Embracing Vision, Risk, and Growth in Faith

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, our feet can only take us where our vision has already gone. We must ask God to give us a vision so grand that it scares us, knowing that we are yoked with Him in this endeavor. As we grow in faith and partnership with one another, we must be willing to risk offending each other because love is spelled risk. This community is built on responding to the presence of Jesus, who is the main event and the one worthy of our adoration and partnership.

Reflecting on 2 Timothy, we are reminded that in a great house, there are vessels of different kinds, some for honorable use and others for dishonorable. We are called to cleanse ourselves from dishonor to become vessels ready for the Master's use. This readiness involves creating a clear pathway for Jesus to have His way in us, leveling out the rough places in our lives. As we partner with the Holy Spirit, we invite Him to smooth out our imperfections and call us to higher platforms.

Our current series focuses on the word "equip," which involves preparing and furnishing us with the necessary tools and knowledge to fulfill our roles. This equipping is not just about receiving but also about demonstrating and activating what we have learned. In environments of demonstration, we find our comfort zones and are stretched beyond them. This stretching is essential for growth, as it allows us to step into the unknown and become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Paul's relationship with Timothy serves as a model for us. Paul encouraged Timothy to step beyond his timidity and embrace the call on his life. Similarly, we are called to identify and partner with faithful ones, pouring into them and releasing them into their God-given missions. This process involves staying a novice, asking questions, and being faithful in our relationships. We must be willing to risk offense in our partnerships, understanding that love involves risk.

Finally, all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. We are all in a training ground, preparing for reigning. As we step forward, we must ask ourselves where our lines are and if God is calling us to step beyond them. This journey is built on love, and without it, we are nothing. As we embrace this season of pruning and growth, we trust that God is shaping us for more.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vision precedes action: Our feet can only take us where our vision has already gone. We must ask God for a vision so grand that it scares us, trusting that we are yoked with Him in this journey. This vision propels us into the unknown, calling us to step out in faith. [19:53]

2. Love involves risk: In our growth and partnership with one another, we must be willing to risk offending each other. Love is spelled risk, and it requires us to step beyond our comfort zones to truly connect and grow together. [30:20]

3. Readiness for the Master's use: We are called to cleanse ourselves from dishonor and become vessels ready for the Master's use. This involves creating a clear pathway for Jesus to have His way in us, leveling out the rough places in our lives. [01:57]

4. Embrace the unknown: We are called to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, stepping into the unknown with faith. This involves identifying and partnering with faithful ones, pouring into them, and releasing them into their God-given missions. [20:28]

5. Scripture as a training ground: All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. We are all in a training ground, preparing for reigning, and must embrace this journey with love as our foundation. [31:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Vision and Risk in Faith
- [00:24] - Responding to Jesus' Presence
- [01:07] - Introduction to 2 Timothy
- [01:41] - Vessels for Honorable Use
- [02:51] - Partnering with Heaven's Declaration
- [03:27] - Creating a Pathway for Jesus
- [04:42] - Declaring Ourselves as Instruments
- [05:23] - Series on Equipping
- [06:25] - Core Values: Encounter, Equip, Empower
- [07:34] - Demonstration and Activation
- [08:26] - Finding Comfort Zones
- [10:14] - Embracing Discomfort
- [12:38] - Honoring Different Journeys
- [14:25] - Paul's Encouragement to Timothy
- [17:21] - Leadership and Development
- [19:53] - Vision and Mission
- [22:05] - Characteristics of Being Equipped
- [24:03] - Set Apart for Good Work
- [26:10] - Pursuing Growth and Faithfulness
- [29:23] - Risk and Partnership in Love
- [31:12] - Scripture as Training Ground
- [32:06] - Invitation to Step Forward

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (ESV) - "Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."
2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between vision and action in our faith journey? [19:53]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of love involving risk, especially in the context of community and partnership? [30:20]
3. According to the sermon, what does it mean to be a vessel ready for the Master's use? [01:57]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of being comfortable with discomfort in our spiritual growth? [20:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that having a grand vision can propel us into the unknown? How does this relate to our faith journey? [19:53]
2. How does the sermon interpret the idea of love involving risk, and why is this important for growth within a community? [30:20]
3. What does the sermon imply about the process of cleansing ourselves from dishonor to become vessels for honorable use? How does this relate to our readiness for God's work? [01:57]
4. How does the sermon connect the concept of being equipped with stepping into the unknown and embracing discomfort? [20:28]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step into the unknown. How did your vision or lack thereof influence your actions? How can you seek a vision from God that challenges you? [19:53]
2. Think about a relationship or community where you have hesitated to take risks. How can you embrace the idea that love involves risk in that context? [30:20]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel like a vessel for dishonorable use. What steps can you take to cleanse yourself and become ready for the Master's use? [01:57]
4. Consider a situation where you felt uncomfortable but knew it was necessary for growth. How can you become more comfortable with being uncomfortable in your spiritual journey? [20:28]
5. How can you actively partner with the Holy Spirit to smooth out imperfections in your life and prepare for higher platforms? [05:23]
6. Reflect on the role of Scripture in your life. How can you use it as a training ground to equip yourself for every good work? [31:12]
7. What are some practical ways you can identify and partner with faithful ones in your community, pouring into them and releasing them into their God-given missions? [18:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Vision Beyond the Horizon
In our spiritual journey, vision is the precursor to action. We are encouraged to seek a vision from God that is so expansive and bold that it challenges and even frightens us. This vision is not meant to be pursued alone; it is a divine partnership with God, who guides and supports us as we step into the unknown. By asking for such a vision, we align ourselves with God's greater purpose, allowing our faith to propel us into new territories. This journey requires courage and trust, as we are called to move beyond our current understanding and comfort zones. [19:53]

"For the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to expand your vision? How can you begin to seek His guidance and courage to step into this new territory today?


Day 2: The Risk of Love
Love, in its truest form, involves risk. As we grow in our relationships with one another, we must be willing to step beyond our comfort zones and risk offending each other. This risk is not about being reckless but about being vulnerable and open to deeper connections. Love requires us to engage with others authentically, even when it means facing discomfort or misunderstanding. By embracing this risk, we create a community that is rooted in genuine love and mutual growth. [30:20]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a relationship where you have been hesitant to take a risk. What step can you take today to show love, even if it involves vulnerability or discomfort?


Day 3: Becoming Vessels of Honor
We are called to cleanse ourselves from dishonor and become vessels ready for the Master's use. This process involves creating a clear pathway for Jesus to work within us, smoothing out the rough places in our lives. By partnering with the Holy Spirit, we invite transformation and growth, allowing us to be used for honorable purposes. This readiness is not about perfection but about being open and willing to be shaped by God's hands. [01:57]

"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable." (2 Timothy 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs cleansing or transformation to become a vessel of honor? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in this area today?


Day 4: Embracing Discomfort for Growth
Growth often requires us to step into the unknown and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. This involves identifying and partnering with faithful individuals, pouring into them, and releasing them into their God-given missions. By embracing discomfort, we allow ourselves to be stretched and challenged, leading to personal and communal growth. This journey is about trusting God and stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. [20:28]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?


Day 5: Scripture as Our Training Ground
All Scripture is God-breathed and serves as a training ground for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. As we engage with Scripture, we prepare ourselves for the roles God has for us, allowing His Word to shape and guide us. This journey is about embracing the process of growth and transformation, trusting that God is preparing us for greater things. Love is the foundation of this journey, and without it, we are nothing. [31:12]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate Scripture into your daily routine to allow it to train and equip you for God's purposes? What specific passage can you meditate on today to guide your growth?

Quotes

"our feet can't take us where our vision hasn't already gone God give my heart a vision that though it were so big it would scare me if we are intentional and serious about our growth in the faith in partnership with each other we will risk offending each other love is spelled risk" [00:00:14]

"therefore if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable he will be a vessel for honorable use set apart as holy useful to the master of the house ready for every good work it's kind of interesting I as I arrived here this morning there was a little mug seated over here on the front" [00:01:17]

"and so as a people as we partner with what heaven declares over us we're saying we're creating this invitation to King Jesus to say Have Your Way in me I surrender to you there's only one worthy of that kind of adoration that kind of affection that kind of partnership and it's King Jesus" [00:04:41]

"and so Holy Spirit we partner with you in the things that you are speaking over us and declaring over our lives level out the rough places thank you Father that you're so patient that you're so kind that you're faithful to to smooth out the things in our lives that you call us to higher platforms" [00:04:58]

"one of the things that struck me is that it's in environments of demonstration where we find where our comfort zones lay is that true so let me unpack that for a second you know it's always interesting so like I come from both pastoral background was in the marketplace stepped into the insurance World" [00:08:11]

"so if we do that again I I love the answers that's the the reply is great um but if we were to do that again can we simply say pressure is off so if we were to do that again and we were to look like the model in the book of Acts where they met together" [00:12:15]

"there's this encouragement that Paul is giving to Young Timothy because Timothy was a bit timid he was more on the Reserve side and so he's he's calling him higher and we see that all across the letters to directly to Timothy and it's it would really benefit us to step toward the words of second Timothy" [00:14:38]

"and so we see this model throughout the gospels where Jesus is Calling alongside himself intentionally disciples he's he's championing their hearts and he's teaching he's pouring into them and then he he releases them right he teaches he pours in he he strengthens and then he releases and so this platform is kind of" [00:18:39]

"you know our feet can't take us where our vision hasn't already gone and so how else are we to find our lines if if if we say God give my heart a vision that though it were so big it would scare me other than to know that I'm yoked with you in this whole deal like that's how we we say this is" [00:19:50]

"if we are intentional and serious about our growth in the faith in partnership with each other we will risk a offending each other love is spelled risk that's a hard for that's a hard one for this one to admit cu cu sometimes that pastoral heart man like I will crawl into the dirt and the mud with" [00:30:20]

"all scripture is breathed out by God and it's profitable for teaching for reproof for correction and training in righteousness reproof is simply something by which a thing is proved or tested correction is Improvement of life or character training anything that cultivates the soul like we're all in training" [00:31:12]

"we want to be a people who like Paul like Timothy like so many who have gone before us their lives were built on love love if in this journey we don't have love we're nothing we can have all the prophetic words we can have all the things but if it's not born from a Heart of Love clanging gone clashing symbol" [00:33:24]

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Transcript
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