Embracing the Gift: Trust and Obedience in Christ

 

Summary

In today's service, we gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas, reflecting on the profound gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We began with a heartfelt worship, singing "Joy to the World" and "Angels We Have Heard on High," reminding us of the joy and peace that Christ's birth brings to the world. As we sang, we were reminded of the wonders of His love and the blessings that flow from His righteousness. This season is a time to remember the greatest gift God has given us—His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to save us from our sins, not because of our righteousness, but because of His mercy and love.

We explored the story of Mary and Joseph, focusing on their obedience to God's will despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced. Their story is a powerful reminder that God's will requires our response and trust. Just as Mary and Joseph had to act promptly and without delay, we too are called to respond to God's call in our lives with faith and trust. The will of God is not automatic; it requires our active participation and willingness to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear.

We also discussed the importance of trusting God with our lives, our futures, and our decisions. Trusting God means acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours and that He is capable of directing our paths when we lean not on our own understanding but on His wisdom. This trust is crucial, especially in moments when God calls us to make life-altering decisions or to step into new territories of faith and obedience.

As we approach the new year, we are reminded of the importance of discipleship and the call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This involves making conscious decisions to leave behind anything that hinders our walk with Him and to embrace the new life He offers. Our spiritual success is measured not by our achievements but by our obedience to God's call.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gift of Jesus: Christmas is a celebration of the greatest gift—Jesus Christ, who came to save us from our sins out of God's mercy and love, not because of our righteousness. This gift is a reminder of God's overwhelming generosity and His nature to give the best gifts. [32:12]

- Obedience to God's Will: The story of Mary and Joseph teaches us the importance of responding promptly to God's call. God's will requires our active participation and trust, even when the path is unclear. Delaying our response can hinder the fulfillment of His plans in our lives. [41:03]

- Trusting God: Trusting God means acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom. We are called to trust Him with our lives, futures, and decisions, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. This trust is essential for navigating life's uncertainties and stepping into God's will. [52:18]

- The Call to Discipleship: Following Jesus requires making conscious decisions to leave behind anything that hinders our walk with Him. Discipleship involves embracing the new life He offers and being willing to step into new territories of faith and obedience. [01:06:16]

- God's Provision and Timing: God's provision is always timely and sufficient for His purposes. Just as He provided for Mary and Joseph, He will provide for us as we step out in faith and obedience. Our spiritual success is measured by our obedience to God's call. [01:22:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:55] - Joy to the World
[04:37] - Angels We Have Heard on High
[06:06] - Gloria in Excelsis Deo
[07:39] - Come to Bethlehem
[09:34] - Peace Has Come
[11:10] - All Creation Glorifies
[14:36] - Announcements
[32:12] - The Gift of Jesus
[33:04] - God's Will and Timing
[37:48] - Trusting God's Plan
[41:03] - No Time for Delay
[47:19] - Responding to God's Call
[52:18] - Trust in the Lord
[01:06:16] - The Call to Discipleship
[01:22:05] - God's Provision and Timing
[01:31:17] - Making Room for God's Plan
[01:36:16] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 1:18-25
2. Proverbs 3:5-6
3. Genesis 12:1-3

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy, and how did his response change after the angel's visit? ([41:03])

2. How does the sermon describe the role of trust in God's plan, especially when making life-altering decisions? ([50:40])

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of timely obedience to God's call? ([01:21:20])

4. How does the story of Mary and Joseph highlight the necessity of responding to God's will, even when the path is unclear? ([47:19])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Joseph's obedience to the angel's command reflect the broader theme of trust in God's plan? How might this apply to modern believers? ([41:03])

2. How does the sermon suggest that trust in God can impact our decision-making processes, especially in uncertain times? ([50:40])

3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between God's provision and our willingness to step out in faith? ([01:22:05])

4. How does the sermon connect the concept of discipleship with making conscious decisions to follow Jesus? What might this look like in a believer's life today? ([01:06:16])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to make a significant decision. How did you discern whether it was God's will, and what role did trust play in your decision-making process? ([50:40])

2. Consider the story of Mary and Joseph. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to respond promptly? What steps can you take to ensure you don't delay? ([41:03])

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trust in God's provision. Identify a current situation where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take to lean on His understanding rather than your own? ([52:18])

4. Discipleship involves leaving behind anything that hinders our walk with Jesus. What is one thing you feel God is asking you to leave behind as you enter the new year? How can you take a step towards this change? ([01:06:16])

5. Reflect on the idea that God's will is not automatic and requires our active participation. How can you be more intentional in seeking and responding to God's will in your daily life? ([47:19])

6. The sermon mentions the importance of making room for God's plan. Is there an area in your life that is too full for God to work? How can you create space for His purposes? ([01:31:17])

7. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the principles of trust and obedience from the sermon to this situation? What might be the first step in aligning your decision with God's will? ([01:21:20])

Devotional

Day 1: The Gift of Jesus: God's Ultimate Expression of Love
The celebration of Christmas is a profound reminder of the greatest gift humanity has ever received—Jesus Christ. This gift is not a result of human righteousness but is a testament to God's boundless mercy and love. Jesus came into the world to save us from our sins, offering a path to redemption and eternal life. This season invites us to reflect on the depth of God's generosity and His desire to give us the best gifts, exemplified in the life and sacrifice of His Son. As we embrace this gift, we are called to live in gratitude and share the love of Christ with others. [32:12]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you express gratitude for the gift of Jesus in your daily interactions and relationships this week?


Day 2: Obedience to God's Will: A Call to Action
The story of Mary and Joseph is a powerful illustration of obedience to God's will, even amidst uncertainty and challenge. Their willingness to respond promptly to God's call demonstrates the importance of active participation in His plans. God's will is not automatic; it requires our trust and readiness to act, even when the path is unclear. Delaying our response can hinder the fulfillment of His purposes in our lives. As we reflect on their story, we are encouraged to examine our own readiness to respond to God's call with faith and trust. [41:03]

"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act, and how can you take a step of obedience today?


Day 3: Trusting God: Embracing His Sovereignty and Wisdom
Trusting God involves acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom over our lives. It means surrendering our plans and decisions to Him, confident that His ways are higher than ours. This trust is essential, especially when navigating life's uncertainties and stepping into new territories of faith and obedience. By leaning not on our own understanding but on His wisdom, we allow God to direct our paths and fulfill His purposes in our lives. As we trust Him, we find peace and assurance in His perfect plan. [52:18]

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:4, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific situation do you need to trust God's wisdom over your own understanding, and how can you practice this trust today?


Day 4: The Call to Discipleship: Embracing New Life in Christ
Discipleship is a journey of following Jesus wholeheartedly, requiring us to leave behind anything that hinders our walk with Him. It involves making conscious decisions to embrace the new life He offers and stepping into new territories of faith and obedience. Our spiritual success is not measured by worldly achievements but by our obedience to God's call. As we approach the new year, we are reminded of the importance of discipleship and the commitment to follow Jesus with all our hearts. [01:06:16]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one thing you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more closely, and what steps can you take to do so this week?


Day 5: God's Provision and Timing: Trusting His Perfect Plan
God's provision is always timely and sufficient for His purposes. Just as He provided for Mary and Joseph, He will provide for us as we step out in faith and obedience. Our spiritual success is measured by our obedience to God's call, trusting that His provision will meet our needs. As we reflect on His faithfulness, we are encouraged to trust His timing and provision in our own lives, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory. [01:22:05]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: How can you trust God's provision in a current situation where you feel uncertain or lacking, and what steps can you take to rely on His timing?

Quotes


The will of God is not automatic. Right? The will of God doesn't just happen by default. It doesn't just play out without anyone's input. That God waits for a response. We know that God is sovereign. We know that he's in control, and whether people respond to him or not, God's got plans for every purpose. [00:47:51] (29 seconds)


But what I want to say to us here this morning is that there will be unique moments in time in your life when God asks you to step out by faith into something that is perhaps dangerous or uncomfortable, or out of your ordinary. [00:47:51] (19 seconds)


For Mary and for Joseph, it is true with both of them, God intervened in the course of their life. They were not evil people. They were not living in sin. They were not cursing the name of God. No, they were faithful young people that were living in their time, doing their part for their society. [00:47:51] (20 seconds)


And what God is looking for in those moments, he's not looking to explain everything to you. He's not looking to give you the five-point plan, the MO. He's not looking to give you all the mission details. All he's looking for is, let it be according to your word. [00:49:33] (17 seconds)


If we are going to respond to God in these life-altering decisions, in these miracle interventions, these pivot points of life, these moments where it can't happen two weeks before, it can't happen two weeks after, the will of God must happen now. And if we are going to make decisions like that, we have to trust him. [00:50:40] (26 seconds)


Proverbs 3, verses 5 and 6, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways. And listen, here's where it has to do with our scripture this morning. He shall direct your path. When you trust God, he is able to direct you. [00:52:18] (25 seconds)


Can I tell you, every believer here, there's going to be a moment of your life when you realize following Jesus means that you're going to have to cut some things off of your past. Some ways of thinking. Maybe even some people. Maybe even some lines of work. [01:06:16] (17 seconds)


Discipleship means making conscious decisions to walk away from things that are not God's will. And step into a new level of following Jesus. [01:07:03] (13 seconds)


God's call is that every man would be saved, that no man would be separated from him forever. We know the will of God, first of all, is for us to be saved. He is not willing that anyone would perish, but that all would come to the life-saving knowledge of the Savior. [01:23:26] (20 seconds)


I want to pray. Because we serve a God who fills empty vessels. Right? The miracle that Elijah did was he said, bring as many water pots as you can. And as many as you can find, God will fill them all up. And when the water pot stopped, so did the miracle. [01:32:01] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
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