Living Intentionally: Embracing Our Spiritual Destiny

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound truth that we are more than just flesh and blood; we are spiritual beings with an eternal destiny. Reflecting on the intentionality people showed during the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve their earthly lives, we considered how much stronger the church would be if Christians were equally intentional about their spiritual lives. The Bible tells us that while our outer man perishes, our inner man is renewed day by day. This renewal is crucial as we navigate both the physical and spiritual realms.

We delved into three foundational scriptures that guide us in being people of the Spirit. First, we examined Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists things God hates, emphasizing the importance of hating what God hates and loving what He loves. Second, we looked at Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus declares His mission, showing us the importance of knowing our "because"—the reason for our anointing. Finally, we considered Hebrews 1:8-9, which highlights that Jesus was anointed because He loved righteousness and hated wickedness.

We also discussed the importance of listening to the still, small voice of God, being in the Word and prayer, and asking for the gifts of the Spirit. These practices help us to walk in the flesh while warring in the Spirit, ensuring that we live out our earthly lives with a heavenly perspective. We concluded with a call to not just witness the acts of God but to know His ways, urging everyone to be active participants in God's work.

### Key Takeaways

1. Intentional Spiritual Life: Just as people took extreme measures to preserve their earthly lives during the pandemic, Christians should be equally intentional about their spiritual lives. This intentionality strengthens the church and helps us focus on the eternal rather than the temporal. [02:45]

2. Hate What God Hates, Love What God Loves: Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things God hates, culminating in the detestable act of sowing discord among brethren. To be people of the Spirit, we must align our loves and hates with God's, fostering unity and purity in our communities. [11:03]

3. Know Your "Because": Jesus knew His mission and purpose, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me." Knowing our "because"—the reason for our anointing—gives us direction and purpose, whether in business, ministry, or daily life. [19:47]

4. Listen to the Still, Small Voice: Amidst the noise and chaos of life, it's crucial to tune into God's still, small voice. This requires moments of stillness and obedience to God's seemingly small instructions, which can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs. [23:57]

5. Be in the Word and Prayer: Psalm 119:105 describes God's Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Regular engagement with Scripture and prayer provides both immediate guidance and long-term direction, helping us navigate life's complexities with divine wisdom. [30:22]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Introduction and Family Photo
[02:00] - More Than Flesh and Blood
[02:45] - Intentionality During COVID
[03:36] - Outer Man vs. Inner Man
[04:09] - Being People of the Spirit
[04:48] - Walking in the Flesh, Warring in the Spirit
[05:50] - Spiritual Realms and Earth Life
[07:13] - Jesus' Spirit Words
[08:15] - Mount Transfiguration
[09:18] - Joshua and Moses' Spirit
[10:23] - New Bodies in Heaven
[11:03] - Proverbs 6:16-19: What God Hates
[13:12] - Luke 4:18-19: Jesus' Mission
[15:01] - Hebrews 1:8-9: Jesus' Anointing
[16:20] - Hate What God Hates, Love What God Loves
[19:47] - Know Your "Because"
[21:55] - Listen to the Still, Small Voice
[23:57] - Be in the Word and Prayer
[30:22] - Psalm 119:105: Lamp and Light
[33:35] - Ask for the Gifts of the Spirit
[34:57] - Know God's Ways, Not Just His Acts
[37:10] - Bringing Heaven to Earth
[38:18] - Prayer and Invitation to Faith
[40:37] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 6:16-19: "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."
2. Luke 4:18-19: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
3. Hebrews 1:8-9: "But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What are the six things that the Lord hates and the seventh that is detestable to Him according to Proverbs 6:16-19?
2. In Luke 4:18-19, what specific tasks does Jesus say He is anointed to perform?
3. According to Hebrews 1:8-9, why was Jesus anointed by God?

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think it is important for Christians to hate what God hates and love what God loves? How does this align with the message of Proverbs 6:16-19? [11:03]
2. How does knowing your "because" (the reason for your anointing) give direction and purpose in your life, as illustrated in Luke 4:18-19? [19:47]
3. What does it mean to listen to the still, small voice of God, and how can this practice lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs? [23:57]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were you more intentional about preserving your earthly life than your spiritual life? How can you shift your focus to be more intentional about your spiritual life now? [02:45]
2. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists behaviors that God hates, including sowing discord among brethren. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you or someone else was stirring up conflict? How did you handle it, and what could you do differently in the future to foster unity? [11:03]
3. Jesus knew His mission and purpose, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me." Do you know your "because"? What steps can you take to discover or reaffirm your purpose in God's plan? [19:47]
4. Amidst the noise and chaos of life, how do you currently find moments of stillness to hear God's still, small voice? What practical changes can you make to ensure you are tuning into God's voice regularly? [23:57]
5. Psalm 119:105 describes God's Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. How consistent are you in engaging with Scripture and prayer? What specific actions can you take to improve your regular engagement with God's Word and prayer? [30:22]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of asking for the gifts of the Spirit. Have you ever asked God for these gifts? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how have you seen these gifts manifest in your life? [33:35]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of knowing God's ways, not just His acts. How can you move from being a spectator of God's works to being an active participant in His ways? What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and understand His ways better? [34:57]

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Life
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people took extreme measures to preserve their earthly lives, demonstrating a high level of intentionality. This same intentionality should be applied to our spiritual lives. Christians are called to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, strengthening the church and their personal faith. The Bible tells us that while our outer man perishes, our inner man is renewed day by day. This renewal is crucial as we navigate both the physical and spiritual realms. By being intentional about our spiritual growth, we can ensure that our inner man is continually being renewed and strengthened.

[02:45]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to be more intentional about your spiritual life, just as you were intentional about your physical health during the pandemic?

Day 2: Hate What God Hates, Love What God Loves
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that God hates, culminating in the detestable act of sowing discord among brethren. To be people of the Spirit, we must align our loves and hates with God's, fostering unity and purity in our communities. This alignment requires us to examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that we are not contributing to division or strife. By hating what God hates and loving what He loves, we can create a community that reflects His character and values.

[11:03]

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV): "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."

Reflection: Is there any area in your life where you might be sowing discord or contributing to division? How can you align your actions with what God loves and hates?

Day 3: Know Your "Because"
Jesus knew His mission and purpose, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me." Knowing our "because"—the reason for our anointing—gives us direction and purpose, whether in business, ministry, or daily life. This sense of purpose helps us to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of challenges. By understanding our unique calling and the reason for our anointing, we can live more intentionally and effectively for God's kingdom.

[19:47]

Luke 4:18-19 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Reflection: What is your "because"? Take some time to reflect on your unique calling and the reason for your anointing. How can you live out this purpose more fully in your daily life?

Day 4: Listen to the Still, Small Voice
Amidst the noise and chaos of life, it's crucial to tune into God's still, small voice. This requires moments of stillness and obedience to God's seemingly small instructions, which can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs. By creating space for quiet reflection and listening, we can hear God's guidance and direction more clearly. This practice helps us to stay aligned with His will and to respond to His leading in our lives.

[23:57]

1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."

Reflection: In the midst of your busy life, how can you create moments of stillness to listen for God's still, small voice? What small steps of obedience can you take today in response to His guidance?

Day 5: Be in the Word and Prayer
Psalm 119:105 describes God's Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Regular engagement with Scripture and prayer provides both immediate guidance and long-term direction, helping us navigate life's complexities with divine wisdom. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and maintaining a consistent prayer life, we can stay connected to His truth and receive the wisdom we need for daily living.

[30:22]

Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's Word and prayer into your daily routine? What specific changes can you make to ensure that you are consistently seeking His guidance and wisdom?

Quotes

1. "If Christians were as intentional about their spiritual life as they were with what they did with their earth life during COVID, I think the church would be a little stronger and a little healthier. Can you say amen? So I was thinking about there's more to us than flesh and blood. Matter of fact, the Bible says this. The Bible says, That's encouraging, isn't it?" [02:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We walk in the flesh, but listen to what it says. And we also war in the Spirit. That's interesting. So we walk in the flesh. We get out of bed. We go to work. We pay our bills. We do earth life. And hopefully we do earth life. Well, if we're dating, we learn to date well. If we're married, we learn to do married life well. If we've got kids, we learn how to raise our kids well. It's walking in the flesh. But then it says we war in the Spirit." [05:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There are forces at work in this world. Amen. Angels and demons, God and the devil, heaven and hell. There is a spiritual realm and nobody in this room is going to avoid the reality of eternity one day. Amen. It's all there in front of us. And I guess in some senses, how well we do earth life, really can and will determine what that eternal life is going to look like." [05:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You gotta hate what God hates and you gotta love what God loves. Amen. But the problem is we often don't hate what God hates. The Bible says the pleasures of sin are the pleasures of sin. A but for a season. It looks good. It's enticing. Amen. And it looks like, man, that's very tempting. And if sin wasn't so pleasurable, there wouldn't be so many sinners. Amen." [16:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You gotta know your because. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me. I love it when I meet people who know, they're because. Just last week, my wife and I were having dinner with a paediatric surgeon of one of the top children's hospitals in the United States. It's in our area. And we were just having dinner with him and his whole life is completely revolves around this hospital and being available to this children's hospital." [19:47] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If you're gonna be a people of the Spirit, a person of the Spirit, then I believe you gotta learn to listen to the still, small voice. There's a still, small voice. I love this story when God says to Elijah, Elijah's depressed, he's all, he's having a bad day. Who's ever been depressed? Praise the Lord. Who's so depressed right now, you couldn't even lift your hand? Praise the Lord. You wouldn't lift your hand no matter what I ask you to do." [21:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You show me somebody who's in the Word regularly. You show me somebody who's in prayer regularly and I'll show you somebody who has sense of direction and meaning and purpose to where they're going. You show me somebody, who's out of the Word and I will show you someone who is directionless and confused. You see, if we are gonna be a people of the Spirit, the Word of God is a lamp unto my feet and it's a light unto my path." [31:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God showed Moses His ways. The children of Israel only ever saw His acts. Think about that. The children of Israel saw the works of God, the hand of God, the miracles of God. Do you know what those miracles were? Pillar of cloud by day, pillar of fire by night. The children of Israel saw that water flowed out of a rock and God gave them water from a rock. They saw that manna came from heaven, food came from heaven on a daily basis." [35:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I wanna be somebody participating in the works of God. I wanna be somebody who knows the ways of God. I don't just wanna see what God does, but I wanna know Him. I wanna know His ways. I wanna know His will. I wanna know His purpose. I wanna know the because of my anointing. And I don't just wanna be somebody who just sits back and says, I saw God do that. I saw God do that. But I wanna be somebody say, look what God can do." [36:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I wanna make sure I'm bringing heaven to earth. Can you say amen? Give the Lord a hand if you've received the Word. Amen. That help anybody? Come on, that help anybody? I'm talking to Christians, if that message spoke to you, any one of those thoughts. Maybe it's not just seeing the acts of God, but knowing how God can use you. Maybe today it's loving what God loves and it's making a decision today, I'm gonna hate what God hates." [37:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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