Embracing Spiritual Readiness and Unity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Readiness and Expectation

In this season, God is preparing to do something unprecedented, and it is crucial for us to be spiritually alert and ready. This is not a time to treat church as a mere activity but to be deeply engaged and expectant of God's move. We must keep our eyes and ears open to what the Spirit is revealing. The wisdom of God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, is not of this age but is revealed through the Spirit to those who love Him. As we enter this new season, let us be spiritually mature and ready to receive what God has in store for us. [24:29]

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (ESV): "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to be more spiritually alert and ready for what God is about to do in your life?

Day 2: Purposeful Prayer and Fasting

The upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting is a significant time to seek God earnestly. This period is not just a ritual but a purposeful time to expect revival and breakthroughs. The resistance we face is often a sign that something significant is about to happen, and we must not give up but press on in faith. During this time, we are called to be present in God's house and to seek Him with intentionality. Let us approach this period with a heart full of expectation and a spirit ready to receive from God. [48:06]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to fully engage in the upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting?

Day 3: Unity in Diversity

Our covenant relationship with each other should transcend political affiliations, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. The church must be a beacon of hope and love in a divided world, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. We can disagree on political matters but still love and support each other as part of God's family. This unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. Let us strive to maintain this unity and to love one another deeply, despite our differences. [59:59]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church with whom you have political or social differences. How can you show them the love and grace of Jesus this week?

Day 4: Spiritual Warfare Awareness

We are in a spiritually charged environment, and the enemy's agenda is to instill fear and division. We must stand firm in prayer, fasting, and the Word of God. The attacks on our children, marriages, and faith are real, and we must be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual battles. As believers, we are called to be aware of the spiritual warfare around us and to equip ourselves with the armor of God. Let us stand firm and fight the good fight of faith, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ. [01:05:57]

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you feel are under spiritual attack? How can you stand firm in prayer and the Word of God to combat these attacks?

Day 5: Focus on the Gospel Mission

Our primary goal on earth is to spread the love of Jesus through the gospel. Political leaders and systems cannot save souls; only Jesus can. We must not be distracted by political agendas but remain focused on our mission to lead people to Christ. The church's role is to navigate the complexities of modern society with wisdom, focusing on our mission to lead people to Jesus. Let us commit to this mission with intentionality and purpose, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom. [01:25:36]

2 Timothy 4:2-5 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from fully committing to the gospel mission? How can you refocus your efforts on leading people to Christ today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the profound wisdom found in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, emphasizing the importance of spiritual maturity and the hidden wisdom of God. This wisdom is not of this age but is revealed through the Spirit to those who love Him. We are entering a new season where God is about to do something unprecedented, and it is crucial for us to be spiritually alert and ready. This is not a time to treat church as a mere activity but to be deeply engaged and expectant of God's move.

We also discussed the importance of being present in God's house, especially as we approach significant times like the upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting. This period is not just a ritual but a purposeful time to seek God earnestly, expecting revival and breakthroughs. The resistance we face is often a sign that something significant is about to happen, and we must not give up but press on in faith.

Furthermore, we touched on the role of the church in today's polarized world. We are called to step into our roles with intentionality and purpose, not accidentally or ignorantly. The church must navigate the complexities of modern society with wisdom, focusing on our mission to lead people to Jesus. We must avoid the traps of political and social divisions, understanding that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom.

We also highlighted the importance of unity within the church, despite differing political views. Our covenant relationship with each other should transcend political affiliations, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. The church must be a beacon of hope and love in a divided world, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary.

Lastly, we addressed the spiritual warfare we are in, particularly the attacks on our children, marriages, and faith. The enemy's agenda is to instill fear and division, but we must stand firm in prayer, fasting, and the Word of God. We are not a "woke" church but a church alive in Jesus, committed to His truth and mission.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Readiness and Expectation: God is about to do something unprecedented, and it is crucial for us to be spiritually alert and ready. This is not a time to treat church as a mere activity but to be deeply engaged and expectant of God's move. We must keep our eyes and ears open to what the Spirit is revealing. [24:29]
2. Purposeful Prayer and Fasting: The upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting is a significant time to seek God earnestly. This period is not just a ritual but a purposeful time to expect revival and breakthroughs. The resistance we face is often a sign that something significant is about to happen, and we must not give up but press on in faith. [48:06]
3. Unity in Diversity: Our covenant relationship with each other should transcend political affiliations, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. The church must be a beacon of hope and love in a divided world, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. We can disagree on political matters but still love and support each other as part of God's family. [59:59]
4. Spiritual Warfare Awareness: We are in a spiritually charged environment, and the enemy's agenda is to instill fear and division. We must stand firm in prayer, fasting, and the Word of God. The attacks on our children, marriages, and faith are real, and we must be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual battles. [65:57]
5. Focus on the Gospel Mission: Our primary goal on earth is to spread the love of Jesus through the gospel. Political leaders and systems cannot save souls; only Jesus can. We must not be distracted by political agendas but remain focused on our mission to lead people to Christ. [01:25:36]
### [85:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:29] - Spiritual Readiness and Expectation
[25:20] - Importance of Being Present in God's House
[26:01] - Anticipating God's Move
[26:40] - Story of the Pool of Siloam
[27:22] - Worship and Celebration
[45:37] - Season of Refreshing and Renewal
[47:06] - Overcoming Lies of the Enemy
[48:06] - Purposeful Prayer and Fasting
[49:34] - Revival and Breakthroughs
[50:00] - Commitment to Evangelism
[51:20] - Equipping for Evangelism
[52:15] - Stepping into God's Purpose
[55:05] - Navigating Political Divisions
[59:59] - Unity in Diversity
[65:57] - Spiritual Warfare Awareness
[85:36] - Focus on the Gospel Mission
[93:28] - Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 say about the wisdom of God and how it is revealed? How does this passage emphasize the importance of spiritual maturity?
According to Hebrews 10:25, why is it important to be present in God's house, especially as we see the day approaching? [25:20]
What are some of the ways the enemy tries to instill fear and division according to the sermon? [01:05:57]
How does 2 Corinthians 11:14 describe the enemy's tactics, and how does this relate to the spiritual warfare mentioned in the sermon? [01:08:19]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of "hidden wisdom" in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 challenge our understanding of worldly wisdom? What does it mean to be spiritually mature in this context?
The sermon mentioned that the upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting is a significant time to seek God earnestly. How can purposeful prayer and fasting lead to revival and breakthroughs? [48:06]
In what ways can the church maintain unity despite differing political views, as discussed in the sermon? How does this reflect the love and grace of Jesus? [59:59]
The sermon highlighted the importance of focusing on the gospel mission rather than political agendas. How can believers stay focused on leading people to Christ amidst political and social divisions? [01:25:36]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current spiritual readiness. Are you deeply engaged and expectant of God's move, or do you treat church as a mere activity? What steps can you take to be more spiritually alert and ready? [24:29]
The sermon emphasized the importance of being present in God's house. How can you prioritize attending church and participating in the upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are fully engaged during this period? [25:20]
Think about a time when you faced significant resistance in your spiritual journey. How did you respond? How can you press on in faith during times of resistance, expecting revival and breakthroughs? [48:06]
How can you contribute to unity within the church, especially when political views differ? What actions can you take to ensure that your covenant relationship with fellow believers transcends political affiliations? [59:59]
The sermon mentioned the attacks on our children, marriages, and faith. How can you stand firm in prayer, fasting, and the Word of God to protect your family and faith? What specific actions can you take to be vigilant and proactive in your spiritual battles? [01:05:57]
Reflect on your primary goal as a believer. Are you more focused on political agendas or on spreading the love of Jesus through the gospel? How can you realign your focus to prioritize leading people to Christ? [01:25:36]
Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith or struggling with spiritual matters. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week and lead them closer to Jesus? [50:00]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Right now is a day, the days that we're living in, it's not optional for us to choose and check off church as an activity. We need all the more, as the Bible tells us in Hebrews 10, it says all the more we need to make sure we are in the house of God as we see the day of God approaching. Because God is getting ready to do something you have never seen and he's going to say something you've never heard." [25:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God is getting ready to do something, but you have to be anticipating it. You have to be ready for it. You have to expect it. You have to say, God, I'm here, I'm not moving anywhere. And it reminds me of the story. It reminds me of the story of when the blind and the crippled and the blind and the people used to gather. By the pool of Siloam. And it says, well, we got to be watching because you never know when the angel is going to stir the waters." [26:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How many of you if you had the cure for cancer you would keep it to yourself nobody here's what we have we have the hope of the world can't keep it to yourself right now I believe that what God wants is you have people in your life that God has raised in your life some of them you can't stand but God has placed them in your life those are the people you need to drag to God's house you don't need a special occasion Jesus is the special occasion." [50:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We must remember please help me I don't care whether whether you walk you're on search fox or cnn we must remember that media outlets that we want are not true and the truth business I think well I heard it in the news it must be true really I saw it on youtube it must be true somebody posted it on tiktok it's true listen they're in the business of attention getting they need your attention why they have an agenda and that is to sell advertisement." [01:17:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We are not neutral in this. We are in the midst of this war. We have to take a stand. We have to pray. We have to fight. That's what we have to do. Please, please, please, please, don't you dare vote. Party line. Vote. Sexism. Racism. I don't care. You've got to learn how to vote the way the Holy Spirit leads you to vote. We'll talk a little bit more about that next week. But again, I'm not here to tell you who to vote for." [01:31:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Listen to me, church, this is for you. Please don't sleep spiritually on this. God is getting ready to do something, but you have to be anticipating it. You have to be ready for it. You have to expect it. You have to say, God, I'm here, I'm not moving anywhere." [26:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You know anytime anytime that you feel like something is about to happen you will receive the greatest amount of resistance the greatest amount of resistance we're getting ready to go into 21 days of prayer and fasting but I'm sensing in my heart this is not a season of fasting like just because it's intentional it's purposeful the enemy is creating such resistance causing so much chaos because he must know something I don't know and he doesn't know all things." [48:06] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are not living in a spiritually neutral environment we are not living in a spiritually neutral environment I'm the contrary we are living in a spiritually charged environment it is spiritually charged there is warfare on all sides just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not happening it is happening right now ladies and gentlemen it's been happening and one of the ways that we're going to do that is one of the ways you're seeing is they're coming for our kids." [01:05:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The devil's agenda is for us to forget our purpose. Acts chapter 1 verse 6. Then they gathered around him. This is the disciples after Jesus had resurrected from the dead. He had spent 40 days. 40 nights with them, and they're having a conversation, and now they see the risen king. He's returned. He's resurrected. Wow, just like he prophesied, and here they are. They gathered around him and asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" [01:24:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You may not like it. But you are not Switzerland. You know why? If you don't know history, during World War I and II, Switzerland chose to be a neutral country. They were neither for Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. They said, look, we're going to choose to be neutral. That was both a good and a bad thing. We are not neutral in this. We are in the midst of this war. We have to take a stand. We have to pray. We have to fight." [01:30:51] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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