Finding Hope and Purpose in God's Sovereignty
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the overwhelming negativity that often pervades our daily news and social media feeds. I highlighted the tragic events that impact even the youngest among us, emphasizing the pervasive influence of evil in our world. Despite these challenges, I reminded us of God's sovereignty and His foreknowledge of every circumstance we encounter. This foundational truth reassures us that God has a purpose for each of us, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.
I then transitioned into a personal reflection on the words God placed on my heart while preparing for this sermon: beginning, end, and purpose. These words drove me to deeper contemplation about our existence and God's plan for our lives. I wrestled with these concepts, seeking clarity on what God was revealing to me. Through prayer and meditation, another word was illuminated: hope. This revelation connected the initial words, showing that our hope is rooted in Jesus Christ, the manifestation of God's love and redemption.
Expanding on this, I discussed how our actions alone cannot secure our salvation, but rather, it is our surrender to God and our love for Him that opens the gates of heaven. This led to a profound realization about our 'beginning' and 'end.' Our true beginning was in God's initial creation, and our end is not at our physical death but rather our eternal life in heaven, worshipping God forever.
The core of my message focused on the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20. I emphasized that making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not optional or conditional on our circumstances. It is a direct command from Jesus, who assures us of His presence until the end of the age. This mission is our purpose, and it is intertwined with the hope we have in Jesus, who is both the Alpha and Omega.
In conclusion, I encouraged the congregation to step out in faith, seizing every opportunity to share the gospel. Whether these opportunities arise in planned events or spontaneous interactions, we are called to be courageous and proactive in our witness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding God's Sovereignty Amidst Negativity
In a world filled with chaos and tragedy, it's crucial to recognize God's sovereignty. He has foreseen every event and has a purpose for us within His grand design. This understanding should empower us to face life's challenges with faith and courage, knowing we are part of a larger, divine narrative.
[02:39]
2. The Significance of 'Beginning' and 'End' in Our Spiritual Journey
Reflecting on the words 'beginning' and 'end' can profoundly impact our understanding of our life's purpose. Recognizing that our true beginning was in God and our end is eternal life with Him reshapes our perspective on everything we do. This eternal viewpoint can transform how we live our daily lives and interact with others.
[04:23]
3. The Power of Hope in Jesus Christ
Hope is not just a feeling; it is a person, Jesus Christ. This hope is foundational to our faith and is the anchor in every storm. By focusing on Jesus, who took our sins upon Himself, we find the strength to overcome despair and share this hope with others.
[06:06]
4. Living Out the Great Commission as Our Purpose
Our primary purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission. This isn't just a task for the 'spiritually elite' but a command for all believers. This purpose should drive our interactions and be the focus of our efforts, regardless of our circumstances or feelings.
[09:49]
5. Courage to Share the Gospel in Everyday Life
Sharing the gospel isn't limited to church events or missions trips. It happens in our everyday interactions and conversations. We must pray for courage to step out of our comfort zones and speak about our faith, trusting that God will use our words to impact others.
[11:42]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
02:39 - The Impact of Negativity and God's Sovereignty
04:23 - Contemplating Our Spiritual 'Beginning' and 'End'
06:06 - The Central Role of Hope in Our Faith
07:58 - Understanding Our Eternal Destination
09:49 - The Command to Make Disciples
11:42 - Practical Steps to Sharing Our Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
2. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
3. Revelation 22:13 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 28:19-20 command believers to do, and what assurance does Jesus give? ([09:49])
2. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God have for us? ([11:42])
3. How does Revelation 22:13 describe Jesus, and what significance do these titles have? ([04:23])
4. In the sermon, what were the three words that God placed on the pastor's heart, and what additional word was later revealed? ([06:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty help us face the negativity and tragedies in the world? ([02:39])
2. What does it mean for our beginning to be in God and our end to be eternal life with Him? How does this perspective change our daily lives? ([07:58])
3. Why is hope in Jesus Christ described as foundational to our faith? How does this hope help us in times of despair? ([06:06])
4. How can the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 be seen as a direct command for all believers, not just the 'spiritually elite'? ([09:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt overwhelmed by negativity. How did you seek God's presence and purpose during that time? ([02:39])
2. How can you remind yourself daily that your true beginning is in God and your end is eternal life with Him? What practical steps can you take to keep this perspective? ([07:58])
3. Think of a situation where you felt hopeless. How can focusing on Jesus as your hope change your outlook and actions in similar future situations? ([06:06])
4. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What specific steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them, in light of the Great Commission? ([09:49])
5. What are some everyday opportunities you have to share your faith? How can you pray for courage to step out of your comfort zone and speak about your faith in these situations? ([11:42])
6. How can you immerse yourself more in the Word of God to better hear His voice and understand His purpose for your life? ([02:39])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's purpose for you was unclear. How did you seek clarity, and what did you learn from that experience? ([04:23])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Sovereignty in a Chaotic World
In a world where chaos and tragedy seem to dominate the headlines, it is essential to anchor our faith in the understanding of God's sovereignty. God's foreknowledge and omnipotence mean that nothing happens without His awareness or outside His control. This truth should not lead us to passivity but rather empower us with the courage to face life's uncertainties. By recognizing that we are part of God's grand design, we can navigate our days with a sense of purpose and hope, even amidst negativity. This perspective is crucial for maintaining spiritual resilience and peace. [02:39]
Psalm 93:1-2, "The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting."
Reflection: How can acknowledging God's sovereignty change your reaction to negative news or personal trials you face today?
Day 2: Understanding Our Eternal Timeline
Reflecting on our 'beginning' and 'end' from a spiritual perspective profoundly impacts our understanding of existence. Recognizing that our true beginning was in God's creation and our end transcends our earthly life to eternal existence with Him, reshapes how we view our daily interactions and decisions. This eternal viewpoint encourages us to live with intention, focusing on eternal values rather than temporal concerns, thus transforming our approach to life and how we engage with others. [04:23]
Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: How does understanding your life as part of an eternal story influence your priorities and actions today?
Day 3: Anchoring in the Hope of Christ
Hope in Jesus Christ is not merely a comforting thought but the cornerstone of our faith. This hope is personified in Jesus, who embodies God's promise of redemption and love. By focusing on Christ, we anchor ourselves in a hope that sustains us through all trials and challenges. This foundational hope should be the lens through which we view every situation, allowing us to maintain faith and share this unshakeable hope with others, even in the darkest times. [06:06]
Hebrews 6:19-20, "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively rely on the hope of Jesus to overcome a current challenge in your life?
Day 4: Commissioned to Share the Gospel
Living out the Great Commission is our divine mandate, not just a suggestion. As followers of Christ, we are called to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded. This task is integral to our purpose and should drive our interactions, regardless of our circumstances. Embracing this mission with passion and dedication is essential for spreading the gospel and fulfilling our role in God's plan. [09:49]
Matthew 28:19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to more actively participate in the Great Commission?
Day 5: Courage to Witness Everyday
The call to share the gospel encompasses every aspect of our lives, extending beyond organized church events to our daily interactions. Each conversation and encounter is an opportunity to demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Praying for courage and seizing these opportunities can lead to impactful moments of witness that God can use to transform lives. This proactive approach in sharing our faith is essential for living out our Christian calling. [11:42]
Acts 4:29-31, "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Reflection: Who in your daily life could benefit from hearing about your faith, and how can you approach sharing it with them this week?
Quotes
1. "how many of us watch the news these days no in a world that's constantly moving and changing we can become easily hung up on the the amount of negativity that there is going on in the world we start watching the news i think we watched it a couple of weeks ago and literally the first four stories were all negative stories i thought not what you know more of this i'm turning it off turn it off um but it's everywhere social media if you have social media it's also everywhere every post is negativity" [02:39]
2. "but god is sovereign he saw all of these moments coming before we did he knew where we would be and what we would be going through you can hold on and take courage from the fact that he has a purpose for each and every one of you including me we see that god says that a lot to us in the bible but how can we make sure we don't miss him how can we make sure that we notice him when he's coming and how can we ensure that we are present in seeking god and knowing what that purpose is" [04:23]
3. "and i got one more word that he brought to me it's very simple hope and we have a hope because of jesus the revelation of god made man for us he came to earth born of a virgin to redeem the world and take our burden upon himself on the cross atoning for the sins of the world because of his love for us" [06:06]
4. "our beginning was not when we were born on this earth our beginning was in the beginning of god our beginning was in the beginning of god in god when he gave his only son that we may have everlasting life and then jesus dying on the cross for each and every person here and outside of this building we surrender to him and seek the kingdom of god" [07:58]
5. "go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father of the son and of the holy spirit again go baptize them baptism is also a commandment guys teaching them to observe all that i have commanded you and behold i am with you always to the end of the age not till the day you die doesn't say that does he" [09:49]
6. "for i know the plans i have for you declares the lord plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope in all moments of strife and struggle remember god is bigger than anything we will go through and he has a plan and the purpose for us guys we have our beginning and our end god we have our purpose to glorify god and guys we have a hope and our hope is living and his name is jesus" [11:42]
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