Living in God's Presence: Discipleship Through Weakness
Summary
So often, life’s burdens and distractions can make us more aware of our problems than of God’s presence. Yet, God calls us to cast our cares on Him, to become more aware of His Spirit, and to remember that He is always with us—even in the fire, even in the prison, even in the moments when we feel weakest. The call to discipleship is not just a suggestion; it is the very purpose for which we are saved and surrendered. Our lives are meant to point others to Jesus, to be living epistles that reflect His love, power, and grace.
Looking at Acts 16, we see Paul and Silas, despite being beaten and imprisoned for their obedience, choosing to worship and pray. Their worship didn’t just change their situation; it opened the doors for others to encounter salvation. This is a powerful reminder that our circumstances should never dictate our willingness to share our faith. Even when we feel overwhelmed, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Our assignment to make disciples remains, regardless of what we’re facing.
Personal stories remind us that God often uses us most powerfully when we feel least able. Sometimes, the most significant moments of ministry happen when we choose to be present, to pray with someone rather than just for them, and to trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. Discipleship is not about having all the answers or waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about obedience—planting seeds, building relationships, and letting God bring the increase.
We are called to operate in the authority of Christ, not our own strength. The enemy will try to distract, discourage, and disqualify us, but when we are armed with the Word and surrendered to the Spirit, we are equipped for every battle. Discipleship is everything—it’s life-on-life, it’s being willing to be sent, and it’s living from the victory Christ has already secured. The invitation is to press past our feelings, surrender our burdens, and say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” In doing so, we become vessels through which God’s love and power flow to a world in desperate need.
Key Takeaways
- Awareness of God’s Presence Transforms Our Perspective
When we become more aware of God’s presence than our problems, everything changes. The enemy seeks to distract us with burdens so we lose sight of the Spirit’s nearness, but God invites us to cast our cares on Him and trust that He is with us in every circumstance. This awareness is the foundation for living a surrendered, victorious life. [45:13]
- Our Feelings Must Not Override Our Assignment
It’s easy to let our emotions and struggles take precedence over our calling to make disciples. Yet, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, and He calls us to show up and share our faith even when we don’t feel like it. Obedience in these moments often leads to the most profound impact, both in our lives and in the lives of others. [52:07]
- Discipleship Requires Life-on-Life Investment
True discipleship is not just about words or programs; it’s about doing life with people, building trust, and allowing the gospel to be seen in how we live. Sometimes, the seeds we plant take time to grow, but our role is to be faithful and present, trusting God with the outcome. The fruit of discipleship often comes through consistent, authentic relationship. [01:09:18]
- Spiritual Authority Comes from God’s Word and Presence
We are not equipped for spiritual battles by human means or our own strength, but by the authority of Christ and the truth of Scripture. When we operate in this authority, the enemy must flee, and God’s purposes are accomplished. Our effectiveness in advancing the kingdom is directly tied to our reliance on God’s Word and Spirit. [01:12:48]
- Being Sent Means Living from Victory, Not for It
God is looking for people who will say, “Here I am, send me,” even in the midst of their own struggles. We don’t serve from a place of striving for victory, but from the victory Jesus has already won. Surrendering our burdens and stepping out in faith allows us to be fully used by God to bring others into His kingdom. [01:18:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[45:13] - Becoming Aware of God’s Presence
[46:10] - Repentance and God’s Nearness
[47:06] - God in the Fire: Assurance of His Presence
[48:12] - The Purpose of a Surrendered Life
[52:07] - Testimony: Ministry in Weakness
[01:09:18] - The Power of Life-on-Life Discipleship
[01:11:22] - Attacks and Spiritual Authority
[01:12:48] - Kingdom Authority and the Enemy’s Resistance
[01:15:14] - Discipleship: Not Optional, But Essential
[01:16:44] - Are We Making Disciples Who Make Disciples?
[01:17:53] - Willingness to Be Sent
[01:18:58] - Living from Victory, Not for It
[01:20:10] - Responding to God’s Call
[01:26:01] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[01:28:12] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
Acts 16:9-34 (NASB)
> 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
> 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
> ...
> 25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;
> 26 and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.
> 27 When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
> 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!”
> 29 And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas,
> 30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
> 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
> 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.
> 33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.
> 34 And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (NASB)
> 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
> 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
> 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
> 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
> 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
> 12 So death works in us, but life in you.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
> 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
> 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
> 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 16, what did Paul and Silas do after being beaten and thrown into prison, and what was the result of their actions?
[[48:12]]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, how does Paul describe the relationship between our weakness and God’s power?
[[52:07]]
3. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific command does Jesus give to His followers, and what promise does He attach to it?
[[01:15:14]]
4. The sermon mentions that Paul and Silas’ worship in prison led to others encountering salvation. What does this suggest about the impact of our faithfulness in difficult circumstances?
[[48:12]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul and Silas chose to worship and pray in prison instead of focusing on their pain and injustice? What does this reveal about their awareness of God’s presence?
[[48:12]]
2. The sermon says, “Our feelings should never take priority over the sharing of our faith.” How does this challenge the way people typically respond to hardship or discouragement?
[[52:07]]
3. The pastor shared a story about ministering to someone even when he felt exhausted and overwhelmed. What does this teach about the role of obedience and the Holy Spirit in discipleship?
[[52:07]]
4. The message emphasizes that spiritual authority comes from God’s Word and presence, not our own strength. How does this shape the way believers should approach spiritual battles or opposition?
[[01:12:48]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to become more aware of God’s presence than our problems. Is there a specific area of your life where you tend to focus more on your burdens than on God’s nearness? What would it look like to shift your focus this week?
[[45:13]]
2. Think about a time when you didn’t feel like sharing your faith or showing up for someone because of your own struggles. What kept you from stepping out, and how might you respond differently next time?
[[52:07]]
3. The pastor said, “It is more important to pray with someone than pray for someone.” Who is someone in your life you could be more present with, rather than just offering to pray for them from a distance?
[[52:07]]
4. Discipleship is described as “life-on-life investment.” Are there relationships in your life where you could be more intentional about building trust and sharing your faith through your actions, not just your words?
[[01:09:18]]
5. The message asks, “Who will remain in the prison of their sin because you chose to remain in the prison of your feelings?” Is there someone God is prompting you to reach out to, even if you feel unqualified or overwhelmed?
[[52:07]]
6. The sermon says, “When I’m armed with Bible, I’m armed for battle.” What practical steps can you take to rely more on God’s Word and Spirit when facing spiritual challenges or discouragement?
[[01:12:48]]
7. The call is to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your burdens and be willing to be sent, even if it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient?
[[01:18:58]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person become more aware of His presence, to surrender their burdens, and to be willing to be sent as a disciple-maker in their everyday life.
Devotional
Day 1: Cast Your Cares and Be Aware of God's Presence
When life feels overwhelming and burdens seem too heavy to carry, it is easy to become more aware of your problems than of God's presence. Yet, God invites you to cast all your anxieties on Him, reminding you that He cares deeply for you and is always near, even when you feel alone or distracted by stress. The enemy seeks to take advantage when you are weighed down, but God calls you to lay your burdens at His feet and become more aware of His Spirit moving in your life, no matter your circumstances. [45:13]
1 Peter 5:7-8 (NASB)
"…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Reflection: What is one specific worry or burden you are carrying today that you can intentionally surrender to God, trusting that He is present and cares for you right now?
Day 2: Our Feelings Should Not Override Our Assignment
There will be days when you feel tired, discouraged, or unqualified to share your faith, but God calls you to obedience over feelings. The authority to make disciples does not come from your own strength but from Jesus, who has given you His power and presence. Even when you feel weak or inadequate, remember that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness, and your willingness to show up in faith can lead others to salvation. [52:07]
Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: When you don’t feel like sharing your faith, what is one practical way you can rely on Jesus’ authority and take a step of obedience anyway?
Day 3: Worship Invites God’s Presence and Transforms Our Perspective
Worship is not just a response to good circumstances but a choice to focus on God in the midst of hardship. When you choose to worship, you invite God’s presence into your situation, exchange your heaviness for His joy, and shift your gaze from your problems to His power. Worship allows you to receive peace, wisdom, and strength, and it reminds you that God is with you, even in the darkest prisons of life. [46:10]
Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Reflection: In a current area of struggle, how can you intentionally choose to worship God and invite His presence into that situation today?
Day 4: Plant the Seed—Obedience Is Your Responsibility, Not the Outcome
You may not always see immediate results when you share your faith or invest in others, but God calls you to plant seeds and trust Him with the growth. Discipleship often requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to do life with people before you see transformation. Your job is to be obedient in sharing the gospel and living out your faith authentically, knowing that God is the one who brings the increase in His timing. [01:09:18]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NASB)
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can invest in or encourage today, trusting God with the results rather than being discouraged by what you can’t see?
Day 5: Say “Here I Am, Send Me”—Be Willing to Be Used by God
God is looking for people who are willing to be sent, even when life is hard or circumstances are not ideal. True discipleship means surrendering your own plans and comfort to be available for God’s purposes, trusting that you already have victory in Christ. When you say, “Here I am, send me,” you open yourself to be fully used by God to reach others, advance His kingdom, and reflect His love in a world that desperately needs it. [01:17:53]
Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to step out and be available for His purposes, and how can you say “yes” to Him today?
Quotes
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