From Dissonance to Declaration: Embracing Faith's Journey
Summary
The sermon explores the theme of dissonance in faith, using the biblical stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary to illustrate the journey from doubt to declaration. The speaker begins by discussing the concept of living as a sacrifice to God, referencing Romans 12:1 and the story of John the Baptist's birth in Luke 1. Zechariah's transition from disbelief to prophesying his son's role as the prophet of the Most High exemplifies the movement from dissonance to declaration. The audience is encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness and carry forward their testimonies.
The importance of living with dissonance in faith is further emphasized, with the speaker warning against the dangers of letting gaps in understanding grow too large. A story of revival amidst starvation illustrates how Christians reconciled with God despite their circumstances. The speaker references Psalm 73, where the psalmist's faith is reaffirmed in God's presence, underscoring the need to grapple with dissonance and seek God's perspective.
The sermon also delves into the difference between being "sure" and being "assured" in faith, using Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel and the prophecy of John the Baptist's birth. Faith is presented as a risk that is assured by God's word, and Zechariah's temporary muteness serves as a consequence of his disbelief.
The speaker interweaves personal stories and congregational life into the sermon, praying for individuals and sharing updates on church members. The Christmas series "A Weary World Rejoices" is introduced, with the message titled "It's Not How It Looks" or "A Journey of Dissonance." The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth's childlessness sets the stage for exploring the dissonance between God's view of us and societal perceptions.
An invitation is extended to the congregation to open their hearts to Jesus and receive Him as their personal Savior. The speaker reassures those feeling distant from God of His love, demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice. A prayer is offered for those ready to embrace faith in Jesus.
The sermon also celebrates the year six graduates, praying for their future and the role of the congregation in shaping them. The speaker discusses the dissonance experienced by Elizabeth and Zechariah due to their childlessness and the societal shame it brought, contrasting it with our position in Christ.
The stories of Zechariah and Mary are paralleled, with Zechariah's vision in the sanctuary and Mary's encounter with Gabriel. Both narratives highlight the significance of faith and the response to divine messages. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the power of prayer amidst dissonance.
The sermon concludes with reflections on the passage of time, the transition of youth into adulthood, and the church's role in their discipleship. The speaker also shares the story of Ben from Myanmar, highlighting the persecution faced by Christians there and the church's efforts to support them. The congregation is encouraged to worship and support their brothers and sisters in Myanmar.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of surrendering one's life to God as a living sacrifice is a transformative process that involves trusting in God's faithfulness, even when faced with dissonance between personal expectations and divine calling. This trust is exemplified in the story of Zechariah, who moved from disbelief to prophesying his son's significant role in God's plan.
- Dissonance in faith can be a dangerous but necessary element of spiritual growth. It is through grappling with the mysteries and gaps in our understanding that we can come into a deeper presence of God, as illustrated by the psalmist's journey in Psalm 73.
- Faith is characterized by the tension between certainty and assurance. Zechariah's encounter with Gabriel demonstrates that while we may seek concrete proof for God's promises, true faith rests in the assurance provided by God's word, even when it requires us to take risks.
- The Christian life is marked by moments of personal decision and commitment. The invitation to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior is a pivotal moment that offers individuals the opportunity to step into a new life assured by God's forgiveness and love.
- The church plays a vital role in shaping the lives of its members, from celebrating milestones like graduation to supporting each other through trials and transitions. The story of Ben from Myanmar and the church's response to the crisis there exemplifies the global and communal dimensions of faith in action.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1 (NIV): "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
2. Luke 1:5-25 (NIV): The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, focusing on Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel and the prophecy of John the Baptist's birth.
3. Psalm 73:1-3, 16-17 (NIV): "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked... When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Zechariah's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message about the birth of his son, John the Baptist? ([57:50])
2. How does Psalm 73 describe the psalmist's struggle with dissonance in faith? What changes his perspective? ([52:07])
3. What does Romans 12:1 urge believers to do, and how does this relate to the theme of living as a sacrifice to God?
4. How did Elizabeth describe her feelings about her childlessness before and after her pregnancy? ([47:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Zechariah's journey from disbelief to declaration illustrate the process of moving from doubt to faith? ([01:13:09])
2. In what ways does Psalm 73 highlight the importance of seeking God's perspective when dealing with dissonance in faith? ([52:42])
3. How does the concept of being a "living sacrifice" in Romans 12:1 apply to the personal stories shared in the sermon, such as the story of Ben from Myanmar? ([44:10])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the difference between being "sure" and being "assured" in faith, and how does this apply to Zechariah's encounter with Gabriel? ([01:03:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced dissonance in your faith. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([51:00])
2. The sermon encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness even when faced with dissonance. What are some practical ways you can strengthen your trust in God during challenging times? ([01:15:16])
3. How can you apply the concept of being a "living sacrifice" in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you feel called to surrender more fully to God? ([01:12:24])
4. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth highlights the importance of prayer amidst dissonance. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your response to life's uncertainties? ([58:27])
5. The sermon mentions the global and communal dimensions of faith, such as supporting Christians in Myanmar. How can you and your small group actively support persecuted Christians around the world? ([42:14])
6. How does understanding the difference between being "sure" and being "assured" in faith change the way you approach your relationship with God? ([01:03:12])
7. The invitation to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior is a pivotal moment in the Christian life. If you have already made this decision, how can you share your testimony with others? If you haven't, what questions or doubts do you need to address to take this step? ([01:17:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust Amidst Spiritual Dissonance
Trusting in God's faithfulness is crucial when personal expectations clash with divine calling. This trust is not blind but is rooted in the transformative journey from doubt to declaration, as seen in Zechariah's life. Embracing this trust leads to a deeper understanding of one's purpose and God's plan. [07:40]
Habakkuk 2:1-3 - "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you experiencing dissonance between your expectations and God's promises? How can you actively trust in His timing and revelation?
Day 2: Embracing the Mystery of Faith
The journey of faith involves navigating through the mysteries and uncertainties that challenge our understanding. Like the psalmist in Psalm 73, it is in the presence of God that clarity is found, and faith is reaffirmed. This process is essential for spiritual growth and deeper communion with the divine. [14:25]
Psalm 77:11-14 - "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
Reflection: How can you seek God's perspective in an area of your life where you currently face uncertainty or doubt?
Day 3: The Assurance of Faith Over Certainty
Faith is not about having all the answers but resting in the assurance of God's word. Zechariah's story teaches that faith involves taking risks, assured by divine promise rather than demanding proof. This assurance leads to a deeper commitment and trust in God's plan. [21:10]
Hebrews 11:13 - "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth."
Reflection: What does taking a risk in faith look like for you right now, and how can you find peace in the assurance of God's promises rather than in seeking certainty?
Day 4: Personal Commitment to Christ's Lordship
Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is a transformative decision that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. This commitment is an invitation to experience God's forgiveness and love, and to live assured by His grace. It is a personal journey that each believer must embrace. [28:35]
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Reflection: What does accepting Jesus as your personal Savior mean to you, and how can you live out this commitment in your daily life?
Day 5: The Church's Role in Spiritual Formation
The church community plays a crucial role in nurturing faith, celebrating life's milestones, and providing support during trials. As believers, we are called to be active participants in the discipleship of others, exemplified by the global church's response to crises like the one in Myanmar. [35:50]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of someone in your church community, and what steps can you take to support your brothers and sisters in Christ, both locally and globally?
Quotes
"May they find comfort and strength in that you are with them, you'll empower them for the next season. Thank you for the gifts you've given them, may they start to explore and step into those giftings as they build your church and sew into other people's lives." [36:42] (Download)
"You have a position in Christ and you're clothed with his righteousness; you don't earn it, it is a gift from him because of your faith in Jesus." [51:00] (Download)
"The people were observing the way that Christians faced death and they said we want to be able to die like that. It was a big advance of the Gospel in that environment because the Christians were reconciled with God." [51:30] (Download)
"You got to trust when it's not making sense; trust because every single one of us has an opportunity at your moment of dissonance to trust. Don't let it be destructive; have your own personal encounter with God." [01:15:16] (Download)
"Sure is different from assured; sure is there's no doubt, it's all proven, it's all concrete. Assured is where we trust on the word of another... by faith we are assured because we trust Him." [01:03:58] (Download)
"Faith is spelled r-i-s-k, standing in the midst of miracles, always on the edge of disaster. This is the very nature of faith; there's a risk associated with faith, but we can be assured by the word of God." [01:04:43] (Download)
"The angel said, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to bring you this good news.' There's authority and assurance in being sent by God, a reminder that divine messages carry weight beyond human doubt." [01:05:32] (Download)
"Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all the Lord's commands and regulations. They had no children, now that's where dissonance is established right at the front edge of this narrative." [47:06] (Download)
"There is an opportunity for you to have your personal encounter with God in fact you might be having it even in the context of this message that that dissonance is not irreconcilable that there is a God there he actually wants to engage with you." [01:16:33] (Download)
"Jesus himself ultimately gave his life as a personal sacrifice, an atoning sacrifice; he paid your debt and you can enter in, you can thank him, you can turn from doing it your own way, you can turn to him and say I open my heart to you to receive you as my personal Lord and Savior." [01:17:19] (Download)
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