Finding Peace in God's Sovereignty During Turmoil
Summary
Gathering together as a church community is a privilege, allowing us to reflect on God's work in our lives and to listen to His voice. Today, we continue our series, "Don't Lose Your Mind," by focusing on the personal challenges we face, especially during this election season. The Scripture from Ephesians 6:11-12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. This calls us to put on the full armor of God and to find peace in His presence.
As we navigate the stress and anxiety of the current political climate, it's crucial to remember who is truly in charge. Psalm 22:27-28, John 14:6, and Revelation 1:5 affirm that God has dominion over all nations and that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Our faith in Him provides access to the Father and assures us of His sovereignty over earthly authorities.
Romans 13:1 teaches us to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing that God has established them. This doesn't mean we always understand His reasons, but it challenges us to trust His plan and to respond with grace and obedience. Our civic responsibility is to respect these authorities, knowing that God is ultimately in control.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray for all people, especially those in authority. Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to intercede and give thanks, regardless of the election outcome. By praying, we align ourselves with God's will and find peace, living godly and holy lives.
Finally, we must remember that our battle is spiritual, not against flesh and blood. This perspective helps us navigate conflicts in relationships and society, recognizing the spiritual forces at work. As we partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and His dominion over all. Let us live as His ambassadors, shining His light and sharing His love in a world that desperately needs it.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Sovereignty: In times of political turmoil, remember that God is in control. Psalm 22:27-28 and Revelation 1:5 remind us that He has dominion over all nations and rulers. Trusting in His sovereignty brings peace amidst chaos. [32:13]
- Jesus as the Way: Jesus declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). In a world of uncertainty and conflicting truths, anchoring our lives in Him provides clarity and direction. [33:22]
- Respect for Authorities: Romans 13:1 teaches us to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing that God has established them. This challenges us to trust His plan and respond with grace, even when we don't understand. [38:44]
- Power of Prayer: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 emphasizes the importance of praying for those in authority. Prayer aligns us with God's will, bringing peace and strength to live godly lives. [39:44]
- Spiritual Warfare: Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:11-12). Recognizing this helps us navigate conflicts with grace, understanding the spiritual dynamics at play. [45:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:26] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:11-12
- [28:32] - Prayer for Strength and Peace
- [30:06] - Election Season Stress
- [32:13] - Remember Who's in Charge
- [33:22] - Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life
- [35:13] - Jesus' Dominion Over Earth
- [38:44] - Subject to Governing Authorities
- [39:44] - Praying for Leaders
- [41:50] - Living Peaceful and Godly Lives
- [43:55] - Spiritual Battle, Not Flesh and Blood
- [45:24] - Spiritual Warfare and Relationships
- [49:21] - Jesus: The Only One Who Saves
- [51:42] - Communion: Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
- [55:02] - Invitation to Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:11-12
- Psalm 22:27-28
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 6:11-12 say about the nature of our struggles? How does this passage frame the concept of spiritual warfare? [27:26]
2. According to Psalm 22:27-28, who ultimately has dominion over the nations, and what is the significance of this in the context of political turmoil? [32:13]
3. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, what are believers urged to do for those in authority, and what is the intended outcome of these actions? [39:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that our battle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:11-12) change the way we approach conflicts in our personal lives and society? [45:24]
2. What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty during times of political uncertainty, as highlighted in Psalm 22:27-28? How can this trust bring peace? [32:13]
3. How can prayer for leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, influence our perspective on political outcomes and our role as Christians in society? [39:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent conflict you experienced. How might recognizing it as a spiritual battle rather than a personal one change your response? [45:24]
2. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty when feeling anxious about political events? Consider practical steps you can take to reinforce this belief. [32:13]
3. How can you incorporate regular prayer for leaders into your daily routine? What specific prayers can you offer for those in authority, regardless of your personal opinions about them? [39:44]
4. Think about a time when you struggled to respect an authority figure. How can Romans 13:1 guide your actions and attitude in similar situations in the future? [38:44]
5. Identify a person or group you find challenging to love. How can you apply the principle of being an ambassador of Christ to improve your relationship with them? [51:42]
6. What are some practical ways you can shine the light of Christ in your community during this election season? Consider specific actions you can take to demonstrate love and peace. [49:21]
7. How can participating in Holy Communion remind you of Jesus' sacrifice and His dominion over all? Reflect on how this sacrament can strengthen your faith and resolve in spiritual battles. [55:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Uncertain Times
In the midst of political turmoil and uncertainty, it is essential to remember that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers. This truth is a source of peace and assurance, reminding us that no matter the chaos around us, God remains in control. Psalm 22:27-28 and Revelation 1:5 affirm that God's dominion is absolute, and His plans are perfect. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence, knowing that He is working all things for His purposes. [32:13]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively surrender these areas to Him today, trusting that He is in control?
Day 2: Anchoring in Jesus Amidst Conflicting Truths
In a world filled with uncertainty and conflicting truths, Jesus stands as the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 emphasizes that through Jesus, we find clarity and direction. By anchoring our lives in Him, we gain a firm foundation that guides us through life's challenges. This assurance in Jesus' truth helps us discern what is right and navigate the complexities of our world with confidence. [33:22]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What are some conflicting truths you are facing today? How can you anchor yourself in Jesus to find clarity and direction in these situations?
Day 3: Responding with Grace to Governing Authorities
Romans 13:1 challenges us to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing that God has established them. This teaching encourages us to trust God's plan, even when we do not understand it, and to respond with grace and obedience. Our civic responsibility is to respect these authorities, knowing that God is ultimately in control. This perspective helps us navigate political tensions with a spirit of grace and humility. [38:44]
1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV): "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good."
Reflection: How can you show respect and grace towards governing authorities, even when you disagree with them? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate this in your daily interactions?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1-2 highlights the importance of praying for those in authority. Prayer is a powerful tool that aligns us with God's will, bringing peace and strength to live godly lives. By interceding for leaders, we participate in God's work and find peace, regardless of the election outcome. This practice of prayer transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to live in alignment with God's purposes. [39:44]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Who are the leaders you can pray for today? How can you make prayer a regular part of your routine to align yourself with God's will and find peace?
Day 5: Recognizing Spiritual Warfare in Daily Life
Ephesians 6:11-12 reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Recognizing this spiritual warfare helps us navigate conflicts with grace, understanding the spiritual dynamics at play. By putting on the full armor of God, we are equipped to face these challenges and live as ambassadors of Christ, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. [45:24]
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV): "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
Reflection: What spiritual battles are you currently facing? How can you equip yourself with the full armor of God to navigate these challenges with grace and strength?
Quotes
1. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Tuesday to come and go, primarily so my phone quits blowing up with text messages and spam calls. Well, it was already doing that before the election. And that maybe my mailbox, when I forget to get mail out one day, won't be stuffed filled with 20 different types of communications about the election. We're in that season. We're seeing commercials come about. We're hearing them on the radio. We're seeing them when we watch TV. Even if we stream, we're still not immune. In fact, we're probably more immune because they don't have enough commercials, so they repeat the same political ad that you just got through watching. Right?" [00:29:16] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first way that we can respond is this. We can remember who actually is in charge. Right? I got three scriptures. We're going to cover them real quick. Psalms 22 and verses 27 and 28. All of them are in charge. All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord. And all the families of the nations will bow down before Him. For dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations. Right?" [00:31:54] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Remember who is in charge. The Lord has dominion over earth and heaven. Right? It will be one day that everyone, all families of all nations, it says, It doesn't just say those in America who are Christian, right? It doesn't say just those throughout the world who believe in Jesus. All families of all nations will bow down before the Lord, right? And so, who's in charge? It's the Lord. It's Jesus who has dominion over the world." [00:32:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Make no bones about it that our Lord and Savior has dominion over the world, over the earth, and dominion over heaven, over the heavens. Right? To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His love. He's also the Savior of the world. Not just holds in dominion. Not just in charge. He is our Savior. And we have life. We have access to the Father because of what He did for us on the cross. And that access comes through faith in Him." [00:35:21] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "party over another it's not one person over another it's not these groups that tell you this is the way it is Jesus Christ so what should we think about earthly authorities that's the next question I want us to look briefly in the Romans we'll look at chapter 13 verse 1 let everyone be subject to the governing authorities and I want to pause there and take you to the next phrase for there is no authority except that which God has established friends as you look around this world think of any leader in any country only God has allowed that individual to be there now we don't understand that how could God allow that individual to be there how could God allow that individual to God allow some of the leaders in the past how can he allow certain leaders in certain parts of the world and yet he allows it because everything in this world is about our relationship with God our relationship with each other how we treat one another how we respond in hard situations and the reality goes back to the first point to remember who's in charge when the world's in chaos when we have these leaders that do bad things when we have leaders that we feel might be just pure evil right the reality is God is still in charge right and so let everyone be subject to the authority the earthly authority because that's where you live right now we could I could give a history lesson I know some of you're thinking well America wouldn't be here if we were subject to authority because we rebel if you want a history lesson I I've got a couple hours, right? But you've got to look a little bit deeper than that. Who were the leaders that decided to rebel against England? Be subject to those who are in authority around you, right?" [00:36:14] (129 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And so we've got to remember, remember, don't lose your mind. No matter what happens on Tuesday, we're called to be a part of the land that we're a part of. subject to the authorities at every level the president uh the congress the senate the local leadership right uh the third point that god wants us to reflect on today uh is how do we respond to the authorities what can we do with the authorities how do we live out our faith uh and for there we turn to first timothy chapter two verses one to two and hear these words i urge you then first of all that petitions prayers intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people you see the word highlighted prayers right as a christian people we're to pray day in and day out for everybody in authority right we're going to get to that verse in a minute well we'll go for kings and all those in authority, right? We're to pray daily and not just ask God to intercede and God to change, transform that. We're not called just to do that. We're called to give thanksgiving." [00:39:30] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And we need to ask God to intercede however things turn out. Amen? Prayer. So important. Why prayer? How much more, Jesus said, how much more power will God give the Holy Spirit to... To those who ask. It is so easy to complain. It's so easy to gossip. So easy to talk about somebody. And so if we don't like the outcome, it is so easy to open our mouth and complain. And yet we have a say. Jesus said, how much more power will God give the Holy Spirit? That's in Luke 11, verse 13. To those who ask. And so may we throw up our petition. May we ask for intercession on whoever is elected on Tuesday. Friends, as we approach this season, as we've heard about it ad nauseum, as it impacts all of us to some degree or another, don't lose your mind." [00:41:18] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Remember who's really in charge. Remember how we should view governing authorities. And remember what our responsibility is. Our responsibility is, with them, to pray. And look at the second part of that, verse 2, that we may live, or verse 2, yeah, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Think about that. Psychological, American Psychological Association did their survey. Thousands across the nation. Ultimate time of stress, worry, anxiety, fear for the nation, for whoever, whoever's elected president. If we pray for the kings and those in authority, what's the promise?" [00:42:32] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "in God's Word. We will live in peace and quiet, and we'll find strength to live in godliness and holiness. Godliness and holiness is just mirroring Jesus Christ, essentially, right? Patterning our lives after His Word, living according to His Word, seeking to love others as He loved us, to love our neighbor as ourself, to draw close to God each and every day through reading the Bible, through walking with Him and talking with Him in prayer. And so may we commit our lives to that. I want to remind you one final thing, and then we're going to come to this table today." [00:43:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Don't take it personally on flesh and blood. Yeah, we have to look at the flesh. We have to deal with the flesh. But there... There are spiritual forces in this world that want to steal, kill, and destroy the family. Believe it. Work relationships, other relationships, and certainly it carries to this election season. Remember, friends, our battle's not flesh and blood. Right? It is spiritual in nature." [00:49:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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