Navigating Life's Seasons: Faithfulness, Community, and Hope

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the metaphor of seasons to understand the different phases of life and how they relate to our spiritual journey. Just as the seasons change, so do the circumstances and moods of our lives. We delved into the life of the Apostle Paul, particularly focusing on his third missionary journey as described in Acts 19. Paul experienced various "seasons" in his ministry, from rejection and hardship to moments of profound success and divine intervention. Despite the challenges, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, demonstrating the importance of consistent, committed work in our spiritual lives.

Paul's journey in Ephesus serves as a powerful example of how to navigate the different seasons of life. He faced rejection in the synagogues but adapted by moving his ministry to a lecture hall, where he taught daily after his tent-making job. This consistent effort led to widespread dissemination of the gospel, even though Paul couldn't control who accepted the message. His faithfulness bore fruit in unexpected ways, including miraculous healings and widespread repentance.

We also discussed the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Just as Paul thrived in community, so must we. The church is a place where we can support each other through the highs and lows, providing a network of relationships that help us grow and sustain our faith. Community is not always safe or easy, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's love and purpose.

Finally, we emphasized the need to remember God's past faithfulness as a source of hope for the future. By reflecting on how God has provided and sustained us in the past, we can face future challenges with confidence and anticipation. This perspective helps us remain faithful and committed, knowing that God will continue to work in and through us.

### Key Takeaways

1. Faithful Work in Quiet Seasons: Our consistent, committed efforts during the mundane and challenging times are the building blocks for future joy and success. Just as Paul showed up daily to teach in Ephesus, our faithfulness in the small things prepares us for greater things. This daily grind, though often unnoticed, is crucial for spiritual growth and future blessings. [10:03]

2. Community Enhances Every Season: Life's seasons are better navigated in community. The church provides a support system that helps us grow during calm times, sustains us during difficult times, and empowers us to help others during prosperous times. True spiritual growth and joy are found in the relationships and shared experiences within the community. [30:51]

3. Remembering God's Faithfulness: Reflecting on past experiences of God's provision and faithfulness gives us hope and confidence for the future. By keeping a record of how God has worked in our lives, we can trust that He will continue to be faithful, even in new and challenging circumstances. This practice strengthens our faith and prepares us for future trials. [39:10]

4. The Power of Consistent Ministry: Paul's ministry in Ephesus shows the impact of consistent, public, and predictable work. Despite initial rejections, his daily teachings led to widespread awareness of the gospel. This teaches us that our consistent efforts, even when results are not immediately visible, can have far-reaching and unexpected impacts. [07:58]

5. Hope for the Future: By looking back at God's past faithfulness, we can have hope for the future. This hope is not based on our ability to predict outcomes but on our trust in God's power to provide and transform. Our faithfulness today sets the stage for God's future work in our lives, allowing us to face challenges with confidence and anticipation. [44:14]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Seasons of Life
[01:35] - Paul's Journey and Seasons
[02:22] - Finding God in Every Season
[03:13] - Paul's Missionary Work in Ephesus
[04:05] - Rejection in the Synagogue
[06:04] - Paul's Daily Grind
[07:58] - Consistent Ministry
[09:27] - Results of Paul's Work
[10:50] - Unexpected Impact
[12:11] - Miracles and Ministry
[14:03] - Repentance and Transformation
[16:06] - The Middle Space of Life
[17:06] - Paul's Suffering and Miracles
[19:24] - Identifying with Paul
[20:24] - Preparing for Future Seasons
[25:19] - Faithfulness and Joy
[30:11] - Community in Every Season
[38:18] - Remembering and Hoping
[44:14] - Hope for the Future
[47:51] - Commitment to Faithfulness

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 19:8-10 - "Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord."
2. 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 - "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different reactions Paul faced when he preached in the synagogue in Ephesus? ([04:05])
2. How did Paul adapt his ministry approach after facing rejection in the synagogue? ([05:12])
3. What were some of the miraculous outcomes of Paul's consistent ministry in Ephesus? ([12:11])
4. According to 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, what kinds of hardships did Paul endure during his ministry?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul chose to continue his ministry in a lecture hall after being rejected in the synagogue? ([05:12])
2. How does Paul's experience of consistent, public, and predictable ministry in Ephesus relate to the idea of faithful work in quiet seasons? ([07:58])
3. What role does community play in navigating the different seasons of life, according to the sermon? ([30:11])
4. How does remembering God's past faithfulness provide hope for future challenges? ([38:18])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced rejection or hardship in your spiritual journey. How did you adapt, and what was the outcome? ([05:12])
2. In what ways can you show up consistently in your daily life, even when the results are not immediately visible? ([07:58])
3. How can you actively participate in your church community to support others and be supported through different seasons of life? ([30:11])
4. Think of a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness in the past. How can this memory give you confidence in facing a current challenge? ([38:18])
5. Identify one mundane or routine task in your life. How can you approach it with a renewed sense of purpose and faithfulness, knowing it could be a building block for future blessings? ([20:24])
6. How can you create a habit of reflecting on God's past provisions to strengthen your faith and hope for the future? ([39:10])
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your faithfulness and hard work are aligned with God's will, rather than seeking personal prosperity? ([26:44])

Devotional

### Day 1: Faithfulness in the Mundane

In life, we often find ourselves in seasons that feel monotonous or challenging, where our efforts seem unnoticed and unappreciated. However, it is in these quiet seasons that our consistent, committed work lays the foundation for future joy and success. The Apostle Paul exemplified this during his time in Ephesus. Despite facing rejection in the synagogues, he adapted by teaching daily in a lecture hall after his tent-making job. His faithfulness in these small, daily tasks led to the widespread dissemination of the gospel and unexpected blessings, including miraculous healings and widespread repentance. This teaches us that our daily grind, though often unnoticed, is crucial for spiritual growth and future blessings. [10:03]

Bible Passage:
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:11-12, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a task or responsibility in your life that feels mundane or unnoticed. How can you approach it with renewed faithfulness and commitment, trusting that God is using it to prepare you for greater things?

### Day 2: Community Strengthens Us

Navigating the different seasons of life is better done in community. The church provides a support system that helps us grow during calm times, sustains us during difficult times, and empowers us to help others during prosperous times. The Apostle Paul thrived in community, and his ministry in Ephesus was bolstered by the relationships and support he found there. True spiritual growth and joy are found in the relationships and shared experiences within the community. Community is not always safe or easy, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's love and purpose. [30:51]

Bible Passage:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify one person in your church community who might need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them this week to offer your help and build a stronger bond within your community?

### Day 3: Remembering God's Faithfulness

Reflecting on past experiences of God's provision and faithfulness gives us hope and confidence for the future. By keeping a record of how God has worked in our lives, we can trust that He will continue to be faithful, even in new and challenging circumstances. This practice strengthens our faith and prepares us for future trials. The Apostle Paul's journey in Ephesus is a testament to this truth. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained steadfast, drawing strength from his past experiences of God's faithfulness. [39:10]

Bible Passage:
"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!" (1 Chronicles 16:12-13, ESV)

Reflection:
Take a moment to write down three specific instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories give you hope and confidence as you face current or future challenges?

### Day 4: The Impact of Consistent Ministry

Paul's ministry in Ephesus shows the impact of consistent, public, and predictable work. Despite initial rejections, his daily teachings led to widespread awareness of the gospel. This teaches us that our consistent efforts, even when results are not immediately visible, can have far-reaching and unexpected impacts. Paul's faithfulness in his ministry, despite the challenges, resulted in miraculous healings and widespread repentance. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our efforts, trusting that God will use them in ways we might not immediately see. [07:58]

Bible Passage:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of an area in your life where you have been consistently working without seeing immediate results. How can you continue to persevere, trusting that God will bring about fruit in His timing?

### Day 5: Hope for the Future

By looking back at God's past faithfulness, we can have hope for the future. This hope is not based on our ability to predict outcomes but on our trust in God's power to provide and transform. Our faithfulness today sets the stage for God's future work in our lives, allowing us to face challenges with confidence and anticipation. The Apostle Paul's journey is a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness in the past is a sure foundation for our hope in the future. [44:14]

Bible Passage:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a current challenge or uncertainty you are facing. How can you draw on your past experiences of God's faithfulness to find hope and confidence for the future? What steps can you take today to trust in God's plan for your life?

Quotes

1. "And if you live in Northeast Ohio or this part of the country, you really feel that. Because sometimes life can be like spring. It's full of hope. Hope for what's ahead. And sometimes life is like summer. It's full of sunshine and flowers and butterflies. But that only lasts a little bit, right? It's just a little bit of time. The sunshine and the flowers and the butterflies. But sometimes life is like fall. The pace slows down. And it's full of routine. And it's maybe a little relaxing and cold and mild and time for chili and soup and all that good stuff. But sometimes it's like winter, right? Because life can be dark." [01:35] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You've benefited. You've been in this season before where day after day you're showing up, you're putting the work in, and you don't know what the results are going to be. You're wondering if it's working. You're wondering if what you're doing is going to pay off. You're wondering, are they going to grow? Are they going to get it? Are you making a difference? On and on and on, over and over and over and over again. You've been here before. And this is not an easy season. Why? Because the outcome is in question. We don't know how things are going to turn out. Paul doesn't know how things are going to turn out. You don't know how things are going to turn out as you're parenting these kids or coaching these kids." [08:41] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Public. Consistent. Predictable. Committed. Ministry. Now it doesn't say all the people were converted. It says all the people heard it. Because Paul can't change who's controlling him. He can't change who's controlling him. He can't change who's changed by the message. He can't control that. What he can control is the work that he puts in. The effort that he gives. The commitment that he has. The consistent, public, predictable, committed work." [10:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Presence and faithfulness you put in during the slow or the mundane or the mediocre or the boring parts of your journey are the building blocks of fruitfulness. What you are doing now will have a critical impact on your future. What you are doing now matters. And we see this in Paul's life. It was the showing up every day, the public, consistent, predictable, committed work of faithfulness to Jesus that results in the outpouring of God's blessing and the season of effectiveness in Paul's ministry." [25:19] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "What I am saying is that faithfulness, dedication, work, perseverance, and the love you put in through the mundane parts of your life can lead you to seasons of great joy, even in your poverty, even in your illness, even when your kids are rebellious and making bad choices. Put the work in. Put the work in. That's what Paul did. Paul put the work in and he experienced a season of success. But here's the thing. Guess what comes up next? Paul hadn't even been shipwrecked yet. And that happens three times. Okay, so this season of success, guess what's coming next?" [27:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So when we believe that our faithfulness will result in riches and money and houses and cars, I don't know what gospel that we're thinking about because it ain't this one. It ain't this one. You may work hard and always be poor. You may exercise this, and always have bad genetics. You may do all the right things and still have kids who go their own way. What I am saying is that faithfulness, dedication, work, perseverance, and the love you put in through the mundane parts of your life can lead you to seasons of great joy, even in your poverty, even in your illness, even when your kids are rebellious and making bad choices." [26:44] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Remembered experience is when we get a piece of paper and a pen. Does anybody still use a piece of paper and a pen? Use your, whatever it is, right? And you go through the list. You remember in the past all the things that you've done in the past, that God has done. This is very helpful. And maybe it's three things, three things. You say, you know, I remember when I was struggling or I was suffering or I didn't know and here's how God provided. And maybe you got three. Maybe you got 10. Maybe you got one. Write it down. And trust that God will be faithful and deliver again. Trust that God will do the same thing he did before and show up in your need." [39:10] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I can look back and I can say, God, I've seen what you have done. I have experienced what you have done. And I got a list. It's not one, it's not two, it's not three, it's not 10. It's right here. And it goes on and it goes on and it goes on and on and on and on and on and on. I'm gonna work I'm gonna show up. And you're gonna work and you're gonna show up and you're gonna put the effort in. No one's giving up. Not a chance. Because I expect, I have the confidence, I have the anticipation, God, that you will do exactly what you have done before. You're gonna do the same thing. And what have you done? You have provided. You have kept your promises. You have saved and delivered and healed and restored." [46:26] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Now, here's what I want to say in the sight of God. Jesus, you are here in all seasons. But guess what? So am I. I'm gonna walk. I'm gonna walk right with you, knowing that you're carrying me the whole way. And so I'm gonna walk into the struggle, right? We're gonna cause some good trouble. I'm gonna walk into the struggle. Jesus, I'm gonna stand firm in the fight. I'm ready to press. And I'm ready to move. And I'm ready to work day after day after day. I'm coming in after work. I'm working overtime. I'm gonna keep moving and pushing and changing and shaping. And God, I'm ready to pour it all out. You take me, and you fill me, and I'm gonna pour it right back out, because you're gonna keep filling. You see, Jesus says, I'm gonna make your cup overflow. You know what that means? It means we pour, and it keeps filling. And we pour out, and it keeps filling more and more and more. I'm ready to pour it out, God, because I know you're about to do something. You're gonna do something." [49:22] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And because of this, because I can look back and I can see what God has already done, I can hope for the future. Knowing he's always been faithful and he will continue to be faithful and he will continue to be faithful. And he will continue to provide. I told you a few weeks ago about our church. Not the church you see now, but the church that you will see. And I talked about thriving men's ministry and thriving women's ministry and a youth group that's bursting through the seams and a young adults group and mission trips and missionary support and thriving multi-ethnic community and music that impacts the world. I talked about a church that's going through the seams, a church that provides for the poor and the marginalized with radical generosity. I said this is gonna be a church that baptizes 100 people every year. And let's say 200. 200 every single year. A church that stands for peace and unity when all the world wants to fight. We're gonna stand for peace." [44:55] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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