Living in Victory Through Remembrance and Dependence on God
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound connection between remembrance and dependence on God, drawing from personal experiences and scriptural insights. I began by sharing a revelation I received while driving, which reminded me of the importance of depending on God's guidance in every aspect of life. This dependence is not just about expecting the routine, like water flowing when we turn on the faucet, but also about trusting God for revelations and solutions in unexpected situations.
I emphasized the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, not merely as a historical event but as a cornerstone of our faith. The resurrection power is available to us, enabling us to overcome sin, death, hell, and the grave. I urged the congregation to remember the words and promises of God, as remembrance fuels our faith and enables us to live out the victory that Jesus secured for us.
I recounted the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who failed to recognize Jesus until He broke bread with them. This account illustrated the importance of inviting Jesus into every area of our lives and recognizing His presence in the breaking of bread, which symbolizes fellowship and communion with Him.
I also discussed the necessity of intentional growth in faith, comparing it to the process of maturation from infancy to adulthood. This growth requires us to be proactive in our spiritual journey, moving from merely receiving life through faith to living by the power of faith.
Finally, I shared the importance of enduring love, which empowers us to withstand trials and tribulations. The love of God, which endures forever, is the source of our strength and perseverance.
Key Takeaways:
- Dependence on God is not passive; it requires active remembrance of His promises and faithfulness. Just as we trust in the everyday certainties of life, we must trust in the spiritual truths God has revealed to us. This trust is built on a foundation of remembrance and is essential for living a victorious Christian life. [29:36]
- The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but a present reality that empowers us. We must live in the power of His resurrection, which enables us to overcome the world's challenges and live in the fullness of life He intends for us. The resurrection is the heartbeat of our faith and the source of our hope. [53:13]
- Intentional growth in faith is like a journey from infancy to maturity. We must be proactive in our spiritual development, seeking to grow in understanding and depth of faith. This growth is a continuous process that requires diligence, commitment, and a willingness to learn and apply God's Word to our lives. [01:03:51]
- Enduring love is the key to perseverance. The love of God within us gives us the strength to endure hardships and emerge victorious. This love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast force that sustains us through every trial and tribulation. [01:14:36]
- The act of remembrance is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. By recalling what God has done for us and His promises, we anchor ourselves in truth and resist the lies and doubts that can assail us. Remembering God's faithfulness in the past gives us confidence for the future. [47:04]
In conclusion, today's message was a call to remember and depend on God's promises, grow intentionally in faith, and rely on the enduring love of Jesus Christ. Through these principles, we can live a life of victory and purpose.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 24:5-8 (NIV)
> "In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words."
2. Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)
> "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
3. Psalm 136:1-3 (NIV)
> "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the angels remind the women at the tomb to remember about Jesus' words? ([27:42])
2. According to Romans 1:16-17, what is revealed in the gospel and how should the righteous live?
3. In Psalm 136, what is the repeated reason given for giving thanks to the Lord?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the women at the tomb were reminded to remember Jesus' words? How does this relate to our need to remember God's promises in our lives? ([27:42])
2. How does the power of the resurrection, as described in the sermon, enable believers to overcome challenges in their lives? ([53:13])
3. What does it mean to live by faith according to Romans 1:17, and how does this concept of faith relate to the intentional growth in faith discussed in the sermon? ([01:03:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did remembering God's promises help you through it? If you didn't remember, how might it have helped? ([27:42])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of living in the power of Jesus' resurrection. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself daily of this resurrection power? ([53:13])
3. Intentional growth in faith was compared to maturing from infancy to adulthood. What specific steps can you take this week to be proactive in your spiritual development? ([01:03:51])
4. The sermon mentioned enduring love as a key to perseverance. Identify a current challenge you are facing and discuss how you can rely on God's enduring love to help you persevere. ([01:14:36])
5. How can you incorporate the act of remembrance into your daily routine to anchor yourself in God's truth and resist doubts? ([47:04])
6. Think about a recent situation where you depended on your own strength rather than God's guidance. How can you shift your approach to depend more on God in similar future situations? ([29:36])
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of inviting Jesus into every area of our lives. What is one area of your life where you have not fully invited Jesus in, and how can you change that this week? ([41:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Trust in Divine Promises
Dependence on God goes beyond passive expectation; it is an active trust that leans on His promises and faithfulness. This trust is not merely for the predictable elements of life but extends to the spiritual truths revealed to us. It is built on a foundation of remembrance, which is essential for living a victorious Christian life. One must actively recall God's words and promises, allowing them to shape daily decisions and perspectives. This remembrance is not a one-time event but a continuous practice that strengthens faith and fosters reliance on God's provision and guidance in every situation, both expected and unforeseen.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflection: How can you actively practice remembrance of God's promises in your daily routine to strengthen your trust in Him? [07:40]
Day 2: Resurrection Power in Daily Life
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but a present reality that empowers believers to overcome life's challenges. Living in the power of His resurrection means embracing the fullness of life that Jesus intends for His followers. It is the heartbeat of faith and the source of hope, enabling one to conquer sin, death, and any adversity faced in the world. This power is not just for the afterlife but is available now, offering strength and victory in the daily battles against fear, doubt, and despair.
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." - Romans 8:11
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and live out the resurrection power of Jesus in your everyday life? [29:36]
Day 3: Proactive Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a journey from spiritual infancy to maturity, requiring proactive and intentional efforts. It involves moving beyond merely receiving life through faith to actively living by the power of faith. This growth is a continuous process that demands diligence, commitment, and a willingness to learn and apply God's Word. It is about seeking understanding and depth in one's relationship with God, which in turn shapes character and actions. As one matures in faith, the fruits of the Spirit become more evident, and the believer's life becomes a testament to God's transformative work.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to proactively grow in your understanding and application of faith? [53:13]
Day 4: The Strength of Enduring Love
God's enduring love is the key to perseverance through trials and tribulations. This love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast force that sustains believers through every challenge. It is the love of God that empowers one to withstand hardships and emerge victorious. This enduring love is a reflection of God's eternal nature and serves as a source of strength and comfort. By anchoring oneself in the love of God, one can face life's storms with confidence and hope, knowing that nothing can separate them from His love.
"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." - 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Reflection: How can you draw on God's enduring love to find strength in a current challenge you are facing? [01:03:51]
Day 5: Anchoring in Faithful Remembrance
The act of remembrance is a powerful spiritual tool that anchors believers in truth and combats the lies and doubts that assail them. Recalling God's faithfulness in the past instills confidence for the future and reinforces one's faith. It is through remembering God's deeds and promises that one can resist the temptations and deceptions of the world. This practice of remembrance is not just about looking back but also about allowing those memories to inform and inspire present and future actions, leading to a life grounded in God's unchanging truth.
"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered," - Psalm 105:5
Reflection: What specific event or promise of God can you remember today to strengthen your faith and confidence in His faithfulness? [01:14:36]
Quotes
"Dependence on God is not passive; it requires active remembrance of His promises and faithfulness. Just as we trust in the everyday certainties of life, we must trust in the spiritual truths God has revealed to us. This trust is built on a foundation of remembrance and is essential for living a victorious Christian life." [29:36]
"The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but a present reality that empowers us. We must live in the power of His resurrection, which enables us to overcome the world's challenges and live in the fullness of life He intends for us. The resurrection is the heartbeat of our faith and the source of our hope." [53:13]
"Intentional growth in faith is like a journey from infancy to maturity. We must be proactive in our spiritual development, seeking to grow in understanding and depth of faith. This growth is a continuous process that requires diligence, commitment, and a willingness to learn and apply God's Word to our lives." [01:03:51]
"Enduring love is the key to perseverance. The love of God within us gives us the strength to endure hardships and emerge victorious. This love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast force that sustains us through every trial and tribulation." [01:14:36]
"The act of remembrance is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. By recalling what God has done for us and His promises, we anchor ourselves in truth and resist the lies and doubts that can assail us. Remembering God's faithfulness in the past gives us confidence for the future." [28:23]