Engaging with God's Holiness and Trusting His Plan
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the holiness of God and the importance of being in His presence. We are reminded that our purpose in coming together is not merely to fulfill a religious obligation but to truly engage with God, acknowledging His holiness and seeking His guidance in our lives. The Word of God is central to our faith, serving as the foundation for understanding His will and purpose for us. It is not just a collection of sayings but the inspired Word of God, meant to guide us into becoming the people He desires us to be.
We explored the concept that God's will is always the best for our lives, even when it challenges our understanding. Trusting in God's plan requires faith, as He promises to direct our paths when we lean not on our own understanding but on His wisdom. This trust is akin to the relationship between a parent and child, where the parent desires the best for the child, even when the child cannot see it.
Furthermore, we discussed the principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that generosity and cheerful giving are integral to our spiritual growth and the expansion of God's kingdom. God blesses those who give with a willing heart, ensuring that they have all they need and more to share with others. This is not just about financial giving but about being a blessing to others, reflecting God's love and grace.
We also touched on the importance of honoring God with our lives, recognizing that we are not saved for our own benefit but to bring glory to Him. Our lives should be a testament to His goodness, drawing others to Him. This involves a commitment to spiritual maturity, moving from being consumers of God's blessings to contributors to His work.
Finally, we extended an invitation to those who have not yet entered into a relationship with Jesus, emphasizing the significance of crossing the line of faith and committing to follow Him. This is a journey of transformation, where we continually grow in our faith and understanding of God's will.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holiness of God: Our gatherings are not just rituals but opportunities to engage with the holy presence of God. Recognizing His holiness should inspire us to live lives that honor Him, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all we do. [00:28]
- Trust in God's Plan: Trusting in God's will requires faith, especially when it challenges our understanding. Like a parent guiding a child, God desires the best for us, and we must learn to lean on His wisdom rather than our own. [07:03]
- The Principle of Generosity: Generosity is a key aspect of our spiritual journey. God blesses those who give cheerfully, ensuring they have all they need and more to share with others. This principle of sowing and reaping is foundational to experiencing God's blessings. [10:30]
- Honoring God with Our Lives: We are called to honor God not just with our words but with our actions. Our lives should reflect His goodness and draw others to Him, recognizing that we are saved to bring glory to God. [15:05]
- Invitation to Faith: Entering into a relationship with Jesus is a transformative journey. It involves crossing the line of faith, committing to follow Him, and continually growing in our understanding of His will. This is an invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [35:54]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - The Holiness of God
[01:16] - Engaging with God's Presence
[02:10] - The Reality of Faith
[03:09] - The Power of God's Word
[04:17] - God's Will and Our Lives
[05:57] - Understanding Scripture in Context
[07:03] - Trusting God's Plan
[10:30] - The Principle of Generosity
[11:24] - Being a Blessing to Others
[12:48] - Keeping Jesus First
[15:05] - Honoring God with Our Lives
[19:12] - The Importance of Respect
[23:04] - God's Plan for Provision
[35:54] - Invitation to Faith
[40:23] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
3. Malachi 1:6-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Proverbs 3:5-6 teach us about trusting in God's plan rather than our own understanding? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about faith and trust in God’s wisdom? [07:03]
2. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, what is the principle of sowing and reaping, and how does it relate to the concept of cheerful giving discussed in the sermon? [10:30]
3. According to Malachi 1:6-14, what does God say about honoring Him, and how does this passage illustrate the importance of giving God the respect He deserves? [19:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between a parent and child as a metaphor for our relationship with God? What are some examples given? [07:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the importance of recognizing God's holiness in our gatherings? What impact does this have on our daily lives and spiritual growth? [00:28]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trusting in God's plan can be challenging, and how does it encourage believers to overcome these challenges? [07:03]
3. How does the principle of generosity, as discussed in the sermon, extend beyond financial giving? What are some practical ways to be a blessing to others? [10:30]
4. What does the sermon say about the role of spiritual maturity in honoring God with our lives? How does this relate to moving from being consumers to contributors in our faith journey? [15:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's plan. What steps can you take to lean more on His wisdom rather than your own understanding in similar situations? [07:03]
2. How can you practice cheerful giving in your daily life, not just financially but in other areas such as time and talents? Identify one specific way you can be generous this week. [10:30]
3. Consider your current spiritual maturity. What is one area where you can grow to better honor God with your life? How can you take a step towards being a contributor rather than a consumer in your faith community? [15:05]
4. Think about the people in your life who may not yet know Jesus. How can you extend an invitation to faith, as discussed in the sermon, and what specific actions can you take to share the message of Christ with them? [35:54]
5. In what ways can you ensure that your life is a testament to God's goodness, drawing others to Him? Identify one action you can take this week to reflect God's love and grace in your interactions with others. [15:05]
6. How can you incorporate the principle of sowing and reaping into your spiritual practices? What is one area where you can plant seeds of faith and generosity to experience God's blessings? [10:30]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about honoring God. What is one specific way you can show respect and honor to God in your daily routine, and how can this impact your relationship with Him? [19:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Engaging with God's Holiness
In our gatherings, we are invited to engage with the holy presence of God, not merely as a ritual but as a transformative encounter. Recognizing God's holiness should inspire us to live lives that honor Him, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all we do. This engagement is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, allowing His holiness to shape our character and actions. As we acknowledge His holiness, we are reminded of our purpose to reflect His nature in our daily lives. [00:28]
Isaiah 6:3-5 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to engage with God's holiness and allow it to transform your actions and decisions today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Wisdom
Trusting in God's plan requires faith, especially when it challenges our understanding. Like a parent guiding a child, God desires the best for us, and we must learn to lean on His wisdom rather than our own. This trust is not passive but an active choice to rely on God's promises and direction, even when the path seems unclear. By surrendering our understanding and embracing His wisdom, we open ourselves to the fullness of His guidance and provision. [07:03]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's wisdom? How can you take a step today to surrender your understanding and embrace His guidance?
Day 3: The Joy of Generosity
Generosity is a key aspect of our spiritual journey. God blesses those who give cheerfully, ensuring they have all they need and more to share with others. This principle of sowing and reaping is foundational to experiencing God's blessings. Generosity is not limited to financial giving but encompasses being a blessing to others through acts of kindness, encouragement, and support. As we give with a willing heart, we reflect God's love and grace, contributing to the expansion of His kingdom. [10:30]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Consider a specific way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or encouragement. How can this act of giving reflect God's love to those around you?
Day 4: Living to Honor God
We are called to honor God not just with our words but with our actions. Our lives should reflect His goodness and draw others to Him, recognizing that we are saved to bring glory to God. This involves a commitment to spiritual maturity, moving from being consumers of God's blessings to contributors to His work. By living in a way that honors God, we become a testament to His goodness, inspiring others to seek Him. [15:05]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: In what specific ways can your actions today honor God and serve as a testament to His goodness for those around you?
Day 5: Embracing the Journey of Faith
Entering into a relationship with Jesus is a transformative journey. It involves crossing the line of faith, committing to follow Him, and continually growing in our understanding of His will. This journey is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of transformation, where we experience the fullness of life in Christ. As we grow in faith, we are invited to deepen our relationship with Jesus, allowing His presence to shape our lives and purpose. [35:54]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Reflect on your current journey of faith. What is one area where you feel called to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus, and what steps can you take today to pursue that growth?
Quotes
God's will is always God's best for your life. It always is. And here's why. There is a God and it isn't you. Oh, let's have a little fun with that. Do me a favor. And on the count of three, look at the person next to you and with all the wonderful love you can muster up in your heart, look them dead in the eye and just remind them you're not God. Ready? One, two, three. Tell them you're not God. [00:04:45] (27 seconds)
And I need you to stop leaning onto your own understanding because you're not God. stop arguing and I need you to start stop pushing back thinking you got it all figured out and if you'll do that here's my promise I will I will God holy God Lord Almighty I will direct your paths who's grateful for an amazing father in heaven amen yeah because there's things that we know but there's things we need to trust and you understand that as a parent right [00:07:19] (26 seconds)
And God will give generously and provide all you need. Then, here's the cool thing, you'll always have everything you need. Oh, and because this isn't just about you, God wants you to, you know, he says you're blessed to be a, so God says, I'll take care of everything you need week number one. When we pay attention to Father's business, God takes care of our business. [00:11:02] (22 seconds)
And you see, we're not saved so God can serve us. I don't know. why God says, I got you. You're my child. I love you. I'm going to provide all you need. I don't do, I know what I deserve, but I am so grateful for a heavenly father that loves me as his son, as his child. Amen. It's a big deal. And I'm like, this blows my mind. But at the end of the day, this isn't about consumerism. [00:14:38] (27 seconds)
And so I really want to encourage some of you today to be ready to take a step. I'll show you the step in just a minute because you got to move from being a consumer to a person who gives God the honor and glory he deserves by putting him first through the tithe and the offering, and then also realize that we have a responsibility. Now, this is our house. If you're going to call this your house, it's just like your house at home. [00:31:35] (31 seconds)
And this is how serious we are as a house of God to have plenty of food for people because we got a lot more, thousands of more people to bring the bread of life and living water to, amen? This isn't games. Eternity hangs in the balance. And if you're here today and you don't know, Jesus as your savior, if you're not in a relationship with Christ, or if you're sitting there right now saying, oh, no, I prayed a prayer, and you're trying to talk yourself into it. [00:35:22] (30 seconds)
And I surrender my life and I commit to following you the rest of the days of my life, I pray. Now, with heads bowed and eyes closed, if you just prayed that prayer, the Bible says you've been born again. I want to give you a little card. You may not fully understand everything that just happened, but spiritually speaking, you've gone from death to life. And I want to give you a little card that says, today I suggested Jesus. [00:36:51] (26 seconds)
You do not need to pray about tithe and offerings any more than your teenager needs to pray about whether or not they're going to respect and honor mom and dad. Amen. There are certain things you don't need to pray about. You don't need to pray about giving. You don't. You don't need to pray about baptism. You don't need to pray about reading your Bible. You don't need to pray about attending church. You're already here. [00:38:25] (27 seconds)
You're never going to understand the faithfulness of God to the level he wants you to understand until you start taking steps in your life. You got to stop arguing and don't get mad at me. And don't think the church is all about money. This isn't about money. We're going to be just fine. We're good. This is about, we're going to keep doing more. And those that want to honor God, respect God, and provide food for the house, let's go. Amen. [00:39:32] (34 seconds)
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