Are you with me? Like when it comes down to the realest part of it all, we're sitting here, you know what? I'm just dust of the earth. But the truth is that God loved you so much that you were so valuable that he died on the cross for you. Right? So it's remembering that. It's coming into this place of humility. But also knowing the value of your life." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know what's so funny is how many times we read that Scripture that says that God will never give you more than you can handle. And we say those things and then yet we get broken over and over and over again because He wants to build you up to a new place of what you can handle to show you actually you can handle more than you thought you could. You can go through more than you thought you could. And I've called you to more than you thought you know. Amen? Somebody say it's a process. It's a process." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you finally get to the end of yourself is where you find God. You'll find that he was there the whole time. And you probably ignored him the whole time. Because things were good. And I didn't need him right now. Come on. I don't know about you, but I've found myself to be guilty of treating God like a genie. You know? He's there when I need him. I'll just say a little prayer and he'll take care of my need. And how many times have we done things like that? But he meets us when we're completely broken." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He allows us to be broken like this sometimes. So that we can come back to him. I know that hurts to hear. You don't want to think of God as somebody who's punishing you. Well, he's not punishing you. You're punishing me. I'm punishing me. You know, a lot of times when we're sitting in those mindsets, it's because of something else we did. I know that if I were to change my diet completely, oh my goodness, I've already gotten rid of soda. Come on, God, what more do you want from me?" (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I have breakthrough in Christ. Can you say that with me? I have breakthrough in Christ. I pray that you will believe that. Thank you for saying it but I hope that you'll believe that. I hope that you'll believe that all those relationships that have been torn apart, I hope that you'll believe you have breakthrough in Christ. All the loss that you've experienced, I hope that you'll know that you have breakthrough in Christ. The addictions that may still have a hold on you but as you break, as you break again and as you have your breakdown and God shows you vision for your life, you'll see breakthrough in Christ. Amen?" (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And unless the old man is buried and dies, we will never see the multiplication God had intended. And what does that look like? I can give you an example. There's a family in our church that, and I'm not going to use their names, and they are in the room right now, so you can kind of guess if you want to try to guess. But there's a family in our church that when they first started coming, they didn't really want to, it was kind of like, it's like a last-ditch effort, I hope this works out. And the husband, especially, was not a church-going person. And as I watched this transformation happen, as the husband planted himself in church, as all of a sudden the family started to grow together in ways you can't even imagine, it blew my mind to watch as their teenagers started getting into the Word of God. It blew my mind to watch." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But God gives him vision. And he doesn't tell them how great the impact's going to be. And the impact of Joseph's life doesn't come until he's been planted over and over and over again. And broken over and over and over again. I know for me, an experience I had as I joined the Marine Corps. I was 17 years old when I joined the Marine Corps and I went into boot camp. And one thing that every Marine experiences is boot camp. Every recruit gets their spirits broken. Completely broken. Now, trying to explain that to someone, and especially with moms in the room. Come on, somebody. What does it mean and what does it look like to have your spirit broken? It hurts. It's scary. It's painful." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He makes us lie down. He lets us know there's going to be a journey ahead. And that we're going to need rest and nourishment for it. Amen? And then he lays out his plan. Then he lets us know what's going to happen next. Then he reveals to Elijah, that the process that he had to first break down, before he could ultimately lead him to breakthrough, are you with me? Here's point number three, I will see the power in breakthroughs. I will see the power in breakthroughs. Are you with me today? Who's ready for some breakthrough? Are you ready for some breakthrough? Is anybody ready for some breakthrough? Have you been broken enough? I don't know. Have you? Nobody's praying for more brokenness, are we? We're not. We're not praying for more breaking. We're not praying for another breakdown. How many breakdowns do I have to have before I have a breakthrough, Lord? Right? We're not praying for those things. But you know what we should be praying for? God, take me through the process. Take me through the process." (71 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to pray for a church right now that's willing to get kicked. Oh gosh, I just lost 90% of the church right there. But you know what? There's so many great churches in this valley that won't challenge you and you're more than welcome to go to any of them. And if you need a suggestion of one that you will specifically like for your wants, needs, and desires, come and talk to me and I will direct you towards that church. Because I know that a church like this one that challenges you in the word of God, that makes you actually have to live it out and not just talk about it, I know it's hard. And if you're not willing to go to any of those churches that you're not ready for that yet, come talk to me and I'll send you to a church where you don't have to do that, okay? Not yet. If you're not ready for it yet, go drink milk and eat cookies until you get to that place where you're ready to have God do something in your life. But I'm just not that pastor. Are you with me?" (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I know that when I play hockey and I play hockey with 20-year-old kids and they skate circles around me and I feel like I should be able to do what they're doing and I can't do what they're doing. Play with me. But I need to go get broken again. You gotta start. I gotta start over again, right? I live three minutes from you so excuses, he says. I can go to the gym with him. He says I can go to the gym with him. Like why am I not at the gym like three times a week, huh? I haven't figured that out yet. We'll figure it out. But we need breaking so we can get to the breakthrough. Amen?" (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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