Finding Courage and Peace in Christ Amidst Trials
Summary
In today's message, we explored the concept of "taking heart," which means to take courage, regain confidence, or feel more hopeful. In the face of challenges, such as the fires affecting L.A. County, it's crucial to remember that God remains sovereign. We are encouraged to pray for those impacted and to find peace in Jesus, who has overcome the world. This peace is not the absence of trials but the presence of Jesus amidst them.
We delved into the importance of standing courageously for our faith, especially in a culture where speaking about Jesus publicly can be daunting. Historical and biblical examples, like Paul, remind us that God calls us to speak boldly and not be silent about our faith. Jesus promises to acknowledge those who acknowledge Him publicly, emphasizing the significance of standing firm in our beliefs.
We also discussed the concept of worldview, which is the lens through which we interpret life and make decisions. Many people unconsciously adopt worldviews from their surroundings rather than from the Word of God. This can lead to destructive life choices. We examined three prevalent worldviews: materialism, hedonism, and individualism, each of which can lead us away from God's truth. Materialism equates success with wealth, hedonism prioritizes pleasure, and individualism places self above all else. These views contrast sharply with biblical teachings, which emphasize that true value and fulfillment come from God, not worldly pursuits.
Furthermore, we explored biblical worldviews on sanctity, including the sanctity of life, sex, and marriage. These views are often controversial in today's society but remain foundational to Christian belief. The sanctity of life asserts that every unborn child has a God-given purpose. The sanctity of sex teaches that sex is reserved for marriage, and the sanctity of marriage defines it as a union between one man and one woman. These principles are non-negotiable and rooted in Scripture.
To live courageously, we must accept God's Word as the ultimate authority and build a personal relationship with Jesus. The closer we draw to Him, the more courage we will have to stand for truth in a world filled with conflicting worldviews.
Key Takeaways:
1. Peace in Trials: True peace comes from Jesus, not the absence of trials. In John 16:33, Jesus assures us that while we will face challenges, He has overcome the world, offering us peace and courage to endure. [01:27]
2. Courage to Stand: In a world where speaking about Jesus can be intimidating, we are called to stand courageously for our faith. Acknowledging Jesus publicly is crucial, as He promises to acknowledge us before God. [04:19]
3. Worldview vs. Word View: Our worldview influences every decision we make. Many adopt worldviews unconsciously from their environment, but true wisdom comes from aligning our views with God's Word. [09:21]
4. Sanctity of Life, Sex, and Marriage: These biblical principles are foundational and non-negotiable. They emphasize the God-given purpose of life, the holiness of sex within marriage, and the sacredness of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. [37:57]
5. Building on God's Authority: To live courageously, we must accept God's Word as our ultimate authority and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. The closer we are to Him, the more courage we will have to stand for truth. [43:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Peace in Trials
[04:19] - Courage to Stand
[07:16] - Understanding Worldviews
[09:21] - Influence of Worldviews
[12:39] - Materialism and Its Impact
[16:00] - Hedonism and Pleasure
[20:00] - Individualism and Self-Centeredness
[24:00] - The Sanctity of Life
[28:00] - The Sanctity of Sex
[32:00] - The Sanctity of Marriage
[37:57] - Biblical Worldviews
[41:19] - Building on God's Authority
[43:01] - Personal Relationship with Jesus
[45:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 16:33
- Matthew 10:32-33
- Acts 18:9
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 16:33, what does Jesus promise us in the midst of trials? How does this relate to the concept of "taking heart"? [01:27]
2. In Matthew 10:32-33, what does Jesus say about acknowledging Him publicly? What are the consequences of denying Him? [04:19]
3. How does Acts 18:9 illustrate God's encouragement to Paul regarding speaking about Jesus? What does this tell us about God's expectations for us? [04:19]
4. What are the three worldviews mentioned in the sermon, and how do they contrast with a biblical worldview? [12:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of peace in John 16:33 challenge the common understanding of peace as the absence of trials? What does this imply about the nature of true peace? [01:27]
2. Why might Jesus emphasize the importance of acknowledging Him publicly in Matthew 10:32-33? How does this relate to the courage needed to stand for one's faith? [04:19]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our worldview influences our decisions? How can aligning our worldview with God's Word lead to wisdom? [09:21]
4. How do the biblical principles of the sanctity of life, sex, and marriage serve as a foundation for Christian belief, according to the sermon? Why are these principles considered non-negotiable? [37:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you seek peace during that time? How might focusing on Jesus' promise in John 16:33 change your approach to future challenges? [01:27]
2. Consider a situation where you felt hesitant to speak about your faith. What fears or concerns held you back? How can the encouragement from Acts 18:9 inspire you to be more vocal about your beliefs? [04:19]
3. Identify a decision you made recently. What worldview influenced that decision? How can you ensure that your future decisions are more aligned with a biblical worldview? [09:21]
4. The sermon discusses the sanctity of life, sex, and marriage. How do these principles impact your personal beliefs and actions? Are there areas where you feel challenged to align more closely with these biblical views? [37:57]
5. How can you cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus to gain more courage in standing for truth? What practical steps can you take this week to draw closer to Him? [43:01]
6. Reflect on the influence of materialism, hedonism, and individualism in your life. Which of these worldviews do you find most challenging to resist, and why? How can you counteract these influences with biblical truth? [12:39]
7. Think about a time when you felt pressured to conform to societal views that conflict with biblical teachings. How did you respond, and what would you do differently now after hearing this sermon? [41:19]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Peace Amidst Trials
In the midst of life's challenges, true peace is not the absence of trials but the presence of Jesus. This peace is a profound assurance that, despite the fires of adversity, God remains sovereign and in control. Jesus has overcome the world, and through Him, we can find courage and hope. This peace allows us to face difficulties with a heart anchored in faith, knowing that Jesus walks with us through every storm. [01:27]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: In what current trial can you invite Jesus to bring His peace? How can you actively seek His presence in this situation today?
Day 2: Courage to Stand for Faith
In a world where speaking about Jesus can be intimidating, believers are called to stand courageously for their faith. Acknowledging Jesus publicly is not just a duty but a promise of being acknowledged by Him before God. This call to courage is a reminder that our faith is not meant to be hidden but shared boldly, even when it feels daunting. [04:19]
Matthew 10:32-33 (ESV): "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus today? How can you take a step of courage to share your faith with them?
Day 3: Aligning Worldview with God's Word
Our worldview shapes every decision we make, yet many adopt views unconsciously from their environment. True wisdom comes from aligning our perspectives with God's Word, which offers a lens of truth and life. By examining prevalent worldviews like materialism, hedonism, and individualism, we can discern how they contrast with biblical teachings and choose to live by God's truth. [09:21]
Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
Reflection: What worldview influences your decisions the most? How can you realign your perspective with God's Word today?
Day 4: Upholding the Sanctity of Life, Sex, and Marriage
Biblical principles on the sanctity of life, sex, and marriage are foundational and non-negotiable. These principles assert the God-given purpose of every life, the holiness of sex within marriage, and the sacredness of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In a society where these views are often controversial, believers are called to uphold these truths with conviction and grace. [37:57]
Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.'"
Reflection: How can you uphold the sanctity of life, sex, or marriage in your daily interactions? What steps can you take to live out these principles today?
Day 5: Building on God's Authority
To live courageously, believers must accept God's Word as the ultimate authority and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. The closer we draw to Him, the more courage we will have to stand for truth in a world filled with conflicting worldviews. This relationship with Jesus is the foundation for a life of faith and boldness. [43:01]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: What area of your life needs to be more aligned with God's authority? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus to gain courage in this area today?
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Quotes
And if there's ever a time we need to take courage, it's right now here in L .A. County and all that's going on, as you heard, concerning the fires. And I believe today we need to take heart. We need to know that God is still on the throne today and continue to pray for all the first responders and everybody that has been affected by these fires. But I'm going to read a scripture in John 16, verse 33, and then we'll dive right into this message. It says this, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. So Jesus is very clear that. Peace comes from him. [00:00:17] (40 seconds)
Well, God bless you today. Again, we're talking about courage. And this morning. I want to talk about taking heart or taking courage to stand, to make a stand, to be able to stand for what you believe and to be able to stand for truth. I think it's critical in today's culture that we have some courage to stand. I know a lot of Christians that have a hard time speaking up for Jesus in public. In fact, this is nothing new. Thousands of years ago. Many believers had problems standing up for Jesus. In fact, the scripture tells us in John 7, 13. [00:02:18] (46 seconds)
So if you wonder if it's true or not, think about yourself. Do you have the courage to speak publicly about Jesus or do we become frozen at the mouth? What happens? Why don't we speak publicly about Jesus? Are we afraid? And even Paul is encouraged by the Lord when there's pressure and people are trying to get him to stop preaching about the name of Jesus, that the Lord speaks to Paul in the night. And he tells him in Acts 18, 9, one night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. Be not afraid. Keep on speaking. Do not be silent. [00:03:10] (47 seconds)
And a worldview is the belief system. It is based on what people's opinions are. It's your way of how you look at things. It is the belief system that you hold on to and how you process your decisions. I'll make it more simple. It's the lens that you use to look at life and to make decisions. I'll use an illustration here. You know, all of us have these fancy smartphones and iPhones, and it's amazing how you can take a picture, but if you use the right filter, it'll look really professional. [00:06:34] (42 seconds)
This is what filters do when, you can take the picture down before I insult anybody else, it can make it look so professional. And this is why we have arguments. This is why there's debates in the world, because we all have different worldviews. We all have different filters that we're looking at life at, and the way we're looking at events. You can have five people that have five different views at the same event. Because they're using different filters. And this filter, or this worldview, could include how you look at God. [00:08:02] (38 seconds)
And here's the thing, your worldview influences every choice that you make, every decision that you decide or you choose. And here's the problem, you're profoundly influenced by the worldview of other people. In actuality, I will say this, we picked up a lot of our worldview, not consciously, but unconsciously. In other words, there's some things that you believe, and there's a belief system that you have, that may not be, you didn't pick it up consciously, even kind of unspoken. [00:09:21] (40 seconds)
Christian worldviews there's even believers in this house and in this setting right now that you don't have a word view you have a world view you have viewpoint that you picked up along the way and you've held on to them and I want you to listen to me very carefully as your pastor who loves you you may call yourself a Christian but if you don't base your decisions on the Bible and on the word of God you're going to have some devastating effects on your life it's going to be very destructive for you because you're basing your decision on a worldview and not on the words view [00:12:39] (44 seconds)
hedonism which happiness and pleasure is God and individualism I'm God I run my own life these three worldviews will destroy your life and so we have this happening in our culture today we have this crumble crumbling our culture we see this crisis in our school controversies in our course corruption listen to me in our business chaos in our government in our government in our government carnality in our churches confusion in our families and conflict in our own personal lives and yet God has given us an owner's manual it's called the word of God and it's there to help us [00:24:00] (45 seconds)
And there's two things that are going to help us today. I'm going to close with this, to live with this courage. Number one, you've got to look at God's word. You have to accept God's word as the ultimate authority in your life. It has to be. It has to be the only source of truth, because people will lie. Worldviews will lie to you, but not God's word. And so if you're going to build your life on something, build it upon the rock, which is God's word. Not people's opinion, not what people have to say, but I'm going to build my life on the truth of God's word. [00:41:19] (34 seconds)
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