Embracing Transformation Through Faith and Surrender
Summary
In this season of faith and expansion, we celebrate the profound impact Shiloh Church has made both locally and globally. Through our collective efforts, thousands have come to know God, find freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference. Our outreach initiatives, such as Mercy House and Clothed with Honor, have touched countless lives, providing food, clothing, and support to those in need. As we reflect on these achievements, we are reminded that this is just the beginning. God is calling us to continue saying "yes" to His mission, believing that the best is yet to come.
The story of Jacob in Genesis 32 serves as a powerful illustration of transformation through surrender. Jacob, who was running from his past and his fears, encountered God in a moment of solitude. It was in this wrestling with God that Jacob's identity was changed, and he became Israel. This narrative teaches us that true change comes when we stop running and face God, allowing Him to work in our lives. Life is a series of surrenders, and when we say "yes" to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power.
In our fast-paced world, we often confuse busyness with fruitfulness. However, God calls us to pause and focus on Him, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from being connected to our source. Just as trees need dirt and fish need water, we need God to truly live. Repentance is not merely about turning away from sin but turning towards God, embracing a relationship with Him that brings life and joy.
As we hold on to God, even in our struggles, we experience His presence and blessing. Jacob's story reminds us that God meets us in our lowest places, offering us a new identity and purpose. Our "yes" to God is a commitment to wrestle with Him, to face our challenges, and to trust in His promises. This journey of faith leads us to a deeper encounter with God, where we know Him personally and intimately.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith and Expansion: Embrace the era of faith and expansion by saying "yes" to God's mission. Our collective efforts have transformed lives, and this is just the beginning. God calls us to continue impacting our communities and the world. [49:33]
- Transformation through Surrender: Jacob's story in Genesis 32 illustrates the power of surrender. By facing God and our own humanity, we open ourselves to transformation. True change comes when we stop running and allow God to work in our lives. [55:34]
- Busyness vs. Fruitfulness: In a fast-paced world, we often confuse busyness with fruitfulness. God calls us to pause and focus on Him, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from being connected to our source. [01:01:09]
- Repentance and Relationship: Repentance is not just about turning away from sin but turning towards God. Embrace a relationship with Him that brings life and joy. The power of repentance lies in replacing sin with a deeper love for Jesus. [01:04:36]
- Encountering God: Our "yes" to God is a commitment to wrestle with Him, face our challenges, and trust in His promises. This journey of faith leads us to a deeper encounter with God, where we know Him personally and intimately. [01:26:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[49:26] - Era of Faith and Expansion
[53:46] - Global Impact and Outreach
[55:34] - A Life-Changing Yes
[57:05] - Jacob's Transformation
[59:29] - The Power of Surrender
[01:01:09] - Busyness vs. Fruitfulness
[01:03:21] - The True Meaning of Repentance
[01:05:46] - The Source of True Fulfillment
[01:08:15] - Created for Eternity
[01:10:47] - The Necessity of Connection
[01:13:07] - Embracing Our True Identity
[01:16:37] - The Power of Honesty with God
[01:18:15] - Living in Freedom
[01:26:55] - Encountering God Face to Face
[01:28:33] - Knowing God Personally
[01:31:00] - God's Abundant Blessing
[01:32:03] - Walking with a Limp
[01:33:24] - Leaning on God
[01:34:11] - From Stealing to Blessing
[01:35:40] - A Story of Transformation
[01:37:41] - Blessing Others
[01:39:59] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:41:46] - A New Creation in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 32:24-32
- Matthew 4:4
- John 8:36
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant transformation occurs in Jacob's life during his encounter with God in Genesis 32? How does this change his identity? [55:34]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between busyness and fruitfulness in our lives? [01:01:09]
3. What role does repentance play in our relationship with God according to the sermon? How is it described beyond just turning away from sin? [01:04:36]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of being connected to our source, God, using the analogy of trees and dirt, and fish and water? [01:09:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Jacob's story in Genesis 32 illustrate the power of surrender and transformation? How does this relate to our personal journeys of faith? [57:05]
2. The sermon mentions that life is a series of surrenders. How can this perspective change the way we approach challenges and decisions in our lives? [59:29]
3. How does the sermon challenge the common perception of repentance? What does it mean to replace sin with a deeper love for Jesus? [01:04:36]
4. What does it mean to have a personal encounter with God, as described in the sermon? How can this encounter transform our identity and purpose? [01:26:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were busy but not fruitful. How can you prioritize your connection with God to ensure your activities are aligned with His purpose? [01:01:09]
2. Jacob's transformation came through a moment of solitude and wrestling with God. How can you create space in your life for solitude and honest wrestling with God? [55:34]
3. The sermon emphasizes saying "yes" to God. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to say "yes"? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [49:33]
4. Consider the analogy of trees needing dirt and fish needing water. What are some practical ways you can stay connected to God, your source, in your daily life? [01:09:38]
5. Repentance is described as turning towards God. Is there a specific sin or distraction in your life that you need to turn away from? How can you replace it with a deeper relationship with Jesus? [01:04:36]
6. The sermon talks about encountering God face to face. How can you cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with God beyond corporate worship experiences? [01:26:55]
7. Jacob's story shows that God meets us in our lowest places. How can you be more open to God's presence and transformation during difficult times in your life? [57:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace God's Mission for Expansion
In this season of faith and expansion, we are called to embrace God's mission by saying "yes" to His plans. Shiloh Church has made a significant impact both locally and globally, transforming lives through outreach initiatives like Mercy House and Clothed with Honor. These efforts have provided food, clothing, and support to those in need, demonstrating the power of collective action in God's name. As we reflect on these achievements, we are reminded that this is just the beginning. God is calling us to continue our mission, believing that the best is yet to come. By embracing this era of faith and expansion, we can continue to make a difference in our communities and the world. [49:33]
Isaiah 54:2-3 (ESV): "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can say "yes" to God's mission in your community this week? How can you actively participate in expanding His kingdom?
Day 2: Transformation Through Surrender
The story of Jacob in Genesis 32 illustrates the power of transformation through surrender. Jacob, who was running from his past and fears, encountered God in a moment of solitude. It was during this wrestling with God that Jacob's identity was changed, and he became Israel. This narrative teaches us that true change comes when we stop running and face God, allowing Him to work in our lives. Life is a series of surrenders, and when we say "yes" to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power. By surrendering to God, we allow Him to change our identity and purpose, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him. [55:34]
Hosea 12:3-4 (ESV): "In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are running from God? How can you surrender this area to Him today and allow Him to transform you?
Day 3: Pause for True Fruitfulness
In our fast-paced world, we often confuse busyness with fruitfulness. However, God calls us to pause and focus on Him, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from being connected to our source. Just as trees need dirt and fish need water, we need God to truly live. By taking time to pause and connect with God, we can experience true fruitfulness in our lives. This requires us to prioritize our relationship with God over our busy schedules, allowing Him to guide us and bring fulfillment to our lives. [01:01:09]
Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to pause and connect with God? What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with Him over busyness?
Day 4: Repentance as a Turn Towards God
Repentance is not just about turning away from sin but turning towards God. It involves embracing a relationship with Him that brings life and joy. The power of repentance lies in replacing sin with a deeper love for Jesus. By turning towards God, we open ourselves to His love and grace, allowing Him to fill our lives with joy and purpose. This requires us to let go of our sins and embrace a relationship with God that brings true fulfillment. [01:04:36]
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: What is one sin you need to turn away from today? How can you replace it with a deeper love for Jesus and embrace a relationship with Him?
Day 5: Encountering God in Our Struggles
Our "yes" to God is a commitment to wrestle with Him, face our challenges, and trust in His promises. This journey of faith leads us to a deeper encounter with God, where we know Him personally and intimately. Jacob's story reminds us that God meets us in our lowest places, offering us a new identity and purpose. By holding on to God, even in our struggles, we experience His presence and blessing. This requires us to trust in God's promises and remain committed to our relationship with Him, even when faced with challenges. [01:26:55]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you hold on to God and trust in His promises as you navigate this struggle?
Quotes
"Because we've seen God through Shiloh's four lane that are growth track and life groups and pathway classes and Team Shiloh as we've worked together with our time, treasures and talents and resources for God's glory. We've seen thousands of people know God. And I can't say you will be growing in that country. They're here." [00:51:16] (19 seconds)
"find freedom, discover their purpose, and are now making a difference. Lives have been transformed, families restored, communities impact because of a people, a company of people in the city of Oakland, the Bay, and beyond that say yes to the mission of Jesus Christ. And because of your faithfulness to God's kingdom, Shiloh has made a profound impact both locally and globally, globally sharing the love and the hope of Jesus Christ with tens of thousands of people around the world." [00:51:56] (36 seconds)
"See, to live, to truly live a life of yes, it requires us to come to a place of surrender. Tell your neighbor, it's time to stop running. The Bible begins with Jacob's all alone. But as you read, the story of Jacob's life, you'll discover Jacob's never been alone. He's chasing, he's been chasing after his family's father's blessing. He's been running for his mom's approval." [01:00:16] (30 seconds)
"Too many people believe that as long as they're busy and exhausted and miserable and overwhelmed, then you must be holy. Busyness is not the same as fruitfulness. And after 36 years of following Jesus, I've learned that many times I've settled for busyness and not fruitfulness. But the life of the believer, according to scripture, says that we are called to have a life of fruitfulness." [01:01:30] (29 seconds)
"But let me tell you about something better, and Jesus calls it repentance, and it's amazing because as believers, I don't think we understand truly what repentance is. It's not just hating and being sorry about our sin, about our issues, about our hangup. Jesus says in Matthew 4, Turn from sin and be glad. Turn from sin and be glad. Turn from sin and be glad. Turn from your sin and turn to God." [01:03:44] (24 seconds)
"See, the real issue you have is a God issue. What I'm really craving is God's presence in my life. The book of Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that God has placed in each one of us eternity. And I'm here to remind you. I'm here to let you know that nothing in this world will satisfy your soul because you, my friend, were made for more." [01:08:11] (28 seconds)
"And God did not stop there. God then makes water. And you know what he tells water? He says, water, get to work and make some fish. And again, he created water. Pastor Melinda was editing my notes. He said, Pastor Javier, I had to go back and fact check you. And he tells water, make some fish. And so he created water. And water create made fish." [01:09:44] (29 seconds)
"Because our yes to God requires us to admit we got some issues. Tell your neighbor, you got issues. Tell them that's okay because I got issues. I got issues. And God said, who are you? And he said, Jacob. See, today we pick names because we like them. They're cute. We give kids names like numbers. Square root, 3 times 17 times 24." [01:12:59] (29 seconds)
"Somebody needs to know the real you. And that first somebody that knows the real you should be God. Because before, Him is we got to say, God, I love you. I know I'm blessed. I know I'm cared for. I know you love me. I know you're a good, good God. But God, there's a Jacob in me and I got some issues." [01:16:37] (25 seconds)
"See, yes becomes a place of surrender. Yes becomes the place of truth and transparency. And that's when God can move in our lives. It says in John 8, 36. So if the Son has set you free, you will be free indeed. Jesus is saying you don't have to wait until heaven to be free. You can live free on earth. You know, this is a top ten verse." [01:18:03] (31 seconds)
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