Finding True Success and Security in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered for our second "Summer in the Street" event, and I want to thank everyone for participating in our fun dress-up theme. As we enjoy this beautiful day, I want to share a personal story that ties into our theme of success and security. Growing up in Coweta, Oklahoma, I was never part of the popular crowd. Instead, I found my place in the band, journalism, and academic teams. Despite not fitting the typical mold of success, I was voted "most likely to succeed" by my peers. This filled me with dreams of becoming a renowned youth minister and author.
However, life took unexpected turns. After graduating from a Christian university, I found myself shut out of ministry and struggling to find financial stability. My pride took a hit, and I questioned God's love for me. I tried to find success in storytelling, but it felt more like a side hustle. Moving to Kansas City, I had to start over, and my self-worth plummeted. I felt like a failure, but God had other plans.
God taught me that true success and security are not found in social acceptance, financial wealth, or fame. They are found in the righteousness of God, integrity, and wisdom. Through my struggles, God equipped me for ministry in ways that seminary never could. He used my storytelling skills to lead me to my wife and family and eventually called me back into ministry.
Proverbs 2:1-6 reminds us to seek God's wisdom and understanding. True success and security come from following God's commands and seeking His heart. The world offers false security in pride, money, and flesh, but only God provides lasting success and security through faith in Jesus Christ. Proverbs 2:7-11 describes how God stores up success for the upright and shields those who live with integrity.
Faith in Jesus leads to righteousness, which values godly justice and encourages integrity. Through Him, we find success and security, even in trials. Satan's lies and temptations may try to lead us astray, but God's wisdom and righteousness protect us. Proverbs 2:12-16 warns against perverse paths and encourages us to keep to the paths of righteousness.
In conclusion, success and security are found in living for Christ, not the world. Philippians 1:21 says, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Let us grow in sound wisdom and live for Christ, finding true success and security in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Success and Security: Success and security are not found in social acceptance, financial wealth, or fame. They are found in the righteousness of God, integrity, and wisdom. God uses our struggles to equip us for His purposes, teaching us to trust Him fully.
2. Seek God's Wisdom: Proverbs 2:1-6 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding. Accepting God's words and commands leads to true success and security, as they reveal His glory and prepare us for eternal life.
3. Faith in Jesus: Faith in Jesus Christ leads to righteousness, which values godly justice and encourages integrity. Through Him, we find success and security, even in trials. Jesus' death and resurrection cover our unrighteousness with His righteousness.
4. Resist Satan's Lies: Satan's lies and temptations try to lead us astray, but God's wisdom and righteousness protect us. Proverbs 2:12-16 warns against perverse paths and encourages us to keep to the paths of righteousness, valuing honesty and integrity.
5. Live for Christ: Success and security are found in living for Christ, not the world. Philippians 1:21 says, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Let us grow in sound wisdom and live for Christ, finding true success and security in Him.
### YouTube Chapters
- Welcome
- Opening Prayer
- Personal Story: Growing Up in Coweta
- Dreams of Ministry and Disappointment
- Struggles and Storytelling
- True Success and Security
- Embracing God's Wisdom
- Proverbs 2:1-6: Seeking God's Wisdom
- Worldly vs. Godly Security
- Proverbs 2:7-11: Righteousness and Integrity
- Faith in Jesus and True Success
- Resisting Satan's Lies
- Proverbs 2:12-16: Avoiding Perverse Paths
- The Most Likely to Succeed
- Trials and God's Restoration
- Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Righteousness
- Proverbs 2:20-22: Following the Path of Jesus
- Living for Christ and True Success
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 2:1-6: "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
2. Proverbs 2:7-11: "He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."
3. Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 2:1-6 say about the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding?
2. According to Proverbs 2:7-11, what does God store up for the upright, and how does He protect them?
3. How does the speaker describe his personal journey of seeking success and security? ([08:57])
4. What does Philippians 1:21 mean in the context of finding true success and security?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the speaker's story illustrate the difference between worldly success and godly success? ([08:57])
2. In what ways does Proverbs 2:1-6 suggest that seeking God's wisdom is like searching for hidden treasure?
3. How does the concept of God being a shield for those who live with integrity (Proverbs 2:7-11) apply to the speaker's life experiences?
4. What does it mean to live for Christ and find security in Him, as stated in Philippians 1:21?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought success in worldly terms. How did it compare to the success described in Proverbs 2:7-11? ([08:57])
2. What steps can you take to seek God's wisdom more earnestly in your daily life, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6?
3. The speaker mentioned feeling like a failure before understanding true success in God. Have you ever felt similarly? How did you overcome it, or how can you start to overcome it now? ([08:57])
4. How can you apply the principle of living for Christ (Philippians 1:21) in your current life situation?
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to resist Satan's lies and temptations. What practical steps can you take to stay on the path of righteousness? ([19:16])
6. Think of a recent trial you faced. How did your faith in Jesus help you find security and success through it? ([17:05])
7. How can you cultivate integrity in your daily interactions, ensuring that your actions align with godly wisdom and righteousness? ([15:44])
Devotional
Day 1: True Success and Security in God
True success and security are not found in social acceptance, financial wealth, or fame. They are found in the righteousness of God, integrity, and wisdom. God uses our struggles to equip us for His purposes, teaching us to trust Him fully. The world often measures success by external achievements and material possessions, but these are fleeting and can lead to a false sense of security. Instead, true success is rooted in a relationship with God, where integrity and wisdom guide our actions and decisions.
God's righteousness provides a foundation that is unshakeable, even in the face of life's challenges. When we align our lives with His principles, we find a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. This kind of success is not about what we achieve but about who we become in Christ. It is about living a life that reflects His love, justice, and mercy.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking success by the world's standards? How can you shift your focus to seek success through God's righteousness and wisdom today?
Day 2: Seek God's Wisdom
Proverbs 2:1-6 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding. Accepting God's words and commands leads to true success and security, as they reveal His glory and prepare us for eternal life. The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey that requires humility and a willingness to learn from God. His wisdom is not just about knowledge but about living a life that honors Him and reflects His character.
When we seek God's wisdom, we are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life. His guidance helps us make decisions that align with His will and purpose for our lives. This wisdom also protects us from the pitfalls of pride, greed, and other worldly temptations. By prioritizing God's wisdom, we build a foundation that can withstand the storms of life.
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek God's wisdom more intentionally? How can you incorporate His teachings into your daily decisions and actions?
Day 3: Faith in Jesus
Faith in Jesus Christ leads to righteousness, which values godly justice and encourages integrity. Through Him, we find success and security, even in trials. Jesus' death and resurrection cover our unrighteousness with His righteousness. This transformative faith changes how we view success and security, shifting our focus from worldly achievements to spiritual growth and integrity.
In Christ, we are called to live out our faith through actions that reflect His love and justice. This means standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and living with integrity in all areas of our lives. Our faith in Jesus provides a secure foundation that cannot be shaken by external circumstances. It is through this faith that we experience true success and security, grounded in the eternal promises of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does your faith in Jesus influence your daily actions and decisions? In what ways can you demonstrate godly justice and integrity in your life today?
Day 4: Resist Satan's Lies
Satan's lies and temptations try to lead us astray, but God's wisdom and righteousness protect us. Proverbs 2:12-16 warns against perverse paths and encourages us to keep to the paths of righteousness, valuing honesty and integrity. The enemy often uses deception to make us question our worth and God's love for us, leading us down paths that seem appealing but ultimately lead to destruction.
By grounding ourselves in God's truth, we can resist these lies and stay on the path of righteousness. This requires vigilance and a commitment to living according to God's principles. His wisdom acts as a shield, protecting us from the enemy's schemes and helping us discern right from wrong. By valuing honesty and integrity, we reflect God's character and remain steadfast in our faith.
Ephesians 6:11 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: What lies or temptations are you currently facing that challenge your integrity? How can you use God's wisdom and truth to resist these and stay on the path of righteousness?
Day 5: Live for Christ
Success and security are found in living for Christ, not the world. Philippians 1:21 says, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Let us grow in sound wisdom and live for Christ, finding true success and security in Him. Living for Christ means prioritizing His will and purpose above our own desires and ambitions. It is about surrendering our lives to Him and allowing His love and grace to guide us.
This kind of living transforms our perspective on success and security. It is no longer about what we can achieve but about how we can serve and honor God in all that we do. By living for Christ, we find a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends worldly measures of success. This eternal perspective gives us the strength to endure trials and the assurance that our ultimate security is in Him.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from worldly success to living for Christ? How can you serve and honor God in your daily activities and interactions today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Success is found in the righteousness of God. It is found in integrity. It is found in justice according to God's character. It is found in wisdom. All in submission to God, desiring his glory above my own." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The keys to success and security are to seek God's heart, to seek his will, and to follow in his ways. Therefore, accept the words and the commands of God. This is the key to everlasting life found in Jesus Christ. His words and his commands are not to control you, not to manipulate you, but to reveal his glory on earth as he prepares you for him." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you want success in life? Do you want success? Then put your faith in Jesus Christ. Desire righteousness and seek wisdom. Do you want security? Do you? Then put your faith in Jesus Christ. Value integrity over dishonesty. Value integrity over self-preservation." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're stuck, that is just a trial. It's a trial. It's not a permanent place. Satan wants to convince you that you're stuck and you're stuck for good, but God's goodness can restore you and rescue you. Being stuck is just a trial. Look to the Lord. Put your faith in Jesus Christ. Seek His wisdom, not the world's wisdom, and you will see success through it." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Value success and security in eternal life over success and security in this earthly life. And let Paul's words ring true in your life. As he says in Philippians 1, verse 21, for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Be successful. Have security. If you want it, then grow in sound wisdom as you live for Christ, not for the world." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Ultimately, in hindsight, God used those long years to equip me for ministry in ways that seminary never could. To draw me out of pride. To teach me that faith is more than knowing about God, but is actually trusting in him fully with every ounce of my being. He also happened to use storytelling this thing I thought I was doing for one purpose. He used it to draw me to my bride. To produce for me and lead me to a family. To call me back into ministry." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith leads to righteousness. Righteousness values godly justice. And justice encourages integrity and submission to the heart of God, applying His wisdom to our lives. Through Him, and only through Him, will we find success. Perseverance of faith through trials of many kinds. And we will also find security, protection of faith through trials of many kinds. As you are rooted in the kingdom of God, planted by living waters, drink deep from righteousness. Seek justice and grow in integrity." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The most likely to succeed are those who, according to this scripture, keep perversion out of their mouths. The most likely to succeed are those who keep themselves with integrity to the light, of the gospel of Christ. The most likely to succeed are those who don't celebrate perversion in doing evil. The most likely to succeed are those who value honesty over cunning manipulation. The most likely to succeed are those who abandon the lust of the flesh and the ego of pride. The most likely to succeed are those who remember the promises of God fulfilled through Jesus Christ for eternal life and keep their lives in pursuit of His glory." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Don't let other people's evil encourage your own. You will not answer for their evil before the throne of God, but you will answer for your own. Like I said, by the grace of God, Jesus Christ has already taken that judgment to the cross. He's covered you with His righteousness. He's given you mercy." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "By the grace of God, justice came through Jesus on the cross. By the mercy of God, righteousness and life is offered to us through Jesus walking out of the tomb. By the love of God, integrity is possible because He knits us together for His glory." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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