Experiencing God: Trust, Obey, and Be Transformed
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Lexington Park Baptist Church, where God is on the move. Today, we are reminded that this is the day the Lord has made, and we should rejoice and be glad in it. We have several important events and announcements, including the youth group's upcoming trip to Skycroft, Vacation Bible School, and Operation Christmas Child. We also extend our sympathies to the Smith family and celebrate the life of Jimmy Smith.
Our focus today is on experiencing God through the seven spiritual realities outlined by Henry Blackaby. These realities guide us in understanding how God works in our lives and how we can join Him in His work. The first reality is recognizing that God is always at work around us. He invites us into a loving relationship that is real and personal. This relationship is not about religion but about knowing and experiencing God.
God speaks to us in various ways, and when He does, it often leads to a crisis of belief. This crisis requires us to trust and obey Him, even when it doesn't make sense. Moses' life is a prime example of this. Despite his initial reluctance and excuses, Moses eventually obeyed God and experienced His power and presence in miraculous ways.
To truly experience God, we must be moldable and usable. We need to allow God to shape us and use us for His purposes. This requires us to be in a constant state of readiness, willing to adjust our lives to align with God's will. When we do this, we will see the evidence of God at work in our lives and experience the fullness of His blessings.
As we embark on this journey of experiencing God, let us commit to being faithful servants, ready to be used by Him in whatever way He chooses. May we all strive to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," as we faithfully follow God's will for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is Always at Work: Recognize that God is constantly at work around us, even when we don't see it. Our role is to join Him in His work, not to ask Him to join ours. This requires a shift in focus from our plans to God's plans. [01:08:27]
2. A Personal Relationship with God: God desires a loving, personal relationship with each of us. This relationship is not about following religious rules but about knowing and experiencing God in a real and intimate way. [01:09:26]
3. The Crisis of Belief: When God speaks to us, it often leads to a crisis of belief. This is a moment where we must decide whether to trust and obey God or to follow our own understanding. These crises are opportunities for growth and deeper faith. [01:12:35]
4. Being Moldable and Usable: To be used by God, we must be moldable and willing to be shaped by Him. This means being open to change and ready to adjust our lives to align with God's will. Only then can we truly experience the fullness of God's blessings. [01:19:12]
5. Faithful Obedience: True experience of God comes through faithful obedience. Like Moses, we may have doubts and excuses, but when we choose to obey, we will see God's power and presence in our lives. This obedience leads to experiencing God's miraculous work. [01:28:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:05] - Opening Prayer
[17:55] - Family Talk and Announcements
[19:17] - Operation Christmas Child
[21:13] - Soleil's Bridal Shower and Sympathy for Smith Family
[24:01] - Cooperative Program Missionary Moment
[43:49] - Prayer and Worship
[44:25] - Lord's Supper
[45:24] - Time of Giving
[53:17] - Scripture Reading
[57:46] - Lord's Supper Meditation
[59:02] - Experiencing God: Introduction
[01:00:14] - Henry Blackaby and Seven Realities
[01:01:42] - God's Work and Our Response
[01:04:22] - Joining God in His Work
[01:08:27] - God is Always at Work
[01:09:26] - Personal Relationship with God
[01:12:35] - Crisis of Belief
[01:19:12] - Being Moldable and Usable
[01:28:26] - Faithful Obedience
[01:32:11] - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
[01:33:23] - Call to Action and Prayer
[01:39:08] - Closing Hymn and Invitation
[01:41:16] - New Member Welcome
[01:42:32] - Closing Blessing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:7-10 (NIV)
> The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
2. Hebrews 11:24-29 (NIV)
> By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
3. John 3:3 (NIV)
> Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
### Observation Questions
1. What did God see and hear that prompted Him to act in Exodus 3:7-10?
2. How did Moses demonstrate his faith according to Hebrews 11:24-29?
3. What does Jesus say is necessary to see the kingdom of God in John 3:3?
4. In the sermon, what are the seven spiritual realities outlined by Henry Blackaby? [01:00:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' initial reluctance to follow God's command in Exodus 3:11-13 reflect common human responses to divine calling? [01:25:39]
2. What does Hebrews 11:24-29 suggest about the relationship between faith and obedience in the life of a believer?
3. How does the concept of being "born again" in John 3:3 relate to experiencing God in a personal and transformative way?
4. According to the sermon, why is it important to be moldable and usable by God? [01:19:12]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to do something that didn't make sense. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:12:35]
2. Moses had many excuses for not wanting to follow God's command. What are some common excuses you find yourself making when God calls you to act? How can you overcome them? [01:27:54]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with God over religious rituals. How can you deepen your personal relationship with God this week? [01:09:26]
4. In what ways can you make yourself more moldable and usable by God in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you need to be more open to change? [01:19:12]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of faithful obedience. What steps can you take to ensure that you are faithfully obeying God's will in your life? [01:28:26]
6. How can you shift your focus from your own plans to God's plans in your current situation? What practical steps can you take to align your life more closely with God's will? [01:08:27]
7. Think of a specific crisis of belief you are currently facing. How can you trust and obey God in this situation, even if it doesn't make sense? [01:12:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Constant Work
God is always at work around us, even when we don't see it. Our role is to join Him in His work, not to ask Him to join ours. This requires a shift in focus from our plans to God's plans. When we become aware of God's activity, we can align ourselves with His purposes and experience His presence in our daily lives. This awareness helps us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and trust that God is orchestrating everything for His glory and our good.
By recognizing that God is always at work, we can find peace and assurance in His sovereignty. This understanding encourages us to be attentive and responsive to His leading, knowing that He is actively involved in every aspect of our lives. As we seek to join God in His work, we will witness His power and grace in ways we never imagined. [01:08:27]
John 5:17 (ESV): "But Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working until now, and I am working.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you see evidence of God at work? How can you join Him in what He is doing today?
Day 2: Cultivating a Personal Relationship with God
God desires a loving, personal relationship with each of us. This relationship is not about following religious rules but about knowing and experiencing God in a real and intimate way. When we focus on building a personal relationship with God, we move beyond mere rituals and traditions to a deeper connection with Him. This relationship is characterized by love, trust, and ongoing communication with our Creator.
To cultivate this personal relationship, we must spend time in prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking God's presence in our daily lives. As we draw closer to God, we will experience His love and guidance in profound ways. This intimacy with God transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to live out our faith authentically and passionately. [01:09:26]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to know and experience Him more intimately?
Day 3: Embracing the Crisis of Belief
When God speaks to us, it often leads to a crisis of belief. This is a moment where we must decide whether to trust and obey God or to follow our own understanding. These crises are opportunities for growth and deeper faith. They challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and rely on God's wisdom and strength rather than our own.
Embracing the crisis of belief requires courage and a willingness to surrender our plans to God's will. It is in these moments of decision that our faith is tested and refined. By choosing to trust and obey God, we open ourselves to experiencing His power and presence in new and transformative ways. [01:12:35]
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: Think of a recent situation where you faced a crisis of belief. How did you respond? What can you do to trust and obey God more fully in similar situations?
Day 4: Being Moldable and Usable
To be used by God, we must be moldable and willing to be shaped by Him. This means being open to change and ready to adjust our lives to align with God's will. Only then can we truly experience the fullness of God's blessings. Being moldable involves a posture of humility and a readiness to learn and grow in our faith.
As we allow God to shape us, we become more effective instruments for His purposes. This process may involve letting go of our own desires and ambitions to embrace God's plans for our lives. By being moldable and usable, we position ourselves to be vessels of God's love and grace to those around us. [01:19:12]
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more moldable and open to God's shaping? How can you allow God to use you for His purposes today?
Day 5: Practicing Faithful Obedience
True experience of God comes through faithful obedience. Like Moses, we may have doubts and excuses, but when we choose to obey, we will see God's power and presence in our lives. This obedience leads to experiencing God's miraculous work. Faithful obedience is a daily commitment to follow God's leading, even when it is difficult or doesn't make sense.
By practicing faithful obedience, we demonstrate our trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. This obedience is not about perfection but about a heart that is willing to follow God wholeheartedly. As we walk in obedience, we will witness God's faithfulness and experience the joy of being used by Him to accomplish His purposes. [01:28:26]
Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV): "You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice faithful obedience? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting that God will be with you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You all have heard this over and over from me. All the time. Is there any retirement before you go to heaven? No, I know you may retire from your work. You may think you will do all these things, but retirement, you can wait until heaven for that, okay? So, every single one of us, all hands on deck, please sign up, be a part of Vacation Bible School investing in, I think, almost a hundred kids that are signed up so far. So, I imagine we'll be closer to 150, I hope, by the time it happens, so be a part of that." [18:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is always at work. The one reality is this it's not about you. It doesn't become about you until you join God. Do you see how it goes across the top? God is at work. God is in control. God is in charge. God is Lord. We are not. We are not sovereign. We are not Lord. And listen even when we think we are in control we are not. I want to make sure you understand that." [01:08:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Here is the beauty of God. He wants to live in a relationship with you. He pursues you with a loving relationship that is real and personable. I want you to hear this. God just didn't come to church today because we are here. He is already with you. He loves each and every one of us. And He pursues us. He woos us. He wants us to know Him in a relationship. Not a religion." [01:08:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you chew on the word of God you got to swallow it. Today you need to take these lessons and you don't just need to say okay I was here I heard it Pastor Chris talked about it I got a little saliva going I chewed a little bit on the word of God but then you spit it out. It won't change you. It won't sustain you. It won't give you any nutrients. I'm really asking you as we go through the word of God and we study this study really really allow it to come into your life." [01:07:58] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is at work, will you join Him? God is at work, will you join Him? Here's what most of us do. Only if it fits my schedule. Only if it fits my checkbook. Only if it's to my liking. Only If there's anything I want to teach you today, it's not about asking, what's God's will for me? Although you should ask that, but you've got to make sure the emphasis is not on me. The emphasis is on whatever God wants." [01:04:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we're going to know God's will first of all John 3 3 Nicodemus comes and he asks Jesus how can we enter the kingdom of God? And Jesus basically replies and says listen unless you're born again you can't even know the things of the kingdom of God. If you're in this room and you're listening to me and you've never asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior you cannot know what God's will is for your life. You can't do it until you're born again. Only a person that's been born of the Spirit can understand the things of the Spirit." [01:16:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we're going to do that there's two things that we must have in our lives. You must be moldable and you must be usable. Here's what I find in Christians. They don't mind being molded or being a Christian but the moment the potter starts to manipulate the clay in a way you don't like it you're out of here. You've got to be moldable and usable. You've got to say here I am God, no strings attached. Right? By the way, Moses we're going to learn in a minute had strings attached. It cost him. We want to be moldable we want to be usable." [01:19:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God was at work in Moses' life his whole life. From the moment he was born there was tragedy. Pharaoh was killing every Hebrew child that was born when he was born. But thank God for his mother Jochebed. She knew better. She then put him in, listen how crazy this sounds, in the Nile River with alligators and crocodiles and the currents of the river. She puts him in this little boat she made with pitch and tar and sends him out there in hopes that somehow in Pharaoh's house someone will pick him up and take him in as their own. Man. She had no idea what was going to happen." [01:23:02] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Moses then after all that fails I love it I can't speak God you know I have a speech impediment right I have a handicap why would you send me and God said alright I got you I'm going to give your brother to speak for you then I'll take care of that problem but you're still going you're still going to be the lead he's just going to speak when you can't then he goes on in verse 13 listen to this send someone else God Moses doesn't give up he's like send somebody else after God's removed all the excuses not me send somebody else and God removed all the excuses basically told him to get over himself and eventually Moses worked through what is step 5 the crisis of belief." [01:27:54] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you don't let that happen you will never do anything great for the Lord and our God is great in fact when he asked Moses when Moses says who am I to say who sends me tell them I am sent you he is the great I am and if you are going to do great things for God you need to put yourself in his hand and then the great I am can use you by your faith then he will make you he will mold you and he will use you to do greater things than you could ever imagine in the book of Hebrews as it ends he cannot write about every hero in the faith let me tell you why the Hebrew writer can't do that because we are part of that story." [01:32:44] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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