Facing the Future with Faith and Assurance
Summary
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we are reminded of the profound truths found in the prologue of the Gospel of John. This passage offers us a foundation upon which we can face the uncertainties of the future with confidence and peace. The world we inhabit, with all its complexities and challenges, is not a product of chance or human design; it is God's world, created with purpose and meaning. This understanding provides us with a sense of stability and assurance, knowing that our lives are part of a divine plan.
The existence of darkness and evil in the world is undeniable, yet it is crucial to recognize that these are permitted by God's permissive will. This does not imply that God is powerless or indifferent; rather, it is a testament to His sovereignty and the freedom He has granted to His creation. In this freedom lies the potential for wrong choices, yet it also allows for the demonstration of God's glory and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
God's concern for the world is evident in His active involvement throughout history. He has not abandoned His creation but has continually intervened, guiding it towards His ultimate purpose. This is most clearly seen in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who came to dwell among us. This act of divine love and grace assures us that God is deeply invested in the redemption and restoration of the world.
Despite humanity's rejection and failure to recognize the Son of God, God's plan remains unthwarted. Salvation is not dependent on human merit but is a gift of grace, accomplished in spite of our shortcomings. This truth is a source of immense comfort, reminding us that God's purposes are sure and certain, regardless of the world's resistance.
Finally, God's provision for His people is abundant and assured. Through Jesus Christ, we have received grace upon grace, and we can trust that God, who did not spare His own Son, will freely give us all things necessary for our well-being and ultimate glorification. As we embrace these truths, we are equipped to face the unknown future with faith and hope, anchored in the eternal verities of God's Word.
Key Takeaways:
- The world is not a product of chance or human design; it is God's creation, imbued with purpose and meaning. This understanding provides a foundation of stability and assurance as we navigate the uncertainties of life. [06:10]
- The existence of darkness and evil is permitted by God's permissive will, highlighting His sovereignty and the freedom granted to His creation. This freedom allows for wrong choices but also demonstrates God's glory and redemptive plan. [14:49]
- God's concern for the world is evident in His active involvement throughout history, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This act of divine love assures us of God's deep investment in the redemption and restoration of the world. [23:07]
- Despite humanity's rejection, God's plan remains unthwarted. Salvation is a gift of grace, accomplished in spite of our shortcomings, reminding us that God's purposes are sure and certain. [32:03]
- God's provision for His people is abundant and assured. Through Jesus Christ, we have received grace upon grace, and we can trust that God will freely give us all things necessary for our well-being and ultimate glorification. [39:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
- [01:02] - Facing the Unknown Future
- [02:17] - Certainty in Christian Belief
- [05:21] - God's World and Creation
- [06:29] - The World's Purpose and Meaning
- [09:51] - Man's Limitations and God's Sovereignty
- [12:41] - God's Permissive Will
- [17:40] - Understanding God's Control
- [20:04] - Expecting Challenges as Christians
- [23:07] - God's Concern for the World
- [25:43] - The Unfolding of God's Plan
- [29:58] - The Certainty of God's Purpose
- [32:03] - Salvation in Spite of Us
- [39:30] - God's Provision and Grace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-18
2. Romans 8:28-32
3. Genesis 1:1
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the prologue of the Gospel of John, what is the relationship between the Word and God? How does this establish the foundation for understanding the world as God's creation? [05:40]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the existence of darkness and evil in the world? How is this related to God's permissive will? [14:49]
3. How does the incarnation of Jesus Christ demonstrate God's concern for the world, according to the sermon? [23:07]
4. What assurance do we have from Romans 8:32 about God's provision for us, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on grace? [43:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the world as God's creation, rather than a product of chance, impact a Christian's perspective on life's uncertainties? [06:10]
2. In what ways does the concept of God's permissive will challenge or comfort believers when facing personal or global challenges? [20:04]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' incarnation in the context of God's redemptive plan for humanity? [23:07]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of salvation being a gift of grace, and how does this challenge common misconceptions about earning God's favor? [32:03]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt life was chaotic or without purpose. How does the understanding that the world is God's creation with a divine purpose change your perspective on that situation? [06:10]
2. Consider a current challenge you are facing. How might the concept of God's permissive will provide comfort or insight into that situation? [20:04]
3. How can you actively remind yourself of God's concern and involvement in the world, especially when you feel distant from Him? What practical steps can you take to see His hand in your daily life? [23:07]
4. In what ways can you embrace the truth that salvation is a gift of grace, not based on your merit? How does this affect your relationship with God and others? [32:03]
5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision. How can the assurance from Romans 8:32 encourage you to rely more on God's promises? [43:35]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and assurance in God's plan for your life, especially as you face an unknown future? What specific practices or habits can help anchor you in this truth? [45:22]
7. Think of someone in your life who may not understand the concept of grace. How can you share this message with them in a way that is both loving and clear? [32:03]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Creation with Purpose and Meaning
The world we live in is not a random occurrence or the result of human ingenuity; it is a creation of God, filled with purpose and meaning. This understanding provides a foundation of stability and assurance as we navigate the uncertainties of life. Recognizing that our lives are part of a divine plan allows us to face the future with confidence and peace. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we are reminded that the complexities and challenges we encounter are part of God's world, created with intention. This perspective helps us to see beyond the chaos and find solace in the knowledge that we are part of something greater. [06:10]
Isaiah 45:18 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'"
Reflection: How does knowing that the world is created with purpose and meaning change the way you view your daily challenges and decisions?
Day 2: The Sovereignty of God and Human Freedom
The existence of darkness and evil in the world is undeniable, yet it is crucial to recognize that these are permitted by God's permissive will. This highlights His sovereignty and the freedom He has granted to His creation. In this freedom lies the potential for wrong choices, but it also allows for the demonstration of God's glory and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Understanding this balance between divine sovereignty and human freedom can help us trust in God's ultimate control, even when faced with the consequences of human choices. [14:49]
Job 12:10 (ESV): "In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereignty, and how can you begin to surrender those areas to Him today?
Day 3: God's Active Involvement in the World
God's concern for the world is evident in His active involvement throughout history, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This act of divine love assures us of God's deep investment in the redemption and restoration of the world. Despite humanity's rejection and failure to recognize the Son of God, God's plan remains unthwarted. Salvation is not dependent on human merit but is a gift of grace, accomplished in spite of our shortcomings. This truth is a source of immense comfort, reminding us that God's purposes are sure and certain, regardless of the world's resistance. [23:07]
Psalm 33:11 (ESV): "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan in your community or family this week?
Day 4: The Certainty of God's Purpose
Despite humanity's rejection, God's plan remains unthwarted. Salvation is a gift of grace, accomplished in spite of our shortcomings, reminding us that God's purposes are sure and certain. This assurance allows us to rest in the knowledge that God's plan is not dependent on our actions or failures. As we embrace this truth, we are equipped to face the unknown future with faith and hope, anchored in the eternal verities of God's Word. [32:03]
Ephesians 1:11 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's unchanging purpose, and how can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in that area?
Day 5: Abundant Provision through Christ
God's provision for His people is abundant and assured. Through Jesus Christ, we have received grace upon grace, and we can trust that God, who did not spare His own Son, will freely give us all things necessary for our well-being and ultimate glorification. This understanding encourages us to rely on God's provision and to live with gratitude and trust in His promises. As we embrace these truths, we are equipped to face the unknown future with faith and hope. [39:30]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "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: In what ways can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's provision in your life, and how can this gratitude influence your actions and decisions today?
Quotes
There is only one way I say to face the future in Christian Manner and with any kind of certainty and certitude and that is to make certain and sure of the things which we believe there are certain fundamental postulates as far as the Christian is concerned which if he knows them and recognizes them and lives upon them and lives B he can face the future whatever it may chance to contain without any fear or of forbiding he can face it quietly calmly with a sense of peace and with a sense of Joy. [00:19:45]
This world is not the result of an accident it's not the result of chance it's not something for Tous it's not something that has just somehow come into being as the result of the interaction of blind impersonal fils now I start with that of course for this good reason that the prevailing popular idea about the world is that it's an accident that is the position of your so-called scientific humanists indeed of most humanists that the world is just an accident. [00:06:13]
The world is God's world it's not a meaningless World therefore it's very creation was the result of some purpose there was an object in it all that is something that follows immediately from the whole notion of creation and creation by almighty God that uh there is a meaning to it all a meaning to the whole universe a meaning to history a meaning to everything that happens and it's a very comforting thought that there is nothing more terrible than to feel feel that you're just the victim of chance or fate blind impersonal FS that there's no object in life at all and that there's no end either to the individual or to the whole universe or to the whole race of mankind. [00:07:53]
Clearly if God is all powerful and has made everything out of nothing you must account for the existence of the darkness the evil and the Bible's got its great Doctrine concerning it it's a great mystery but what it does tell us is that obviously and clearly God permitted evil to exist now as to why you did so we don't know we can speculate but remember it's nothing but our own speculation all the Bible tells us is that God did permit it in his own inscrutable will. [00:14:53]
God does permit certain things to happen which are evil and harmful and unpleasant for us now this again to me is the most comforting thought and the most comforting Doctrine as we Face an unknown future because you see you've got to look at it in the right way these things and The Happening of these things does not mean that these things are Beyond God's control all that things are out of his control doesn't mean that for a moment it means the exact opposite it means that God is allowing it permitting it. [00:17:36]
God permits evil to operate in this world he permitted it to operate against his own son he permits it to operate against us so I say we must draw this conclusion as we Face an unknown future don't be surprised at what may happen but still more important never despair because of what happens never feel hopeless in other words if you or I find ourselves in some circumstances during this coming year and we find ourselves beginning to say why is this happened to me is there a god after all is the gospel true you've already failed to grasp this point you've already forgotten God's permissive will. [00:21:14]
God is concerned about this world that's the whole point about the Prue there was a man sent from God whose name was John the word was made flesh and dwelt Among Us God sent it the law was given by Moses God gave the law to Moses Grace and Truth came from God through Jesus Christ all alone now this is you see therefore the doctrine which teaches us that God is concerned about this world and here is our only hope of course we wouldn't be here at all but for that and we'd have no hope as we Face the future were it not for this. [00:23:37]
God has a plan for it God has a purpose for it and with respect to it and that is where you see the blindness of the secular historian as well as the blindness of your scientific humanist they study secular history and they say they see no plan no purpose no end not it's not leading to anything you read your Bible and you'll come to a very different conclusion here you see a thread and a purpose and an objective and a plan it's here from beginning to end it's one great unfolding and developing purpose now this is the great message of this prologue it's the great message of the whole Bible. [00:25:06]
Salvation is in spite of us not because of us that is why the final heresy I suppose is justification by works there is nothing which is so unchristian as to believe that God blesses you because you're such a good person first Sunday morning of the Year let's get rid of that is there anybody listening to me at this moment who thinks that he or she is a Christian because you're such a good person and you're looking forward for God to bless you because you're so good and do so much good and because you've never done anybody any harm if so I have just to tell you before you go any further you are about as far removed from being a Christian as anybody can be. [00:32:15]
The Son of God came into the world in spite of the devil and hell and humanity and he goes on operating in spite of them and he will come again in spite of them so the Apostle Paul looking at it all says in Romans 8 at the very end I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our lord there it is my friends it is in spite of us in spite of the world that God's plan is certain and sure let the world do what it will it'll make no difference God's plan will certainly be carried out. [00:38:30]
The law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ oh this Grace we saw him the glory of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth of his fullness of all we received and Grace upon Grace that's it that's God's provision for his people what God has already done in his son his beloved Son he is a guarantee of every everything else no man have seen God at any time the only begotten son who is in the bosom of the father Heth declared him the one who was born at Bethlehem is the Everlasting Son of God the Eternal Word God's own son his beloved Son now this is my argument God sent that son into this world and he was made flesh for us that's the stupendous and staggering and almost incredible thing God sent his son into the world for us for our benefit for our blessing for our ultimate salvation it was the sole reason of his coming. [00:39:30]
The God Who has already done the greatest thing that even God can do abandon his own son to the punishment of the guilt of sin The God Who has already done that for us can never refuse us any lesser Mercy or Grace or blessing the greater includes the Lesser he's done the greatest of all how shall he not also therefore with him freely give us all things that can ever be necessary for our comfort our happiness our peace our joy our well-being and our ultimate final glorification full salvation in the Perfection of Heaven and the Everlasting Glory. [00:43:49]
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