Empowered Choices: Refusing What Hinders Our Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound power of choices in our daily lives. Every day, we are faced with decisions that shape our spiritual journey and our relationship with God. We began by acknowledging the importance of discernment, a gift that allows us to distinguish between what we should refuse and what we should receive. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, discernment is crucial for navigating the complexities of life.
We focused on the importance of refusing certain things that can hinder our spiritual growth. First, we must refuse sin and fear. Sin separates us from God, and fear is a tool of the enemy that can paralyze us. By refusing these, we align ourselves with God's power, love, and a sound mind. We also discussed the need to refuse rebellion and stubbornness, which are likened to witchcraft and idolatry. These attitudes can lead us away from God's will and bring unnecessary hardship into our lives.
Furthermore, we must refuse doubt and unbelief. Believing in God's word and promises is foundational to our faith. Doubt can block our blessings and prevent us from entering into God's rest. We also talked about refusing evil spirits and the bondage they bring. By submitting to God and resisting the devil, we can live in freedom and victory.
Lastly, we addressed the importance of refusing sickness, poverty, and toxic relationships. God desires for us to live in abundance, health, and peace. By declaring God's promises over our lives and refusing to accept negative reports, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised.
As we move forward, let us be intentional about the choices we make. Let us choose life, choose to walk in covenant with God, and choose to refuse anything that would hinder our relationship with Him. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Discernment is Essential: In a world filled with distractions, discernment helps us distinguish between what to refuse and what to receive. It is a spiritual gift that enables us to navigate life's complexities and align ourselves with God's will. [01:58]
- Refuse Sin and Fear: Sin separates us from God, and fear is a tool of the enemy. By refusing these, we align ourselves with God's power, love, and a sound mind. This refusal strengthens our faith and empowers us to live victoriously. [06:23]
- Reject Rebellion and Stubbornness: Rebellion is likened to witchcraft, and stubbornness to idolatry. These attitudes can lead us away from God's will and bring unnecessary hardship. Submitting to authority and being open to God's guidance leads to peace and blessing. [11:34]
- Overcome Doubt and Unbelief: Believing in God's word is foundational to our faith. Doubt can block our blessings and prevent us from entering into God's rest. By choosing to believe, we open ourselves to God's promises and peace. [15:16]
- Refuse Sickness and Poverty: God desires for us to live in abundance and health. By declaring God's promises and refusing negative reports, we can experience the abundant life Jesus promised. This choice empowers us to live in freedom and blessing. [24:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:58] - The Power of Choices
- [06:23] - Refusing Sin and Fear
- [11:34] - Rejecting Rebellion and Stubbornness
- [15:16] - Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief
- [24:39] - Refusing Sickness and Poverty
- [29:05] - Avoiding Foolish Relationships
- [32:54] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments
2. Job 11:13-16 - Refusing sin and fear
3. 1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion and stubbornness
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#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the daily choices mentioned in the sermon that can impact our spiritual journey? [01:58]
2. According to the sermon, why is discernment considered essential in our lives? [01:58]
3. How does the sermon describe the consequences of refusing sin and fear? [06:23]
4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between rebellion and witchcraft? [11:34]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest that refusing sin and fear can strengthen our faith and empower us to live victoriously? [06:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon connect stubbornness to idolatry, and what implications does this have for our daily choices? [11:34]
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of doubt and unbelief in blocking our blessings and preventing us from entering God's rest? [15:16]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of refusing sickness and poverty in experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? [24:39]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did discernment play a role in that decision, and how might you improve your discernment in future choices? [01:58]
2. Identify an area in your life where fear has held you back. What steps can you take to refuse fear and align yourself with God's power and love? [06:23]
3. Consider a time when you were stubborn or rebellious. How did it affect your relationship with God and others, and what can you do to submit to God's guidance more readily? [11:34]
4. Think about a promise from God that you have doubted. How can you strengthen your belief in God's word and open yourself to His promises? [15:16]
5. Are there any negative reports or diagnoses in your life that you have accepted? How can you declare God's promises over your life and refuse to accept these negative reports? [24:39]
6. Evaluate your current relationships. Are there any that are toxic or foolish? What steps can you take to refuse these relationships and seek out wise and uplifting connections? [29:05]
7. How do you typically respond to stress and worry? What practical steps can you take to refuse stress and instead experience God's peace in your daily life? [32:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Discernment as a Spiritual Compass
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, discernment acts as a spiritual compass, guiding us to make choices that align with God's will. Discernment is not merely about making decisions but about understanding the spiritual implications of our choices. It is a gift that allows us to distinguish between what we should refuse and what we should receive. By cultivating discernment, we can navigate the complexities of life and remain steadfast in our spiritual journey. This spiritual gift helps us to align ourselves with God's purpose, ensuring that our actions reflect His love and truth. [01:58]
1 Kings 3:9 (ESV): "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing where you need God's discernment? How can you seek His guidance today to make a choice that aligns with His will?
Day 2: Refusing Sin and Fear
Sin and fear are powerful forces that can separate us from God and hinder our spiritual growth. Sin creates a barrier between us and God, while fear is a tool of the enemy that can paralyze us. By refusing these, we align ourselves with God's power, love, and a sound mind. This refusal strengthens our faith and empowers us to live victoriously. Embracing God's love and power allows us to overcome the grip of sin and fear, leading us to a life of freedom and peace. [06:23]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Identify a fear or sin that has been holding you back. How can you actively refuse it today and embrace God's power and love instead?
Day 3: Rejecting Rebellion and Stubbornness
Rebellion and stubbornness are attitudes that can lead us away from God's will and bring unnecessary hardship into our lives. Rebellion is likened to witchcraft, and stubbornness to idolatry, both of which can create spiritual barriers. By submitting to authority and being open to God's guidance, we can experience peace and blessing. Embracing humility and a willingness to be led by God opens the door to His wisdom and direction, allowing us to walk in alignment with His purpose. [11:34]
1 Samuel 15:23 (ESV): "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself being rebellious or stubborn? How can you practice submission to God's authority today?
Day 4: Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief
Doubt and unbelief can block our blessings and prevent us from entering into God's rest. Believing in God's word and promises is foundational to our faith. By choosing to believe, we open ourselves to God's promises and peace. Overcoming doubt requires a conscious decision to trust in God's faithfulness and to stand firm on His promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. This act of faith invites God's presence and power into our lives, enabling us to experience His peace and provision. [15:16]
Hebrews 3:19 (ESV): "So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you struggle to believe? How can you choose to trust in His faithfulness today despite your doubts?
Day 5: Refusing Sickness and Poverty
God desires for us to live in abundance, health, and peace. By declaring God's promises over our lives and refusing to accept negative reports, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. This choice empowers us to live in freedom and blessing, embracing the fullness of life that God intends for us. By standing on God's promises and rejecting the lies of lack and illness, we align ourselves with His provision and healing, allowing His abundance to flow into every area of our lives. [24:39]
3 John 1:2 (ESV): "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."
Reflection: What negative report or mindset about your health or finances do you need to refuse today? How can you declare God's promises over these areas of your life?
Quotes
If we've ever needed discernment, we need discernment. We need discernment. We need discernment. gift of discernment we need the gift of discernment because there are wolves in sheep clothing there are goats mixed in with the sheep there are tares mixed in with the wheat and we need discernment so let's talk just a moment about what we're going to refuse refuse it's very simple it's very easy it's very basic but we're at the beginning of the year so I just want to bring us back to ground zero as we launch this new year [00:04:57] (41 seconds)
But Job 11, 13 through 16 talks about refusing sin and fear because God did not give you a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind. So as we return to basics, as we go back to ground zero, as we have relaunched a new year, a new season, we get a fresh page, a fresh start. We need to refuse sin in our life. People are watching you. You're the only Bible some people will ever read. So we need to refuse sin, and then we don't need to be afraid. We need to refuse fear. [00:06:36] (35 seconds)
don't say nothing i'm just reading the bible get rid of your sins and leave all your iniquity behind you you will be strong and free of fear that is the consequence of leaving your sins get rid of your getting rid of your sins and leaving iniquity behind you if you do that you will be strong the more you do it the stronger you get that's why i celebrate recovery we celebrate people when they when they are dry and clean for a week when they have set a goal and they're two weeks in they're 30 days in they're three months in they're one year in they're five years in the longer you go the stronger you get you are strong and free of fear [00:07:58] (49 seconds)
Refuse rebellion. Stop your rebellion. Stop your witchcraft. Refuse your stubborn attitude. So you thought that was a good thing to be stubborn. Not necessarily. First Samuel 15, 23 rebellion. Is as sinful as witchcraft. One translation says it is as the sin of witchcraft. Same thing. And stubbornness is as worshiping idols. Now most of you, you wouldn't get some idol. And sit it on your mantle. And start bowing down and praying to it. You wouldn't do that. But you're stubborn. And it's the same. [00:11:34] (60 seconds)
You can make a decision in your rebellion and be stubborn and stick your feet in the mud and say I'm going to do it this way, my way. When you already know God put you in a place or God did a thing or said a thing or connected you to somebody but you're going to be rebellious. You're going to do your thing. You're going to do it your way. There will be a price to pay for your rebellion. There will be a price to pay for your stubbornness. Go ahead, be rebellious. Be stubborn. You're only hurting yourself. [00:14:01] (44 seconds)
Refuse stubbornness. Be agreeable sometime. Be kind sometime. Open your heart and your mind to, to consider another option sometime instead of just doing your own thing because the Bible says there is a way that seems right to a man but the end thereof are the ways of death. Refuse rebellion. Refuse stubbornness. Then refuse doubt. You're going to be a Christian. Just believe the Bible. Refuse your doubt. Refuse unbelief. [00:15:16] (41 seconds)
I would rather believe in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form and void and the Holy Spirit brooded. Hovered over the face of the waters. And then he started, let there be. And there was. And he saw that it was good and said, that is good. And he said, let there be. And he created with his word. And it came to pass. So I refuse doubt. I refuse unbelief. I believe the Bible. Refuse evil spirits. [00:17:07] (44 seconds)
and you start reading this book and his word is precious to you and worship your relationship with him is precious to you the devil can't stay he can't he can't stay he will flee from you so resist evil spirits bondage and captivity here's a good one everybody wants to know how to be healed refuse sickness just refuse it people go to the doctor they get a diagnosis and then here's what they say I have and they start saying the words I'm a strong advocate of the Bible Job 22 says declare a thing that it might be established so when you start declaring I have this you don't have that refuse it [00:21:00] (52 seconds)
having died to sins might live for righteousness and by whose stripes you were healed when he died on the cross you were healed you were healed then you can receive that healing now refuse sickness refuse disease refuse it make up your mind don't take it into your body it boils back down to a choice say but i have these symptoms i don't care refuse it becky fender is a friend of ours her husband lay pastor in texas a number of years ago she was diagnosed with cancer she refused it but all the symptoms were there [00:23:37] (47 seconds)
John 10, 10 says the thief, he does not come except for one reason, to steal, to kill, and to destroy. That is his agenda. That is his purpose. He wants to steal from you. He wants to steal everything that you have, everything that is precious. He wants to steal your finances. He wants to steal your children. He wants to steal your marriage. He wants to steal your peace. He wants to steal your joy. He wants to steal your church. He wants to steal your business, your family, everything that is precious to you, he wants to steal. [00:24:39] (31 seconds)
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