Faith's Journey: Embracing Obedience, Gratitude, and Trust
Summary
In the discourse delivered by Pastor Rudy Rivero, the central theme revolves around the journey of faith and the essential attitudes of obedience and gratitude that must accompany it. The message begins with a reflection on the nature of this journey, emphasizing that believers are pilgrims on this earth, with their ultimate destination being the heavenly city designed by God. This perspective is meant to shape the way individuals live their daily lives, always mindful of their transient status on earth and their eternal home with God.
The first point addressed is the call to obedience. The narrative of Abraham's life serves as a prime example of this obedience. Abraham, when called by God, obeyed without knowing where he was going. This act of faith is highlighted as the epitome of obedience—following God's call without requiring all the details or understanding the full picture. The message underscores that obedience to God involves both a general call, which is the adherence to the principles laid out in the Bible for all believers, and a specific call, which is unique to each individual's life and circumstances.
The second point focuses on maintaining gratitude throughout the journey. The message stresses that the life God calls individuals to is one of abundance, but this abundance is not to be equated with material possessions. Instead, it is a spiritual abundance that allows one to live each day with joy, regardless of the circumstances. The message acknowledges that sadness and grief are natural human emotions, even Jesus wept, but believers are called to experience joy amidst sorrow. This paradoxical command is presented as a challenge to maintain a grateful heart even when facing pain or difficulty.
The message also touches on the importance of surrendering to God's will. It is explained that true surrender involves giving up one's rights to the conqueror, which in the spiritual sense means laying down all personal desires and plans before God. This surrender is not just about accepting Jesus as Savior but also acknowledging Him as Lord over every aspect of life. The act of surrender is what enables trust in God, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.
Throughout the message, the importance of trust is reiterated. Trust in God is portrayed as the foundation of both obedience and gratitude. It is the belief in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when faced with challenging situations that might cause doubt. The message encourages believers to trust God daily, from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep, and even as they sleep, knowing that God is in control.
In conclusion, the message calls for a proactive stance in faith, urging believers to make the decision to trust God before difficulties arise. It is a call to live out the year with the conviction that God's will is the best, regardless of whether it aligns with personal desires or understanding.
Key Takeaways:
- Obedience to God is not about having all the answers or understanding the full plan; it is about moving forward in faith, trusting in God's character and promises. Abraham's journey exemplifies this, as he obeyed God's call without knowing his destination, demonstrating that faith often requires action before clarity. [38:02]
- Gratitude is a transformative attitude that shapes how we approach life. It is not merely about feeling thankful but about living out thankfulness in our daily actions and interactions. This way of life creates a positive ripple effect, influencing others and spreading the joy that comes from recognizing and appreciating God's blessings. [01:03:07]
- Surrender to God is a crucial aspect of obedience. It involves laying down our desires and plans before God, trusting Him with our past, present, and future. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice that aligns our will with God's and enables us to trust Him fully, even in the face of life's challenges. [53:01]
- Trust in God is the key to experiencing joy in the midst of sorrow. It is an internal assurance that comes from God, not dependent on external circumstances. This trust allows us to face life's difficulties with confidence, knowing that God's plan is ultimately for our good, even when we don't understand it. [49:35]
- The journey of faith is continuous and requires daily trust in God. Each step we take should be grounded in our confidence in God's care and guidance. By trusting in Him every day, we can navigate the highs and lows of life with the assurance that He is with us and for us, no matter what comes our way. [30:50]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:8-10 (NIV)
> "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
2. Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
> "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
3. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
> "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:8, what was Abraham's response when God called him to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance?
2. How did Abraham live in the promised land, as described in Hebrews 11:9?
3. What does Matthew 6:10 suggest about aligning our will with God's will?
4. In the sermon, Pastor Rudy mentioned a specific example of Abraham's obedience. What was Abraham asked to do with his son Isaac, and how did he respond? ([47:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Abraham's willingness to obey God without knowing his destination teach us about the nature of faith and trust in God? ([30:50])
2. How can the concept of living as "strangers in a foreign country" (Hebrews 11:9) shape our understanding of our life on earth and our eternal home with God?
3. How does the prayer "Your kingdom come, your will be done" (Matthew 6:10) challenge us to surrender our personal desires and plans to God? ([44:07])
4. Reflecting on Romans 8:28, how can we find assurance in God's plan for our lives, even when we face difficult or uncertain circumstances?
#### Application Questions
1. Abraham obeyed God without knowing all the details. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith without having all the answers? How can you take a step of obedience this week? ([38:02])
2. Pastor Rudy emphasized the importance of maintaining gratitude throughout our journey. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a grateful heart, even in challenging times? ([58:00])
3. Surrendering to God's will involves laying down our personal desires. What is one specific desire or plan you need to surrender to God today? How can you practice this surrender daily? ([53:01])
4. Trusting God is foundational to experiencing joy amidst sorrow. Can you recall a time when trusting God brought you peace in a difficult situation? How can you apply that trust to a current challenge you are facing? ([49:35])
5. Pastor Rudy mentioned that our journey of faith requires daily trust in God. What is one practical step you can take each morning to remind yourself to trust God throughout the day? ([30:50])
6. How can you align your daily actions with the prayer "Your kingdom come, your will be done"? What changes might you need to make in your life to better reflect this alignment? ([44:07])
7. Reflect on the idea that we are pilgrims on this earth with an eternal home in heaven. How does this perspective influence your priorities and decisions? What is one change you can make to live more in line with this eternal perspective? ([33:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Moves Before Clarity
Faith is not a journey of sight, but one of steps taken in trust. Like Abraham, who ventured into the unknown at God's command, we too are called to move forward without the full picture, trusting that God's vision is greater than our own. This act of faith is a testament to our belief in God's promises and character. [38:02]
Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you feel called to take, even though the outcome is uncertain?
Day 2: Living Thankfulness
Gratitude is an active stance, not a passive emotion. It is choosing to live with a spirit of thankfulness that permeates actions and interactions, creating a ripple effect of joy and positivity. This lifestyle is a powerful witness to the abundance of God's blessings, beyond material wealth. [01:03:07]
Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate a life of gratitude today in a practical way?
Day 3: The Freedom in Surrender
Surrender is not a loss but a liberation, where laying down personal desires before God leads to a life aligned with His will. It is a daily practice of trust, acknowledging God's sovereignty over every aspect of life, and finding peace in the relinquishment of control. [53:01]
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Trust as the Anchor of Joy
Trust in God is the bedrock upon which joy in sorrow is built. It is an assurance that God's goodness prevails, even when external circumstances are daunting. This internal confidence allows us to face trials with a steadfast heart, anchored in the belief of God's ultimate plan for our good. [49:35]
Psalm 112:7 - "They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when trusting in God's plan brought you joy amidst difficulty? How can you apply that trust to a current situation?
Day 5: Daily Steps in Trusting God
The faith journey is a daily walk, each step taken with the trust that God is guiding and caring for us. It is a commitment to rely on His presence and provision in every moment, allowing us to navigate life's unpredictability with confidence and peace. [30:50]
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: What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God's guidance?
Quotes
1) "La jornada se vive diaria y con gozo. Dios nos dijo que nos dio vida en abundancia para que viviéramos con gozo y el que vive con gozo es el que confía, el que vive con gozo es la persona que tiene gratitud en el camino." [59:21] (Download)
2) "Reconocer las bendiciones requiere perspectiva. No vemos la belleza de una rosa porque estamos mirando las espinas. En vez de ver lo que tenemos, nos levantamos enfocados en el dolor con que nos levantamos." [01:00:50] (Download)
3) "La gratitud no es solamente un sentimiento, es una forma de vida. Cuando yo vivo con gratitud, me acerco a las cosas con una perspectiva diferente y con el sentido de abundancia y no escasez." [01:07:07] (Download)
4) "Obedecer sin saber dónde vas. Dios te llama y no te dice los detalles. Echa adelante por confianza no por detalles y él no le dio detalles a Abraham y la palabra de Dios nos dice que se levantó y se fue." [38:02] (Download)
5) "La rendición es un término de batalla. Implica renunciar a todos los derechos al conquistador. Cuando vine a Cristo como mi salvador personal, lo acepté como Salvador y también como Señor." [53:01] (Download)
6) "Confiar es a pesar de nuestros temores. A pesar de los sentimientos y a pesar de las emociones, tengo temor, pero lo que no puede dejar de estar es la confianza." [49:00] (Download)
7) "La confianza es creer en la bondad y fidelidad de Dios incluso cuando las circunstancias parecen sugerir lo contrario." [45:36] (Download)
8) "El llamado general de todos nosotros es aquello que ya está escrito en la palabra de Dios. Para que Dios te pueda usar en lo que él quiere usarte, tú tienes que estar viviendo de acuerdo a lo que él ha escrito en su palabra." [39:58] (Download)
9) "No todos van a ser pastores, Dios llama a todos tipos de personas a todos tipos de vocaciones, pero los llama a través de su palabra para que tú seas una luz en ese lugar donde quiera que estés trabajando." [41:20] (Download)
10) "Tienes que llegar a ese día y a ese momento y ya haber tomado la decisión de que Dios es tu señor y que en ese momento que venga el reto lo primero que vas a hacer sin falta es confiar." [55:11] (Download)
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