Living Boldly: Embracing Risks for God's Kingdom
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound message found in Ecclesiastes chapter 11, which challenges us to live boldly and take risks for the kingdom of God. This passage invites us to reflect on the significance of our actions, even when they seem small or insignificant. We often question whether our efforts for God truly matter, especially when we don't see immediate results or when our prayers seem unanswered. However, the sovereignty of God assures us that He uses our faithfulness to accomplish His purposes, even when we cannot see the full picture.
We heard a powerful testimony of an elder who consistently shared the gospel in an Eastern European country, despite seeing little immediate fruit. Years later, a chance encounter revealed that his efforts had indeed made a life-saving impact. This story illustrates Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes, urging us to continue investing in God's work, trusting that our spiritual endeavors are never in vain.
Solomon's metaphor of casting bread upon the waters teaches us about the importance of taking spiritual risks and diversifying our efforts. Just as ancient traders sent their goods across the sea, uncertain of the outcome, we are called to invest our time, talents, and resources in God's kingdom, trusting that the reward will come in due time. This requires patience, trust, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
We are reminded that life is full of uncertainties, and we cannot control every outcome. Yet, this should not deter us from sowing seeds of faith and love. The imagery of sowing and reaping emphasizes that without sowing, there can be no harvest. Our role is to faithfully plant seeds, knowing that God will bring the growth in His perfect timing.
In closing, we are encouraged to view our lives as ministries, to bless others, and to be active participants in God's kingdom work. By stepping out in faith and taking risks for the gospel, we can become a transformative force in our church and community. Let us remain faithful, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory, even when the results are not immediately visible.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of Small Acts: Even the smallest acts of faith and obedience can have a profound impact in God's kingdom. We may not always see the immediate results of our efforts, but God uses them in ways we cannot imagine. Our faithfulness in the little things matters greatly to Him. [28:02]
2. Taking Spiritual Risks: We are called to take spiritual risks for the kingdom of God, trusting that our investments in His work will yield a reward in due time. This requires a willingness to step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. [36:29]
3. Overcoming Fear of Failure: Fear of failure often holds us back from taking risks for God. However, we must remember that God is in control, and our role is to be faithful in sowing seeds, trusting Him with the results. [44:55]
4. The Mystery of God's Work: God's ways are often beyond our understanding, and we may not always see the full picture of what He is doing. This calls for humility and trust, knowing that He is the sovereign King who orchestrates all things for His glory. [50:54]
5. The Importance of Sowing and Reaping: Without sowing, there can be no harvest. We are encouraged to sow seeds of faith, love, and the gospel, trusting that God will bring the growth in His perfect timing. Our role is to be faithful in planting, knowing that the harvest may come at a different time. [58:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 11
- [03:30] - The Challenge of Taking Spiritual Risks
- [07:15] - Testimony of Faithful Evangelism
- [10:45] - The Call to Live Boldly
- [14:30] - Understanding Solomon's Metaphors
- [18:00] - The Importance of Spiritual Investment
- [22:15] - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith
- [26:00] - The Mystery of God's Sovereignty
- [30:00] - The Power of Sowing and Reaping
- [34:00] - Encouragement to Get Involved
- [38:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
- [42:00] - Celebration of the Lord's Table
- [46:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
- Psalm 139:14
- Psalm 147:4
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Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor does Solomon use in Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, and what does it suggest about taking risks? [34:26]
2. How does the testimony of the elder who shared the gospel in an Eastern European country illustrate the message of Ecclesiastes 11? [30:54]
3. According to the sermon, what are some reasons people might hesitate to take spiritual risks? [43:21]
4. What does the pastor suggest about the relationship between God's sovereignty and our actions? [50:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of casting bread upon the waters relate to the concept of spiritual investment and patience? [36:29]
2. In what ways does the testimony of the elder challenge common perceptions about the effectiveness of evangelism? [30:54]
3. How does the pastor's discussion of fear of failure relate to the broader theme of faithfulness in the sermon? [44:55]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the mystery of God's work and our understanding of His plans? [50:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your efforts for God were insignificant. How does the sermon encourage you to view those efforts differently? [28:02]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to take a spiritual risk. What steps can you take this week to act on that calling? [36:29]
3. Consider a person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What practical steps can you take to share your faith with them, despite any fear of rejection? [43:21]
4. How can you diversify your spiritual investments, as suggested by Solomon's metaphor, in your daily life? [39:19]
5. Think about a situation where you were hesitant to act because of uncertainty. How can you apply the message of sowing and reaping to overcome that hesitation? [58:46]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of humility and trust in God's sovereignty, especially when you don't understand His plans? [50:54]
7. What specific actions can you take to view your life as a ministry and actively participate in God's kingdom work? [48:12]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Small Acts of Faith
Even the smallest acts of faith and obedience can have a profound impact in God's kingdom. These acts may seem insignificant at the moment, but they are like seeds planted in fertile soil, waiting for the right conditions to grow. The story of the elder who shared the gospel in an Eastern European country, despite seeing little immediate fruit, is a testament to this truth. His faithfulness eventually led to a life-saving impact, illustrating that God uses our efforts in ways we cannot imagine. Our faithfulness in the little things matters greatly to Him, and we are encouraged to trust that our actions, no matter how small, are part of a larger divine plan. [28:02]
"For who has despised the day of small things? These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a small act of kindness or faith you can do today. How can you trust God to use it for His purposes?
Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Risks
Taking spiritual risks is an essential part of living boldly for the kingdom of God. Just as ancient traders sent their goods across the sea, uncertain of the outcome, we are called to invest our time, talents, and resources in God's work. This requires a willingness to step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. The metaphor of casting bread upon the waters teaches us that our investments in God's kingdom will yield a reward in due time. By embracing the unknown and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can become active participants in His divine plan. [36:29]
"Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth." (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk? How can you step out in faith today, trusting Him with the outcome?
Day 3: Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Fear of failure often holds us back from taking risks for God. However, we must remember that God is in control, and our role is to be faithful in sowing seeds, trusting Him with the results. The testimony of the elder who shared the gospel despite seeing little immediate fruit reminds us that our efforts are never in vain. By overcoming the fear of failure, we can fully embrace the opportunities God places before us, knowing that He will use our faithfulness to accomplish His purposes. [44:55]
"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." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a fear that is holding you back from serving God. How can you confront this fear with faith and take a step forward today?
Day 4: Trusting in the Mystery of God's Work
God's ways are often beyond our understanding, and we may not always see the full picture of what He is doing. This calls for humility and trust, knowing that He is the sovereign King who orchestrates all things for His glory. The story of the elder's impact in Eastern Europe is a reminder that God's work is often hidden from our view, but it is always unfolding according to His perfect plan. By trusting in the mystery of God's work, we can find peace and assurance in His sovereignty. [50:54]
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where you don't understand what God is doing. How can you trust in His sovereignty and find peace in the mystery of His work?
Day 5: The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
Without sowing, there can be no harvest. We are encouraged to sow seeds of faith, love, and the gospel, trusting that God will bring the growth in His perfect timing. The imagery of sowing and reaping emphasizes the importance of being faithful in planting, even when the harvest seems distant. By viewing our lives as ministries and actively participating in God's kingdom work, we can become a transformative force in our church and community. [58:46]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What seeds of faith, love, or the gospel can you sow today? How can you remain faithful in planting, trusting God for the harvest?
Quotes
"I think it was on Facebook. You know, every week on our Facebook page, I put a little commercial out of the service. And I put something about taking risks, spiritual risks. And someone from our church family saw that and sent me a message and said, oh, well, that's going to be interesting to think about. And so, you know, I was reading through the text this week and just this thought of what it means to step out in faith and take a risk for the kingdom." [00:25:11] (35 seconds)
"Because I think at times, and maybe you've been there at different points. I know I have been. I've been tempted to think from time to time, does what I do for God really matter? And I'm not talking about the big things. I'm talking about the small things, the minor things, the insignificant things as we would sometimes classify them." [00:25:46] (32 seconds)
"God, because when I pray, I don't always get what I ask for, or sometimes it's not answered the way that I pray, or when I share the gospel, it doesn't seem like people are getting saved as soon as I share the gospel with someone. Do you ever feel that way? It's like, well, why bother if nobody's lining up in the revival service to accept Jesus?" [00:26:48] (34 seconds)
"And this morning, we're going to interact with a text that kind of challenges us to wake us up a little bit in stepping out for God and what that means as he practically uses us in this world. If you've ever felt that way, does what I do for God really matter? I want to encourage you to lean in a little bit to the text of Scripture this morning to catch a glimpse of what God is doing." [00:27:47] (33 seconds)
"There was an elder of a church, a church in the south, that this elder every year would travel to an Eastern European country to share the gospel. He would take time to do some evangelism, and he did this year after year after year. And one year, he wondered what impact he was having on those that he witnessed to. He would just go around and knock on doors and share the gospel of Jesus." [00:28:23] (29 seconds)
"And one day, this man was out with friends and asked a stranger to take their picture together. They were just visiting at a cafe, and they stood up in this outside cafe, and they wanted a picture. And so a passerby of this city that he would often visit and share the gospel with, he just said, hey, would you take our photo?" [00:29:08] (24 seconds)
"He said, you probably don't remember me. Now remember, this is translated from English from an Eastern European country. But you probably don't remember me, but four years ago, you came to my apartment and shared the good news of Jesus Christ, how he died for sinners like me. And I prayed that prayer, but I was just going through the motions to please my mother." [00:29:40] (25 seconds)
"But in God's mercy, I remembered what you told me, that Christ died for sinners, and that his blood was for my sins. I prayed again, and this time I meant it. He really did come into my life. I have been delivered. And then he goes on to say, you probably wonder sometimes if what you are doing really does any good. For me, God used it to save my life and my soul." [00:30:20] (34 seconds)
"Solomon's fleet, which brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, in 1 Kings 10, verse 22, the payment for the resources that he sent off, sold once every three years. It took three years from the time that it left for something to return with reward. Similarly, the preacher here, Solomon, has called his readers to take life as from the hand of God." [00:38:28] (32 seconds)
"Realize that the investment you are making may not see a full reward in your time or for a long time, possibly even after your ability to continue to invest in that person. Kind of like the guy that went to the Eastern European country. Four years later, he met a guy by accident by saying, will you take my picture? And that guy said, you know what?" [00:42:39] (28 seconds)
"Let's unpack this a little bit. We have some farmers with us this morning. You'll probably appreciate the imagery and the analogy that Solomon is using probably more than people that aren't farmers. But let's picture this. Picture a farmer standing in their field. The clouds are heavy with rain. What happens? Or that happens a lot, right? It rains." [00:45:23] (28 seconds)
"Solomon says that this farmer, though, is not just standing and watching. Watching, or what Solomon says is that this farmer is just watching the clouds, watching the trees and saying, I don't know. Today's not the day. I can't sow today. I can't harvest today. The evidence in my perspective says that I'm just going to stand by and watch it all around me." [00:46:36] (24 seconds)
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