Faithful Calling: Embracing Our Divine Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are reminded of the profound calling that God has placed on our lives as Christians: to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This mission, rooted in the Great Commission from Matthew 28, is not just a suggestion but a divine mandate. We are equipped with God's Word and His Spirit, and we must have the courage and confidence to act on this calling. Our world is filled with darkness and sin, but we are called to be the light, bringing the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the life of Abram, we see a powerful example of faith and obedience. Despite being a pagan man in a pagan culture, Abram responded to God's call with remarkable faith, leaving his homeland and journeying to an unknown land. However, Abram's journey was not without its struggles. He faced trials and moments of faltering faith, such as when he went to Egypt during a famine and lied about his wife Sarai being his sister. These actions brought pain and suffering, yet God's faithfulness remained steadfast.
Abram's story teaches us that trials often test our faith, but they also remind us of God's unwavering faithfulness. Even when we falter, God is there to guide us back to Him. Abram's return to Bethel, where he first built an altar to the Lord, symbolizes repentance and restoration. As believers, we must continually return to our "Bethel," the place where we first encountered God's grace, and renew our commitment to Him.
In our own lives, we must recognize that we are sojourners in a foreign land, facing trials and temptations. Yet, we are called to trust in God's provision and protection, not our own understanding. Our faith may falter, but God's grace is sufficient. We are reminded that our righteousness comes from Christ alone, and we must live in a way that reflects His love and faithfulness.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Great Commission is Our Mandate: As Christians, our primary mission is to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This calling is not optional but a divine mandate that requires courage and confidence, empowered by God's Word and Spirit. [00:46]
2. Faith Amidst Trials: Abram's journey of faith teaches us that trials are inevitable, but they test and strengthen our faith. Even when we falter, God's faithfulness remains, guiding us back to Him and reminding us of His promises. [14:40]
3. The Danger of Self-Reliance: When faced with adversity, Abram's decision to lie about Sarai in Egypt highlights the dangers of relying on our own understanding instead of trusting in God's provision. Our actions, when not aligned with God's will, can bring pain and suffering to ourselves and others. [22:26]
4. God's Unwavering Faithfulness: Despite Abram's moments of faithlessness, God remained faithful, intervening to protect and guide him. This story reassures us that God's grace and faithfulness are constant, even when we fall short. [32:22]
5. Repentance and Restoration: Abram's return to Bethel, where he first built an altar to the Lord, symbolizes the importance of repentance and restoration. As believers, we must continually return to our "Bethel," the place of our initial encounter with God's grace, to renew our commitment and worship. [39:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - The Great Commission and Our Calling
[01:32] - Prayer for Our Nation
[02:33] - Recognizing the Darkness Around Us
[03:28] - The Power of the Gospel
[04:15] - Praying for Revival
[13:09] - Introduction to Abram's Journey
[14:40] - Abram's Faith and Obedience
[16:07] - Abram's Struggles and God's Faithfulness
[17:23] - Abram's Deception in Egypt
[18:36] - Trials and Our Faith
[19:50] - The Consequences of Self-Reliance
[21:07] - The Spiritual and Physical Famine
[22:26] - The Danger of Deception
[23:51] - Abram's Missteps and God's Provision
[25:11] - The Theme of Egypt in God's Plan
[26:39] - The Consequences of Faltering Faith
[27:58] - The Core Gospel Truth
[29:33] - The Grace of God in Our Lives
[30:53] - Trials and God's Faithfulness
[32:22] - God's Intervention and Protection
[33:52] - The Impact of Our Sin on Others
[35:15] - God's Grace and Perseverance
[36:38] - The Assurance of Salvation
[38:06] - The Call to Good Works
[39:31] - Repentance and Restoration
[40:54] - Returning to Our Bethel
[42:22] - Responding to God's Call
[44:02] - Invitation to Salvation
[45:22] - Prayer for New Believers
[46:58] - Encouragement for Believers
[51:44] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
- Genesis 12:10-13:4 (Abram's Journey to Egypt and Return to Bethel)
- 2 Timothy 2:13 (God's Faithfulness)
### Observation Questions
1. What is the Great Commission as described in Matthew 28:18-20?
2. In Genesis 12:10-13:4, what prompted Abram to go to Egypt, and what was the outcome of his decision?
3. How did God demonstrate His faithfulness to Abram despite Abram's deception in Egypt? [32:22]
4. According to 2 Timothy 2:13, what is God's response when we are faithless?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission considered a divine mandate rather than a suggestion for Christians? [00:46]
2. How does Abram's journey to Egypt illustrate the dangers of self-reliance and the consequences of faltering faith? [22:26]
3. What does Abram's return to Bethel symbolize in terms of repentance and restoration? [39:31]
4. How can believers today find comfort in the truth of 2 Timothy 2:13, especially during times of personal failure or faithlessness? [30:53]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the Great Commission. How can you personally participate in sharing the gospel and making disciples in your daily life? [00:46]
2. Think of a recent trial or challenge you faced. Did you rely on your own understanding or seek God's guidance? How did that impact the outcome? [19:50]
3. Abram's deception in Egypt brought pain and suffering. Can you identify a time when your actions, not aligned with God's will, caused harm to yourself or others? How did you seek restoration? [23:51]
4. God's faithfulness to Abram despite his failures is a powerful reminder of His grace. How can you remind yourself of God's unwavering faithfulness in your own life, especially when you falter? [32:22]
5. Abram returned to Bethel to renew his commitment to God. What is your "Bethel," the place where you first encountered God's grace? How can you return to that place spiritually to renew your commitment to Him? [39:31]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of recognizing our righteousness comes from Christ alone. How does this truth impact your daily walk with God and your interactions with others? [27:58]
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's provision and protection rather than relying on your own understanding. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? [22:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission is Our Mandate
As Christians, we are called to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate given to us by Jesus in the Great Commission. We are equipped with God's Word and His Spirit, which empowers us to fulfill this mission with courage and confidence. Our world is filled with darkness and sin, and it is our responsibility to be the light, bringing the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. This calling requires us to step out of our comfort zones and actively engage with those around us, sharing the love and truth of the gospel. [00:46]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you take a step today to share the message of Jesus with them?
Day 2: Faith Amidst Trials
Abram's journey of faith teaches us that trials are inevitable, but they test and strengthen our faith. Despite being a pagan man in a pagan culture, Abram responded to God's call with remarkable faith, leaving his homeland and journeying to an unknown land. However, his journey was not without its struggles. He faced trials and moments of faltering faith, such as when he went to Egypt during a famine and lied about his wife Sarai being his sister. These actions brought pain and suffering, yet God's faithfulness remained steadfast. Even when we falter, God is there to guide us back to Him and remind us of His promises. [14:40]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What trial are you currently facing that is testing your faith? How can you trust in God's faithfulness and promises during this time?
Day 3: The Danger of Self-Reliance
When faced with adversity, Abram's decision to lie about Sarai in Egypt highlights the dangers of relying on our own understanding instead of trusting in God's provision. Our actions, when not aligned with God's will, can bring pain and suffering to ourselves and others. Abram's story serves as a reminder that we must trust in God's provision and protection, not our own understanding. Our faith may falter, but God's grace is sufficient. We are reminded that our righteousness comes from Christ alone, and we must live in a way that reflects His love and faithfulness. [22:26]
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: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own understanding instead of trusting in God's provision? How can you surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 4: God's Unwavering Faithfulness
Despite Abram's moments of faithlessness, God remained faithful, intervening to protect and guide him. This story reassures us that God's grace and faithfulness are constant, even when we fall short. Abram's return to Bethel, where he first built an altar to the Lord, symbolizes repentance and restoration. As believers, we must continually return to our "Bethel," the place where we first encountered God's grace, and renew our commitment to Him. God's unwavering faithfulness is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that He is always with us, guiding us back to Him. [32:22]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness despite your own shortcomings. How can you renew your commitment to Him today?
Day 5: Repentance and Restoration
Abram's return to Bethel, where he first built an altar to the Lord, symbolizes the importance of repentance and restoration. As believers, we must continually return to our "Bethel," the place of our initial encounter with God's grace, to renew our commitment and worship. This act of returning to our spiritual roots helps us to realign our lives with God's will and experience His grace anew. It is a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms, offering forgiveness and restoration. [39:31]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: What is your "Bethel," the place where you first encountered God's grace? How can you return to that place of spiritual renewal and recommitment today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And we should be praying that we would have the courage and confidence to go out and do the one thing He's called us to do, and that's to share the gospel. That's what's going to bring change to our world. Guys, I'm not saying, certainly go out, vote, exercise, all that, but guys, Jesus said to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them all by command in Matthew 28." [00:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Guys, as believers, as people who have come to faith in Jesus, we have to acknowledge that we walk in a foreign land today, in this world, right? We experience all kinds of trials. We experience all kinds of difficult circumstances. And while the blood of Christ covers us and justifies us, we live in a world that is consumed by sin. I mean, there is all kinds of evil around us. And as a result, through the sovereign will of God, we're called to walk through some of these valleys at times." [18:36] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Listen, if you're here and you don't know Jesus this morning, what's holding you back from turning your life to him? The Bible says that all you have to do is repent and believe. It's that simple. All you have to do is confess with your mouth. You have to confess with your mouth. Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, that he died, that he rose again. Believe that he came to be your substitute, that he took on your punishment, and that through him you no longer receive death, but that you get to look forward to this new eternity." [44:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Listen, if you're visiting with us, I'm from the south. I struggle with words, guys. This moves us to our last point. Trials lead us to repentance and restoration. I included the first section of chapter 13, because it's really a conclusion to this story. Again, after being rebuked, Abram, he heads back to Bethel, which if you know what that means, it means the house of God. That's what Bethel means. The text says, where his tent had been at the beginning, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And listen to this, and there Abram called upon the name of the Lord." [39:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen, as we close this morning, I just want you to think about what is it that the Lord has been calling you to do? And listen, maybe you're sitting there thinking, Stephen, he's not calling me to anything. I would have heard it and I would have done it. Guys, remember Paul's words in Ephesians chapter 2. God has called you with a purpose. You were created for good works, meaning you were created for specific things. He's called us for a mission. And we've got to remember, God doesn't waste anything. He doesn't waste time. He doesn't waste your life. He's called for good things." [42:22] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "First, we saw God approach Abram, a pagan man living in a pagan culture, and he promised him everything, right? A new place, a new people, a new purpose, a promise to be his God. And then we saw Abram respond in faith to God's promises. I mean, two thousand years before Christ, he hears the voice of God and this voice that tells him to go to this unspecified land where he'd be blessed and then he'd be able to bless the entire world. And listen, we see Abram believe God." [13:09] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Abram came to faith because of God's outward call through his word and God's inward call through his spirit. He heard the word and Abram through the spirit believed in the word of God. It's really a story about the greatness of God. And listen, I think today's passage just further proves that for us. While Abram's faith is the central theme of his life, we see him at times struggle as he sojourns in these different foreign lands. What he's called to do, we have to remember, it's not easy. And so oftentimes, like we'll see this morning, he loses sight of God's designs and he loses sight of God's intentions." [14:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Listen, I think we see further proof of Abram's famished faith here. Not only does he seek protection from the physical famine, but he also seeks the protection of his family here in these verses. In verses 11 and 12, Abram tells Sarai to misrepresent or to lie about their relationship, right? Now, if you've been with us since the beginning of Genesis last year, if you know how the rest of Genesis continues, there's actually this constant theme of deception that's also tied to self-protection. It shows us repeatedly from Adam to Abram to Isaac to Jacob to Joseph's brothers later on." [22:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Listen, I love verse 20 because it just reminds us of God's abundant grace despite our sin. Pharaoh, he commands his men to escort Abram, his wife, all his belongings out of the country, right? That's grace. Like, again, I just want you to see what's going on. Go and study the context of Egypt. They were a wicked nation, and that's undeserved favor that Abram gets here. If Abram had gotten what he deserved, Pharaoh would have killed him, kept Sarai, and all of his possessions. That's what should have happened, but God graciously blessed Abram, and he did it through Pharaoh." [35:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen, I met a woman at our baptismal service this past weekend at Edinburgh Lake. Her name's Olga. If you want to write that down, pray for her. We talked about the gospel. We talked about God's word. Listen, in conclusion, she said that all of us, who were there at least, we were all headed to hell because we believe that we're all saved by grace and that as believers today, we believe we still have the ability to sin. And that our righteousness, it only comes from Christ and not our own merits. Church, let us never forget that we are all sinners saved by grace." [29:33] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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