Embracing the Present: A Gift from God
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound concept that "the present is a gift." This theme was intricately woven through various scriptural references and practical life applications, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment, guided by God's word and presence.
We began by reflecting on the scene in the synagogue where Jesus, reading from the scroll of Isaiah, declared the fulfillment of the scriptures that day. This pivotal moment highlighted the immediacy of God's action in our lives and the necessity of recognizing His work at the moment it occurs. It served as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in our daily lives, not just in the past or future.
Further, we delved into the teachings of Jesus on worry and anxiety from Matthew 6. Jesus instructed us not to worry about our life, what we will eat, drink, or wear, emphasizing that life is more than food and the body more than clothes. He pointed to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, which do not labor or spin yet are provided for by our Heavenly Father, encouraging us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness with the assurance that all these things will be given to us as well.
The discussion then shifted to the practical application of these teachings. I emphasized the importance of taking every thought captive to obey Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10. This practice is crucial in combating the anxieties and fears that can distract us from living fully in the present. By focusing on the sovereignty and love of God, we can overcome the paralysis that fear and anxiety bring.
We also explored the concept of spiritual warfare and the power of God's word in our lives. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world but are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. This truth empowers us to face daily challenges with divine strength and wisdom.
Lastly, I encouraged everyone to embrace the present as a gift from God, to live out their faith actively and to trust in God's provision and timing. Each day is an opportunity to experience God's mercy and to participate in His divine plan.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Recognizing God's Immediate Presence:
Jesus' declaration in the synagogue that "today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" serves as a critical reminder of God's immediate presence in our lives. We must be attentive and responsive to what God is doing right now, not just in anticipation of the future or reflection on the past. This awareness can transform our daily living, making each moment an opportunity to witness and partake in God's unfolding plan. [06:27]
2. The Futility of Worry:
Jesus teaches that worrying about our daily needs is unnecessary because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and is committed to providing for us. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us. This principle encourages us to prioritize our spiritual life and trust in God's provision, freeing us from the anxiety that often accompanies concerns about material needs. [11:03]
3. Taking Thoughts Captive:
The Apostle Paul's instruction to take every thought captive to obey Christ is vital for maintaining spiritual health and focus. This practice helps us filter our thoughts and align them with God's truth, preventing harmful patterns such as fear, doubt, and worry from disrupting our spiritual growth and effectiveness. [47:29]
4. The Power of God's Word in Spiritual Warfare:
Our spiritual battles require divine power, which we access through God's word and prayer. The weapons we fight with are not worldly but are powerful through God to demolish strongholds. This truth assures us of victory in spiritual warfare and challenges us to engage actively in the battle, equipped with the word of God and prayer. [49:08]
5. Living in the Present:
Embracing the present as a gift from God is essential for experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. It allows us to focus on today's blessings and challenges without being weighed down by past regrets or future worries. This perspective helps us to live more fully in each moment, enriched by God's presence and guided by His will. [53:24]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:26] - Jesus in the Synagogue
- [06:27] - The Present is a Gift
- [11:03] - Teaching on Worry and Anxiety
- [47:29] - Taking Thoughts Captive
- [49:08] - Spiritual Warfare and God's Power
- [53:24] - Embracing the Present
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 4:17-21: "And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'"
2. Matthew 6:25-34: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
3. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus declare in the synagogue about the fulfillment of the scriptures? ([02:57])
2. According to Matthew 6, what examples does Jesus use to illustrate why we should not worry? ([11:03])
3. What does Paul instruct believers to do with their thoughts in 2 Corinthians 10:5? ([47:29])
4. How does the sermon describe the reaction of the people in the synagogue to Jesus' declaration? ([04:16])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus declared the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy "today" in the synagogue? ([05:26])
2. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 challenge common concerns about daily needs and future worries? ([12:26])
3. What does it mean to take every thought captive to obey Christ, and how can this practice impact our daily lives? ([47:29])
4. How does recognizing God's immediate presence in our lives change the way we approach our daily activities and challenges? ([06:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were too focused on the past or future to notice God's work in your present. How can you become more aware of God's immediate presence in your life? ([06:27])
2. What are some specific worries or anxieties you currently have about your daily needs? How can you apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 to these concerns? ([12:26])
3. Identify a recurring thought or fear that distracts you from living fully in the present. How can you take this thought captive to obey Christ? ([47:29])
4. In what ways can you use the power of God's word to combat spiritual battles you are facing right now? ([49:08])
5. How can you actively embrace the present as a gift from God this week? What practical steps can you take to focus on today's blessings and challenges? ([53:24])
6. Think of a situation where you felt paralyzed by fear or anxiety. How did it affect your ability to live in the present? What can you do differently next time to trust in God's provision and timing? ([16:29])
7. How can you encourage someone in your life who is struggling with worry or anxiety to seek first God's kingdom and trust in His provision? ([12:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognize God's Immediate Presence
In the bustling flow of daily life, it's easy to overlook the immediate presence of God. Yet, the moment when Jesus declared the fulfillment of scripture in a synagogue reminds us that God is not a distant historical figure but an active presence in our lives today. This realization should awaken a heightened awareness and responsiveness to God's movements in our daily routines. By acknowledging His presence, we can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary encounters with the divine.
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily activities?
Day 2: The Futility of Worry
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6 about worry and anxiety serve as a profound reminder of the futility of being anxious about our daily needs. He assures us that our Heavenly Father knows and provides for our needs as He does for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. This instruction invites us to shift our focus from worry to seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met. Embracing this truth frees us from the burden of anxiety, allowing us to live fully in the present with confidence in God's provision. [11:03]
"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30)
Reflection: What is one worry you can surrender to God today, and what practical step can you take to seek His kingdom first in this area?
Day 3: Taking Thoughts Captive
The Apostle Paul's exhortation to take every thought captive to obey Christ is crucial for maintaining spiritual focus and health. This practice involves actively filtering our thoughts, aligning them with the truth of Scripture, and rejecting those that generate fear, doubt, and worry. By mastering this discipline, we can prevent these negative thoughts from impairing our spiritual growth and effectiveness, ensuring that our minds are battlegrounds where truth triumphs over deception. [47:29]
"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Reflection: Identify a recurring negative thought that hinders your spiritual growth. What Scripture can you use to combat this thought?
Day 4: The Power of God's Word in Spiritual Warfare
Our spiritual battles are not fought with worldly weapons but with the divine power of God's Word and prayer. This truth equips us to face daily challenges not with fear but with the authority of Scripture and the strength of prayer. Understanding that our spiritual armor is forged by God empowers us to demolish strongholds and live victoriously. As we engage in spiritual warfare, let us hold fast to the Word of God as our ultimate weapon. [49:08]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Reflection: What spiritual battle are you facing today, and how can you use the Word of God to fight this battle?
Day 5: Living in the Present
Embracing the present as a gift from God is essential for experiencing the fullness of life He intends for us. This perspective encourages us to appreciate today's blessings and face its challenges without being burdened by past regrets or future anxieties. Living in the present, guided by God's will, allows us to participate actively in His divine plan, experiencing His mercy and grace in real-time. [53:24]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Reflection: What is one way you can more fully embrace the present moment as a gift from God today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Você tem que se aperfeiçoar, tem que fazer bem os seus trabalhos, não estou falando disso, não. Eu estou falando das suas motivações, de como o teu coração está em torno do teu trabalho, porque o que vai adiantar você ter dinheiro e não ter saúde? O que vai adiantar você ter dinheiro e botar a sua família a perder? O que adianta você ter dinheiro e você não conseguir ter equilíbrio espiritual dentro da tua casa?" [53:59]
2. "Você está aqui agora, meu irmão, minha irmã. Você sabia que Deus planejou de você estar aqui agora? Você parou já para olhar que você está aqui agora? Ou você está aí agora ouvindo eu falando, mas tua cabeça está sendo arrastada em várias direções, seja do passado, seja do futuro." [13:27]
3. "Não é possível que a forma como a gente lidava com uma crise há 10 anos atrás é a mesma hoje. Hoje a gente está... O que é que o Espírito Santo está fazendo na nossa vida então? Ah, eu tomava um pau e caía no chão. Hoje você precisa tomar um pau e dizer... Mesmo que você tome, não cai mais no chão não. E se puder esquivar, melhor ainda." [35:45]
### Quotes for Members
1. "O que é que adianta a tua preocupação? Tu vai poder conseguir fazer o quê com tua preocupação? O amanhã vai cuidar de si mesmo? Tu vai poder ficar mais alto? Tu vai poder fazer o cabelo crescer na tua cabeça? Tu vai poder, por tua preocupação, fazer alguma coisa? Acrescentar mais um dia para a tua vida? O Senhor Jesus está dizendo não. Não vai." [21:14]
2. "Porque ele estava ligado no que Deus estava fazendo na vida dele. Dia após dia. Aleluia. Aleluia. Abriram aí, segundo os Coríntios 10? Do 3 ao 5. Pois, embora vivamos como homens, não lutamos segundo os padrões humanos. As armas com as quais lutamos não são o quê? Humanas. Ao contrário. Elas são poderosas em Deus para destruir fortalezas." [47:29]
3. "Deus quer que a gente vive, irmãos, num presente inundado do sentimento eterno. Apegado com Cristo e com as coisas que são do alto. Viver aqui, nesse tempo, sem estar apegado com as coisas que são terrenas. Deus quer que você vive esse tempo presente, agarrado com as coisas que são eternas." [01:00:30]
4. "O presente é um presente. Você pode dizer isso? O presente. E quando a gente vê Jesus dizendo assim, ó, hoje se cumpriu as escrituras, é disso que ele está falando. Eu quero pegar esse trecho e pegar esse mesmo Jesus que falou isso naquele dia, que entendia como Deus estava agindo na sua vida naquele dia." [06:27]
5. "Não é sábio fazer esse tipo de pergunta. A gente tem que saber como lidar com o passado, meu irmão. O povo foi tirado do Egito. Presta atenção. O povo foi tirado do Egito. [28:46]
Está lá em Números, capítulo 11. Foi tirado de uma escravidão. Deus libertou eles do Egito, da escravidão." [28:46]
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