Making Room for God's Vision and Expansion

 

Summary

Today, I shared a message centered on the theme of making room in our lives for what God is preparing to do. This message, deeply rooted in the concept of vision and expansion, began with a reflection on the importance of availability and alignment with God's will, as inspired by prophetic words shared at our annual Edify conference.

I recounted a personal experience at Disney World, which illustrated the vastness of vision that can start from a simple moment of inspiration. This story paralleled the spiritual vision I am cultivating for our church—expanding beyond current limitations and preparing for a surplus that God promises.

The sermon emphasized the necessity of repentance and making room in our hearts as a foundational step. This spiritual cleansing allows us to see God more clearly and prepares us for the blessings and responsibilities He wants to entrust to us. I stressed that repentance involves both a turning away from sin and a transformative renewal of the mind, which aligns our thoughts with God's higher ways.

I shared insights on the importance of making room not only in our hearts but also in our minds and our physical spaces. The story of the fisherman who only kept small fish because of his small frying pan served as a metaphor for limiting our capacity to receive from God based on our own limited expectations and preparations.

Looking forward, I announced our plans for the summer, including revival nights and a new discipleship program aimed at removing spiritual limits and expanding our capacity to serve and lead. This initiative is part of a broader vision to not only grow internally but to also extend our reach into the community and beyond, making real-life impacts through practical ministry.

As we approach these opportunities, I encouraged the congregation to embrace change and expansion actively, trusting in God's ability to provide creatively beyond our current resources and facilities. This involves a proactive stance of clearing out the old—both spiritually and physically—to make room for the new growth and blessings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vision Requires Spiritual Preparation
Vision isn't just about seeing the future; it's about preparing spiritually for what's to come. Repentance and making room in our hearts are essential to embrace God's plans fully. This spiritual preparation ensures that we are ready to receive and handle God's blessings responsibly and righteously. [23:06]

2. Embracing God's Expansion Beyond Our Plans
Often, God's vision for our lives exceeds our plans and requires us to trust in His provision. Like the fisherman who threw back the big fish because of his small pan, we must not limit God's blessings by our limited preparations or expectations. Instead, we should expand our capacity to receive and utilize God's gifts. [29:07]

3. Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Growth
Implementing structured discipleship and leadership training programs are practical steps towards spiritual growth. These programs are designed to equip our congregation with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and serve effectively, reflecting a commitment to growth and maturity in Christ. [32:04]

4. Utilizing Physical Spaces for Ministry
Maximizing our physical resources reflects our stewardship and readiness for expansion. By clearing out unused spaces and repurposing them for ministry, we demonstrate our willingness to make room for more of what God wants to do through our church community. [34:40]

5. Partnerships Enhance Ministry Impact
Collaborating with organizations like City Serve Network exemplifies how strategic partnerships can extend our ministry's reach and impact. These partnerships allow us to leverage additional resources and expertise, enhancing our ability to serve the community and fulfill our mission. [36:04]

Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [05:20] - Opening Reflections on Vision
- [19:02] - The Importance of Repentance
- [26:05] - Preparing for Revival Nights
- [29:07] - Story of the Fisherman
- [32:04] - Announcing Discipleship Programs
- [34:40] - Maximizing Church Space
- [36:04] - Introduction to Strategic Partnerships

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Leviticus 26:9-10 (NIV)
> "I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new."

2. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
> "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

3. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
> "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Leviticus 26:9-10 say about God's promise to His people? How does this relate to the concept of making room for new blessings?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 7:10, what is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? How does this relate to the theme of repentance discussed in the sermon? [23:06]
3. In Ephesians 3:20, what does Paul say about God's ability to exceed our expectations? How does this align with the sermon’s message about expanding our capacity to receive from God? [29:07]
4. What personal experience did the pastor share to illustrate the vastness of vision and the importance of making room for what God is preparing to do? [06:50]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Leviticus 26:9-10 encourage believers to prepare for God's blessings? What practical steps can be taken to "clear out the old grain" in our lives? [20:20]
2. What role does repentance play in spiritual preparation according to 2 Corinthians 7:10? How can genuine repentance lead to a transformative renewal of the mind? [23:06]
3. How can believers apply the principle of Ephesians 3:20 in their daily lives to trust in God's provision beyond their current limitations? What are some examples of "stinking thinking" that might limit this trust? [29:07]
4. The pastor mentioned a story about a fisherman who only kept small fish because of his small frying pan. How does this metaphor relate to our expectations and preparations for God's blessings? [29:07]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas in your heart that need to be cleared out to make room for new blessings? What steps can you take this week to begin this process? [23:06]
2. Think about a time when you experienced godly sorrow. How did it lead to a change in your heart and life? How can you cultivate a heart of repentance regularly? [23:06]
3. Identify one area in your life where you have limited expectations of what God can do. How can you expand your capacity to receive and utilize God's gifts in this area? [29:07]
4. The pastor announced plans for revival nights and a new discipleship program. How can you actively participate in these initiatives to remove spiritual limits and expand your capacity to serve and lead? [32:04]
5. Consider the physical spaces in your life, such as your home or workplace. Are there areas that can be repurposed for ministry or spiritual growth? What practical steps can you take to maximize these spaces? [34:40]
6. How can you form strategic partnerships, like the church's collaboration with City Serve Network, to enhance your ministry impact? Identify one potential partnership and plan a first step to initiate it. [36:04]
7. Reflect on the pastor's encouragement to embrace change and expansion. What old habits or mindsets do you need to clear out to make room for new growth and blessings? How will you start this week? [20:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Vision Requires Spiritual Preparation
Spiritual preparation is not merely an optional aspect of Christian life; it is essential for fully embracing what God has in store. This preparation involves a deep, heartfelt repentance and a deliberate clearing of our hearts to make space for divine interventions and blessings. Repentance is more than feeling remorse; it involves a radical change of mind and heart that aligns with God's desires. By doing so, we ensure that we are not only ready to receive God's gifts but are also prepared to utilize them responsibly and righteously. This readiness is crucial for sustaining the blessings and multiplying them as we share with others. [23:06]

Psalm 51:10-12, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Reflection: What specific areas in your life need repentance and what steps can you take today to begin this process of spiritual renewal?

Day 2: Embracing God's Expansion Beyond Our Plans
Often, our vision and plans are too small compared to what God envisions for us. Like the fisherman who could not keep the larger fish due to his small frying pan, we often limit God's blessings by our limited expectations and preparations. To truly embrace God's expansive plans, we must be willing to let go of our preconceived notions and trust in His providential supply. This involves expanding our capacity—spiritually, mentally, and physically—to receive and utilize the abundance that God is ready to pour into our lives. This mindset shift is crucial for moving beyond mere survival to thriving in God's abundant provision. [29:07]

Isaiah 54:2-3, "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your descendants will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities."

Reflection: In what ways have you been limiting God's work in your life due to small thinking or fear of the unknown?

Day 3: Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Growth
Implementing structured discipleship and leadership training programs are tangible steps towards spiritual maturity. These programs are designed not just to impart knowledge but to equip believers with the necessary skills to lead and serve effectively in various capacities within the church and community. This commitment to growth and maturity reflects a proactive approach to spiritual development, ensuring that each member of the congregation is not only a follower but also a leader who contributes actively to the body of Christ. [32:04]

Ephesians 4:11-13, "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: What specific role can you play in your church's discipleship programs to foster your spiritual growth and that of others?

Day 4: Utilizing Physical Spaces for Ministry
Maximizing our physical resources is a testament to our stewardship and readiness for what God wants to do through us. By clearing out unused spaces and repurposing them for ministry, we demonstrate our willingness to make room for new growth and opportunities. This practical step mirrors our spiritual readiness to embrace change and expansion, showing our commitment to being effective stewards of both spiritual and physical blessings. This readiness not only benefits our local church community but also extends our reach and impact. [34:40]

Luke 16:10-11, "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"

Reflection: How can you better utilize your personal resources, including time and space, to serve God's purposes more effectively?

Day 5: Partnerships Enhance Ministry Impact
Collaborating with organizations like City Serve Network exemplifies how strategic partnerships can significantly extend our ministry's reach and impact. These partnerships allow us to leverage additional resources and expertise, enhancing our ability to serve the community and fulfill our mission more effectively. By joining forces with others, we not only multiply our efforts but also foster unity within the body of Christ, demonstrating the power of collective action in advancing the Kingdom of God. [36:04]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: What potential partnerships can you explore to enhance the impact of your ministry or personal Christian walk?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I want to encourage you. Listen, don't fight the favor of God on your life. Come on, flow with the favor. There's no fulfillment without the favor of God making you fertile. In 2024, I believe God is calling us as a congregation to move from managers of vision. And this is not just over this house. I'm talking about your life personally, your business, your family, your household." [19:02]( | | )

2. "There's an old story about a man who was fishing one day, two men, and one man was catching this big fish, man. Anything over 12 inches, he'd throw back. His friend watched him do this. For about an hour, and he said, bro, what are you doing? Why do you keep throwing the big fish back and keeping the small ones? His buddy said, it's simple. My frying pan is too small to cook the big ones. A lot of Christians are like that fisherman." [29:07]( | | )

3. "We've got to be a church that's willing to walk with people through the stuff. Repentance is what removes the old and makes room for the new. And as a human being, can I just tell you this? Don't fool yourself. You will never expand successfully beyond the capacity of a heart that is cluttered with sin." [26:05]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "God always will expand the heart before he expands the house. I get excited when I hear Dave Patterson and others prophesy, listen, that the harvest is here and the harvest is coming. But how many know we have to have a heart capacity to contain and sustain what God is sending us." [26:05]( | | )

2. "The supernatural surplus comes before you have enough room for it. What I want you to see is what God is calling us to do in this season. He's not calling us to a build it and they will come model. He is calling us to trust him as they come model. Come on. Listen, we, we, we, we are out of room." [20:20]( | | )

3. "God wants to make you fertile. Come on for the future promises that he has for your life. You might not be able to see it. Come on. Your life might be cluttered. Your life might be messy right now, but can I just tell you something? When you repent, when you allow God to change your heart, come on, you'll begin to see clearly." [23:06]( | | )

4. "Vision is always connected to a process that prepares you for the promise. The unmerited favor of God upon your life is what makes your heart fertile and the seeds of God's promises spring into fulfillment." [17:29]( | | )

5. "The favor of God is the fertilizer in your life that takes you from managing vision to multiplying vision. And this is what it does. Look at, look at what it says, making you fertile, fertile hearts. Our openness and readiness to receive God's word and do the work that is required to partner with the word are crucial." [12:54]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?