Faithful Growth: Trusting God's Promises Through Weakness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we are reminded that the presence of God invites us to come as we are, without any prerequisites. We are adopted as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, and our journey in faith is a continuous process of growth and transformation. At Evolve, we believe in developing gradually over time, and we encourage everyone to stay surrendered to the work of the Spirit, growing in faith through community and small groups.
We also shared about our recent family road trip and the connections we made with other church families across Canada. This experience reinforced the importance of staying rooted and connected to the family of God, which brings wholeness, unity, and strength. We prayed for Citizens Church and their pastors, Pete and Kendra Randall, acknowledging the challenges of church planting and the faith required to persevere.
Today's message is part five of our summer series, "The Hall of Faith," focusing on Sarah's story from Hebrews 11. Sarah's inclusion in the Hall of Faith is a testament to God's faithfulness, even when our faith seems weak or absent. Despite her initial laughter of disbelief at God's promise, Sarah eventually trusted God, and her faith was rewarded with the birth of Isaac. This story encourages us to remain faithful to Jesus, even when circumstances seem impossible.
We explored four key lessons from Sarah's story: staying faithful means recognizing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, remembering that nothing is impossible for God, not living by fear, and understanding the bigger picture of God's work. Sarah's journey from doubt to faith reminds us that God's promises are true, and His timing is perfect. We are called to trust Him, even in seasons of waiting and uncertainty.
As we conclude, we are reminded that our faith journey is not a quick fix but a slow, agricultural process of growth and transformation. We are encouraged to remain faithful, trusting that God is at work in our lives, even when we cannot see it. Let us surrender our fears and doubts to Him, allowing His light to guide us and strengthen our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Strength in Our Weakness: God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Often, He allows us to come to the end of our own strength before stepping in with His. This teaches us to rely on Him completely, trusting that He will show up as faithful and true in our moments of despair. [53:15]
2. Nothing is Impossible for God: Sarah's story reminds us that nothing is impossible for God. Despite her initial disbelief, God's promise was fulfilled. Our unbelief does not change God's character or His ability to fulfill His promises. We are called to trust Him, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. [57:13]
3. Living Beyond Fear: Fear often masks itself as disbelief or sarcasm. Sarah laughed at God's promise out of fear that it wouldn't come to pass. We must confront our fears and trust that God is faithful. By recalling past moments of God's faithfulness, we can strengthen our faith and overcome fear. [01:02:17]
4. The Bigger Picture: God's work in our lives is part of a much bigger picture. Sarah's faith led to the birth of Isaac, which eventually led to the lineage of Jesus Christ. Our faithfulness today impacts future generations and contributes to God's greater plan. We must trust that our small acts of faith are part of His grand design. [01:07:11]
5. Faith as an Agricultural Process: Our faith journey is not a quick mechanical fix but a slow, agricultural process of growth. Like planting seeds, it takes time for our faith to bear fruit. We must remain patient and faithful, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see immediate results. [01:12:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:19] - Introduction to Evolve Church
[32:24] - Making Yourself Known in Community
[33:03] - Upcoming Events and Activities
[35:23] - Social Media and Website Information
[36:27] - Importance of Staying Rooted in Faith
[38:10] - Prayer for Citizens Church
[39:17] - Introduction to "The Hall of Faith" Series
[40:34] - Story of Star Tipping
[42:57] - Personal Struggles and Faith
[43:54] - Sarah's Story and Faith Journey
[45:50] - Hebrews 11:11-12
[46:53] - Prayer for Strength and Faith
[48:21] - Encouragement from Sarah's Inclusion in Hebrews 11
[49:08] - Genesis 18:1-15
[52:07] - The Cost of Remaining Faithful
[53:15] - God's Strength in Our Weakness
[57:13] - Nothing is Impossible for God
[01:02:17] - Living Beyond Fear
[01:07:11] - The Bigger Picture
[01:12:50] - Faith as an Agricultural Process
[01:22:29] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
[01:27:27] - Call to Baptism and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:11-12: "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore."
2. Genesis 18:1-15: The story of Sarah laughing at God's promise of a son.
3. Ephesians 3:14-19: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Sarah's initial reaction to God's promise of a son, and why did she react that way? ([49:08])
2. According to Hebrews 11:11-12, what did Sarah receive by faith, and what was the result of her faith?
3. In Genesis 18:1-15, how did Abraham and Sarah respond to the unexpected visitors, and what promise did the visitors convey?
4. What does Ephesians 3:14-19 say about the source of our strength and the role of faith in our inner being?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Sarah's initial laughter at God's promise reflect her inner fears and doubts? ([52:07])
2. What does the inclusion of Sarah in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 teach us about God's view of our faith, even when it seems weak or imperfect? ([48:21])
3. How can the concept of God's strength being made perfect in our weakness (Ephesians 3:14-19) change our perspective on our own limitations and struggles? ([53:15])
4. What does Sarah's story in Genesis 18:1-15 reveal about the importance of trusting God's timing and promises, even when they seem impossible?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt weak or inadequate. How did you see God's strength manifest in that situation? ([53:15])
2. Sarah's story shows that nothing is impossible for God. Is there a situation in your life that seems impossible? How can you trust God with it this week? ([57:13])
3. Fear often masks itself as disbelief or sarcasm. Can you identify a fear in your life that is hindering your faith? How can you confront this fear with trust in God's faithfulness? ([01:02:17])
4. Sarah's faith had a significant impact on future generations. How can your small acts of faith today contribute to God's bigger picture? ([01:07:11])
5. The sermon emphasized that faith is an agricultural process, not a quick fix. What is one area of your life where you need to be more patient and trust in God's timing? ([01:12:50])
6. How can you stay rooted and connected to the family of God, as emphasized in the sermon, to strengthen your faith journey? ([36:27])
7. The pastor shared about the importance of community and small groups in growing our faith. How can you actively engage in your small group to support your faith journey and the faith journey of others? ([31:19])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Strength in Our Weakness
Description: God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Often, He allows us to come to the end of our own strength before stepping in with His. This teaches us to rely on Him completely, trusting that He will show up as faithful and true in our moments of despair. When we are weak, it is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness in our lives. This reliance on God is not a sign of failure but a testament to His ability to sustain us through all circumstances.
In moments of weakness, we are reminded that our strength is not sufficient, but God's strength is limitless. By surrendering our weaknesses to Him, we allow His power to work through us, transforming our despair into hope and our struggles into testimonies of His faithfulness. This process of surrender and reliance on God deepens our faith and strengthens our relationship with Him. [53:15]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt completely overwhelmed. How can you invite God into that weakness and trust Him to show His strength?
Day 2: Nothing is Impossible for God
Description: Sarah's story reminds us that nothing is impossible for God. Despite her initial disbelief, God's promise was fulfilled. Our unbelief does not change God's character or His ability to fulfill His promises. We are called to trust Him, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Sarah's journey from doubt to faith is a powerful reminder that God's promises are true and His timing is perfect.
When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we must remember that God's power is not limited by our understanding or circumstances. His ability to fulfill His promises is not dependent on our faith but on His unchanging nature. By trusting in God's promises, we can find hope and assurance, even in the most challenging times. [57:13]
Luke 1:37 (ESV): "For nothing will be impossible with God."
Reflection: Identify a promise from God that you find hard to believe in your current situation. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and trust in His ability to fulfill that promise?
Day 3: Living Beyond Fear
Description: Fear often masks itself as disbelief or sarcasm. Sarah laughed at God's promise out of fear that it wouldn't come to pass. We must confront our fears and trust that God is faithful. By recalling past moments of God's faithfulness, we can strengthen our faith and overcome fear. Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from fully trusting in God's promises and plans for our lives.
To live beyond fear, we must actively choose to trust in God's faithfulness and remember His past works in our lives. By focusing on His goodness and faithfulness, we can overcome the doubts and fears that seek to undermine our faith. This process requires intentional reflection and a commitment to trust God, even when fear tries to take hold. [01:02:17]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a fear that has been holding you back. How can you confront this fear by recalling a specific instance of God's faithfulness in your life?
Day 4: The Bigger Picture
Description: God's work in our lives is part of a much bigger picture. Sarah's faith led to the birth of Isaac, which eventually led to the lineage of Jesus Christ. Our faithfulness today impacts future generations and contributes to God's greater plan. We must trust that our small acts of faith are part of His grand design. Understanding the bigger picture helps us to remain faithful and patient, even when we do not see immediate results.
Our lives are interconnected with God's larger plan, and our faithfulness can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circumstances. By trusting in God's greater plan, we can find purpose and meaning in our daily acts of faith, knowing that they contribute to His divine narrative. [01:07:11]
Romans 8:28 (ESV): "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Reflection: Reflect on a small act of faith you can take today. How might this act contribute to God's bigger picture and impact future generations?
Day 5: Faith as an Agricultural Process
Description: Our faith journey is not a quick mechanical fix but a slow, agricultural process of growth. Like planting seeds, it takes time for our faith to bear fruit. We must remain patient and faithful, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see immediate results. This process of growth requires nurturing, patience, and trust in God's timing.
Just as a farmer tends to his crops, we must tend to our faith, allowing it to grow and develop over time. This involves regular spiritual practices, community support, and a commitment to trust in God's ongoing work in our lives. By embracing the slow, steady process of growth, we can develop a deep and resilient faith that withstands the challenges of life. [01:12:50]
James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
Reflection: Consider an area of your faith where you desire growth. What specific steps can you take to nurture this area, trusting in God's timing for the results?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's only religion that would try and convince you. That there's a criteria you have to meet before you're invited in. The presence of God and the fullness of Jesus is step in as you are, your family. You've been adopted in as sons and daughters and that's our prayer. That you would know that you can belong to family and that there's no point of arrival that qualifies you for that except that you say, Jesus, thank you for what you've done for me." [31:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I wanted to remind you today that your story of faith finds its fullness and its strength when you stay rooted and connected to the family of God. It's for a greater sense of what it means to be the body of Christ that we find wholeness and unity and strength. And I just feel compelled to remind you. I want to remind you today that what God has done here through Evolve's story as a part of the church in Edmonton over the last almost six years continues to strengthen and encourage and resource and equip the body of Christ across the nation of Canada and around the world now." [36:27] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Never forget that Jesus is building His church and the gates of hell cannot come against the work that Christ is doing. And that is why every Sunday we pray." [36:27] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To be a people of faith is the ongoing long obedience to Christ that prioritizes staying faithful to Jesus regardless of our circumstances. And we have to develop some spiritual muscles that are willing to say God doesn't change. Despite my circumstances. He remains faithful. He remains steadfast. He remains true. On the mountain top and in the valley." [44:54] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When weakness shouts out, This is impossible. Faith remembers that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Faith requires a willingness to come to the end of ourselves. And that's where pride holds us back because isn't it pride that never wants to let us come to the end of ourselves? I've got to figure out a way how to do this on my own because where's God in the mess? And I just want to say maybe the Spirit's invitation is to allow a surrender to come to the end of the line to say, God, I need Your strength in my weakness." [55:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Staying faithful remembers that his strength is made perfect in our weakness. He shows up strongest when we're at our weakest. Don't run from weak moments because it might just be in your weakness that he wants to prove his strength. By faith, Sarah herself received power to conceive, it says in 11 verse 12. And again, verses 11 and 12 of Genesis 18, Abraham and Sarah were old. They were well past the childbearing season. Sarah on her own physically did not have the strength to conceive a child, and yet a son was born to her." [53:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Staying faithful remembers that nothing is actually impossible for God. Even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Past the age, no longer physically able to conceive, impossible, impossible. They're old, advanced in years. And Sarah's first response to the promise of God, is unbelief. It's like, whatever God. You're promising me something that's so near and dear to my heart. Something I've been aching for, for years. And I hear you say, it's going to happen. And she laughs in disbelief." [57:13] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Staying faithful remembers to not live by fear. Genesis 18, 15, Sarah denied it, saying, I didn't laugh, for she was afraid. 25 years. 25 years. 300 months. 1,300 weeks. 9,125 days. That's how long Sarah waited between hearing God's promise for the first time and actually holding her son. Like in Genesis 18, it's a year later, but the promise actually came 24 years before Genesis 18." [01:02:17] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Staying faithful remembers the bigger picture. The bigger work that God is doing. 11 and 12, by faith Sarah herself received power to conceive. Not her own power, his power. Even when she was past the age, it was impossible. But, and I like this verse, since she considered him faithful who had promised. There was a moment that in her laughter and in her doubt and in her cynicism that Sarah was like, well, he said it. I have to trust it. Abe, let's go to bed. There was a moment where she trusted him as faithful and her faith allowed her to respond and act out in faith." [01:07:11] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What's it going to cost us to remain faithful to Jesus against all odds when it feels impossible despite all circumstances? Well, it's going to take that we remember that his strength is always made perfect in our weakness. Will we allow ourselves to come to the end and trust that? It's going to cause us to remember that nothing is impossible for God. We're going to have to choose to remember that. We don't have to be a people of fear. We get to be a people of faith. We get to remember that there's a much bigger picture being told than we could ever imagine." [01:10:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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