Embracing the Power of Small Beginnings

Summary

Summary:

Today, we reflect on the profound lesson of "passing the test of smallness," inspired by Zechariah 4:10. This passage challenges us to appreciate and honor the small beginnings in our lives, recognizing that God rejoices in the small things. We often overlook or despise small beginnings, but God sees their potential and significance. The Israelites, after returning from exile, faced the daunting task of rebuilding the temple. Despite the opposition and discouragement, they laid the foundation and worshiped God, teaching us the importance of celebrating even the smallest progress.

God's greatness is not only in His vastness but also in His ability to dwell within us, emphasizing that even the smallest aspects of our lives matter to Him. We are reminded that smallness is not a limitation but an opportunity for faithfulness, honor, and vision. The threats to smallness, such as comparison and nostalgia, can hinder our appreciation of what God is doing now. Instead, we are called to be faithful in the little things, recognizing that God values our efforts and rejoices in our faithfulness.

The test of smallness involves being faithful, honoring what we have, and having a vision for the future. It challenges us to organize and prepare for growth, even when it seems insignificant. God's treatment of smallness is a testament to His love and care for us, as He rejoices in our small beginnings and sees the potential for greatness. Jesus exemplified this by coming to earth in human form, showing that even the smallest among us are worth His sacrifice.

In our lives, we must embrace the small things, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and lead us to do great and mighty things for His kingdom. By being faithful in the little, we prepare ourselves for the greater responsibilities God has in store for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Small Beginnings: Small beginnings are often overlooked, but they hold great potential. God rejoices in our small efforts and sees their significance. We must learn to celebrate and honor the small things in our lives, trusting that God will use them for His glory. [43:50]

2. Faithfulness in the Little Things: The test of smallness challenges us to be faithful in the little things. Our faithfulness in small tasks prepares us for greater responsibilities. God values our efforts and rewards our faithfulness, even when it seems insignificant. [51:23]

3. Avoid Comparison and Nostalgia: Comparison and nostalgia can hinder our appreciation of what God is doing now. We must focus on the present and trust that God is working in our lives, even in the small things. By valuing what we have, we open ourselves to God's blessings. [47:09]

4. Vision for the Future: Having a vision for the future allows us to see the potential in small beginnings. When we treat small things with care and respect, we prepare ourselves for the growth and opportunities God has in store for us. [55:48]

5. God's Love for the Small: God's treatment of smallness shows His love and care for us. He rejoices in our small efforts and sees the potential for greatness. Jesus exemplified this by coming to earth in human form, showing that even the smallest among us are worth His sacrifice. [01:03:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [31:14] - Introduction and Acknowledgments
- [31:38] - Honoring the Church's Founders
- [32:13] - Reading from Zechariah 4:10
- [33:16] - Passing the Test of Smallness
- [34:17] - The Power of Praise
- [35:04] - God's Greatness and Smallness
- [36:33] - God's Intimacy with Us
- [38:15] - The Significance of Small Things
- [39:56] - Rebuilding the Temple
- [41:07] - Opposition and Discouragement
- [42:20] - Prophets Encouraging the People
- [43:50] - The Threats to Smallness
- [45:52] - The Test of Smallness
- [49:45] - Faithfulness in Small Things
- [52:12] - Excellence in Small Beginnings
- [55:48] - Vision and Integrity
- [58:06] - Preparing for Growth
- [01:03:18] - God's Rejoicing in Smallness
- [01:07:03] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Passing the Test of Smallness

Bible Reading:
- Zechariah 4:10

Observation Questions:
1. What does Zechariah 4:10 suggest about God's perspective on small beginnings? How does this relate to the Israelites' task of rebuilding the temple? [32:13]
2. How did the Israelites respond when they laid the foundation of the temple, and what does this reveal about their attitude towards small beginnings? [39:56]
3. What were the reactions of the older and younger generations to the laying of the temple's foundation, and what might this indicate about the impact of nostalgia and comparison? [45:52]
4. How does the sermon describe God's greatness in both vastness and smallness, and what biblical references support this view? [36:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might God rejoice in small beginnings, and how does this reflect His character and intentions for His people? [43:50]
2. How can the threats of comparison and nostalgia hinder one's appreciation of small beginnings, and what steps can be taken to overcome these threats? [47:09]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faithfulness in small things prepares individuals for greater responsibilities? [51:23]
4. How does the example of Jesus coming to earth in human form illustrate God's love for the small and seemingly insignificant? [01:03:18]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you overlooked a small beginning in your life. How might you have approached it differently, knowing that God rejoices in small efforts? [43:50]
2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with comparison or nostalgia. What practical steps can you take to focus on the present and appreciate what God is doing now? [47:09]
3. Consider a small task or responsibility you currently have. How can you demonstrate faithfulness in this area, and what might be the potential outcomes of doing so? [51:23]
4. How can you cultivate a vision for the future that allows you to see the potential in small beginnings? What specific actions can you take to prepare for growth and opportunities? [55:48]
5. Think of a small aspect of your life that you often dismiss as insignificant. How can you honor and value it, recognizing that God sees its potential for greatness? [01:03:18]
6. In what ways can you emulate Jesus' example of valuing the small and seemingly insignificant in your interactions with others? [01:04:07]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace and celebrate small beginnings, fostering an environment of faithfulness and growth? [39:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Celebrate the Seed of Potential
In life, small beginnings often go unnoticed or undervalued, yet they hold immense potential. Zechariah 4:10 reminds us that God rejoices in these small efforts, seeing their significance and the greatness they can lead to. The Israelites, upon returning from exile, faced the monumental task of rebuilding the temple. Despite the challenges, they laid the foundation and worshiped God, teaching us the importance of celebrating even the smallest progress. By embracing small beginnings, we align ourselves with God's perspective, trusting that He will use our efforts for His glory. [43:50]

"For who has despised the day of small things? These seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What small beginning in your life can you celebrate today, trusting that God sees its potential for greatness?

Day 2: Faithfulness in the Details
The test of smallness challenges us to be faithful in the little things, preparing us for greater responsibilities. God values our efforts, even when they seem insignificant, and rewards our faithfulness. This principle is evident in the lives of the Israelites as they rebuilt the temple, facing opposition and discouragement. Their faithfulness in laying the foundation, despite the challenges, set the stage for future growth and blessings. By being faithful in the small tasks, we demonstrate our trust in God's plan and readiness for the greater things He has in store for us. [51:23]

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a small task or responsibility in your life where you can demonstrate greater faithfulness today.

Day 3: Embrace the Present, Release the Past
Comparison and nostalgia can hinder our appreciation of what God is doing now. By focusing on the present, we open ourselves to God's blessings and recognize His work in our lives, even in the small things. The Israelites, while rebuilding the temple, could have been trapped in nostalgia for the former temple's glory or compared their progress to others. Instead, they chose to focus on the present task, trusting in God's provision and timing. By valuing what we have now, we align ourselves with God's purpose and prepare for His future blessings. [47:09]

"Do not say, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." (Ecclesiastes 7:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where comparison or nostalgia is holding you back from embracing God's work in the present?

Day 4: Vision Beyond the Horizon
Having a vision for the future allows us to see the potential in small beginnings. When we treat small things with care and respect, we prepare ourselves for the growth and opportunities God has in store for us. The Israelites, despite the challenges of rebuilding the temple, had a vision for its completion and the role it would play in their community. This vision motivated them to persevere and honor their small beginnings. By cultivating a vision for the future, we align ourselves with God's plans and position ourselves for His blessings. [55:48]

"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." (Proverbs 29:18, ESV)

Reflection: What vision has God placed on your heart for the future, and how can you begin to prepare for it today?

Day 5: God's Delight in the Humble
God's treatment of smallness shows His love and care for us. He rejoices in our small efforts and sees the potential for greatness. Jesus exemplified this by coming to earth in human form, showing that even the smallest among us are worth His sacrifice. This divine perspective encourages us to embrace our smallness, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and lead us to do great things for His kingdom. By being faithful in the little, we prepare ourselves for the greater responsibilities God has in store for us. [01:03:18]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace your smallness today, trusting that God delights in your humble efforts and will use them for His glory?

Quotes

1) "Thanks be to God that he invites us. Into a place and a space where we can magnify his name. I don't know about you, but I love praising the name of the Lord. When you praise God, there is an exchange. You give him your burdens, he gives you rest. You give him your pain, he gives you joy. You give him your sorrows, he gives you hope. He gives you the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." [33:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "What is also amazing, though, is equally as important as it is praising God for how big he is. We owe him praise for how small he is. word says in 1 Corinthians chapter 6, the word says that know ye not that your bodies are temples. You're not a body of the Holy Ghost. Your body, say my body. Now that ain't spiritual language there. It's talking about your literal physical body because in that text it tells us behaviors we should stay away from because of how they impact our physical body. So he's saying that the God that has created the whole universe, the God that has created the stars with the closest star, 5.88, trillion miles times 4.24 away from us. God has named all of those things. He's so big yet he has made himself user-friendly. He has shrunk himself down to where he can get inside of you and live. We praise him not because he's big only, but because he's small enough to fit inside of us." [36:33] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Can you celebrate God for the foundation? Can you celebrate God before the big stuff comes? Can you celebrate God even at the base level of what you're building? The Bible says that Okay. When they lay the foundation, that the people who saw the temple in its former glory started crying and started weeping. They remembered how big it was. They remembered how magnificent it was and it didn't quite compare and they're crying. But the new people who never saw the temple are rejoicing all at the foundation. But whenever you start building something for God, there's always opposition that comes against it. Whenever you start doing something great for God, the end is near. The enemy rises up in folk and tries to halt and halt and stop and impede the thing that you're doing for God." [41:07] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Comparison is the threat to smallness. What causes people not to respect what they have when it is small is because of what they have compared to other people. If you read back in the text of Zachariah chapter four, the Bible says that there was one group that rejoiced at the laying of the foundation. There was another group, the older group that was sad and weeping at the laying of the foundation. Well, the question is, if we're making. Some progress on building, why are some people happy and some people sad? Here's why they have been in captivity for 70 years. They have just gotten released from captivity in Babylon to go back to Highland Park to build the temple. All right. And so if there's anybody I love y'all up here today, if there's anybody who saw the first temple, they have to be. At. Least 74 years old, because you don't really start remembering things until you're about four years old. So 74 years old and older, they all remembered what the temple used to look like." [45:52] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Can you be faithful in what is small? Can you teach that class and there's only two people showing up? Can you come prepared to rehearsal and know your part even though it's going to be what it's going to be? Can you show up and still? You know what impressed me about coming here to preach? Was the level of excellence before I got here. Was the level of excellence. See, when you do this every week, you don't realize how excellent you are where you are. Oh, yeah. The planning and the preparation. By the email, I would have thought I was coming to a mega church. Newsflash, I am at a mega church. Mega in love. Mega in excellence. Yes, mega in the word. Mega in number because your latter days, I wish I had a hollering church here today, shall be greater than what's been. Can you be faithful in what God has given you?" [52:12] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "God rejoices in it. He rejoices in it. The Bible says. That Zerubbabel, he is a builder. He is the contractor. And he says that the Lord has rejoiced to see the plumb line. A plumb line is an instrument that is used to assure that something is straight. Because if you're going to build, things have to be accurate. Things have to be precise. Things have to be level. Things have to be straight. And the text is saying that God rejoices to see. Let me just put it like this. To see the measuring tape in Zerubbabel's hand. To see the level in Zerubbabel's hand. He's not even building anything. He's just making sure it's level and straight. And God's getting happy over that. God gets happy. You think he gets happy when things are big and things are monstrous and things are grandiose. God gets happy when you say, you know what, let me just sit down and write the plan. Let me just sit down and figure it out. Let me just sit down and put my prayer points on what I'm going to do. God rejoices in that which is small." [01:02:21] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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