Living a Life of Praise and Purpose
Summary
In 2021, our church embraced the theme "The Year of Praise and Provision." This theme is not about praising God to receive something in return but praising Him because He is inherently good and worthy. When we live a life of praise, we place ourselves in the hands of God, who is our true provider. His provisions often exceed our expectations, unseen by our eyes and unheard by our ears. Therefore, we should not worry but trust our lives to Jesus, who never disappoints.
As we reflect on the end times, it's crucial to remain vigilant and live according to the Holy Spirit's fruits. The world is increasingly challenging, with secularism and anti-Christian norms becoming more prevalent. Yet, our task is to spread the Gospel to all corners of the earth, leaving the timing of events to God. We must focus on living a life that aligns with His Word, not swayed by the world's changing morals.
The presence of the antichrist spirit is evident in the world's moral decay, but we must not panic. Instead, we should be aware of the subtle ways the enemy tries to deceive us. Our strength lies in staying rooted in the Bible and being filled with the Holy Spirit. This foundation helps us navigate the complexities of life without falling into the traps of sin.
In our personal lives, we must be cautious of the small decisions we make daily. These choices can lead us to victory or cause us to stumble. It's essential to surround ourselves with honest and supportive people who can hold us accountable. In marriage, open communication and mutual respect are vital. We should strive to be transparent with our spouses, sharing our lives openly to prevent any hidden secrets from taking root.
Ultimately, the key to a fulfilling life is to focus on Jesus and not on the fear of falling. By walking with Him daily, we can overcome the challenges from within and without. Our journey is about making consistent, small decisions that align with God's Word, allowing us to live a life that glorifies Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Praise as a Lifestyle: Praise God not for what we can receive but because He is inherently good and worthy. Living a life of praise places us in God's hands, where His provisions often exceed our expectations. Trust in Jesus, who never disappoints. [05:30]
2. End Times Awareness: The signs of the end times are evident, but our focus should be on spreading the Gospel and living according to the Holy Spirit's fruits. The world's moral decay is a reminder to stay vigilant and rooted in God's Word. [09:33]
3. Daily Decisions Matter: Our small, daily decisions can lead us to victory or cause us to stumble. It's crucial to make choices that align with God's Word and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for strength. [19:23]
4. Accountability in Relationships: Surround yourself with honest and supportive people who can hold you accountable. In marriage, open communication and mutual respect are vital to prevent hidden secrets and maintain a healthy relationship. [22:40]
5. Focus on Jesus: Instead of fearing failure, focus on walking with Jesus daily. By making consistent, small decisions that align with God's Word, we can live a life that glorifies Him and overcome challenges. [28:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:30] - The Year of Praise and Provision
[09:33] - Signs of the End Times
[12:53] - Moral Decay and the Antichrist Spirit
[15:46] - The Importance of Small Decisions
[19:23] - Overcoming Internal and External Challenges
[22:40] - Accountability in Relationships
[24:59] - Open Communication in Marriage
[28:49] - Focus on Jesus, Not Fear
[31:00] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 145:3 - "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."
2. Matthew 6:25-34 - Jesus teaches about not worrying and trusting in God's provision.
3. Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruits of the Spirit.
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, why is it important to praise God not for what we can receive but because He is inherently good and worthy? [05:30]
2. What are some signs of the end times mentioned in the sermon, and how should believers respond to them? [09:33]
3. How does the sermon describe the presence of the antichrist spirit in today's world? [12:53]
4. What role do small daily decisions play in our spiritual journey, according to the sermon? [19:23]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does living a life of praise place us in God's hands, and what does it mean for His provisions to exceed our expectations? [05:30]
2. In what ways can believers remain vigilant and rooted in God's Word amidst the world's moral decay? [09:33]
3. How can the presence of the Holy Spirit help believers navigate the complexities of life without falling into sin? [12:53]
4. What is the significance of accountability in relationships, especially in marriage, as discussed in the sermon? [22:40]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. How can you incorporate praise as a daily practice, not just in times of need or want? [05:30]
2. In what ways can you actively spread the Gospel in your community, despite the challenges posed by secularism and anti-Christian norms? [09:33]
3. Identify a small decision you make daily that could be better aligned with God's Word. What steps can you take to change it? [19:23]
4. Consider your relationships. How can you foster an environment of honesty and support to hold each other accountable? [22:40]
5. What specific fears or distractions are preventing you from focusing on Jesus? How can you address them this week? [28:49]
6. In your marriage or close relationships, how can you improve communication to prevent hidden secrets and maintain mutual respect? [24:59]
7. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [15:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Praise as a Pathway to God's Provision
Living a life of praise is not about seeking rewards but recognizing God's inherent goodness and worthiness. When we praise God, we place ourselves in His hands, trusting Him as our true provider. His provisions often exceed our expectations, unseen by our eyes and unheard by our ears. This perspective encourages us to trust in Jesus, who never disappoints, and to live without worry, knowing that God’s plans for us are greater than we can imagine. By focusing on praise, we align ourselves with His will and open our hearts to His abundant blessings. [05:30]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God’s provision? How can you intentionally praise Him in that area today, regardless of your current circumstances?
Day 2: Vigilance in the Face of Moral Decay
As the world becomes increasingly challenging with secularism and anti-Christian norms, it is crucial to remain vigilant and live according to the Holy Spirit's fruits. The presence of the antichrist spirit is evident in the world's moral decay, but we must not panic. Instead, we should focus on spreading the Gospel and living a life that aligns with God's Word. By staying rooted in the Bible and being filled with the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of life without falling into the traps of sin. [09:33]
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV): "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Reflection: In what ways have you noticed the world's moral decay affecting your own values or actions? How can you strengthen your commitment to living according to the Holy Spirit's fruits today?
Day 3: The Power of Small, Daily Decisions
Our small, daily decisions can lead us to victory or cause us to stumble. It is essential to make choices that align with God's Word and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for strength. These decisions, though seemingly insignificant, accumulate over time and shape our spiritual journey. By being intentional in our choices, we can overcome internal and external challenges and live a life that glorifies God. [19:23]
Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV): "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Reflection: What is one small decision you can make today that aligns with God’s Word and moves you closer to His purpose for your life?
Day 4: Building Accountability in Relationships
Surrounding ourselves with honest and supportive people who can hold us accountable is crucial for spiritual growth. In marriage, open communication and mutual respect are vital to prevent hidden secrets and maintain a healthy relationship. By being transparent with our spouses and sharing our lives openly, we can build a strong foundation of trust and support. This accountability extends beyond marriage to all relationships, encouraging us to live authentically and in alignment with God’s will. [22:40]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your life can you trust to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey? How can you strengthen this relationship today?
Day 5: Walking with Jesus Daily
Instead of fearing failure, focus on walking with Jesus daily. By making consistent, small decisions that align with God's Word, we can live a life that glorifies Him and overcome challenges. Our journey is not about perfection but about progress, as we strive to follow Jesus and grow in our faith. By keeping our eyes on Him, we can navigate the trials of life with confidence and hope, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [28:49]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1) "Jadi karena itu kita tahu diri yang pasti dengan kejadian -kejadian yang ada hari demi hari enggak usah kejadian pun enggak ada terjadi sesuatu apapun hari semakin malam Hidup kita gak semakin mudah Zaman gak semakin dini Ini sudah betul -betul akhir jaman Kan dari dulu orang -orang berkata Akhir jaman, akhir jaman, mana Tuhan gak datang Alkitab juga sudah menubuhkan orang begitu Yang suka mencemooh Emaki firman Tuhan yang berkata kita memilih untuk berada di sisi yang Hidup sadar, berjaga -jaga, dan waspadah Mawas diri Tiap hari mencari buah -buah roh kudus Hidup sesuai dengan standar kudus Bukan berarti merasa suci sendiri Tetapi hidup di dalam firman Tuhan." [05:30] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Jadi karena itu kalau kita tidak pegang teguh pada Bible, sekarang Kalau kita tidak pegang teguh pada Alkitab, kita pasti akan goyang. Dan pegang teguh Alkitab saja kalau kita tidak penuh dengan roh kudus. Kita tafsirkan sembarangan, malah jadi farisi Taurat, kritik kanan -kiri, jatuhkan orang lain, bunuh karakternya. Kita pakai Alkitab untuk membunuh. Tapi kalau kita punya Alkitab dalam roh dan kebenaran, dan juga roh kudus. Tata dalam hati kita. Dan buah -buah roh kasih, damai sejahtera, sukacita. Saya rasa hidup kita itu bisa jadi sinar dalam kegelapan." [15:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Jadi kita bisa berkata pada diri sendiri. Dan kalau Ya, samanya gak kebal. Ya, kita setiap hari mesti harus ingat bahwa kita itu gak ada yang kebal. Makanya Yesus suruh kita jalan pikul salib sangkal diri itu tiap hari. Bukan seminggu sekali waktu ke gereja, tapi jalan sama Tuhan itu setiap saat. Karena kita tahu bahwa kita itu gimana pun juga, hardware kita itu adalah flash atau daging adam. Jadi kita semuanya itu punya rekaman. Di dalam diri kita itu ada memori dosa. Jadi kita bisa loh kumat. Itu curah lebih jahat. Nanti masuk ke dalam diri kita gimana? Kan payah." [19:23] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Jadi kalau kita bisa jaga pernikahan gitu, menurut saya bukan berarti super aman, tetap roh kudus yang menjaga darah Yesus yang membasu. Tetapi kita nggak membuka celak sama keluarga. Jadi kita jaga hubungan pribadi kita dengan Tuhan, pernikahan kita, komunikasi dengan keluarga. Menurut saya kalau keluarga kita itu normal -normal, sah -sah saja di hadapan Tuhan. Kita itu jalan dengan healthy atau dengan sehat, walafiat secara emosi. Nggak ada celah. Nggak gampang sih dikoyakkan." [24:59] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Jadi kalau kita mau jadi seperti orang -orang itu Jadilah seperti mereka ketika mereka masih berguna Dihurapi ketika mereka berfungsi Jangan trauma dengan kejatuhan orang Mereka punya cerita sendiri Jagai cerita kamu saja Enggak lebih gampang bertahan Karena jatuh itu datang dengan harga Dan jatuh gak tiba -tiba? Enggak Kalau kita jatuh itu jatuhnya gampang Tapi kejatuhan itu sendiri susah Konsekuensi yang harus Terjadi Konsekuensi yang harus ditanggung setelah itu." [28:49] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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