Intentional Faith: Preparing, Deciding, and Acting Boldly
Summary
Today, I spoke about the profound concept of intentional faith, emphasizing the necessity of preparation, decision-making, and courageous action in our spiritual lives. We began by reflecting on the nature of intentionality in our daily routines, such as dressing and traveling, and how these mundane actions reflect a deeper call to live intentionally in our faith.
I shared insights into God's intentional creation of the universe and us, highlighting His plans for our prosperity, hope, and future as declared in Jeremiah 29:11. This divine intentionality serves as a model for us to live deliberately, aligning our actions with God's will, as emphasized by Paul's instructions to the Thessalonians to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
The sermon moved into a discussion of the biblical narrative of Jehoshaphat and the kings of Israel and Edom, who faced a dire situation without water in the desert. This story from 2 Kings 3 illustrates the importance of seeking God's guidance in desperate times and the miraculous provision that follows obedience and faith.
Drawing from personal experiences and biblical examples, I stressed the importance of preparation in our faith journey. Like the kings who sought Elisha's prophetic guidance, we too must prepare our hearts and minds to receive God's direction. This preparation is not just a passive waiting but an active engagement in spiritual disciplines like prayer and scripture reading.
The sermon culminated in a powerful call to decision and action. I shared stories of modern-day believers who exemplified unwavering commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution, illustrating the ultimate decision to follow Jesus no matter the cost. This decision is not made in the moment of trial but is the fruit of a life devoted to intentional faith and preparation.
In conclusion, intentional faith is not merely about believing in God but actively shaping our lives around that belief. It requires preparation, the courage to make tough decisions, and the boldness to step forward in faith, trusting that God will lead us through even the most challenging circumstances.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Intentionality in Faith:
Intentionality is crucial in our spiritual journey. Just as we plan mundane activities, we must also plan our spiritual disciplines. This planning isn't about rigid schedules but about prioritizing our relationship with God in our daily lives. This intentionality ensures that our spiritual growth is not left to chance but is a deliberate part of our everyday life. [02:21]
2. The Power of Preparation:
Preparation is the foundation of intentional faith. By studying the scriptures and engaging in prayer, we are spiritually preparing ourselves for whatever challenges we may face. This preparation does not guarantee the absence of trials, but it equips us to handle them with God's wisdom and strength. The story of Jehoshaphat and the kings shows that even in dire situations, God's guidance can lead to miraculous outcomes. [06:18]
3. Decision Making in Faith:
Decisions in our faith journey are pivotal. They should be rooted in our preparations and understanding of God's word. Like the biblical characters and modern-day martyrs I mentioned, our decisions must reflect a commitment to follow Christ, regardless of the circumstances. These decisions define the course of our faith journey and demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty. [17:40]
4. Courage to Act:
True faith requires the courage to act on our decisions. It's about stepping forward, even when the path isn't clear or the outcome is uncertain. The act of stepping into the Jordan River as the priests did, or standing firm in one's faith in the face of persecution, are acts of courage that exemplify a deep trust in God. This courage is not innate but is developed through consistent faith and reliance on God. [23:06]
5. Living a Committed Faith:
A life of faith is marked by a clear, unwavering commitment to Christ. This commitment is not just in words but in actions that align with God's will. It involves a daily decision to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. This commitment is what sets apart a life of mediocrity from a life of purposeful faith. [32:07]
### Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
00:44 - The Challenge of Hard Ground
01:26 - Opening Prayer and Introduction
02:21 - God's Intentionality and Our Response
03:07 - Divine Plans and Personal Callings
03:53 - Living Intentionally According to Thessalonians
04:43 - The Necessity of Intentional Living
05:26 - Intentional Faith: Preparation, Decision, Action
06:18 - Biblical Example of Intentional Faith in 2 Kings
07:01 - The Story of Jehoshaphat and Allies
08:36 - Seeking Prophetic Guidance in Crisis
09:32 - Elisha's Boldness Before Kings
10:14 - The Role of Music in Spiritual Warfare
11:26 - Victory Through Obedience and Faith
12:53 - The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
13:45 - Encouragement to Persevere in Faith
14:26 - Community Support in Faith Challenges
15:12 - The World's Advice vs. God's Calling
16:42 - The Journey of Faith and Obedience
17:40 - Personal Testimonies of Faith Decisions
18:21 - Challenges and Triumphs in Foster Care
19:21 - Continuing in Faith Despite Heartbreak
20:01 - The Blessing of Adopting a Child
20:34 - Jesus' Example of Obedience and Sacrifice
21:28 - The Agony of Gethsemane
22:18 - Embracing Fear and Trust in God's Plan
23:06 - The Courage to Stand Firm in Faith
24:21 - Rejecting Fear and Embracing Courage
25:07 - Persecution and Standing for the Bible
25:55 - Testing Faith Under Duress
26:34 - Moral Dilemmas and Faithful Responses
27:25 - The Ultimate Test of Faith and Commitment
28:50 - Biblical Guidance for Stepping Forward
30:23 - The Final Steps into the Promised Land
32:07 - A Life Committed to Christ
33:54 - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Intentional Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
3. 2 Kings 3:9-20 - The story of Jehoshaphat, the kings of Israel and Edom, and their encounter with Elisha in the desert.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jeremiah 29:11 reveal about God's intentions for us?
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what are the three actions Paul instructs believers to practice continually?
3. In 2 Kings 3, what was the dire situation faced by Jehoshaphat and the other kings, and how did they seek God's guidance? [07:01]
4. How did Elisha respond to the kings' request for help, and what was the outcome of their obedience? [09:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's intentionality in creation (Jeremiah 29:11) influence our approach to living intentionally in our faith? [03:07]
2. What does it mean to "pray continually" and "give thanks in all circumstances" as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18? How can this be practically applied in daily life? [03:53]
3. Reflecting on the story in 2 Kings 3, what can we learn about the importance of seeking God's guidance during challenging times? [07:49]
4. How does the act of preparation, as seen in the kings digging ditches in the desert, relate to our spiritual disciplines like prayer and scripture reading? [12:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Intentionality in Faith: How can you be more intentional in your daily spiritual practices? Identify one specific area (e.g., prayer, Bible reading) where you can make a deliberate plan to grow. [05:26]
2. The Power of Preparation: What steps can you take this week to prepare yourself spiritually for potential challenges? Consider setting aside specific times for prayer and Bible study. [06:18]
3. Decision Making in Faith: Think of a recent decision you made. How did your faith influence that decision? How can you ensure future decisions are rooted in your understanding of God's word? [17:40]
4. Courage to Act: Reflect on a situation where you need to step out in faith. What fears are holding you back, and how can you overcome them with God's help? [23:06]
5. Living a Committed Faith: What does it mean for you to live a life fully committed to Christ? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your commitment. [32:07]
6. Community Support: How can you seek and offer support within your church community to help each other live intentionally in faith? [14:26]
7. Facing Persecution: Have you ever faced ridicule or opposition for your faith? How did you respond, and what can you learn from the examples of modern-day believers who stood firm in their faith? [25:55]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the concept of intentional faith, encouraging both personal reflection and communal support as you seek to live out your faith deliberately.
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Intentionality in Faith
Intentionality in faith is about making conscious choices to grow closer to God every day. Just as one plans their day with specific tasks, planning for spiritual growth is crucial. It involves setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and studying the scriptures. This deliberate approach ensures that spiritual development is not left to chance but is woven into the fabric of daily life. By prioritizing these spiritual disciplines, one can maintain a vibrant relationship with God, ensuring that every action and decision aligns with divine wisdom. [02:21]
Colossians 4:2-3, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day this week to engage in prayer and scripture reading to cultivate your intentionality in faith?
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Day 2: The Foundation of Spiritual Preparedness
Preparation is the bedrock of a resilient faith. Engaging deeply with scripture and maintaining a consistent prayer life are not just spiritual exercises; they are preparations for the trials and decisions of life. This foundation does not remove challenges but equips believers with the strength and wisdom to navigate them. The biblical story of Jehoshaphat illustrates that even in dire circumstances, being spiritually prepared allows one to access God's guidance and experience His miraculous interventions. [06:18]
2 Chronicles 20:3-4, "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."
Reflection: How can you enhance your daily spiritual routine to better prepare for unexpected challenges?
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Day 3: Making Decisive Faith Choices
Decisions in the journey of faith are pivotal and should be deeply rooted in a well-prepared spiritual life. True commitment to following Christ involves making choices that may be difficult but are aligned with God's will. These decisions, whether big or small, define the trajectory of one's spiritual journey and demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty. Reflecting on the lives of biblical figures and modern-day believers can inspire one to make courageous choices in faith. [17:40]
Joshua 24:15, "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What is one decision you face today where you can explicitly choose to honor God?
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Day 4: Embracing Courageous Actions in Faith
True faith is demonstrated through actions, particularly those taken in moments of uncertainty or fear. The courage to step forward in faith, trusting in God's guidance, mirrors the biblical account of the priests stepping into the Jordan River. This type of courage is cultivated through a life of consistent faithfulness and reliance on God. It is about moving forward, even when the path is unclear, trusting that God's plans are for good. [23:06]
2 Samuel 22:37, "You enlarged my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to step out in faith, and what is the first step you can take today?
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Day 5: Living Out a Committed Faith
A life of faith is characterized by a steadfast commitment to Christ, which is reflected not just in words but in daily actions. This commitment involves daily decisions to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. Such a lifestyle sets a believer apart, transforming a mediocre existence into a purposeful, faith-driven life. It is about embodying the teachings of Christ in every aspect of life, demonstrating a profound trust in His guidance and providence. [32:07]
Luke 9:23-24, "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: How can you demonstrate a deeper commitment to Christ in your daily interactions and choices?
Quotes
1) "Courage is telling the enemy of your soul, you have taken enough ground. Courage is saying, I am not satisfied with the way things are going right now. I am done. You're not going to take another inch, devil. You've taken enough of my life. Enough of my heart. I'm done with this addiction. I'm done with these words that spew out of my mouth. I'm done treating my family the way that I've been treating them. I'm choosing a different way." [24:21]
2) "Intentional faith, friends, begins with preparation. If I'm going to go fly somewhere, I've got to make sure I'm preparing the way for that to happen. I can't just show up at the airport. Here I am. Take me wherever." [16:42]
3) "Our God is an intentional God. He created the universe ex nihilo out of nothing. He created with intention. Genesis talks about how God created. He created everything. And then he declared it is very good. When he created us he knew us before we were knit together in the womb." [03:07]
4) "Intentional faith requires three different things. The first, it begins with preparation. I want to talk about this passage in the book of 2 Kings in the third chapter. Powerful passage. I love it. It speaks to what preparation looks like." [05:26]
5) "The decision that young lady made was made well before that day in that house church. She had done the work of preparation. She had allowed God to fill every void, every vacant space in her heart and life with his presence. She had made the decision, God, no matter what, I'm sticking with you." [27:25]
6) "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or go away. I'm not going to be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals." [32:07]
7) "Jesus knew he was going to be separated from his father. He couldn't bear it. But he had made the decision already. He had done the work of preparation, knowing what God wanted him to do. So there was no question what decision he was going to make. Was fear present? I believe so." [22:18]
8) "The ground is too hard, you may say. Patrick, you don't understand. I've dealt with this issue a long, long time. I've asked God, sought him. It's too hard. I can't do it. Dig what you can. Get some help. Come here to the church. Ask someone to pray with you. Ask someone to help you shoulder that shovel and to dig with you." [00:44]
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