Finding Strength in God's Greatness Amidst Human Weakness
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound themes of human weakness and God's greatness, using Psalm 46 as our guide. We began by acknowledging the common afflictions and graces that affect all people, regardless of their faith or background. This led us to reflect on the universal nature of suffering and joy, and the unique hope that Christians have in God during both times of trouble and prosperity.
We then delved into the Psalms, particularly focusing on the laments that express deep sorrow but always turn back to the greatness of God. Psalm 46 exemplifies this pattern, highlighting our human frailty and God's omnipotence. We discussed how natural disasters, political turmoil, and personal hardships affect everyone, but emphasized that our response should be to seek refuge in God, who is our strength and protector.
Three key aspects of God's greatness were highlighted: His power, His protection, and His presence. We illustrated God's power through the analogy of electronic devices needing to be recharged, emphasizing that we must continually connect to God as our source of strength. We also discussed God's role as our protector, likening Him to an impenetrable fortress where we can find safety and security. Lastly, we marveled at God's presence, noting that He is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in our lives, dwelling within us through the Holy Spirit.
We concluded by encouraging everyone to be still and know that God is in control, to live lives that glorify Him, and to trust in His timing and plan. We also took time to reflect on the significance of communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice and the access it grants us to God. The call to action was clear: repent, confess, partake in communion, and go forth to exalt God's name among the nations.
### Key Takeaways
1. Common Affliction and Grace: Both believers and non-believers experience the same joys and sufferings in life. The difference lies in the hope and eternal perspective that Christians have in God. This hope is not just for times of trouble but also for times of prosperity, reminding us that our ultimate security and joy come from God alone. [38:47]
2. God's Power: Just as electronic devices need to be recharged, we too must continually connect to God as our source of strength. Psalm 46 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. When we are weak, we must run to God, our King, who is always ready to empower us. [51:11]
3. God's Protection: God is our impenetrable fortress, our refuge in times of trouble. The Bible is filled with testimonies of God's protection over His people, from splitting seas to stopping the sun. When we face life's challenges, we must remember to run to God, who is our ultimate protector. [57:16]
4. God's Presence: God is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in our lives. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the veil that separated us from God's presence was torn, granting us direct access to Him. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, making God's presence a constant reality in our lives. [01:04:24]
5. Response to God's Greatness: Our response to God's power, protection, and presence should be one of stillness and trust. We are called to be still and know that He is God, to live lives that glorify Him, and to trust in His timing and plan. This involves repentance, confession, and a commitment to exalt God's name among the nations. [01:11:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:06] - Introduction and Common Affliction
[39:38] - Common Grace and Joy
[41:10] - The Eternal Impact of Hope
[42:58] - Introduction to Psalm 46
[43:59] - Prayer for the Community
[45:17] - Observations on Human Weakness
[46:03] - The Uncontrollable Nature of Life
[47:18] - The Illusion of Control
[48:46] - Full Surrender to God
[49:37] - Who is Our Lord and Savior?
[50:29] - The Desire for Control
[51:11] - God is My Power
[52:22] - The Lion King Analogy
[53:37] - Running to the King
[54:25] - The Source of Our Power
[55:11] - Magnifying Problems Over God
[56:03] - Trusting in God's Power
[56:37] - God is My Protector
[57:16] - Running to God in Trouble
[58:21] - Escapism and Gluttony
[59:32] - Practical Steps to Run to God
[01:00:12] - Importance of Biblical Community
[01:01:36] - The Pattern of Forgetting God
[01:02:14] - Finding True Joy and Fulfillment
[01:03:15] - The Lord of Hosts is With Us
[01:04:24] - God is Present
[01:05:44] - The Significance of the Cross
[01:06:38] - The Veil Was Torn
[01:07:23] - Access to God's Presence
[01:08:10] - Full Access Through Jesus
[01:08:58] - Living in God's Presence
[01:09:43] - God is Present in Our Darkest Moments
[01:10:36] - Approaching the Throne of Grace
[01:11:19] - Be Still and Know That He is God
[01:12:00] - Trusting in God's Timing
[01:12:38] - Exalting God's Name
[01:13:17] - Hope and Trust in God
[01:13:55] - Communion Instructions
[01:14:40] - The Significance of Communion
[01:15:47] - Confession and Repentance
[01:16:12] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[01:16:59] - Final Prayer and Invitation
[01:17:57] - Invitation to Communion and Prayer
[01:18:41] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 46:1-11 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
2. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." ([48:46])
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key aspects of God's greatness mentioned in the sermon? ([50:29])
2. How does Psalm 46 describe God's role during times of trouble? ([42:58])
3. What analogy was used to illustrate our need to continually connect to God for strength? ([51:11])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the veil being torn when Jesus died? ([01:06:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "common affliction and grace" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's role in both suffering and joy? ([38:47])
2. In what ways does the analogy of electronic devices needing to be recharged help us understand our relationship with God? ([51:11])
3. How does the story of Simba and Mufasa from "The Lion King" illustrate our relationship with God as our protector? ([53:37])
4. What does it mean to "be still and know that I am God" in the context of your daily life? ([01:11:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time of trouble or prosperity in your life. How did you see God's presence and power during that time? ([38:47])
2. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are continually "recharging" your spiritual life by connecting with God? ([51:11])
3. Think of a situation where you tried to control the outcome instead of surrendering to God. How can you practice full surrender in similar situations in the future? ([48:46])
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to seek God's protection. How can you actively run to God as your refuge in this area? ([57:16])
5. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily routine, especially during moments of stress or anxiety? ([01:04:24])
6. What are some ways you can live a life that glorifies God and exalts His name among the people you interact with daily? ([01:12:38])
7. Before taking communion, what specific sins or weaknesses do you need to confess and repent of? How can this act of confession and repentance deepen your relationship with God? ([01:15:47])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Universal Nature of Suffering and Joy
Description: Both believers and non-believers experience the same joys and sufferings in life. The difference lies in the hope and eternal perspective that Christians have in God. This hope is not just for times of trouble but also for times of prosperity, reminding us that our ultimate security and joy come from God alone. Christians are called to recognize that their experiences of joy and suffering are shared with all humanity, but their response is rooted in a unique hope in God. This hope provides a foundation that transcends circumstances, offering peace and assurance in both good times and bad. [38:47]
Bible Passage: "For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:45, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent time of joy or suffering in your life. How did your faith in God shape your response to that situation? How can you share this hope with someone who may not have the same perspective?
### Day 2: Connecting to God's Power
Description: Just as electronic devices need to be recharged, we too must continually connect to God as our source of strength. Psalm 46 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. When we are weak, we must run to God, our King, who is always ready to empower us. This analogy helps us understand the necessity of a constant and intentional connection with God, who is the ultimate source of our power and resilience. [51:11]
Bible Passage: "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally "recharge" your spiritual life this week? Consider specific practices like prayer, reading Scripture, or spending quiet time in God's presence.
### Day 3: Seeking Refuge in God's Protection
Description: God is our impenetrable fortress, our refuge in times of trouble. The Bible is filled with testimonies of God's protection over His people, from splitting seas to stopping the sun. When we face life's challenges, we must remember to run to God, who is our ultimate protector. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and seek His protection in every circumstance, knowing that He is always ready to shield and defend them. [57:16]
Bible Passage: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge or fear you are facing. How can you actively seek refuge in God's protection today? What steps can you take to remind yourself of His faithfulness?
### Day 4: Embracing God's Presence
Description: God is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in our lives. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the veil that separated us from God's presence was torn, granting us direct access to Him. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, making God's presence a constant reality in our lives. This truth transforms how we live daily, knowing that we are never alone and that God is always with us, guiding and comforting us. [01:04:24]
Bible Passage: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily routine? What practices or reminders can help you stay connected to the Holy Spirit throughout your day?
### Day 5: Responding to God's Greatness
Description: Our response to God's power, protection, and presence should be one of stillness and trust. We are called to be still and know that He is God, to live lives that glorify Him, and to trust in His timing and plan. This involves repentance, confession, and a commitment to exalt God's name among the nations. By embracing this response, believers can experience a deeper relationship with God and a more profound impact on the world around them. [01:11:19]
Bible Passage: "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection: What does it mean for you to "be still" and trust in God's plan today? Identify one area of your life where you need to surrender control and trust in His timing. How can you take a step towards that surrender this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Since Adam and Eve, sin brought destruction and pain. For all people. Their goodness and their badness was irrelevant. Their religion, what they practiced, what they did, irrelevant. Their broken, the broken, fallen nature of our world impacted every single one of those couples." [39:38]
2. "But being a Christian, that's amazing. But also non-Christians experience the same joy and excitement of watching and looking on to their kids learning how to ride a bike and hit their first, you know, at bat in t-ball. But my question when I look at that is where is their hope during their problems and their hope during their prosperity? What's the eternal impact of hope?" [41:10]
3. "We cannot control anything in this life. Where are my control freaks? Raise your hand. There you are. You know one of the worst bumper stickers I've ever seen in my entire life? Jesus is my co-pilot. Why in the world are you flying the plane? That's what I wanna know. Like, I wanna be in the back row of that plane. Like, I don't wanna be anywhere near the cockpit. I'm sorry, but you do not want me on the controls. I should not be driving the plane in my own life." [47:18]
4. "When God speaks, the enemy runs. But we as his children don't run from God when he speaks. We run to him. Because we know that we are safe. God is my refuge and strength. An ever present help in trouble. Although the earth gives way and the mountains crumble. And like the ocean is raging and foaming. I'm running. I'm running to my God. My king. My father. Because in him that we know we are safe." [54:25]
5. "You may be in a dark place right now. You may be right now in this moment living in some deep dark sin. And I want you to know that God is present. With you. Right now. In this very moment. I think often we may see God more like a Catholic school teacher with a ruler. Right? Wanting to slap us every time we do something wrong. God is a loving father. Who has his arms open and he's ready to embrace us." [01:09:43]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And it's interesting as you're reading through the Psalms and you're seeing the anguish and the hurt and the pain of just life circumstance, just what's going on in life. One of the things that really sparks my attention is how the Psalmist will talk about the hardship, but then there's always a however. There's always a but. But God. How great is our God? And he talks, the Psalmist will talk about the the presence of God in the brokenness, in the pain." [42:58]
2. "I think often we go to God as a last resort. Right? We try to white knuckle it. We try to figure it out. We're self-made people. We're educated. We're successful. And so we think, all right, I'm gonna do everything I can. And then if I finally can't, then maybe I'll let Jesus take a stab at it. That's not what we're called to. In fact, at the moment of salvation, your life does not belong to you anymore. The gospel calls for full surrender." [48:01]
3. "I think often with our problems, with our sin, all those things. We tend to place those things in front of God. And they take up our entire view of life. And so when we're going through life. What we're seeing is our problems and our circumstances and our hurt and our pain. And we're not seeing God. We have blocked God with those things. But our God is greater than all of those things. He is the source of our power." [56:03]
4. "I think so often we are so much quicker to scroll than we are to pray. We are so much quicker to go to the phrase. Than we are to open up God's word. And be fed by his word. God has given us spiritual disciplines like fasting. So that we can fix and focus our eyes on him. But we don't practice these things because. We don't have time. Today is not a good day because. You can fill in that blank all day. It's like you saying I'm going to start my diet tomorrow. How many times have we said that? Every day." [01:00:12]
5. "I think often as believers and Christians. We do not receive his presence. We do not live in his presence. We do not pursue the presence of God. But we have access. And it's not because you're a great person. And it's not because you did some really good mission work one time. Back in the day. No, it's because of Jesus. And him living his life for you. So not only is God my power. And not only is God my protector. But God is present." [01:08:58]
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