Faithful Service and Trusting God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Main Street Baptist Church. Today, we gather to worship our Lord Jesus Christ and to be edified by His Word. We began our service with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to fill our mouths with His praises and our hearts with His Word, so that we may be built up as the body of Christ here in Georgetown, Texas. We also prayed for those who are listening and watching online, asking God to speak to them in a special way and to empower us all to be His hands, feet, and voice in a world that desperately needs Him.
We then turned to Philippians 1:1-2, where Paul greets the church at Philippi, including the bishops and deacons. This passage highlights the importance of deacons, who are chosen and ordained to serve the church in an official capacity. Paul’s instructions to Timothy about the qualifications for deacons emphasize that they should be reverent, honest, sober, content, and faithful men. At Main Street Baptist Church, we are blessed to have ten such men currently serving as deacons. We recognized these men and introduced two new candidates, Bill Marinas and Sean Stidham, who will be voted on at our next business meeting.
We then sang a hymn, "When We Seek Christ," which reminds us that our trials will seem small when we focus on Jesus. The Apostle Paul’s words encourage us to give our burdens to the Lord, knowing that the glory to be revealed in us far outweighs our present struggles.
Next, we read from Genesis 12, the calling of Abram, who later became Abraham. God called Abram to leave his country and family to go to a land that He would show him. God promised to make Abram a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. Abram obeyed God’s call, demonstrating faith and trust in God’s promises.
Finally, we collected our tithes and offerings, asking God to use them for His honor, glory, and the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Collective Worship: Gathering together as a church family to worship Jesus Christ is a powerful act that unites us and strengthens our faith. It is an opportunity to be filled with God’s Word and to be built up as the body of Christ, ready to serve a world in need. [17:52]
2. The High Calling of Deacons: Serving as a deacon is a significant responsibility that requires reverence, honesty, sobriety, contentment, and faithfulness. Deacons are chosen to serve the church in an official capacity, and their role is crucial for the church’s operation and spiritual health. [19:55]
3. Focusing on Christ in Trials: When we focus on Jesus, our trials and burdens seem small in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. The hymn "When We Seek Christ" reminds us to give our burdens to the Lord and trust in His promises, knowing that our present struggles are temporary. [28:14]
4. The Faith of Abraham: Abraham’s obedience to God’s call to leave his country and family demonstrates profound faith and trust in God’s promises. His journey reminds us that God’s plans often require us to step out in faith, trusting that He will guide and bless us. [29:09]
5. The Importance of Tithes and Offerings: Giving back to God through tithes and offerings is an act of worship and gratitude. It supports the spreading of the gospel and the work of the church, allowing us to honor God with the blessings He has given us. [32:00]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:52] - Opening Prayer
[19:55] - Introduction to Philippians 1:1-2
[22:57] - Recognition of Current Deacons
[24:34] - Introduction of New Deacon Candidates
[28:14] - Hymn: "When We Seek Christ"
[29:09] - Reading from Genesis 12
[31:16] - The Call of Abram
[32:00] - Collection of Tithes and Offerings
[32:30] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:1-2: "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
2. Genesis 12:1-4: "Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific qualities does Paul mention that deacons should possess in Philippians 1:1-2? [19:55]
2. How did Abram respond to God's call in Genesis 12:1-4? [29:09]
3. What was the main message of the hymn "When We Seek Christ" as mentioned in the sermon? [28:14]
4. How did the church service incorporate the act of giving tithes and offerings? [32:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the qualities of deacons in his letter to the Philippians? How do these qualities contribute to the church's spiritual health? [19:55]
2. What does Abram's obedience to God's call in Genesis 12 teach us about faith and trust in God's promises? [29:09]
3. How can focusing on Christ help us to see our trials and burdens in a different light, as suggested by the hymn "When We Seek Christ"? [28:14]
4. In what ways does the act of giving tithes and offerings serve as an act of worship and gratitude? [32:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the qualities of deacons mentioned in Philippians 1:1-2. How can you cultivate these qualities in your own life, even if you are not serving in an official capacity? [19:55]
2. Abram left his country and family to follow God's call. Is there something God is calling you to step out in faith for? What steps can you take to trust and obey His call? [29:09]
3. The hymn "When We Seek Christ" suggests that our trials will seem small when we focus on Jesus. Is there a specific trial or burden you are currently facing that you need to give to the Lord? How can you practically focus on Christ in this situation? [28:14]
4. How can you make collective worship a more powerful and unifying experience for yourself and others in your church community? What specific actions can you take to contribute to this? [17:52]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of tithes and offerings. How can you approach giving with a heart of worship and gratitude? Are there specific ways you can be more intentional in your giving? [32:00]
6. Think about the role of deacons in your church. How can you support and pray for the deacons and other church leaders? What practical steps can you take to encourage them in their service? [24:34]
7. Abram's journey required him to leave his comfort zone. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you prepare yourself to take that step of faith? [29:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Collective Worship
Gathering together as a church family to worship Jesus Christ is a powerful act that unites us and strengthens our faith. It is an opportunity to be filled with God’s Word and to be built up as the body of Christ, ready to serve a world in need. When we come together in worship, we are reminded of our shared beliefs and the communal aspect of our faith. This collective worship not only uplifts our spirits but also prepares us to be effective witnesses of Christ’s love in our daily lives. [17:52]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you make your participation in collective worship more meaningful this week? Is there someone you can invite to join you in worship to experience the power of the church family?
Day 2: The High Calling of Deacons
Serving as a deacon is a significant responsibility that requires reverence, honesty, sobriety, contentment, and faithfulness. Deacons are chosen to serve the church in an official capacity, and their role is crucial for the church’s operation and spiritual health. The qualifications for deacons, as outlined by Paul, emphasize the importance of character and integrity in those who serve. At Main Street Baptist Church, we are blessed to have dedicated men who fulfill this role, ensuring that the church functions smoothly and that the needs of the congregation are met. [19:55]
1 Timothy 3:8-10 (ESV): "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless."
Reflection: Reflect on the qualities of a deacon. How can you support and encourage the deacons in your church? Is there a way you can serve your church community with similar dedication and integrity?
Day 3: Focusing on Christ in Trials
When we focus on Jesus, our trials and burdens seem small in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. The hymn "When We Seek Christ" reminds us to give our burdens to the Lord and trust in His promises, knowing that our present struggles are temporary. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we gain perspective and strength to endure hardships, understanding that they are part of our journey towards eternal glory. [28:14]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What current trial or burden can you entrust to Jesus today? How can focusing on Christ change your perspective on this situation?
Day 4: The Faith of Abraham
Abraham’s obedience to God’s call to leave his country and family demonstrates profound faith and trust in God’s promises. His journey reminds us that God’s plans often require us to step out in faith, trusting that He will guide and bless us. Abraham’s willingness to follow God without knowing all the details is a powerful example of faith in action. It challenges us to consider how we respond to God’s call in our own lives and whether we are willing to trust Him completely. [29:09]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take today to trust and obey His leading?
Day 5: The Importance of Tithes and Offerings
Giving back to God through tithes and offerings is an act of worship and gratitude. It supports the spreading of the gospel and the work of the church, allowing us to honor God with the blessings He has given us. Our financial contributions are a tangible way to express our trust in God’s provision and our commitment to His mission. By giving generously, we participate in the growth of God’s kingdom and demonstrate our reliance on Him rather than on material wealth. [32:00]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you make your giving a more intentional act of worship? Is there a specific way you can support your church or a ministry that aligns with your passions and gifts?
Quotes
1. "I pray you'll fill our mouths with your praises, that you'll fill our hearts and our ears, Lord, with your word, that we might be edified, built up to be the body of Jesus Christ that you've called us to be here in Georgetown, Texas. Father, I pray for not only those gathered here, but those that are listening and watching online, Lord, that you will speak to us in a special way." [17:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "May we go forth from this place today, having heard from you, and Lord, go forth into a world that so badly needs you, desperately needs you, and be your hands and your feet in the voice of Jesus in their lives. We pray these things in the name of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen." [17:52] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The call to serve the church as a deacon is a high calling. We are blessed at Main Street Baptist Church to have ten such men currently serving as deacons. I would like to recognize them at this time. And if you are here, now some are out of town, if you're here when I call your name, would you please stand?" [22:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "These men serve as deacons at our church and are also involved in several other ministries as well as being deacons. We have Sunday school teachers represented here, we have prime-timer ministry leaders represented here, finance treasurers, hospitality team leaders, etc, etc. These men are good men, honest men, reverent men, and they have served us and do serve us faithfully as deacons of Main Street Baptist Church." [22:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There will be a vote to approve these two men at our next business meeting, August 25th, after which, upon congregational approval, we will arrange for an ordination service for these men. So please keep Bill and Sean in your prayers, and all our deacons, and get acquainted with them. They're your servants, they're here to serve you, and they do a great job." [24:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "In the big scheme of things whatever it is that's weighing you down in the long haul the Apostle Paul said it's not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us when Christ returns so think about that and take that care and that burden right now and give it to the Lord and sing this last verse together." [28:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Now the Lord had said unto Abram get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred and from thy father's house unto a land that I will show thee and I will make of thee a great nation and I will bless thee and make thy name great thou shalt be a blessing and I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curseth thee and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed so Abram departed as the Lord had spoken unto him." [31:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Father, we do love You and we thank You for Your blessings and for the opportunity to give back to You of that which You've blessed us with. Please take these tithes and offerings, use them for Your honor, for Your glory and for the spreading of the kingdom of Jesus Christ and the gospel of Your Son. In His name we pray. Amen." [32:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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