Exalting God: Understanding and Addressing Our Spiritual Debt

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the theme of exalting God and recognizing the profound significance of our spiritual debt. We began by lifting up the name of God, acknowledging His worthiness to be praised and exalted above all else. Despite the varying experiences of our past week, we gathered in His presence, seeking His strength, guidance, and empowerment. We prayed for boldness to be His light in a dark world, to be difference-makers, and to bring hope and encouragement to those who do not know Him.

We explored the concept of spiritual debt, drawing parallels with the financial debts we often prioritize. Just as we are concerned about settling our financial obligations, we must also be mindful of our spiritual debt to God. This debt, caused by sin, is something we cannot repay on our own. It is only through Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price on Calvary's cross, that our spiritual debt can be cleared. We emphasized the uniqueness of Jesus as the only way to salvation, urging everyone to place their faith in His death, burial, and resurrection.

In a world that often prioritizes everything else over Jesus, we are called to be igniters of spiritual life in others. We are reminded that our greatest problem is not our financial or personal debts but our spiritual debt. The good news is that Jesus offers the gift of eternal life, a gift that is freely given and not earned by our works. We are encouraged to live in the power of the resurrection daily, to let our light shine, and to fulfill the purpose for which God has left us on this earth.

As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we are challenged to start conversations about the eternal revenue service, sharing the message that Jesus is the only one who can pay off our spiritual debt. We are invited to trust in Him fully and to live a life that reflects His love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

- Exalting God in All Circumstances: Regardless of our week's experiences, we gather to exalt God, recognizing His worthiness and seeking His presence to fill, cleanse, and empower us. Our worship is not just about receiving but about giving back to God for His love and sacrifice. [21:07]

- Understanding Spiritual Debt: Just as we are concerned about financial debts, we must prioritize our spiritual debt to God. This debt, caused by sin, can only be cleared through Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price on the cross. [25:01]

- The Uniqueness of Jesus: Jesus is the only way to salvation, offering the gift of eternal life. This gift is not earned by our works but is freely given through His sacrifice. We are called to place our faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. [01:11:53]

- Living in the Power of the Resurrection: We are encouraged to live daily in the power of the resurrection, letting our light shine and fulfilling the purpose for which God has left us on this earth. Our lives should reflect His love and grace. [01:36:59]

- Sharing the Message of Salvation: We are challenged to start conversations about the eternal revenue service, sharing the message that Jesus is the only one who can pay off our spiritual debt. We are invited to trust in Him fully and to live a life that reflects His love and grace. [01:41:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [21:07] - Exalting God in Worship
- [22:24] - Gathering in His Presence
- [23:22] - Seeking Empowerment and Boldness
- [25:01] - Understanding Spiritual Debt
- [26:09] - Celebrating Our Mighty God
- [28:17] - Introducing Shai Speaks
- [57:39] - God's Plan and Sacrifice
- [58:10] - Embracing Spontaneity in Worship
- [59:01] - Super Bowl Sunday Reflections
- [01:07:53] - Acts Chapter 4: Spiritual Debt
- [01:11:53] - The Uniqueness of Jesus
- [01:13:11] - Our Greatest Problem: Sin
- [01:21:21] - Eternal Separation from God
- [01:41:16] - Invitation to Trust in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 4:5-12
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 6:23

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Observation Questions:

1. In Acts 4:5-12, what was the response of Peter when questioned about the healing of the crippled man? How does this relate to the theme of spiritual debt? [01:10:25]

2. According to Romans 3:23, what is the universal condition of humanity, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual debt discussed in the sermon? [01:13:11]

3. How does the sermon describe the uniqueness of Jesus in relation to salvation, as mentioned in Acts 4:12? [01:11:53]

4. What examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the idea of prioritizing spiritual debt over financial or personal debts? [01:15:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in clearing our spiritual debt? Why is this considered the only way to salvation? [01:11:53]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that people often prioritize other aspects of life over their spiritual debt? How does this reflect in their daily choices and actions? [01:15:46]

3. The sermon mentions living in the power of the resurrection daily. What does this mean, and how can it impact a believer's life? [01:36:59]

4. How does the sermon challenge the audience to start conversations about the "eternal revenue service"? What is the intended outcome of these conversations? [01:41:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your past week. How have you exalted God in your daily life, regardless of your circumstances? What specific actions can you take to prioritize worship in your routine? [21:07]

2. Consider your own spiritual debt. How does understanding that Jesus has paid this debt influence your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your faith in His sacrifice? [01:11:53]

3. The sermon encourages believers to be igniters of spiritual life in others. Identify one person in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you initiate a conversation about faith with them this week? [01:41:16]

4. How can you live more intentionally in the power of the resurrection? Identify one area of your life where you can let your light shine brighter. [01:36:59]

5. Reflect on the concept of the "eternal revenue service." How often do you consider your spiritual life in comparison to your financial or personal concerns? What changes can you make to prioritize your spiritual well-being? [01:15:46]

6. The sermon challenges us to trust fully in Jesus. What are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust Him completely? How can you work on surrendering these areas to Him? [01:41:16]

7. How can you incorporate the message of salvation into your daily interactions? Think of a practical way to share the gospel with someone in your community this week. [01:41:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Exalting God in Every Circumstance
In the midst of life's challenges and triumphs, we are called to exalt God, recognizing His worthiness and seeking His presence to fill, cleanse, and empower us. Worship is not merely about receiving blessings but about giving back to God for His love and sacrifice. Regardless of the experiences of the past week, gathering in His presence allows us to seek His strength, guidance, and empowerment. This act of worship is a declaration of God's sovereignty and a reminder of His constant presence in our lives. [21:07]

Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"

Reflection: In what specific ways can you exalt God today, regardless of your current circumstances? How can you make worship a daily practice in your life?


Day 2: Prioritizing Our Spiritual Debt
Just as we are concerned about settling our financial obligations, we must also be mindful of our spiritual debt to God. This debt, caused by sin, is something we cannot repay on our own. It is only through Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price on Calvary's cross, that our spiritual debt can be cleared. Understanding this concept helps us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over material concerns, recognizing that our greatest problem is not financial or personal debts but our spiritual debt. [25:01]

Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to prioritize your spiritual health over material concerns? How does understanding your spiritual debt change your perspective on daily life?


Day 3: The Uniqueness of Jesus
Jesus is the only way to salvation, offering the gift of eternal life. This gift is not earned by our works but is freely given through His sacrifice. We are called to place our faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, acknowledging that He is the only one who can pay off our spiritual debt. In a world that often prioritizes everything else over Jesus, we are called to be igniters of spiritual life in others, sharing the message of His unique role in salvation. [01:11:53]

Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Reflection: How can you share the uniqueness of Jesus with someone in your life today? What does it mean for you personally to place your faith in His sacrifice?


Day 4: Living in the Power of the Resurrection
We are encouraged to live daily in the power of the resurrection, letting our light shine and fulfilling the purpose for which God has left us on this earth. Our lives should reflect His love and grace, demonstrating the transformative power of the resurrection in our daily actions and interactions. This involves embracing the new life we have in Christ and allowing His love to guide our decisions and relationships. [01:36:59]

Ephesians 1:18-20 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."

Reflection: In what ways can you let the power of the resurrection influence your actions today? How can you be a light to those around you, reflecting Christ's love and grace?


Day 5: Sharing the Message of Salvation
We are challenged to start conversations about the eternal revenue service, sharing the message that Jesus is the only one who can pay off our spiritual debt. This involves trusting in Him fully and living a life that reflects His love and grace. By engaging in these conversations, we become difference-makers, bringing hope and encouragement to those who do not know Him. This is an invitation to trust in Christ and to live out our faith in tangible ways. [01:41:16]

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of salvation today? How can you start a conversation with them about the hope and grace found in Jesus?

Quotes

"We ask that, God, you would do in us, O God, what we cannot do for ourselves, O God. We pray, God, that you would equip us, God. We pray, God, that you would embolden us, O God. We pray, God, you open up doors that you have for us, O God. We pray, God, that you would shut doors, God, that are not for us. oh God. We pray, God, you would use us, God, in this dark world, God. We pray, God, we can be light in a dark world, oh God. We pray, God, we can be your voices, God. We pray, God, we can be an extension of you, Lord. We pray, God, we can make an impact for your kingdom, oh God. We pray, God, we can bring hope, God. We can bring encouragement, God. We can bring light to people, God, who do not know you, oh Lord." [00:23:37] (42 seconds)


"We've got people who are cheering for their team, and the person who they're cheering for has never met them, will probably never meet them, and is not thinking about them, but they're buying their jerseys, and they're excited all about them, right? It's Super Bowl Sunday, right? Well, what's the deal? What's the deal? What's the deal? What's the deal? What's the deal? What makes Super Bowl Sunday distinct from any other Sunday? Super Bowl Sunday is significant because it becomes the culmination of an entire season." [00:59:08] (31 seconds)


"so we live in a culture where we are at the adjective super to many things except our Savior we live in a world in a society where we want everything super except Jesus we want to be intense about everything except Jesus we want to be fully committed to most anything whether it's dogs or it's trees or it's vitamins or it's clothing or it's outfits or it's cars we want to be intensive about everything except Jesus you know it's coming up where we're um coming to the internal revenue service time and some of y 'all been calling the church trying to get your refund already because those expenditures you made on December 24th you want to get that refund check as fast and boy I'm cool with it but we're gonna send it right out send it right out right when you think about the internal revenue service it ensures that financial debts are paid and accounted for if if we owe taxes we must settle the debt or face additional penalties we're concerned about the internal revenue service but beyond financial matters there's a far greater debt that we ought to be paying attention to on this Super Sunday the question becomes have you paid your spiritual debt to God my thesis today is to clear your spirit" [01:04:21] (101 seconds)


"account with God you know we live in a day and time where there are so many alternatives to serving Christ there's so many alternatives to the real thing that Christ offers that when it comes to the clarity of who Christ is we become so hyped that we don't even really know who he is and what he offers are we tracking together we live in a world where we believe everything else is the solution except Jesus Christ we live in a world where even even quote -unquote committed Christians have become confused on why he died why he lived and why he rose again amen we become confused about why Jesus even exists so much so that we think that education is the answer so much so we think having the right person in office is the answer so much so that we we we we we think getting the right neighborhood is the answer if we can just get the right person if we can just get the right politicians if we can just get the right education if we can just have the right environment things would be well and what's happened is we have ignored our spiritual debt we have ignored and overlooked the primary reason that he came from from heaven to heaven because he came from heaven to heaven because he to earth we sing this song about come let us worship him let us bow down before him but in our mouths what we think is God you owe us God the only reason that you are here God is to deliver us the only reason you are here God is to give me a better family a better job a better house a better car a better existence nicer vacations God Here I am to worship no no no God God Here I am to receive I'm not here to worship God I'm just here to receive and so I had a terse exchange with one of my friends and it really is a friend and I kind of became fed up with the selfishness I kind of became fed up with this all about me theology I kind of became fed up with you know what this Christianity is about what God can do for me and the reality is Christianity is not just about what God can do for us Christianity is about God what can we do for you because of what you've done for us so the scripture says we love him because he first loved us if you look at the text if you look at Facebook if you look at the t -shirts if you listen to the songs you would think that God is all about us and God is just here to serve us but we're not here to serve God and so the IRS is talking about the Internal Revenue Service how many of you all give much thought to the eternal revenue service how much thought do you give to your eternal life how much thought do you give to life beyond your job even beyond your families beyond your comfort zone beyond your neighborhood how much time do you give to Time beyond time." [01:07:42] (0 seconds)


"Then Peter, not speaking on his own unction, then Peter not speaking by the auspices of some denomination. Now Peter, not based upon what he can do. Now Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, controlled by the Spirit, said to them, rulers of the people with elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed?" [01:10:50] (27 seconds)


"Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. Verses one through four talks about the Sadducees. They, they, Sadducees questioned the resurrection." [01:11:52] (34 seconds)


"Jesus Christ died on Calvary's cross. Not just to get you a good job. Not just to give you a successful business. Not just to make your family happy. He died on Calvary's cross because somebody had to pay the price for sin. Are we tracking together?" [01:13:49] (22 seconds)


"the debt our greatest problem is not the national debt our greatest problem is not our personal debt our greatest problem is our spiritual debt we got people going to hell because they think they good people we got folks going to health I think when I got a good job because I have a good job I mean I'm in a different economic echelon that means that God is favoring me and I'm better than the people who have less than me that don't mean it just mean that God allows it to rain on the just and the ungodly unjust it means that God distribute wealth but as boy he decides not as we decide are we tracking together today that's why it says the poor will be with you always it's not because I'm good but they're unrighteous there's some very righteous people who don't have a dime to put down on anything and there's some very ungodly people who can finance many churches Romans 6 23 says for the ways of sin is death I know boy you say what happens that this this just sounds so awkward it just sounds so strange it's because we don't focus on our eternal debt before God we're so focused on on on the financial we're so focused on the on the professional that we forget about the eternal revenue service for the wages what a wage is wages is what you what you are doing is what you are doing do because of what you have done because I did a B and C in return I should receive what we agreed upon the Bible says what you get in return for your sin is death are we tracking together we get eternal separation from God because of our sin debt our sin is a debt against the holy God that we cannot repay on our own how many of y 'all know you got sin debt well pastor I ain't that bad okay have you committed one sin way I committed one sin you got sin debt and you got so much debt you can't pay it with your own life we often try to sell our debt with good deeds morality religious acts education businesses philanthropy but none of these payments are accepted to pay off your bill with the eternal revenue service imagine receiving a bill from the IRS for millions of dollars the money you don't have you say pass then a million but I still ain't got it no amount of good behavior or path of success can erase that debt in the same way sin places us in a spiritual deficit that we are incapable of repaying on our own salvation is not about a house a car material thing it's about your spiritual debt what are you going to do with your spiritual debt what is the payment acts 412 says salvation that means deliverance eternal deliverance I'm resolving your your tax debt with God paying your sin debt salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved people say well Christianity is narrow you're right it is narrow because God didn't open the doors for any way of salvation God didn't open the door for you to make this Burger King and just do it your own way you say well pastor what about people who are extremely excited and boy I've got much zeal for what they do um what they do he says if I bet them record they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, have gone about to establish their own righteousness." [01:16:09] (0 seconds)


"Jesus empowers you to live a life of purpose and impact. He's able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all we can ask, think, or imagine. How many of you ought to live in an exponential life?" [01:38:58] (13 seconds)


"Are you letting your light so shine before men they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven? Are you saying, I've been crucified with Christ? Are you saying, I've been such a woman, but Christ is fatter and more powerful than even our blessedQueer Jesus? Number three, are you fulfilling why God has left you alive on this earth? In group number three with the last time you started a conversation with somebody. You know Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior, are you fulfilling why God has left you on the planet? Next question. question when was the last time you started a conversation with somebody about the eternal revenue service and told them that Jesus Christ is the only one who can pay off that debt now I want to give you an invitation today to pay off your eternal debt by trusting in the death the burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ so ain't nobody off the hook today if you don't know him today is your day to trust him Hebrews says there you hear my voice heart not your heart as in the day of provocation so I'm gonna give an invitation I'm asked every person to bow their head every out of be closed in just a moment not right now but just a moment I'm actually are you living in the power of the resurrection on a daily basis you know I had that church conversation with my friend this morning you don't know him you don't know him you don't know any of us but this morning he's got a illness and we've been praying for him but I pray for him multiple times a day I've listened about his situation for hours hours but today I said man you ought to go worship God because you're asking from God but are you worshiping god you want god to do something for you but what did you do for God that's my question to you all today your work stones are not save you but because you serve but because he has saved you will you serve him first corinthians chapter 15 it shouldn't be optional and we give you the impression that you shouldn't give anything back to god because of what he's done for you it shouldn't be there's not anything further from the truth and i said man i've demonstrated what a friend i am you can't deny it i've listened to you for hours on end i pray for you i've been there for you for decades now so i'll make this bold statement to you you need to go worship god you need to go celebrate god you need to go give back to god you're expecting from god you're trying to exploit god and how many of us here today are trying to exploit god god has saved you god has delivered you god has paid your debt what are you going to do for you and do you care if people really go to hell do you really care if people go to hell we're more concerned about how the praise team sounded the size of the church the videos and the reels the pastor put now we're more concerned about who's got more followers and people are going to hell" [01:41:16] (0 seconds)


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Transcript
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