Living Effectively in Exile: Faithful Engagement and Order
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we delved into the theme of "How to Live Effectively in Exile," drawing from Jeremiah 29 and Luke 19. We explored the context of the Israelites' exile in Babylon, emphasizing the importance of establishing order in various aspects of our lives while we await the Lord's return. The Israelites were instructed to build houses, plant gardens, and establish a godly life of contentment and stewardship. This balance between readiness for the Lord's return and active engagement in our current lives is crucial.
We also discussed the importance of establishing domestic order, focusing on building strong, godly homes. The biblical order of creation places Christ as the head of every man, the man as the head of the wife, and both parents as the heads of their children. This structure is essential for a healthy, godly family. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are called to respect their husbands. This mutual respect and love create a stable and nurturing environment for children.
Furthermore, we touched on the necessity of establishing social order by living peaceably within our communities and respecting secular authorities. Romans 13 instructs us to be subject to governing authorities, as all authority is ordained by God. We are to pray for our leaders, be good citizens, and trust that God's purpose will prevail, regardless of who is in power.
In conclusion, we are called to occupy until the Lord comes, establishing economic, domestic, and social order according to God's Word. By doing so, we become effective witnesses of God's kingdom, letting our light shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
### Key Takeaways
1. Balance Between Readiness and Engagement: We must find a balance between being ready for the Lord's return and actively engaging in our current lives. This involves building a godly life of contentment and stewardship, as instructed in Jeremiah 29:5. We are called to be good stewards of our time, talents, and treasures, living within our means and being generous. [25:03]
2. Establishing Domestic Order: A godly home is the nucleus of the church. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are to respect their husbands. This mutual respect and love create a stable environment for children. Establishing a godly home involves living according to God's order, with Christ as the head, followed by the husband, wife, and children. [30:57]
3. Respect for Authority: We are called to live peaceably within our communities and respect secular authorities, as all authority is ordained by God. Romans 13:1-7 instructs us to be subject to governing authorities, pray for our leaders, and be good citizens. This respect for authority does not mean compromising our faith but trusting that God's purpose will prevail. [01:00:51]
4. Teaching and Raising Children: Parents have the responsibility to teach and raise their children according to God's Word. This involves establishing rules and boundaries early, being consistent, and leading by example. Children need to be taught respect for authority and godly values, ensuring they grow up in a nurturing and disciplined environment. [42:50]
5. Trusting God's Sovereignty: Regardless of the political climate or who is in power, we must trust that God's purpose will be fulfilled. Even when leaders do evil, they are still under God's authority. Our ultimate responsibility is to the authority of Scripture, and we must choose truth over comfort if necessary. [01:06:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:09] - Opening Prayer
[12:48] - Praying for Needs and VBS
[13:32] - Ways to Give
[14:11] - Vacation Bible School Details
[14:54] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[15:42] - Building Updates and Work Days
[16:33] - Vacation Recap
[17:59] - Introduction to the Series
[18:51] - Jeremiah 29 and Luke 19
[20:05] - Pilgrims and Strangers
[21:34] - Balance Between Readiness and Engagement
[22:19] - Establishing Economic Order
[25:03] - Building a Godly Life
[26:03] - Good Stewardship and Character
[30:57] - Establishing Domestic Order
[35:07] - Godly Leadership in the Home
[40:09] - The Church Makes Up the Difference
[42:50] - Teaching and Raising Children
[46:52] - Protecting Your Children
[50:50] - Ruling Well Your House
[54:15] - Love and Respect in Marriage
[57:16] - Quick to Forgive
[58:21] - Establishing Social Order
[01:00:51] - Respect for Authority
[01:06:43] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[01:09:39] - Truth Trumps All Else
[01:10:25] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 29:5-7 (KJV): "Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them. Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."
2. Luke 19:12-13 (KJV): "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon according to Jeremiah 29:5-7?
2. In Luke 19:12-13, what command did the nobleman give to his servants before leaving for a far country?
3. According to the sermon, what is the biblical order of creation for establishing a godly home? [31:34]
4. How does Romans 13:1-7 instruct Christians to relate to governing authorities? [01:00:51]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed the Israelites to build houses and plant gardens during their exile in Babylon? How does this relate to living effectively in exile today? [24:00]
2. What does it mean to "occupy till I come" in the context of Luke 19:12-13, and how can this be applied to our daily lives? [21:34]
3. How does the biblical order of creation, with Christ as the head, influence the dynamics within a Christian family? [31:34]
4. What are the implications of respecting secular authorities while maintaining one's faith, as discussed in Romans 13:1-7? [01:00:51]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current balance between readiness for the Lord's return and active engagement in your daily life. What steps can you take to improve this balance? [21:34]
2. In what ways can you establish or strengthen domestic order in your home? Consider specific actions you can take to love and respect your spouse and create a nurturing environment for your children. [30:57]
3. How do you currently show respect for secular authorities? Are there areas where you struggle with this, and how can you align your actions more closely with Romans 13:1-7? [01:00:51]
4. Think about the ways you teach and raise your children according to God's Word. What are some practical steps you can take to be more consistent and lead by example? [42:50]
5. How do you trust in God's sovereignty, especially during challenging political climates? Share a recent experience where you had to rely on God's purpose over your personal comfort. [01:06:43]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can be a better steward of your time, talents, or treasures. What specific changes can you make this week to live more contentedly and generously? [25:03]
7. How can you let your light shine before others in your community, workplace, or school? Share a specific action you can take to be a positive witness of God's kingdom. [26:03]
Devotional
### Day 1: Balancing Readiness and Engagement
As believers, we are called to live in a state of readiness for the Lord's return while actively engaging in our current lives. This balance is crucial for living effectively in exile, as demonstrated by the Israelites in Babylon. They were instructed to build houses, plant gardens, and establish a godly life of contentment and stewardship. This means being good stewards of our time, talents, and treasures, living within our means, and being generous. By doing so, we honor God and prepare ourselves for His return. [25:03]
Jeremiah 29:5-7 (ESV): "Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can be a good steward of your time, talents, and treasures today? How can you actively engage in your community while maintaining a readiness for the Lord's return?
### Day 2: Establishing Domestic Order
A godly home is the nucleus of the church and society. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are to respect their husbands. This mutual respect and love create a stable environment for children. Establishing a godly home involves living according to God's order, with Christ as the head, followed by the husband, wife, and children. This structure is essential for a healthy, godly family and reflects the biblical order of creation. [30:57]
Ephesians 5:22-25 (ESV): "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
Reflection: How can you contribute to establishing a godly order in your home? What steps can you take to show love and respect to your spouse and create a nurturing environment for your children?
### Day 3: Respect for Authority
We are called to live peaceably within our communities and respect secular authorities, as all authority is ordained by God. Romans 13:1-7 instructs us to be subject to governing authorities, pray for our leaders, and be good citizens. This respect for authority does not mean compromising our faith but trusting that God's purpose will prevail. By respecting authority, we demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate control over all things. [01:00:51]
Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
Reflection: How can you show respect for authority in your daily life? What are some ways you can pray for and support your local and national leaders today?
### Day 4: Teaching and Raising Children
Parents have the responsibility to teach and raise their children according to God's Word. This involves establishing rules and boundaries early, being consistent, and leading by example. Children need to be taught respect for authority and godly values, ensuring they grow up in a nurturing and disciplined environment. By doing so, parents fulfill their God-given role and help their children develop a strong foundation in their faith. [42:50]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can teach and model godly values to your children today? How can you create a nurturing and disciplined environment in your home?
### Day 5: Trusting God's Sovereignty
Regardless of the political climate or who is in power, we must trust that God's purpose will be fulfilled. Even when leaders do evil, they are still under God's authority. Our ultimate responsibility is to the authority of Scripture, and we must choose truth over comfort if necessary. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is in control and that His plans will prevail, even in difficult circumstances. [01:06:43]
Daniel 2:21 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."
Reflection: How can you trust in God's sovereignty in your current circumstances? What steps can you take to choose truth over comfort in your daily life, even when it is challenging?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This world is not our home. And I think if you have followed any of the news lately, you're thankful that this is not your home. It seems to be getting stranger and stranger as the days go by. The heathen are raging, but you know what? That's all right. It's all a part of end time prophecy. And I know that God has a plan and there's nothing that anybody can do. There's nothing. There's nothing that anybody can do that will change the plan of God. His purpose is going to be fulfilled." [20:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can trust him. That's profound tonight. You can trust him. Just trust God. Don't worry about it. Pray. That's good. Pray for your nation. We should pray for your leaders. We should pray that. That God blesses our nation and touches our nation and touches the world in general, but you just got to sit back and trust God. Amen." [20:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We want the church to grow because the church is predestined for victory. And the variable in our lives is whether we will be a part of what God is doing or not. And so God's purpose is going to happen. And so you and I just have to make sure that we're right in the middle of it, that we are applying ourselves to the will and the way of God." [21:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to be people of good character. Amen. You, you need to have your, your yay be yay and your nay be nay as the Bible says. We need to be people of our word. Now, sometimes you make a promise and something comes up and it can't happen, but you need to be man or woman enough to go back and say, Hey, I tried my best. I had a flat tire. I couldn't be there on time or whatever the reason is. We don't give excuses. We give reasons because God knows the difference, right?" [27:06] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to be praying men. We need to be worshiping men. We need to be leading men. Amen. Amen. And if you live... If you live in a house, if you're a single mother or whatever, I just remind you what I've taught you so many times. The church makes up the difference. Bring your kids to the church and let them be pastored. Let them be loved by the godly men. Let them be prayed for. Let them see the godly men worshiping and crying before the Lord and getting behind the pastor. Honor the man of God in your life so that he can help you raise your children." [40:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to build a godly life, a godly life of contentment. There's there's a balance again, right? We're talking about a balance between being ready and working until he comes. There's there's that, that delicate balance there between those two things. And so we want to stay ready. Well, we also want to be a good example of what God wants a family to be a person to be a Christian to be. And so we establish our lives in good stewardship in contentment because the Bible says that God in this one contentment is great gain." [25:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to establish godly homes. How do you do that? Well, you put Jesus first. He is the head. And then under Jesus, he is the head of the husband and the husband is the head of the wife. I told you to buckle up, the husband and wife are the head of the children. We need to teach our children. We need to establish a godly home. Okay. So what is, what is the order of creation? What, what does God establish for the home?" [31:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to be people that are established in the word. Men, we need to be leaders in the home. Financially, security and protection, and spiritually. We need to be praying men. We need to be worshiping men. We need to be leading men. Amen. Amen. And if you live... If you live in a house, if you're a single mother or whatever, I just remind you what I've taught you so many times. The church makes up the difference. Bring your kids to the church and let them be pastored. Let them be loved by the godly men. Let them be prayed for." [40:09] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want a godly, happy home, you need to establish it according to the Word of God. It is so important that we have the order of creation. Christ is the head of every man. The man is the head of the wife. And then, of course, the children are subject to their parents. We have to have that established. It's important. It's important. Construction structure and leadership in the home is biblically demanded and commanded. And it is so important that the home is charged with the duty and responsibility of teaching and raising their children in a particular way." [41:54] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to be good citizens. Amen. That's almost as unpopular as submitting yourselves to your own husbands. The Bible directs us to pray for our leaders. First Timothy two and one. I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks may be made for all men for Kings. If they're a King in your party, no, it says for Kings, all Kings, whether you like them or not, whether you voted for them or not for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable." [01:02:41] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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