Embracing the Power of Small Choices
Summary
In Matthew 13, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed—something so small, yet with the potential to become a tree that gives shelter and life. This is a powerful reminder that small things matter. In every area of life, both spiritual and practical, it’s often the little decisions, habits, and moments that shape our future and legacy. We tend to focus on the big events or dramatic changes, but it’s the daily choices—what we say, how we act, the way we treat others, and the disciplines we keep—that determine the trajectory of our lives.
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates how a seemingly minor act of disobedience can bring about devastating consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Likewise, the parable of the minas in Luke 19 shows that faithfulness in small things is the foundation for greater responsibility and reward. Jesus himself said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” God sees and values the small things, and so should we.
Everyday faithfulness—choosing to pray, to serve, to forgive, to give, to show kindness—may seem insignificant in the moment, but over time, these small seeds grow into a harvest of blessing, character, and impact. Even the smallest act, like giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name, does not go unnoticed by God. Our lives are built, not on a few grand gestures, but on thousands of small, faithful steps.
Ultimately, the greatest example of the power of a small decision is Jesus in the garden, choosing to surrender to the Father’s will. That one “nevertheless” changed the world and opened the door for our salvation. In the same way, our small choices—especially those made in secret, when no one is watching—carry eternal weight. Let’s pay attention to the small things, value their potential, and manage them well, knowing that God is watching, and that our reward is being prepared.
Key Takeaways
- Small Things Have Outsized Impact
The smallest decisions and habits can have consequences far beyond what we imagine. Just as a microchip shortage can halt an entire industry, or a single act of disobedience can bring defeat to a nation, the little things in our lives—good or bad—shape our destiny. Don’t underestimate the power of a single word, a moment of integrity, or a hidden compromise. [24:46]
- Faithfulness in the Little Reveals the Heart
Jesus teaches that being faithful in small things is the true test of character. What we do when no one is watching, how we handle the unnoticed moments, and the way we treat the “least” tasks all reveal who we really are. The “shopping cart test” is a simple but profound example: our private choices matter deeply to God. [33:03]
- Small Beginnings Hold Great Potential
God delights in using small beginnings to accomplish great things. The plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand seemed insignificant, but it was the start of a temple. In the same way, our daily acts of obedience, kindness, and devotion may seem small, but they are the seeds of a legacy that will outlast us. Don’t despise the day of small things—embrace them as the birthplace of God’s work in your life. [41:37]
- Properly Managing Small Things Leads to Greater Reward
The parable of the minas shows that how we steward the little we have determines what God entrusts to us next. Our integrity, generosity, and diligence in the small things set the stage for greater opportunities and eternal reward. Even a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name is remembered in heaven. [47:34]
- One Small Choice Can Change Everything
The most significant moments in life often hinge on a single, seemingly small decision—like Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane, or the day you choose to follow Him. Eternity is shaped by these moments. Don’t wait for the “big” opportunity; respond to God in the small ones, for they are the doorway to transformation and blessing. [49:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[14:27] - Community Updates & Backpack Drive
[16:12] - Introduction to “Small Things Matter”
[17:02] - The USS Greenville: A Lesson in Small Decisions
[24:46] - Power Laws and the Impact of Small Inputs
[26:24] - The Story of Achan: Small Sin, Big Consequence
[27:53] - God’s Response to Disobedience
[33:03] - Faithfulness in the Small Things
[40:40] - The Cumulative Power of Daily Choices
[41:04] - Valuing the Potential of Small Beginnings
[41:37] - Zerubbabel and the Day of Small Things
[43:11] - Building a Legacy Through Small Acts
[45:15] - Managing Small Things: The Parable of the Minas
[47:34] - God’s Reward for Small Acts
[49:11] - Jesus’ “Nevertheless”: The Power of One Choice
[56:44] - My Testimony: One Small Decision
[59:00] - Invitation to Choose Jesus
[01:01:07] - Responding to God in the Small Things
[01:05:00] - Worship Through Giving
[01:11:35] - Closing Blessing & Farewell
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Small Things Matter
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV)
> He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
Luke 16:10 (ESV)
> “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.”
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV)
> “For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), what does Jesus say the kingdom of heaven is like? What happens to the mustard seed over time?
2. According to Luke 16:10, what does Jesus say about being faithful in small things? How does this relate to being trusted with bigger things?
3. In Zechariah 4:10, what is the warning about “despising the day of small things”? What is the context for this statement?
4. The sermon gave examples of how small decisions or actions can have big consequences, both positive and negative. What are some of the examples mentioned? ([24:46])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose a mustard seed to describe the kingdom of heaven? What does this say about how God works in our lives? ([16:12])
2. How does being faithful in small things reveal what is truly in our hearts, according to the sermon and Luke 16:10? ([33:03])
3. The story of Achan in Joshua 7 was used as an example of a small act of disobedience with big consequences. What does this story teach us about the impact of our private choices? ([26:24])
4. Why do you think God values small beginnings and small acts of faithfulness, even when they seem insignificant to us? ([41:37])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about “everyday faithfulness”—praying, serving, forgiving, giving, showing kindness. Which of these small acts do you find easiest? Which is hardest for you to do consistently? Why? ([40:40])
2. Think about a time when a small decision (good or bad) had a big impact on your life or someone else’s. What did you learn from that experience? ([24:46])
3. The “shopping cart test” was mentioned as a way to see what we do when no one is watching. What are some “small things” in your daily life that reveal your character? Are there any you want to change? ([33:03])
4. The sermon said, “Don’t despise the day of small things—embrace them as the birthplace of God’s work in your life.” Is there a “small beginning” in your life right now that you are tempted to overlook or give up on? How can you value it more? ([41:37])
5. Jesus’ choice in the garden—“nevertheless, not my will but yours be done”—was described as a small but world-changing decision. Is there a small but difficult choice you need to make to follow God’s will this week? What is holding you back? ([49:11])
6. The parable of the minas (Luke 19) shows that how we manage small things leads to greater responsibility and reward. What is one “small thing” God has entrusted to you right now? How can you steward it better? ([47:34])
7. The sermon ended with a challenge to pay attention to the small things and manage them well, knowing God is watching. What is one practical step you can take this week to be more faithful in the “small things”? ([01:01:07])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person notice, value, and be faithful in the small things this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Small Things Matter in the Kingdom of God
The kingdom of heaven often begins with what seems insignificant—a small seed, a simple prayer, a single act of faith—but these small beginnings have the power to grow into something great, offering life, shelter, and blessing to many. Just as a mustard seed grows into a tree that provides for the birds, so too do our small acts of obedience and faithfulness in God’s hands become sources of fruitfulness and impact far beyond what we can imagine. Never underestimate the power of a small step taken in faith; it may be the very thing God uses to transform your life and the lives of others. [16:12]
Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV)
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
Reflection: What is one small act of faith or obedience you can take today—no matter how insignificant it seems—that could become a seed for God’s greater work in your life or someone else’s?
Day 2: The Danger of Overlooking Little Things
It’s often the little things—small compromises, minor neglects, or hidden sins—that can rob us of blessing, derail our progress, or even bring destruction. Just as a single act of disobedience by Achan brought defeat to Israel, or a few small decisions led to tragedy at sea, so too can the “little foxes” spoil the fruit God wants to grow in our lives. We must be vigilant to catch and address the small issues before they become big problems, for what seems minor today can have major consequences tomorrow. [17:02]
Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV)
Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.
Reflection: Is there a “little fox” in your life—a small habit, attitude, or compromise—that you’ve been ignoring? What step can you take today to address it before it grows?
Day 3: Faithfulness in the Small Things Reveals the Heart
God sees and values our faithfulness in the small, unseen moments of life, and it is in these moments that our true character is revealed and shaped. Whether it’s putting away a shopping cart, choosing to forgive, or being generous with little, these daily decisions matter to God and prepare us for greater responsibility and blessing. Jesus teaches that if we are faithful with little, we will be faithful with much; our integrity is built not in the spotlight, but in the quiet, everyday choices we make. [33:03]
Luke 16:10 (ESV)
“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.”
Reflection: Think of a small, everyday responsibility or opportunity you have—how can you approach it today with renewed faithfulness, knowing God is watching and shaping your heart?
Day 4: Value and Steward the Potential of Small Beginnings
God delights in using small beginnings and seemingly insignificant acts to accomplish His purposes; what may look like a minor start to us is often the foundation for something much greater in His plan. Just as Zerubbabel’s plumb line marked the start of rebuilding the temple, our small steps of obedience, kindness, and devotion can set the course for our future and legacy. Don’t despise or dismiss the day of small things—value them, invest in them, and trust that God sees the potential in every seed you sow. [41:37]
Zechariah 4:8-10 (ESV)
Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.”
Reflection: What “small beginning” in your life do you need to value and nurture today, trusting that God can use it for something far greater than you can see?
Day 5: One Small Choice Can Change Everything
A single decision—like Jesus’ surrender in the garden or your own choice to follow Him—can have eternal consequences, not just for you but for generations to come. The quality of your tomorrows is shaped by the decisions you make today; choosing to honor God in the small things leads to peace, clarity, purpose, and ultimately, a reward from the Lord. Don’t wait for the big moment—embrace the power of a small, faithful “yes” to God right now, and watch how He multiplies it for His glory and your good. [49:11]
Luke 22:41-42 (ESV)
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Reflection: Is there a small but difficult choice of surrender or obedience you need to make today? What would it look like to say “nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done” in that area?
Quotes
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