Finding Renewal and Strength in Spiritual Struggles
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the story of Peter and how it relates to our own spiritual journeys. I emphasized that in moments of failure, when we feel like giving up, Jesus provides us with opportunities for success. However, we must follow His plan of redemption, renewal, and restoration. I stressed that without God, we can accomplish nothing, and I expressed gratitude for a God who is faithful to redeem, renew, and restore us. I also highlighted the importance of sharing our stories of faith, as our passionate pursuit of God can draw others closer to Him. Lastly, I touched on the tendency to revert to old ways when we drift away from God's will, and the importance of overcoming this natural inclination.
Key Takeaways:
- In moments of failure, Jesus provides opportunities for success through His plan of redemption, renewal, and restoration. ( [45:12])
- Without God, we can accomplish nothing. We serve a God who is faithful to redeem, renew, and restore us. ( [46:14])
- Our passionate pursuit of God can draw others closer to Him. Sharing our stories of faith is important. ( [01:00:37])
- When we drift away from God's will, our tendency is to revert to old ways. Overcoming this natural inclination is crucial. ( [47:31])
- We often seek secular security in times of struggle, but we should instead seek spiritual strength and renewal. ( [40:18])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 21:1-19 [37:22]
2. Luke 12:48 [51:59]
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Peter deciding to go fishing in John 21?
2. How did the other disciples respond to Peter's decision to go fishing?
3. What does Luke 12:48 mean when it says, "to whom much is given, much is required"?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Peter's decision to go fishing reveal about his faith and understanding of Jesus' teachings at that time?
2. How does the disciples' response to Peter's decision reflect their own faith and understanding?
3. How does Luke 12:48 apply to the disciples' situation and to our lives today?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you, like Peter, decided to return to your "old ways" during a time of uncertainty or difficulty? What led you to make that decision?
2. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions, especially during challenging times, reflect your faith and do not lead others into disobedience?
3. In what areas of your life have you been given much, and how can you fulfill the responsibility that comes with it, as stated in Luke 12:48?
4. How can you resist the temptation to revert to your "old ways" and instead trust in God's new way for you, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties?
5. How can you use your influence to encourage others to remain faithful and obedient to God, especially during difficult times?
Devotional
Day 1: The Struggle of Natural Over Supernatural
In our daily struggles, we often find ourselves exhausted and yearning for a new beginning. This yearning is an external manifestation of an internal problem - we have begun to accept the natural over the supernatural, allowing the flesh to overpower the spirit. We revert back to the natural sanctuary of this life, finding solace in the security of the secular world more than the spiritual realm ([40:18]).
Galatians 5:16-17 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle. How did you respond? Did you lean into the natural or the supernatural?
Day 2: The Power of Your Story
Your passionate pursuit of God will result in others drawing near to God. Your open witness and testimony can draw others to Jesus because of your obedience. Be bold about your story and watch what God does in and through the life of other people through your boldness to simply tell your story ([01:00:04]).
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: What is your story? How can you share it with others to draw them closer to God?
Day 3: Trusting in the Lord in Misery
When we drift away from the will of God and into the will of man in our misery, we must look to the Lord. In our tough spots, we must remember that Jesus is the one in charge of our lives and turn back to Him ([57:27]).
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: Reflect on a time when you drifted away from God's will. How did you turn back to Him?
Day 4: The Comfort Zone of the Old Ways
When we experience hard times, we often retreat to our comfort zones, the old ways of doing things. This limits our ability to display our faith and what God wants to do in the new way. When Satan begins to draw us away from the will of God, he often encourages us to revert to our old ways ([47:43]).
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: What are your "old ways" that you retreat to in times of struggle? How can you break free from these patterns?
Day 5: The Passionate Pursuit of God
The passionate pursuit of God is essential in our Christian walk. When we passionately pursue God, we draw others closer to Him. Our faith and obedience can inspire others and draw them closer to Jesus ([01:00:04]).
Psalm 63:1 - "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."
Reflection: How are you passionately pursuing God in your life? How can your pursuit of God inspire others?
Quotes
1. "When we drift away from the will of God and into the will of man, we will be miserable and unsuccessful. There's so many people that's miserable today because they're just living their life outside of the will of God. There's no joy in their life, there's no true happiness." - 53:42
2. "What was Peter saying when he was up to his neck in that water? You're the person in charge of my life, help me. What was he saying in this moment when John saw him? Man, we're in a tough spot, we fished all night, hadn't caught any fish, this going back to the secular way don't look very good. Look, it's the one who's in charge of my life." - 59:20
3. "God has given you a platform with your employees underneath your leadership. To whom much is given, much has been required. We better be careful all of us who have been given a stage of influence, careful that we don't lead those under our influence into a place of disobedience." - 53:07
4. "Your passionate Pursuit Of God will result in others Drawing Near to God. Your open witness and testimony that others can see the faith that you display in Lord, the one in charge of our life, and what we see not just in this story but all through scripture is that others will be drawn to Jesus because of your obedience." - 01:00:37
5. "What you're voicing inside internally is the external that there's a major problem going on that I have begun to accept the natural over the supernatural. I have allowed the flesh to overpower the spirit and what we see take place what we do is exactly what Peter did is that we revert back to the Natural sanctuary of this life that I'm calling today a secular security." - 40:57
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