God's Work: Trusting His Presence and Purpose

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God is always at work in our lives and in the world around us. Drawing from the book of Isaiah, we delved into the idea that God is not only working around us but also within us, shaping and molding us according to His divine will. This is not a binary choice; God’s work is multifaceted and simultaneous. The book of Isaiah, with its 66 chapters, serves as a rich tapestry of God's promises, His character, and His plans for humanity. It is a reminder that God is intentional and powerful, capable of accomplishing His purposes in and through us.

We began by acknowledging the challenges and trials that life presents, as exemplified by personal experiences shared at the start. Yet, even in the midst of difficulties, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring healing and restoration. The scriptures from Isaiah remind us of God's greatness, His wisdom, and His unwavering commitment to His people. We are encouraged to find where God is working and join Him in His mission, experiencing His presence and power in our lives.

The concept of mobilization was introduced as a metaphor for how God prepares us for His work. Just as a construction project requires careful planning and resource allocation, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to fulfill His purposes. The upfront benefits of our relationship with Christ include peace, strength, and the assurance of His presence. We are reminded that God is our source of help and strength, greater than any material thing we might rely on.

As we journey through the book of Isaiah, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the scriptures, allowing them to fill our hearts and minds. The Word of God is a wellspring of wisdom and guidance, offering comfort and direction in every season of life. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Simultaneous Work: God is at work both around us and within us, shaping our lives while orchestrating His plans in the world. This dual action is not a choice between one or the other; it is a testament to His omnipotence and intentionality. We are called to trust in His ability to work all things for our good and His glory. [14:45]

2. The Power of God's Word: The book of Isaiah is a treasure trove of God's promises and truths. Immersing ourselves in scripture equips us with the wisdom and strength needed for life's journey. God's Word stands forever, offering comfort and guidance in every circumstance. [28:05]

3. Mobilization for God's Work: Just as a construction project requires preparation and resources, God equips us for His work through His Word and Spirit. We are called to be ready and willing to join Him in His mission, trusting in His provision and guidance. [17:52]

4. Trust in God's Sovereignty: In the face of trials and challenges, we are reminded of God's greatness and His ability to bring healing and restoration. Our trust in Him is not misplaced, for He is our source of help and strength, greater than any earthly reliance. [20:34]

5. Experiencing God's Presence: Finding where God is working and joining Him allows us to experience His presence and power in our lives. We are invited to be active participants in His mission, witnessing His transformative work in and through us. [03:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:24] - Introduction to Isaiah
- [03:13] - Experiencing God
- [04:49] - Isaiah's Presence Everywhere
- [06:44] - Confirmation Through Isaiah
- [08:15] - Mobilization Concept
- [09:09] - Scripture Reading Begins
- [10:00] - Isaiah's Vision of God
- [11:55] - Trust in God
- [13:16] - Mobilization and God's Work
- [14:45] - God's Simultaneous Work
- [17:52] - Construction Analogy
- [20:34] - Trust in God's Sovereignty
- [28:05] - The Power of God's Word
- [56:54] - Invitation for Next Week

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 6:1-3
2. Isaiah 40:8
3. Isaiah 41:10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Isaiah 6:1-3, what is the significance of Isaiah's vision of the Lord, and how does it set the tone for the rest of the book? [09:09]

2. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of God's work in our lives and the world, and what examples are given to illustrate this? [14:45]

3. What role does the concept of "mobilization" play in the sermon, and how is it compared to a construction project? [15:35]

4. According to the sermon, how does Isaiah 40:8 emphasize the enduring nature of God's Word? [28:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Isaiah's vision in chapter 6 reflect the holiness and majesty of God, and what implications does this have for believers today? [09:09]

2. The sermon mentions God's simultaneous work around and within us. How can this understanding impact a believer's perspective on personal challenges and global events? [14:45]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can "mobilize" for God's work, and how does this preparation relate to spiritual growth and readiness? [15:35]

4. How does the assurance of God's presence in Isaiah 41:10 provide comfort and strength to believers facing trials? [30:56]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's work in your life. How did it shape your understanding of His presence and purpose? How can you remain open to His work both around and within you? [14:45]

2. The sermon encourages believers to immerse themselves in scripture. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with God's Word, particularly the book of Isaiah? [28:05]

3. Consider the metaphor of mobilization used in the sermon. What practical steps can you take to prepare yourself for God's work in your life and community? [15:35]

4. In moments of fear or uncertainty, how can you apply the promise of Isaiah 41:10 to find peace and strength? Identify a specific situation where you can trust in God's sovereignty this week. [30:56]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of joining God in His mission. How can you actively seek out where God is working in your community and become a participant in His transformative work? [03:13]

6. Reflect on the upfront benefits of your relationship with Christ mentioned in the sermon. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and assurance in your daily life? [18:51]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to trust in God's promises and experience His presence more fully? What role can you play in supporting their spiritual journey? [20:34]

Devotional

Sure, here is the 5-day devotional based on the key takeaways from the sermon summary:

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Day 1: God's Omnipresent Work in Our Lives
God is actively working both around us and within us, orchestrating His divine plans while shaping our personal journeys. This dual action is a testament to His omnipotence and intentionality, calling us to trust in His ability to work all things for our good and His glory. In the book of Isaiah, we see a rich tapestry of God's promises and His character, reminding us that He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. We are encouraged to find where God is working and join Him in His mission, experiencing His presence and power in our lives. [14:45]

Isaiah 45:5-7 (ESV): "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to see God's work? How can you actively seek to join Him in His mission today?


Day 2: The Enduring Power of God's Word
The book of Isaiah is a treasure trove of God's promises and truths, offering wisdom and strength for life's journey. Immersing ourselves in scripture equips us with the guidance needed to navigate every circumstance. God's Word stands forever, providing comfort and direction in every season of life. As we journey through Isaiah, we are invited to allow the scriptures to fill our hearts and minds, trusting in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. [28:05]

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Reflection: How can you make time today to immerse yourself in God's Word? What specific promise from scripture can you hold onto in your current season?


Day 3: Equipped for God's Mission
Just as a construction project requires careful planning and resources, God equips us for His work through His Word and Spirit. We are called to be ready and willing to join Him in His mission, trusting in His provision and guidance. The concept of mobilization serves as a metaphor for how God prepares us for His work, reminding us that He is our source of help and strength, greater than any material thing we might rely on. [17:52]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What resources or gifts has God given you to fulfill His purposes? How can you use them to actively participate in His mission today?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
In the face of trials and challenges, we are reminded of God's greatness and His ability to bring healing and restoration. Our trust in Him is not misplaced, for He is our source of help and strength, greater than any earthly reliance. The scriptures from Isaiah remind us of God's wisdom and His unwavering commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His sovereignty and His ability to work all things for our good. [20:34]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you need to trust in God's sovereignty? How can you lean on His strength and wisdom today?


Day 5: Experiencing God's Transformative Presence
Finding where God is working and joining Him allows us to experience His presence and power in our lives. We are invited to be active participants in His mission, witnessing His transformative work in and through us. As we immerse ourselves in the scriptures and trust in God's promises, we are encouraged to seek His presence and allow Him to shape and mold us according to His divine will. [03:13]

Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Reflection: How can you actively seek to experience God's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to join Him in His transformative work today?

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Quotes


I've already declared her health, her wholeness, and her healing. Amen. Amen. We're just going to let the doctors do what they do, check it out, and confirm what God has already done. Somebody say amen. Amen. God is a good God and a great God. And let me turn my phone off before I mess up here. [00:01:50] (22 seconds)



Yes, God is at work. He is always working. He is working around us and he is working in each of our lives all at the same time. Those things are not mutually exclusive and they are not dependent upon one being done before the other. They are not, as some would say, the typical binary choice between A or B. [00:14:20] (32 seconds)



God is working around me while he is working on me. God is working around you while he is working on you. Our God is awesome, as we just sang and testified to. He's awesome. He is mighty. He is mighty. He is powerful. He is wonderful. And he is intentional. [00:14:56] (23 seconds)



Let me see if I can explain it to you. First of all, like the upfront beneficial money for a contractor called mobilization, I believe that God wants us to be able to do that. And so what I'm going to do is I'm going to enjoy some of our upfront benefits in our Christian journey. See, there's overhead and profit in your relationship with Jesus Christ. [00:18:51] (23 seconds)



Isaiah goes on to tell us that Jesus is more than enough and that we should continue to look to him as our source of help and strength. See, we tend to put a lot of emphasis on material things like horses and chariots. But did you hear what Isaiah said? He said, he said, listen, y 'all, don't be fooled. By what your eyes see. [00:20:12] (22 seconds)



But now thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob, and he who formed you, O Israel, fear not. He said, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. Come on now. God is our redeemer. And we are his children. [00:39:02] (34 seconds)



How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings, who brings good tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, your God reigns. Your watchman shall lift up their voices with their voices. They shall sing together for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion. [00:47:26] (30 seconds)



Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear too heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God. Your sins has hidden his face from you so that he will not hear. [00:49:15] (20 seconds)



When the enemy comes in like a flood. Let me say that again. But when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Amen? Amen. And that's what I kind of felt like last night when my granddaughter came home and everything was in a tizzy. [00:50:08] (25 seconds)



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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?