Faithful Obedience: Witnessing God's Power Through Service
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions, even when they seem unusual or challenging. Drawing from the biblical story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho, I highlighted how God's commands may not always align with our human understanding or conventional wisdom. However, it is through our obedience and faith that we witness God's power and miracles. I also stressed the significance of active faith, using the example of our church community distributing door hangers in the neighborhood. This act, while simple, is a demonstration of our faith and obedience, trusting that God will use our efforts to touch people's hearts.
In the second part of the sermon, I encouraged the congregation to identify their unique gifts and use them in service of the church and the broader community. I emphasized that serving is not just about meeting the church's needs, but about experiencing God working through our efforts. I concluded the sermon with a prayer, asking God to lead us, work miracles in people's lives, and help us serve joyfully and effectively.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's commands may not always align with our human understanding, but through obedience and faith, we witness His power and miracles ([43:30]).
2. Active faith is crucial. Our actions, no matter how small, can be used by God to make significant impacts ([44:41]).
3. Each of us has unique gifts and abilities that can be used in service of the church and the broader community ([45:45]).
4. Serving is not just about meeting the church's needs, but about experiencing God working through our efforts ([46:50]).
5. We should pray for God's guidance and for the courage to respond faithfully, just like the people of Israel did in the story of Jericho ([48:01]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 6:1-5 [07:40]
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Israelites marching around the city of Jericho for six days?
2. How did the Israelites respond to God's unusual command?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of the walls of Jericho teach us about obedience and faith in God's commands, even when they seem unusual or illogical?
2. How does the story of the walls of Jericho illustrate the concept of God working through our efforts?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you felt God was leading you to do something unusual or out of your comfort zone? How did you respond?
2. How can you apply the lesson of obedience from the story of the walls of Jericho in a specific area of your life this week?
3. In what ways can you actively participate in your church or community, trusting that God will work through your efforts, even if they seem small or insignificant?
4. Can you think of a specific person or situation where you can demonstrate faith and obedience, even if it doesn't make sense to others?
5. How can you encourage others in your group to step out in faith and obedience, trusting in God's plan and timing?
Devotional
Day 1: Faithful Obedience to God's Commands
God often gives us unusual commands to test our faith. He wants to see if we truly believe He can work miracles in our lives, or if we think it's all up to us. When we obey, even when His instructions seem strange or difficult, we allow God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness in our lives ([39:43]).
Isaiah 30:21 - "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God asked you to do something unusual or difficult. How did your obedience lead to God's blessing?
Day 2: God Works Through Our Efforts
When we faithfully follow God's lead and do our part, we can trust that God will do the rest. He is the one who touches hearts, saves people, and breaks down walls. Our role is to act in faith and expect God to work miracles through our efforts ([43:30]).
1 Corinthians 3:6 - "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow."
Reflection: How have you seen God work through your efforts recently? How does this encourage you to continue serving Him?
Day 3: Serving in the Church
As we mature in our faith, we are called to discover our gifts and abilities and use them to serve in the church. Serving is not just about filling volunteer roles; it's about being faithful to follow where God is leading and contributing to the work He is doing in our church community ([26:09]).
Romans 12:6-8 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Reflection: What are your gifts and abilities? How can you use them to serve in your church community?
Day 4: Trusting God's Battle Plan
God's battle plans may seem strange to us, but they are always perfect. When we trust and obey His instructions, we get to witness His power and victory. Our role is not to question or doubt, but to faithfully follow His lead ([27:07]).
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: How can you trust God's battle plan for your life, even when it seems strange or difficult?
Day 5: Activating Our Faith Through Action
There's something about activity that activates our faith. When we step out in obedience and do what God has called us to do, we allow Him to work in and through us. Our faith is not just about believing; it's about acting on that belief ([42:18]).
James 2:17 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Reflection: What is one step of obedience you can take this week to activate your faith?
Quotes
1. "And march out knowing god is with you and he's going to do great things through your effort. But the only way that's going to happen is if we cooperate with what god leads us to do and we do it faithfully." - 46:50
2. "Sometimes you have to trust that god's leading you. And when you do that like in this story what I found in my life is good things happen. God does some of his best work when we hear his voice and we obey." - 39:43
3. "Our great battles in life are not really just for us to do the work. But to expect god will go with us as we have faith. If you're an evangelist, you share your faith because god leads you in what to say. And when somebody comes to christ, it's because he's prepared their heart and their mind to understand it and to receive it." - 44:41
4. "When god leads you to do something we do it. And as we do it you find out you're the one who gets blessed because you see god work in incredible ways in people's lives." - 45:45
5. "We want to celebrate more of what god's doing in people's lives here. And so if you're asked to do that, it's probably coming some point down the road here. Be ready." - 23:03
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