Empowered Faith: Weapons of Grace for Growth
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the dynamic and often challenging journey of faith, focusing on the importance of maintaining a forward momentum in our spiritual lives. We began by reflecting on historical patterns where the church, when it becomes complacent, often faces external pressures that force it to grow and spread the gospel. This is reminiscent of Acts 8:1, where persecution led to the scattering and subsequent expansion of the early church. We are encouraged to proactively seek God's revelation and walk in victory, rather than waiting for a crisis to push us forward.
We celebrated a praise report from Northern India, where a member of the Bihar people group came to faith, marking a significant milestone for our missionary efforts. This led us into a discussion on the "weapons of grace" that God has given us to navigate and transform challenging situations. The first weapon is love, which can change hearts and situations when it is the love of Jesus flowing through us. This love is not about fuzzy feelings but about seeing others through Jesus' eyes, even in difficult circumstances.
Next, we delved into forgiveness, which is a powerful act that releases us from the control of past hurts and aligns us with God's will. Forgiveness is not about condoning wrong actions but about freeing ourselves from their power over us. This act of grace allows us to move forward and hear from Jesus more clearly.
Mercy was the third weapon discussed. Mercy opens doors and changes situations by allowing us to receive others as Jesus does, without judgment. It is a challenging but transformative practice that can alter the entire atmosphere of our interactions.
Prayer was highlighted as the fourth weapon. It is a direct line to align ourselves with God's will and bring His power into our situations. Prayer is not just about asking for things but about seeking God's perspective and trusting Him to act. It is a powerful tool that can reach across distances and circumstances to bring about change.
The fifth weapon is the name of Jesus, which carries all authority in heaven and earth. When we invoke His name, we tap into a power that can overcome any demonic force or obstacle. The name of Jesus is a declaration of His victory and our alignment with His authority.
We then turned to Matthew 16, where Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" This question is crucial for us today as it challenges us to see Jesus in His fullness and trust Him in our current circumstances. Our perception of Jesus directly impacts how we live out our faith and face our challenges.
We concluded by emphasizing the offensive nature of Jesus' ministry. He is not just a comforter but a warrior king who pushes us to grow and expand His kingdom. This offensive stance is necessary for victory and requires us to actively engage with our faith and the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Forward Momentum in Faith: Historical patterns show that the church often grows through external pressures. Acts 8:1 illustrates how persecution led to the scattering and expansion of the early church. We are encouraged to seek God's revelation and walk in victory proactively, rather than waiting for crises to push us forward. [01:30:40]
2. The Power of Love as a Weapon of Grace: Love, when it comes from Jesus, can transform hearts and situations. It is not about fuzzy feelings but about seeing others through Jesus' eyes, even in difficult circumstances. This divine love can bring resurrection to dead situations and expand God's kingdom. [01:32:34]
3. Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom: Forgiveness releases us from the control of past hurts and aligns us with God's will. It is not about condoning wrong actions but about freeing ourselves from their power over us. This act of grace allows us to move forward and hear from Jesus more clearly. [01:35:10]
4. Mercy Opens Doors: Mercy allows us to receive others as Jesus does, without judgment. It is a challenging but transformative practice that can change the entire atmosphere of our interactions. By extending mercy, we create opportunities for God's grace to work in and through us. [01:38:50]
5. The Authority in the Name of Jesus: The name of Jesus carries all authority in heaven and earth. When we invoke His name, we tap into a power that can overcome any demonic force or obstacle. This declaration of His victory aligns us with His authority and brings His kingdom into our lives. [01:41:58]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05:42] - Personal Story and Praise Report
[01:09:05] - Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading
[01:10:26] - Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
[01:12:32] - Peter's Revelation
[01:13:38] - Worship and Faith
[01:14:29] - Singing vs. Worship
[01:15:58] - Offensive and Defensive Faith
[01:17:03] - Jesus' Offensive Nature
[01:18:16] - The Cross as an Offensive Move
[01:19:08] - Jesus' Humiliation and Victory
[01:20:51] - Jesus Covers Us
[01:22:52] - Jesus as a Warrior King
[01:24:12] - The Kingdom of God Expands
[01:25:25] - Dorothy Sayer's Quote
[01:26:40] - Jesus' Victory in Our Circumstances
[01:28:01] - Grace and Truth Through Jesus
[01:29:13] - The Holy Spirit and Grace
[01:30:40] - Historical Patterns of Church Growth
[01:32:34] - Love as a Weapon of Grace
[01:35:10] - The Power of Forgiveness
[01:36:34] - Mercy as an Open Door
[01:38:50] - The Transformative Power of Mercy
[01:40:32] - The Power of Prayer
[01:41:58] - Authority in the Name of Jesus
[01:43:31] - Jesus' Authority Over Demonic Powers
[01:44:44] - Bearing the Name of the Lord
[01:45:59] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:47:09] - Farewell and Final Thoughts
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:13-20 - "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.' Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah."
2. Acts 8:1 - "And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."
3. John 1:16-17 - "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
### Observation Questions
1. What question did Jesus ask His disciples in Matthew 16:13-15, and how did Peter respond? ([01:10:14])
2. According to Acts 8:1, what was the result of the persecution that broke out against the church in Jerusalem?
3. In John 1:16-17, what two things are said to have come through Jesus Christ?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" and how does this question challenge us today? ([01:10:26])
2. How does the scattering of the early church in Acts 8:1 illustrate the concept of forward momentum in faith? ([01:30:09])
3. What does it mean to receive "grace upon grace" as mentioned in John 1:16-17, and how does this relate to the "weapons of grace" discussed in the sermon? ([01:28:01])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a crisis that pushed you to grow in your faith. How can you proactively seek God's revelation and walk in victory without waiting for a crisis? ([01:30:38])
2. The sermon mentioned love as a weapon of grace that can transform hearts and situations. Think of a difficult relationship in your life. How can you show the love of Jesus in that situation this week? ([01:32:34])
3. Forgiveness was highlighted as a path to freedom. Is there someone you need to forgive to release yourself from the control of past hurts? What steps can you take to begin this process? ([01:35:10])
4. Mercy opens doors and changes situations. Can you identify a situation where extending mercy could alter the atmosphere of your interactions? How will you practice mercy in that context? ([01:38:50])
5. Prayer is a powerful tool to align ourselves with God's will. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to seek God's perspective and trust Him to act? ([01:40:32])
6. The name of Jesus carries all authority. In what areas of your life do you need to invoke the name of Jesus to overcome obstacles or demonic forces? How will you declare His victory this week? ([01:41:58])
7. Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" is crucial for our faith. How does your perception of Jesus impact how you live out your faith and face your current challenges? ([01:10:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Forward Momentum in Faith
Maintaining forward momentum in our spiritual lives is crucial for growth. Historical patterns show that the church often grows through external pressures, as seen in Acts 8:1, where persecution led to the scattering and expansion of the early church. This scattering was not a setback but a divine strategy to spread the gospel further. We are encouraged to proactively seek God's revelation and walk in victory, rather than waiting for crises to push us forward. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purpose and allow His power to work through us in advancing His kingdom. [01:30:40]
Acts 8:1 (ESV): "And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to proactively seek God's revelation and maintain forward momentum in your faith journey?
Day 2: The Power of Love as a Weapon of Grace
Love, when it comes from Jesus, has the power to transform hearts and situations. This love is not about fuzzy feelings but about seeing others through Jesus' eyes, even in difficult circumstances. It is a divine love that can bring resurrection to dead situations and expand God's kingdom. By allowing Jesus' love to flow through us, we can impact those around us in profound ways, demonstrating the transformative power of grace. This love is a weapon that can break down barriers and bring healing and restoration. [01:32:34]
1 John 4:12 (ESV): "No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Think of a challenging relationship in your life. How can you show the love of Jesus to that person today?
Day 3: Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom
Forgiveness releases us from the control of past hurts and aligns us with God's will. It is not about condoning wrong actions but about freeing ourselves from their power over us. This act of grace allows us to move forward and hear from Jesus more clearly. By forgiving others, we open ourselves to God's healing and can experience true freedom. Forgiveness is a powerful act that breaks the chains of bitterness and resentment, allowing us to live in the fullness of God's grace and peace. [01:35:10]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? Ask God to help you release any bitterness and extend His grace to that person.
Day 4: Mercy Opens Doors
Mercy allows us to receive others as Jesus does, without judgment. It is a challenging but transformative practice that can change the entire atmosphere of our interactions. By extending mercy, we create opportunities for God's grace to work in and through us. Mercy opens doors and changes situations by allowing us to see others through the lens of compassion and understanding. This practice can alter the dynamics of our relationships and create an environment where God's love and grace can flourish. [01:38:50]
James 2:13 (ESV): "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Reflection: How can you show mercy to someone in your life today, especially in a situation where it is difficult to do so?
Day 5: The Authority in the Name of Jesus
The name of Jesus carries all authority in heaven and earth. When we invoke His name, we tap into a power that can overcome any demonic force or obstacle. This declaration of His victory aligns us with His authority and brings His kingdom into our lives. The name of Jesus is a powerful weapon that we can use to stand against the enemy and claim victory in our circumstances. By bearing His name, we declare our allegiance to Him and His authority over every situation we face. [01:41:58]
Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV): "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invoke the authority of Jesus' name today? How can you declare His victory over that situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Mercy opens that door of, you know, what I'm going to receive you, because Jesus receives you. And I'll let him deal with your sanctification, just as he is dealing with mine. But I'm going to call you in a sanctification, but I'm going to do it with mercy, because I want mercy. This is a hard one to walk out, guys, but there are a lot of situations where the entire situation can change if you bring mercy to the table." [01:38:50]
2. "Prayer is actually Jesus. I want to align myself. I want, I want to know what your will is. Let your will be done on earth as it is happening. Lord, I don't understand this situation. I do understand that you are higher than me. And so, Lord, I choose to trust you in your view in this situation that you are able to be God. Be anxious for nothing, but with all things with prayers, applications, with things giving, let your request be known to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus." [01:40:32]
3. "The fifth one is the name of Jesus. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. In my name, you shall. Whatever you ask in my name, there's power in the name of Jesus. You know, demonic powers don't have authority over the name of Jesus. The only power they really have is the extent of our belief in the name of Jesus. Sometimes we're tormented by things that we have cast off by the name of Jesus. But we believe for whatever reason that we deserve the torment." [01:41:58]
4. "Jesus is a warrior king. I know we like to look at Him, even like with the chosen, just kind. And we want our pastors to be kind. You know, but there's an aspect of Jesus that is an absolute warrior king. In Psalms it says, he teaches my hands to war. Now, our war is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. And we overcome the principalities and powers by applying Jesus and bringing Jesus in his authority into the situation." [01:22:52]
### Quotes for Members
1. "What's the biggest battle you're facing right now when you're right? Jesus has a weight to overcome in that situation. For him to be glorified, for his kingdom to be expanded, for people to be set free, maybe even you. He has a weight. And if we will look to that and move toward our warrior king, Jesus. Who do you say I am? Well, Jesus, I want to say who you really are. So get into the revelation I need for the circumstance. So I can declare who you are and bring the warrior king into this situation and move offensively that the kingdom of heaven has expanded and I'm not overrun by the kingdom of darkness." [01:26:40]
2. "If you do a little study in history, you'll see some kind of funny things where over a period of time, the church begins to stop moving forward and moves backwards and solidifies. And then they get invaded. And by the invasion, then the gospel is forced. The church is broken to a way and the seed is broken and then it begins to grow and it expands out. Do you know how the Vikings came to Jesus? Do you know how the Gauls came to Jesus? Acts 8-1 is a fulfillment of Acts 1-8." [01:30:40]
3. "Number one is love. Love is a weapon when you don't love the person and Jesus gives you love for that person. When you're in a situation where there is all love lost, but Jesus gives you love and it changes the situation and moves in from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. You know what would be really crazy? You know where we can talk and we can disagree. But I still see you as a human being in your value and I love you. Let's figure this out." [01:32:34]
4. "Number two, the second, one of the second, big movements of grace on your heart that our weapons that just breaks the kingdom of heaven into a situation is forgiveness. Supernatural forgiveness just whew knocks down walls. And again, same thing with abusive situations is because you forgive them doesn't mean that you have to. But forgiveness, man, it just opens situations. It breaks down walls, it sets people free. What forgiveness does, I was thinking about it. It's basically forgiveness is declaring, you know what? Your actions don't dictate God's will for my life." [01:35:10]
5. "And he doesn't do it on his own. It's not like, you know, he's like, I'm not willing to do this. But I'm willing to go around telling you how you need to be. Jesus was offensive in himself. I mean, look at the cross. The cross is a very offensive moving forward, pushing the envelope, bringing the victory when no one was looking for it. It's a touchdown. Even though we didn't even know we were playing ball. He's like, Father, I don't want to do this. Nothing within me wants to because I'm wounded. It's been a hard, free to have years. If there's any other way to do this, please. But not my will, but your will be done because I know it needs to happen." [01:19:08]
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