Empowered to Be Game Changers Through Praise
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound impact of truly knowing God and the transformative power it bestows upon us to become game changers in our world. Drawing from Daniel 11:32, I emphasized that those who know their God are empowered to perform great exploits. This knowledge isn't merely intellectual; it involves a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by intimate worship and praise.
I began by recounting the biblical narrative of Daniel, a quintessential game changer whose understanding of God enabled him to thrive in foreign lands and influence great kings. Like Daniel, we are called to be influencers in our spheres, not by conforming to the world but by transforming it through divine wisdom and strength.
I highlighted historical figures like Edison and the Wright brothers, who altered the course of history through their innovations. These secular examples parallel the spiritual game changers who, filled with the Holy Spirit, solve problems and overcome challenges that seem insurmountable to others.
A significant part of the sermon was dedicated to the concept of praise as a weapon and a source of strength. I delved into various Hebrew words for praise, such as "yada," which signifies a lifting of hands in worship, and "halal," from which "hallelujah" is derived, meaning to celebrate God exuberantly. These expressions of praise are not just acts of worship but are declarations of faith that precede and precipitate God's intervention in our circumstances.
I also addressed the practical outworking of this knowledge and praise in our daily lives. By standing firm in faith and praising God, we are equipped to push back against the challenges we face, whether they be sickness, financial difficulties, or relational strife. The authority to overcome these obstacles comes from our identity in Christ, reinforced by our intimate knowledge of and relationship with God.
Furthermore, I encouraged the congregation to embrace their identity as game changers, not just in the church but in every area of life. This involves being bold and confident in God's power working through us, standing firm in faith when faced with opposition, and continually advancing the kingdom of God through our actions and words.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Your Identity in Christ: Knowing who you are in God is crucial. As believers, we are anointed to be game changers, equipped to face any challenge with divine strength. This identity is not just for our benefit but for advancing God's kingdom on earth. [04:07]
2. The Power of Praise: Praise is not merely a response to what God has done but a declaration of faith in what He will do. It is an act of spiritual warfare that strengthens us and brings God's presence into our situations. When we praise, we align ourselves with God's promises and power. [21:04]
3. Being a Problem Solver Through the Holy Spirit: As followers of Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to solve problems in our communities and beyond. This is not by our might but by the Spirit's power flowing through us, enabling us to bring solutions where there is despair. [03:28]
4. The Importance of Standing Firm: In times of adversity, standing firm in our faith can be a powerful testimony. Sometimes, our greatest witness is not in the words we say but in the unyielding stand we take, rooted in our knowledge of God's faithfulness. [52:22]
5. Continuous Spiritual Growth and Impact: Being a game changer means not resting on past victories but striving for continual growth and impact. It involves a relentless pursuit of God's presence and purpose for our lives, leading to perpetual spiritual advancement. [43:00]
### Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
01:43 - The Call to Be Game Changers
02:31 - Historical Examples of Game Changers
03:28 - Empowered to Solve Problems
04:07 - Identity and Authority in Christ
21:04 - The Strength of Praise
38:20 - Dominion and Authority Over Challenges
43:00 - Perpetual Advancement and Impact
52:22 - The Power of Standing Firm
53:00 - Closing Prayer and Commission
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Daniel 11:32 (NIV): "With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Daniel 11:32 say about the people who know their God? How are they described in terms of their actions and strength?
2. In the sermon, how is Daniel portrayed as a game changer? What specific actions did he take that demonstrated his deep knowledge of God? [01:43]
3. What are some of the Hebrew words for praise mentioned in the sermon, and what do they signify? [07:07]
4. How does the pastor describe the role of praise in spiritual warfare and personal strength? [21:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have a "deep, personal relationship with God" as described in the sermon? How does this differ from merely having intellectual knowledge of God? [07:07]
2. How can praise be considered a weapon in spiritual warfare? What are the implications of this for a believer's daily life? [21:04]
3. The sermon mentions historical figures like Edison and the Wright brothers as game changers. How do these secular examples parallel the spiritual game changers mentioned in the sermon? [02:31]
4. What does it mean to stand firm in faith during times of adversity, and how can this be a powerful testimony to others? [52:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own relationship with God. Do you feel it is more intellectual or personal? What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God this week? [07:07]
2. The sermon emphasizes the power of praise. How can you incorporate more praise into your daily routine, especially during challenging times? [21:04]
3. Think of a problem or challenge you are currently facing. How can you approach it as a game changer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to find a solution? [03:28]
4. In what ways can you stand firm in your faith when faced with opposition or adversity? Share a recent experience where you had to stand firm and how it impacted you and others. [52:22]
5. The sermon encourages continuous spiritual growth and impact. What are some specific areas in your life where you feel called to grow and make an impact? How can you pursue this growth intentionally? [43:00]
6. How can you use praise as a declaration of faith in your current circumstances? Identify a specific situation where you can start praising God before seeing the breakthrough. [08:57]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of knowing your identity in Christ. How does understanding your identity as a game changer influence your actions and decisions in everyday life? [04:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Identity
Understanding who you are in Christ is foundational to living a life of impact and purpose. As believers, we are anointed to be game changers, equipped to face any challenge with divine strength. This identity is not just for our benefit but for advancing God's kingdom on earth. Recognizing and embracing this identity allows us to step into roles that God has prepared for us, where our actions and decisions can significantly influence those around us and further the kingdom's cause. This empowerment is rooted in a deep, personal relationship with God, where intimate knowledge of Him transforms us from the inside out. [04:07]
2 Corinthians 5:20 - "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you actively live out your identity as Christ’s ambassador in your daily interactions?
Day 2: The Dynamic Power of Praise
Praise is not merely a response to what God has done but a powerful declaration of faith in what He will do. It is an act of spiritual warfare that strengthens us and brings God's presence into our situations. When we praise, we align ourselves with God's promises and power, setting the stage for Him to move mightily in our lives. This act of worship is both a weapon and a source of strength, enabling us to face challenges with a boldness that comes from divine assurance. Praise shifts our focus from our circumstances to the sovereignty and goodness of God, fostering a heart of trust and expectation. [21:04]
Psalm 149:6-9 - "Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!"
Reflection: What situation in your life today needs the transformative power of praise?
Day 3: Empowered to Solve Problems Through the Spirit
As followers of Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to solve problems in our communities and beyond. This divine empowerment enables us to bring solutions where there is despair, not by our might but by the Spirit's power flowing through us. Whether it's social injustice, community strife, or personal challenges, being filled with the Holy Spirit equips us to address these issues effectively. This role as problem solvers is a direct manifestation of our faith in action, demonstrating God's love and power in tangible ways. [03:28]
Zechariah 4:6 - "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: Identify a problem in your community where you can be a conduit of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Day 4: Stand Firm in Faith During Adversity
In times of adversity, standing firm in our faith can be a powerful testimony to those around us. Sometimes, our greatest witness is not in the words we say but in the unyielding stand we take, rooted in our knowledge of God's faithfulness. This firm stance is a declaration of our trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to see us through any situation. By standing firm, we not only sustain ourselves during trials but also inspire others to seek and trust in God during their own struggles. [52:22]
1 Peter 5:8-9 - "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: What current challenge requires you to stand firm in your faith, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Day 5: Pursue Continuous Spiritual Growth and Impact
Being a game changer means not resting on past victories but striving for continual growth and impact. It involves a relentless pursuit of God's presence and purpose for our lives, leading to perpetual spiritual advancement. This pursuit is essential for maintaining vitality in our spiritual walk and effectiveness in our ministry. As we grow and evolve, we are better equipped to face new challenges and to help others on their spiritual journeys. This continuous growth ensures that our lives remain a vibrant testament to God's transformative power. [43:00]
Colossians 1:10 - "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What are practical steps you can take this week to pursue spiritual growth and make a lasting impact in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You were created to solve problems. You were created for conflict. You were built for battle. And you were created to solve problems. And if there is a problem that is in your world, in your life, it needs to be solved by you with the power of the Holy Ghost flowing through you." [04:07]
2. "Game changers don't have any trouble preaching Jesus. Because they're strong. They're not intimidated by the haters. They're not intimidated by the naysayers. They have strength. They have boldness. They have confidence. Be bold. Be strong in the power of his might." [51:55]
3. "A game changer is a visionary. A game changer is a trendsetter. A game changer is a pathbreaker. An upsetter. An innovator. Somebody that drastically changes the outcome. It's a remnant person. It's somebody that won't settle for status quo." [04:43]
4. "His report says I am healed! His report says I am free! His report says I am blessed! His report says I am anointed! His report says I am greater than I think I am because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." [05:38]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The people that know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits. It means there will be purposeful accomplishment. You're going to get things done. In James, he said every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights." [38:20]
2. "Game changers carry out great exploits and they have perpetual advancement. What that means is we might have had a great miracle last Sunday, we're gonna have another one today. We might have had a great miracle yesterday, we're gonna have another one today." [43:00]
3. "When you're strong, you conquer. Somebody say I am a conqueror. I am an overcomer. The word says I am an overcomer through the blood of the lamb and the word of my testimony. You need to share your testimony. You need to shout the word. You need to be a praiser." [22:41]
4. "The people that know their gods shall be strong. The translation is the people that are praisers, the people that are worshipers, the people that are intimate with God, the people that go deep. They're the strong ones, they're the ones the enemy can't kill." [28:05]
5. "You want to be strong, start praising Him. You want to do great exploits, start praising Him. You want to see something take place in your world, in your family, in the atmosphere on your job, in your business, in this city, in this country, on the planet Earth, start praising Him." [10:38]
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