Faith, Forgiveness, and Joyful Service to God

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the privilege of being in God's presence, acknowledging the challenges we overcame to be here, and the grace that brought us safely together. We reflected on the importance of having a firm and unwavering faith in Christ, as it is the foundation for divine settlement. Our faith should be active, avoiding laziness, and making the most of our time. We also discussed the necessity of letting go of unforgiveness and bitterness, using Joseph's story as an example of forgiveness and the freedom it brings.

We explored the importance of serving God on His terms, not ours, emphasizing sincerity and faithfulness in our service. Serving God is not limited to church activities but extends to every aspect of our lives, including our workplaces and homes. We are called to serve God with joyfulness and gladness, even when circumstances make it difficult. This service is an act of worship, and when done with the right heart, it leads to divine blessings.

Furthermore, we delved into the concept of worshiping God in spirit and truth. True worship must come from the heart, be sincere, and align with the revelation of God in Scripture. It should not be based on emotions alone but grounded in the truth of who God is. Our worship should reflect God's character and be doctrinally sound, ensuring it is not reduced to mere emotional expression.

Lastly, we were reminded of the importance of giving cheerfully and bountifully as an act of service to God and others. Giving supports the work of the church and helps those in need, reflecting God's grace in our lives. We are encouraged to use our gifts to serve others, win souls, and advance God's kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Firm Faith in Christ: Our faith in Christ must be unwavering and active, avoiding laziness and making the most of our time. This foundation is crucial for divine settlement, as it allows God's blessings to flow through us. By being diligent and purposeful, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door to His divine intervention. [43:35]

2. Forgiveness and Freedom: Letting go of unforgiveness and bitterness is essential for spiritual freedom. Holding onto grudges only burdens us, while forgiveness liberates us and aligns us with God's heart. By forgiving others, we free ourselves and allow God's peace to reign in our lives, paving the way for divine blessings. [48:16]

3. Serving God on His Terms: True service to God requires sincerity and faithfulness, extending beyond church activities to every aspect of our lives. By serving God with joyfulness and gladness, we honor Him and position ourselves for His blessings. Our service is an act of worship, reflecting our love and reverence for God. [51:49]

4. Worship in Spirit and Truth: Genuine worship must come from the heart, be sincere, and align with God's revelation in Scripture. It should not be based solely on emotions but grounded in the truth of who God is. Our worship should reflect God's character and be doctrinally sound, ensuring it is not reduced to mere emotional expression. [59:38]

5. Cheerful Giving: Giving is an act of service to God and others, reflecting His grace in our lives. By giving cheerfully and bountifully, we support the work of the church and help those in need. Our giving should be done with the right heart and intention, knowing that God blesses those who give generously. [01:02:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Gratitude for Gathering
- [01:15] - Overcoming Challenges
- [02:00] - Firm Faith in Christ
- [03:45] - Avoiding Laziness
- [05:00] - Letting Go of Unforgiveness
- [06:30] - Serving God on His Terms
- [08:00] - Joyful Service as Worship
- [09:30] - Worship in Spirit and Truth
- [11:00] - Aligning Worship with Scripture
- [12:30] - The Importance of Giving
- [14:00] - Using Gifts to Serve Others
- [15:30] - Closing Prayer and Blessings
- [16:45] - Announcements and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 24:14 - "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord."
2. John 4:23-24 - "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - "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."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Joshua 24:14, what are the two qualities that should characterize our service to God? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on sincerity and faithfulness in serving God? [48:16]
2. In John 4:23-24, what does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth? How does this concept relate to the sermon’s discussion on worship being more than just emotional expression? [59:38]
3. How does 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 describe the attitude we should have when giving? How does this align with the sermon’s teaching on cheerful giving? [01:02:51]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What might it look like to serve God on His terms rather than our own, as discussed in Joshua 24:14? How can this be applied in everyday life, beyond church activities? [48:16]
2. How can worshiping in spirit and truth, as described in John 4:23-24, transform our personal and communal worship experiences? What are some practical ways to ensure our worship aligns with God’s revelation in Scripture? [59:38]
3. Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, what are some reasons why God loves a cheerful giver? How does this perspective on giving challenge or affirm your current approach to generosity? [01:02:51]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current faith journey. In what areas do you feel your faith in Christ is firm, and where might it need strengthening? How can you actively work on these areas this week? [43:35]
2. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to let go of unforgiveness and bitterness, following Joseph’s example? [48:16]
3. Consider your daily activities. How can you serve God with sincerity and faithfulness in your workplace or home this week? What specific actions can you take to ensure your service is an act of worship? [51:49]
4. How can you ensure your worship is both heartfelt and aligned with Scripture? Identify one worship song you regularly sing and examine its lyrics for biblical accuracy. [59:38]
5. Think about your giving habits. How can you give more cheerfully and bountifully this month? Is there a specific need or cause you feel called to support? [01:02:51]
6. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from your service or generosity. What specific action can you take this week to serve them as an act of worship to God? [57:09]
7. Reflect on a recent worship experience. How did it engage your emotions and affections? What can you do to deepen your worship experience in the future, ensuring it is both sincere and doctrinally sound? [01:21:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Faith as a Foundation for Divine Settlement
Our faith in Christ is not a passive belief but an active, living trust that requires diligence and purpose. It is the foundation upon which divine settlement is built, allowing God's blessings to flow through us. By avoiding laziness and making the most of our time, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door to His divine intervention. This active faith is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's promises in our lives. [43:35]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure your faith is active and not passive, especially in areas where you feel spiritually lazy?


Day 2: The Liberating Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful act that frees us from the burdens of unforgiveness and bitterness. Holding onto grudges only weighs us down, while forgiveness liberates us and aligns us with God's heart. By forgiving others, we free ourselves and allow God's peace to reign in our lives, paving the way for divine blessings. Joseph's story is a profound example of how forgiveness can lead to freedom and restoration. [48:16]

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?


Day 3: Serving God with Sincerity and Joy
True service to God requires sincerity and faithfulness, extending beyond church activities to every aspect of our lives. By serving God with joyfulness and gladness, we honor Him and position ourselves for His blessings. Our service is an act of worship, reflecting our love and reverence for God. This service should be done on God's terms, not ours, ensuring that our hearts are aligned with His will. [51:49]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you serve God joyfully in your daily routine, especially in areas that feel mundane or challenging?


Day 4: Worshiping in Spirit and Truth
Genuine worship must come from the heart, be sincere, and align with God's revelation in Scripture. It should not be based solely on emotions but grounded in the truth of who God is. Our worship should reflect God's character and be doctrinally sound, ensuring it is not reduced to mere emotional expression. This kind of worship honors God and deepens our relationship with Him. [59:38]

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your worship is both heartfelt and aligned with Scripture, especially when emotions are running high?


Day 5: The Joy of Cheerful Giving
Giving is an act of service to God and others, reflecting His grace in our lives. By giving cheerfully and bountifully, we support the work of the church and help those in need. Our giving should be done with the right heart and intention, knowing that God blesses those who give generously. This act of giving is a tangible expression of our faith and love for God and others. [01:02:51]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can give cheerfully and generously today, whether it be your time, resources, or talents, to support someone in need?

Quotes

"We thank God for that privilege to be in his presence, hallelujah, we made it, we made it to the house of the Lord. The psalmist said, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go to the house of the Lord. We had every reason to have given the excuse to table, but we decided to be here, and we are here by the grace of God, and some are joining us online as well. God bless all of you, hallelujah, God bless all of you. We thank God for another privilege to be here, amen." [00:39:25] (42 seconds)


"So if for us to be divinely settled, we should not be uncertain about our faith in Christ, which means our faith in Christ must be firm and solid. We also touch on the fact that we must avoid laziness and use our time well. Amen. Avoid laziness and use your time well. And we look at a couple of scriptures that touches on laziness and also the redeeming of the time. We've got a couple of them." [00:42:20] (31 seconds)


"And I used a couple of scriptures, and I also used Joseph as an example for us. In spite of all that his brothers did to him, he still found it necessary to forgive them. And because we read that he forgave them at the end, which means that he was a man that was, you know, prepared to forgive. He valued his relationship with God more than anything else. So he wouldn't allow anything to stand in the way. Amen. So if we develop that attitude and let go, because when you forgive, as a matter of fact, you are freeing yourself." [00:42:42] (41 seconds)


"Choose to love and serve God on his terms, not on your terms. Praise the Lord. So that is the point I want you to take note of. When you read the book of Joshua, chapter 24, verse 14, it says, Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity. Which means when you are serving God, you are serving God in what? Sincerity." [00:44:41] (29 seconds)


"Some people may pretend to be serving God, but they are not sincere about it. They are being hypocritical about their service to God. They pretend to be super spiritual. They pretend to be very Christian-like, more than us. But yet, their character and everything, you know, demonstrates something different. So we want to be divinely settled this year. So therefore, we must resolve. We must be intentional. We must decide to choose to love and serve God. Hallelujah. On his terms. That is to align to his will and not ours." [00:45:30] (37 seconds)


"Service is an act of worship. Now, Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy chapter 28, verse 47 and 48. Deuteronomy 28, verse 47 and 48. Because you did not serve the Lord your God. Hallelujah. Deuteronomy chapter 28, verse 47 and 48. Because you did not serve the Lord your God. It is very important that for you to be divinely settled this year, make sure that whatever you are doing, you are serving God." [00:50:13] (40 seconds)


"Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart. Now, why is the Bible saying with joyfulness and gladness of heart? Which means that there are times that some things may make it, you know, not so. Easy for you to be joyful and glad. Because of some circumstances. Because of some situations. And so, you know that God wants you to do this. But you will not be excited about it." [00:51:43] (30 seconds)


"So, with joyfulness and gladness of heart, it must come from within. So, the joy and gladness. So, deep within, I deal with whatever that is going on inside me, which is making me feel some way. And I turn on, you know, the key to joyfulness and gladness of heart. And I come and I say, God, in spite of this pain, I will still praise you. In spite of this trouble, I will still worship you. In spite of that, I will still dance for you. Praise the Lord." [00:52:56] (40 seconds)


"Each of you, the scripture says, should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. That's Galatians 5 verse 13. Galatians 5 verse 13. Each of you, each of us, the each of you is you and I who are Christians. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received. Whatever gift, keyword, whatever gift, praise the Lord." [00:58:38] (35 seconds)


"Another way to serve God is to win souls. The scripture says in Proverbs 13, he who wins soul is wise. He that winneth a soul is wise. So to be divinely settled and by your decision to serve God, soul winning must be part of the things you choose to do. Because soul winning is a service to God. Amen. It's a service to God and a service to other people because you don't want that soul to perish." [00:59:34] (35 seconds)


"Giving is also an act of service. Praise the Lord. Give cheerfully and bountifully. 2 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 6 to 8. 2 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 6 to 8 tells us that. We don't want to read. You can take your time to read. It says give cheerfully, not grudgingly. Give bountifully. Praise the Lord. We give to advance the kingdom of God." [01:00:50] (30 seconds)


"It is our prayer, O God, that our giving will be accepted before you, in the mighty name of Jesus. Father, bless all of us that are giving, and even those who are not in the position to give, we pray that, Lord, you bless them to be in the position. In the mighty name of Jesus, open job doors, we pray for financial favor, we pray for immigration breakthroughs, we pray job for the jobless, we pray for success in businesses, we pray for success in education, those that are in school, excellence, we pray, O God, that you keep us in divine health, in the name of Jesus. We pray that you continue to grant us peace." [01:35:48] (53 seconds)


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Transcript
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