God's Power: Strength in Trials and Abundant Grace
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Greater Centennial. Today, we gather with hearts both heavy and hopeful. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming love and support during the passing of my mother. She loved this church dearly, and your kindness has been a balm to my soul. As we navigate through life's trials, I am reminded of the powerful truth found in Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
This morning, I want to emphasize that God is able. No matter the depth of the valley or the height of the mountain, our God is able to see us through. Often, we measure God's ability by our limited perspective, doubting His power when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges. But remember, God's delays are not His denials. Sometimes, He allows us to go through trials to strengthen us, to teach us, and to prepare us for greater victories.
Paul, writing from a Roman jail, reminds the church in Ephesus to act in accordance with the blessings they have received. We, too, must remember to live as true Christians, reflecting the love and grace that God has shown us. Our past mistakes and missteps do not define us; God's grace does. He has a purpose for every season of our lives, and His power is at work within us, even when we don't feel it.
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is our source of power. Jesus promised to send the Comforter, the Paraclete, to be with us, to guide us, and to empower us. This power is already at work within us, enabling us to overcome any obstacle. As we face life's challenges, let us hold on to the truth that God is able. He is sufficient in all things, and His power is more than enough to see us through.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Ability Surpasses Our Understanding: We often limit God by our own understanding and perspective. However, Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do far more abundantly than we can ask or think. His power is not confined by our limitations. Trust in His ability to work beyond what you can imagine. [01:13:10]
2. Trials Strengthen Our Faith: God allows us to go through trials not to destroy us but to strengthen us. These challenges teach us valuable lessons and prepare us for greater victories. Embrace your trials as opportunities for growth and trust that God has a purpose for every season of your life. [01:16:23]
3. Live According to God's Blessings: Paul urged the Ephesians to act in accordance with the blessings they had received. We, too, must live as true Christians, reflecting the love and grace that God has shown us. Our actions should demonstrate our gratitude for His blessings and our commitment to His teachings. [01:19:07]
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is our source of power. Jesus promised to send the Comforter to guide and empower us. This power is already at work within us, enabling us to overcome any obstacle. Trust in the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life. [01:32:21]
5. God's Timing is Perfect: God's timing is not our timing. What seems like a delay to us is just a moment to God. Trust in His perfect timing and remain faithful, knowing that He is working all things for your good. Patience and faith are key to experiencing God's abundant blessings. [01:39:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[57:38] - Gratitude for Support
[58:41] - Introduction of Guests
[59:39] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:20
[01:11:51] - Prayer for Anointing
[01:13:10] - God is Able
[01:15:18] - Doubts and Faith
[01:16:23] - Purpose of Trials
[01:17:18] - Reflecting on Past Mistakes
[01:18:10] - God's Continued Blessings
[01:19:07] - Paul's Message to Ephesus
[01:20:13] - Acting Like Christians
[01:21:21] - Remembering God's Grace
[01:23:28] - Paul's Imprisonment and Faith
[01:24:27] - Jeremiah's Testimony
[01:25:25] - God's Abundant Ability
[01:28:05] - God of More
[01:28:50] - Beyond Our Thoughts
[01:31:36] - Power Within Us
[01:32:21] - Holy Ghost Power
[01:34:03] - Feeling God's Power
[01:39:58] - God's Sufficiency
[01:42:28] - Offering Jesus
[01:44:36] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:46:54] - Prayer for New Believers
[01:49:32] - Altar Prayer
[01:57:14] - Announcements
[02:00:00] - Offering and Giving
[02:01:22] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 3:20 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 3:20 say about God's ability and power?
2. According to the sermon, why does God sometimes allow us to go through trials? ([01:16:23])
3. How does Paul encourage the Ephesians to live in response to the blessings they have received? ([01:19:07])
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers, as mentioned in the sermon? ([01:32:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God's power is "at work within us" change our perspective on facing challenges? ([01:13:10])
2. Why might God choose to delay answering our prayers, and how should we respond during these times? ([01:39:58])
3. What does it mean to live according to God's blessings, and how can this impact our daily actions and decisions? ([01:19:07])
4. How can the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives help us overcome feelings of weakness or inadequacy? ([01:34:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation, even if the outcome wasn't what you expected? ([01:16:23])
2. Think about a time when you doubted God's ability to help you. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in His power? ([01:15:18])
3. In what ways can you live more in accordance with the blessings God has given you? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([01:19:07])
4. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life? What practices can help you stay connected to this source of strength? ([01:32:21])
5. God's timing is perfect, even when it feels like a delay to us. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing in your current circumstances? ([01:39:58])
6. Identify a past mistake or misstep that you have struggled to move past. How can you embrace God's grace and let go of the guilt associated with it? ([01:18:10])
7. How can you support someone in your life who is currently going through a difficult trial, reminding them of God's ability and power? ([01:14:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Unlimited Ability
Description: We often limit God by our own understanding and perspective. However, Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do far more abundantly than we can ask or think. His power is not confined by our limitations. Trust in His ability to work beyond what you can imagine. When we face challenges, it is easy to doubt God's power and question His plans. But remember, God's ability surpasses our understanding. He is not limited by our human constraints and can work in ways that we cannot even fathom. Trusting in God's unlimited ability means surrendering our doubts and embracing faith in His omnipotence. [01:13:10]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you have doubted God's ability to intervene. How can you shift your perspective to trust in His unlimited power today?
Day 2: Embrace Trials as Opportunities for Growth
Description: God allows us to go through trials not to destroy us but to strengthen us. These challenges teach us valuable lessons and prepare us for greater victories. Embrace your trials as opportunities for growth and trust that God has a purpose for every season of your life. Trials are not meant to break us but to build us up. They refine our character, deepen our faith, and prepare us for the blessings that lie ahead. When we face difficulties, we should remember that God is using these moments to mold us into stronger, more resilient individuals. Embrace your trials with a heart of gratitude, knowing that they are part of God's divine plan. [01:16:23]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. What lessons did you learn from it, and how can you apply these lessons to future challenges?
Day 3: Live According to God's Blessings
Description: Paul urged the Ephesians to act in accordance with the blessings they had received. We, too, must live as true Christians, reflecting the love and grace that God has shown us. Our actions should demonstrate our gratitude for His blessings and our commitment to His teachings. Living according to God's blessings means embodying the principles of love, grace, and compassion in our daily lives. It is a call to action, urging us to be living testimonies of God's goodness. Our behavior should reflect the transformative power of God's blessings, inspiring others to seek His grace. [01:19:07]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect God's love and grace. What specific actions can you take to live according to His blessings?
Day 4: Rely on the Power of the Holy Spirit
Description: The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is our source of power. Jesus promised to send the Comforter to guide and empower us. This power is already at work within us, enabling us to overcome any obstacle. Trust in the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life. The Holy Spirit is our divine helper, providing us with the strength and wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we tap into a source of power that transcends human limitations. Trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance and allow His presence to lead you through every situation. [01:32:21]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to rely more on His guidance and power?
Day 5: Trust in God's Perfect Timing
Description: God's timing is not our timing. What seems like a delay to us is just a moment to God. Trust in His perfect timing and remain faithful, knowing that He is working all things for your good. Patience and faith are key to experiencing God's abundant blessings. God's timing is impeccable, even when it doesn't align with our expectations. Trusting in His timing requires patience and unwavering faith. It means believing that God is orchestrating every detail of our lives for our ultimate good. Embrace the waiting periods as opportunities to grow in faith and trust in God's perfect plan. [01:39:58]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are currently waiting on God's timing. How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect plan during this period?
Quotes
1. "No matter what it is that we are facing, the God that we serve is able. No matter how difficult the situation may be that we are in, I came to tell you that God is able. Doesn't make a difference how much the wind is blowing. Amen. I came to tell somebody today that God is able. I don't care how deep the valley is. I came to tell somebody that God is able. I don't care how high the mountain may be. I came to tell somebody that God is able." [01:14:10] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes we shortchange God because what we're in looks so impossible that we don't think God will get us out of it or get us through it. So many times we say out of our mouth that God is able. But once we're in the valleys of life, we start to question. Maybe God is not as able as I thought he was. Maybe that God is not able to deliver me out of this situation. Because if God was able to do it, why didn't he do it?" [01:15:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Some of the storms that God sends your way is not to destroy you, but to strengthen you. Some of the trials that God sends you through is so that you can understand what triumph really looks like. Some of the chaos that God sends you through is so you understand what peace in him really looks like. Some of the things that you go through is not because God is not able, but God knows what he's doing. And because God knows what he's doing, he has a purpose for everything and every season under the sun." [01:16:23] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If it had not been for the Lord that was on your side. You wouldn't have made it out of it. You couldn't have even got through it. But because God's hand was on your life, he didn't allow your mistake or your misstep to be the end. But God kept on blessing you in spite of it all. I wish I had somebody that said, Pastor, I just rewind the tape. And you're absolutely right. If it had not been for the Lord, my mistake would have killed me. If it had not been for the Lord, my mishap would have took me out. But God's hand was on me." [01:18:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In other words, when you realize how good God has been to you, I need you to act like God had done something in your life. I need you to act like he's kept you. Because if God had done anything in your life, I need you to act like the one that saved you. Jesus was encountering the Pharisees and the Sadducees one day and they were coming at him and Jesus said, y'all just like your daddy, the devil. Y'all act like him, y'all walk like him, y'all talk like him. And God is saying to us, we need to act like our daddy." [01:20:13] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Paul is writing this letter to the church at Ephesus to remind them they know how to act. To remind them that if you going to be followers of Christ, you need to act like Christians. And I would contend if we act like true Christians and remember everything that God had done for us. Church hurt wouldn't be that bad because remember when you were sinking deep in sin. Remember when you were far from the peaceful shore? Remember when you were very deeply stained within and you were sinking to rise no more. The master of the sea." [01:21:21] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The God that we serve, he's able to do far more abundantly than we can even think or we can even ask him for. That the Bible tells us that God will do more than what we ask for. I was able to do far more than what we ask for. I was able to do far more than what we ask for. About seven witnesses right there. I didn't even get none. I tried again. I said that the God we serve, he's able to do more. Do me a favor, if you're a witness that God is able to do more, just look at your neighbor and say neighbor, he's a God of more." [01:28:05] (90 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If the power is at work in me, why I feel so weak? If the power is so at work in me and so powerful, how come I don't want to get out to bed in the morning? If I got all this power, I want to get out to bed know why I don't feel it? You don't always feel power but you know it's there. You ever plug in your cell phone? I'm sure all of you have. And have you felt the power come from the socket? No, but it still charge your cell phone. That means there's power in the socket." [01:34:03] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You are sitting next to a miracle. Look, look at your neighbor say I'm a miracle. If you know what I've been through, if you knew what I was going through, if you know what God delivered me from, if you know how God healed me, baby you sit next to a miracle. Should have been dead sleeping in my grave. You sit next to a miracle. People gave up on me but I'm still here. You sit next to a miracle. You sit next to a miracle. You sit next to a miracle. And if God can do it for me, he can do the same thing for you." [01:42:28] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Your past does not prohibit you from being saved. Is there one that this morning for the very first time you want to come and give your life to the Lord? Is there one this morning that you want to come and just say yes to God for the first time? And then this morning maybe there's one who says pastor I've given my life a long time ago a while ago um but I kind of backslid I kind of fallen I've had some mistakes mishaps missteps and I want to rededicate my life to God I want to get back on track." [01:44:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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