Finding Security and Courage in God's Presence

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, it's crucial to remember that God knows us intimately and has a plan for us even before we were born. This understanding should be the foundation of our security and joy. We are reminded of the profound truth that God, who created the universe, watched His Son die for us, and it was His will to do so, so that we could become His righteousness. This divine plan was set in motion long before our existence, and He has prepared good works for us to walk in. In moments of insecurity, like Jeremiah, we are encouraged not to fear because God is with us. His Spirit dwells within us, and Jesus is with us always, to the end of the age. This realization should fill us with courage and peace, knowing that the God who created us is watching over us.

Reflecting on the story of Gideon, we see a man who needed assurance of God's presence before he could act. Once he was certain that God was with him, he was ready to face any challenge, regardless of the odds. This story challenges us to have the same attitude, to seek God's presence above all else, and to trust that He is enough. We are reminded of the danger of relying on human strength and resources, as seen in the story of King Asa, who turned away from relying on God and faced the consequences. Instead, we are called to rely solely on God, knowing that His eyes are searching for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

In our lives, we often get caught up in trying to meet expectations, handle criticism, and seek approval. But we must remember that our identity is found in God, who knows us and loves us. We are encouraged to rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, to be secure in His love, and to let that security propel us to do great things for His glory. As we worship, confess, and rest in His grace, we are reminded to enjoy the cross, His grace, and being found in His righteousness.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Intimate Knowledge and Plan: Before we were born, God knew us and had a plan for our lives. This understanding should be the source of our security and joy, knowing that the Creator of the universe has prepared good works for us to walk in. [19:42]

2. Courage in God's Presence: Like Jeremiah, we are encouraged not to fear because God is with us. His Spirit dwells within us, and Jesus is with us always, providing us with courage and peace. [20:26]

3. Trusting in God's Presence: Gideon's story teaches us to seek assurance of God's presence and to trust that He is enough. When we know God is with us, we can face any challenge with confidence. [24:52]

4. Relying Solely on God: The story of King Asa warns us against relying on human strength and resources. Instead, we are called to rely solely on God, whose eyes are searching for those fully committed to Him. [28:22]

5. Resting in God's Love and Grace: Our identity is found in God, who knows and loves us. We are encouraged to rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, to be secure in His love, and to let that security propel us to do great things for His glory. [39:45]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:42] - God's Intimate Knowledge
[20:26] - Courage in God's Presence
[21:45] - Trusting Like Moses
[22:33] - Gideon's Assurance
[24:52] - Confidence in God's Presence
[26:36] - King Asa's Reliance
[28:22] - Consequences of Self-Reliance
[30:02] - God's Searching Eyes
[32:10] - Resting in God's Love
[33:24] - The Holiness of God
[35:04] - Encountering God's Presence
[36:41] - Authentic Faith
[38:59] - Rediscovering Identity
[41:33] - Worship and Reflection
[44:48] - Communion and Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 1:5-8
2. Judges 6:11-16
3. 2 Chronicles 16:7-9

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Observation Questions:

1. In Jeremiah 1:5-8, what does God tell Jeremiah about his purpose and presence? How does this relate to the idea of God knowing us before we were born? [20:26]

2. How does Gideon's interaction with the angel of the Lord in Judges 6:11-16 demonstrate his need for assurance of God's presence? What does this tell us about Gideon's character? [22:33]

3. According to 2 Chronicles 16:7-9, what was King Asa's mistake, and what were the consequences of his actions? How does this passage illustrate the importance of relying on God? [28:22]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between our identity and God's intimate knowledge of us? [39:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for believers to find security and joy in the knowledge that God has a plan for their lives, as mentioned in Jeremiah 1:5-8? How might this understanding impact their daily lives? [20:26]

2. In the story of Gideon, why is it significant that he sought confirmation of God's presence before taking action? How does this reflect on the importance of seeking God's guidance in our own decisions? [24:52]

3. How does the story of King Asa serve as a warning against relying on human strength and resources? What lessons can be drawn about the consequences of self-reliance? [28:22]

4. The sermon emphasizes resting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. How does this concept of rest relate to the idea of being secure in God's love and grace? [39:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt insecure about your purpose or calling. How can the knowledge that God knew you before you were born provide comfort and direction in such moments? [20:26]

2. Gideon needed assurance of God's presence before he could act. How can you seek and recognize God's presence in your life when facing challenges? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are relying on God? [24:52]

3. King Asa's story warns against relying on human resources. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's? How can you shift your focus to trust in God more fully? [28:22]

4. The sermon encourages resting in God's love and grace. What are some practical ways you can incorporate rest and reflection on God's grace into your daily routine? [39:45]

5. How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ when faced with criticism or the pressure to meet others' expectations? What specific actions can you take to stay grounded in God's love? [39:16]

6. The sermon mentions the importance of enjoying the cross and God's grace. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus in your worship and daily life? [44:48]

7. Consider the idea of God's eyes searching for those fully committed to Him. How can you demonstrate a heart fully committed to God in your relationships and community? [28:22]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Intimate Knowledge and Purpose
God's intimate knowledge of us is a profound truth that should anchor our lives. Before we were even born, God knew us and had a plan for our lives. This understanding is not just a comforting thought but a foundational truth that should bring us security and joy. The Creator of the universe, who set the stars in place, has also prepared good works for us to walk in. This divine orchestration of our lives means that we are not here by accident, but by divine design. In moments of doubt or insecurity, we can rest in the assurance that God knows us better than we know ourselves and has a purpose for every step we take. [19:42]

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that God has a specific plan for your life change the way you approach your daily tasks and decisions today?


Day 2: Courage in God's Presence
The presence of God in our lives is a source of courage and peace. Like Jeremiah, who was called to a daunting task, we are encouraged not to fear because God is with us. His Spirit dwells within us, and Jesus promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. This assurance should fill us with courage to face any challenge, knowing that we are never alone. The God who created us is watching over us, guiding us, and empowering us to fulfill His purposes. In times of fear or uncertainty, we can draw strength from the knowledge that God's presence is our constant companion. [20:26]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one fear or challenge you are currently facing, and how can you invite God's presence into that situation today?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Presence
Gideon's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking assurance of God's presence. Before he could act, Gideon needed to know that God was with him. Once he was certain of God's presence, he was ready to face any challenge, regardless of the odds. This story challenges us to have the same attitude, to seek God's presence above all else, and to trust that He is enough. When we know God is with us, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. [24:52]

"And the Lord said to him, 'But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.'" (Judges 6:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek assurance of God's presence, and how can you actively pursue that assurance today?


Day 4: Relying Solely on God
The story of King Asa serves as a warning against relying on human strength and resources. Asa turned away from relying on God and faced the consequences of his actions. Instead, we are called to rely solely on God, whose eyes are searching for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. This reliance on God requires a shift in focus from our own abilities and resources to His infinite power and wisdom. When we place our trust in God, we align ourselves with His purposes and experience the fullness of His provision and guidance. [28:22]

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area where you have been relying on your own strength, and how can you begin to rely more fully on God today?


Day 5: Resting in God's Love and Grace
Our identity is found in God, who knows and loves us deeply. We are encouraged to rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, to be secure in His love, and to let that security propel us to do great things for His glory. This rest is not passive but an active trust in God's grace and love. As we worship, confess, and rest in His grace, we are reminded to enjoy the cross, His grace, and being found in His righteousness. This understanding of our identity in Christ frees us from the need to seek approval from others and allows us to live boldly for His glory. [39:45]

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively rest in God's love and grace today, and what steps can you take to let that rest influence your actions and decisions?

Quotes


Before my mom gave birth to me you knew this why am I scared walking onto a stage you made me for this you knew me you knew me this is where our security this is where our joy has to come from it's just to sit and rest and go okay so the guy of the universe he watched his son die for me. [00:19:30]

In those moments of insecurity like in verse 8 you know he he tells Jeremiah don't be afraid of them I'm with you so I'm not alone right now this this is why I can say whatever you want me to say God right now cuz you're with me you're with me you perceive my thoughts from afar your spirit dwells inside of me Jesus is right here with me always to the End of the Age. [00:20:24]

Gideon just had to know God was with him and once he knew God was with him he's like all right give me 30,000 men give me 10,000 men give me 300 I don't care God's with me we can take him on we can do anything he spent all of his time just making sure God was really with him you sure this is you you sure this is your promise cuz if it's your promise I'll go out there by myself. [00:24:41]

Because you relied on the king of Syria and did not rely on the Lord your God the army of the king of Syria has escaped you verse 8 he goes were not the Ethiopians and the libyans a huge army with very many chariots and Horsemen yet because you relied on the Lord he gave them into your hand for the eyes of the Lord run to and from grow throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. [00:26:56]

You blew it you so blew it because you relied you relied on someone you thought oh man if I could just hire that guy he will change everything that church is set if I can get that worship leader then oh we're going to draw so many people if we can get that guy preaching at our church woo we're set we're set church is going to be fine that's exactly what king ASA did he forgot about the early days where he was just a nobody. [00:27:46]

God's eyes like right now the the eyes of the Lord are roaming to and fro throughout this room like God in heaven knows we're known by him and he's going who in there trusts me he's like looking oh oh you're looking for for a youth pastor and you think that's going to save forget you oh you think a new executive pastor with a good game plan to set these programs forget you you're still on your face you're still on your face believing that that all you got to do is just go God I'm stupid I can't do anything right I need you so badly. [00:29:45]

I just want to see a church really loving each other supernaturally by the power of the Holy Spirit where if an unbeliever walked in he'd go I've never seen love like this I've never seen people love each other like this you know I'm just going God I don't care if it's me I don't I just want to see it cuz I know I see it in this book man that there's this Holy Spirit power that can cause people to be so madly in love with each other that they don't care about their stuff here take my things take my I don't care. [00:30:20]

I want to be known by God I want to know him I don't want to take a step out of this Sanctuary unless he comes with me I'm going set out this fleece God you got to be with me if you're with me I'll dwindle it down to 300 do you still have that confidence he still relying on the Lord because as some of you know I nearly lost my identity a few years ago after I started writing and speaking and everyone expects something of you. [00:38:36]

You forget you forget what got you here it's because you just relied on God cuz you just sat you stopped and were able to rest and go wow God you know me you made me for this you're with me right now that's all I'm going to look at that's all I'm going to think about I'm going to trying to keep my mind pure I want to make a covenant with my eyes Lord not to look lustfully upon a woman I don't want those thoughts I don't want you seeing me doing that you know me. [00:39:45]

I'm just going to rest in what Jesus did for me I can't add to that I'm going be secure in that and out of that security Lord let we do some great things so that if I were to die three minutes I'm good with that because I'm right with you God is there anything else you want me to say that I haven't said this mouth is yours. [00:40:47]

Some of you are like me where you just you do stuff CU you're insecure rather than resting in the cross resting in the fact that you're loved and known by God just do whatever the Lord's telling you to do for let's let's just worship him for a little bit and for some of you you don't need to be singing you'd be confessing others of you you don't need to be singing you need to be resting just lying in those Green Pastures and soaking in the grace of God maybe you just meditate on the cross. [00:44:48]

We just try to do too much rather than just soak in the body and blood of Jesus Christ enjoy the cross enjoy his grace enjoy being found in his righteousness. [00:45:06]

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Transcript
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