Harvesting God's Promises: A Journey of Faith
Summary
Today, I explored the profound analogy of pursuing the sweetness of God's blessings, likened to a beekeeper's effort to harvest honey. I began by reflecting on the recent council meeting, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement among believers. This set the stage for a deeper dive into Hebrews 10:23-25, urging us to hold fast to our hope and not forsake gathering together, especially as we anticipate Christ's return.
I introduced a tangible example of a jar of honey, which I often use at home, to illustrate the sweetness of God's plans for us. This jar, sourced from a local Colorado beekeeper, served as a metaphor for the good things God has in store, which we must actively pursue. The process of obtaining honey, from the efforts of the bees to the beekeeper's careful collection, mirrors our spiritual journey to claim the promises of God.
Drawing from Philippians 3:12-14, I shared about Paul's relentless pursuit of Christ and his purpose. This pursuit is not passive but requires active engagement and pressing forward, much like a beekeeper who braves the stings to reach the honey. I shared personal anecdotes of friends in Minnesota who generously share the produce of their orchard and beekeeping, which beautifully illustrated the communal aspect of sharing God's blessings.
However, the journey is not without challenges. I recounted a vivid scenario where one attempts to retrieve honey but is repeatedly stung by bees. This represents the adversities and spiritual attacks we often face. The story of my neighbor's tragic surrender to life's hardships underscored the devastating consequences of giving up in the face of adversity.
In contrast, I emphasized the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) as essential for our spiritual resilience. Just as a beekeeper wears protective gear, we too must equip ourselves with spiritual armor to withstand and overcome the enemy's tactics. This preparation enables us to reach the 'honey'—the fulfillment of God's promises.
I concluded by inviting the congregation to a place of action and commitment. The altar call was a moment for individuals to step forward, reject complacency, and actively pursue the life that God has ordained for them. It was a call to embrace the fullness of life in Christ, equipped and empowered by His Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Spiritual Fellowship
Just as bees thrive in a colony, we flourish in spiritual fellowship. Gathering with fellow believers isn't merely a religious routine but a vital practice to encourage and be encouraged, especially as we see the day of the Lord approaching. This mutual edification is crucial in our walk with Christ. [01:44]
2. Pursuing God's Promises Requires Active Effort
Like a beekeeper who diligently works to collect honey, we must actively pursue the promises of God. This pursuit is not passive; it involves overcoming obstacles and enduring hardships with the assurance that the rewards are worth the effort. Paul’s example of pressing toward the goal exemplifies this relentless pursuit. [03:09]
3. Protection Through Spiritual Armor
The analogy of the beekeeper’s suit parallels the spiritual armor necessary for our protection. Just as the suit shields the beekeeper, the armor of God shields us from spiritual adversities. It's imperative to not only wear this armor but to understand each piece's significance and function. [11:25]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Overcoming Adversity
The Holy Spirit is likened to the smoke used by beekeepers to calm bees and safely collect honey. In our spiritual battles, the Holy Spirit disarms and distracts the enemy, allowing us to safely harvest the blessings God has prepared for us. This divine presence is essential for victory in our spiritual pursuits. [15:06]
5. Commitment to Spiritual Growth and Renewal
The call to the altar is a call to action. It's an invitation to step out of complacency and into a life of active faith and pursuit of God's promises. This commitment is necessary for experiencing the fullness of life that God offers through His sovereignty and grace. [23:07]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:44 - The Sweetness of Fellowship
03:09 - Pursuing God's Promises
06:09 - Challenges in the Pursuit
09:40 - Equipped for the Journey
11:25 - The Armor of God
13:15 - The Role of the Holy Spirit
15:06 - Harvesting Spiritual Blessings
17:29 - Overcoming Spiritual Adversity
19:21 - Finding Contentment in God's Sovereignty
21:08 - Call to Spiritual Renewal
23:07 - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:23-25 - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
2. Philippians 3:12-14 - "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
3. Ephesians 6:10-18 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 10:23-25 say about the importance of gathering together as believers? How does this relate to the analogy of bees thriving in a colony? [01:44]
2. In Philippians 3:12-14, what is Paul’s attitude towards his past and future? How does this reflect the idea of actively pursuing God's promises? [03:09]
3. According to Ephesians 6:10-18, what are the different pieces of the armor of God, and what do they represent? [11:25]
4. How does the analogy of the beekeeper’s suit in the sermon illustrate the concept of spiritual armor? [11:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to encourage one another and not forsake assembling together, especially as the Day of the Lord approaches? How does this mutual encouragement help in our spiritual journey? [01:44]
2. What does Paul mean by "pressing on toward the goal" in Philippians 3:12-14? How can this relentless pursuit be applied to our own spiritual lives? [03:09]
3. How does the armor of God protect us from spiritual adversities? Why is it essential to understand and use each piece effectively? [11:25]
4. The sermon mentioned the Holy Spirit as the smoke used by beekeepers to calm bees. How does the Holy Spirit help us in our spiritual battles and in pursuing God's blessings? [15:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How often do you gather with fellow believers for mutual encouragement? What steps can you take to make this a more consistent practice? [01:44]
2. Think about a time when you faced significant obstacles in your spiritual journey. How did you respond? What can you learn from Paul’s example of pressing on despite challenges? [03:09]
3. Are you currently wearing the full armor of God in your daily life? Which piece of the armor do you feel you need to focus on more, and how can you practically do that? [11:25]
4. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to be more present in your life, especially during times of spiritual adversity? What specific actions can you take to cultivate this presence? [15:06]
5. Have you ever felt complacent in your spiritual walk? What are some practical steps you can take to move from complacency to active pursuit of God's promises? [07:41]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust more in God's sovereignty. How can you actively seek contentment in this area, despite the challenges you face? [19:21]
7. How can you share the "honey" of God's blessings with others in your community? What are some tangible ways you can encourage and support fellow believers in their spiritual journeys? [15:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Thriving in Spiritual Community
Spiritual fellowship is not just a routine but a lifeline in the believer's journey. Just as bees are more productive and thrive within a colony, believers flourish when they are part of a vibrant spiritual community. Gathering together fosters an environment where individuals can encourage and uplift one another, particularly as they anticipate the return of Christ. This communal aspect of faith is essential, as it mirrors the biblical call to mutual edification and support, which is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in facing life's challenges.
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: Who in your community has been an encouragement to you recently, and how can you reciprocate that encouragement this week?
Day 2: Active Pursuit of Divine Promises
The pursuit of God's promises requires more than passive waiting; it demands active engagement and effort. Like a diligent beekeeper who braves the stings to harvest honey, believers are called to actively seek out and claim the promises of God. This pursuit is characterized by overcoming obstacles and enduring hardships, with the assurance that the spiritual rewards are well worth the effort. The example of Paul pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus exemplifies this relentless pursuit. [03:09]
"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 ESV
Reflection: What is one promise of God you need to actively pursue this week, and what practical steps can you take to do so?
Day 3: Equipped for Spiritual Battles
The analogy of the beekeeper's suit is a powerful illustration of the spiritual armor necessary for protection against spiritual adversities. Just as the suit shields the beekeeper from stings, the armor of God protects believers from the attacks of the enemy. It is crucial for believers to not only wear this armor but to understand the significance and function of each piece—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This preparation is essential for standing firm and overcoming the challenges that come our way. [11:25]
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Ephesians 6:13 ESV
Reflection: Which piece of the spiritual armor do you need to better understand or utilize in your life today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Role in Overcoming Adversity
In the spiritual battles we face, the Holy Spirit acts much like the smoke used by beekeepers to calm bees and facilitate the safe collection of honey. This divine presence disarms and distracts the enemy, allowing believers to safely harvest the blessings God has prepared for them. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in providing the peace and power needed to overcome adversities and claim the promises of God. This divine assistance is essential for victory in our spiritual pursuits. [15:06]
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 ESV
Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit this week to overcome a specific challenge you are facing?
Day 5: Commitment to Spiritual Growth and Renewal
The call to spiritual renewal is a call to action. It invites believers to step out of complacency and into a life of active faith and pursuit of God's promises. This commitment is necessary for experiencing the fullness of life that God offers through His sovereignty and grace. It involves a deliberate choice to grow spiritually and embrace the life that God has ordained for each believer. This pursuit is marked by a continuous effort to align one's life with God's will and purposes. [23:07]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you have become complacent, and what steps can you take to renew your commitment to growth in that area?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I brought this jar of honey. How many of you like honey? You know, this sits in my pantry door. Every once in a while when I'm making like a good tea or something like that, or I, you know, maybe kind of have, maybe have that sore throat or something like that. This is like my go-to. I love this. I got this, a local Colorado place. It actually has the honeycomb in it. And I, and I love that because I can just grab that, just grab a piece of it, break it off. And it is, it's so good." [01:44]
2. "Paul in Philippians 3 starting verse 12 says this not that I already attained or I'm already perfected but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me brother and I do not count myself to have appropriated but one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead I press toward the goal for the prize the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." [03:09]
3. "I want you to think about all the good things. As you think about this jar, as you focus in on that jar, all the good things that God has planned for you, in fact, right now you're getting a honey stick in your hand. Let's, let's be nice to Barry and Nancy and not make a mess in here. But, but I want you to really think, again, how that honey got to that jar." [01:44]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Like a beekeeper, I want you to imagine just being a beekeeper today, going after the honey. Paul sought to lay a hold of all that Jesus had for him and how we need to have that same drive to continually go after the good things in our lives." [04:37]
2. "The consistent ploy of the enemy keeping you from enjoying the life that God has for you will actually get this drive you to a place of complacency, a place where we settle for less, where we settle for the situations in life instead of knowing and having the sovereignty of God's take effect." [07:41]
3. "Ephesians 6 through 10 through 11 says finally my brother be strong the Lord and the power is mine put on the whole armor of God see there's a reason why God gives you the armor but it's up to us to put it on it's up to us to keep it on put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." [11:25]
4. "Just like the holy spirit just like the presence of the holy spirit we need to carry that presence with us so when we're suited up we have the presence of the holy spirit around us and we need to carry that presence around us guess what it's so easy to grab after the goodness of God." [15:06]
5. "See Jesus not only equips you he also empowers you to step out of the disengaged life and engage in a life of prayer battling through the situations well-suited in God's armor to out of disbelief and believe and pursue the call that God has for your life because he does." [22:24]
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