Overcoming Barriers: Embracing God's Breakthroughs in Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the transformative power of God's intervention in our lives, particularly through the lens of breakthroughs and the obstacles that can impede them. We delved into the narrative of Jesus healing the blind man in John chapter 9, which serves as a profound illustration of the miraculous works of God that defy human expectations and limitations.
We began by acknowledging the common human experience of feeling stuck or encountering barriers in our spiritual journey. Just as a fallen tree on a mountain biking trail can abruptly halt our progress, so too can various 'breakthrough blockers' in our lives. These blockers can range from internal struggles such as belief blind spots and addiction to approval, to external pressures like the narcissistic negativity of others.
Belief blind spots are those areas where we limit God, doubting His ability to work beyond the confines of our understanding. We must recognize that God is not constrained by our expectations and can perform wonders beyond our imagination. Narcissistic negativity, on the other hand, refers to the toxic influence of those who impose their own rigid interpretations of faith, stifling the joy and freedom found in a relationship with God. We must resist the urge to conform to such restrictive views and instead embrace the liberating yoke of Christ.
The addiction to approval is a personal struggle I shared, where the desire for affirmation from others can become a hindrance to fully living out God's purpose for our lives. We must learn to seek God's approval above all else, understanding that His acceptance is sufficient.
As we reflect on these breakthrough blockers, we are reminded that belief is the key to overcoming them. We must have faith that God can and will act in our lives, even when the path forward seems unclear. Our belief in God's power is the catalyst for breakthroughs, enabling us to push through the obstacles that stand in our way.
Now, let us consider the key takeaways from today's message:
1. Breakthroughs are not limited by our understanding or expectations. God's power transcends our belief blind spots, and when we open our hearts to the limitless possibilities of His work, we position ourselves to witness the extraordinary. [50:29]
2. The yoke of Christ is one of freedom and rest, not of burdensome rules and regulations. When we align ourselves with Jesus, we find that His teachings and His love liberate us from the heavy yokes imposed by religious legalism. [01:00:47]
3. Seeking approval from others can be a significant barrier to experiencing God's breakthroughs. We must learn to find our worth and validation in God alone, understanding that His opinion is the only one that truly matters. [01:01:56]
4. The power of testimony cannot be understated. Sharing stories of God's faithfulness in our lives encourages others and builds faith within the community. When we hear of God's transformative work in others, it fuels our belief in His ability to work in our own circumstances. [54:46]
5. Finally, breakthroughs often require us to go through challenges rather than around them. It is in the process of facing and overcoming these trials that we grow in faith and resilience. Trusting in God's guidance, we can navigate any obstacle and emerge stronger on the other side. [37:54]
In conclusion, let us carry these insights with us as we continue to seek God's breakthroughs in our lives. Let us be bold in our faith, unwavering in our belief, and steadfast in our pursuit of the divine breakthroughs that God has in store for each of us.
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 9:1-7 - Jesus heals a man born blind.
2. 2 Corinthians 10:4 - "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do to heal the blind man in John 9:1-7? How did the man respond to Jesus' instructions? ([48:11])
2. According to 2 Corinthians 10:4, what kind of power do the weapons we fight with have? ([38:49])
3. In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him? How does He describe His yoke? ([01:00:09])
4. What are some of the 'breakthrough blockers' mentioned in the sermon? ([49:33])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the healing of the blind man in John 9 illustrate the concept of belief blind spots? ([50:00])
2. What does 2 Corinthians 10:4 suggest about the nature of spiritual battles and the tools we have at our disposal? How can this be applied to overcoming breakthrough blockers? ([38:49])
3. How does Jesus' description of His yoke in Matthew 11:28-30 contrast with the 'yoke of nope' mentioned in the sermon? ([01:00:09])
4. How can the addiction to approval act as a barrier to experiencing God's breakthroughs, according to the pastor's personal struggle shared in the sermon? ([01:01:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in your spiritual journey. What was the 'fallen tree' that blocked your path, and how did you navigate around or through it? ([36:16])
2. Have you ever experienced a belief blind spot where you doubted God's ability to work beyond your understanding? How did you overcome it, or how can you start to overcome it now? ([50:00])
3. Think about the influence of 'narcissistic negativity' in your life. Are there people or situations that impose rigid interpretations of faith on you? How can you resist conforming to these views and embrace the freedom in Christ? ([56:00])
4. The pastor shared his struggle with the addiction to approval. Do you find yourself seeking validation from others more than from God? What steps can you take to shift your focus to God's approval? ([01:01:11])
5. Jesus promises rest and an easy yoke in Matthew 11:28-30. Are there areas in your life where you feel burdened by religious legalism or self-imposed rules? How can you embrace the liberating yoke of Christ? ([01:00:09])
6. The power of testimony was highlighted as a key takeaway. Can you share a story of God's faithfulness in your life that might encourage others in the group? ([54:46])
7. Breakthroughs often require going through challenges rather than avoiding them. Is there a current challenge you are facing that you need to confront head-on? How can you trust in God's guidance to navigate this obstacle? ([37:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Limitless Breakthroughs
God's power to transform our lives is not confined by our limited understanding or expectations. When we encounter situations that seem insurmountable, it's essential to remember that what is impossible for humans is possible for God. The story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9 is a testament to this truth. It reminds us that God often works in ways that we cannot foresee or comprehend. By acknowledging that our belief blind spots can limit our perception of God's capabilities, we open ourselves to the full spectrum of His power. This openness is crucial for experiencing the breakthroughs that God has planned for us, as it allows us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when the outcome is beyond our imagination. [50:29]
Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What are some belief blind spots that might be limiting your perception of what God can do in your life, and how can you begin to surrender these to Him?
Day 2: Finding Freedom in Christ's Yoke
The yoke of Christ is a symbol of the freedom and rest that we find in following Him, contrasting sharply with the burdensome expectations of religious legalism. Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, promising that it is light and easy to bear. This means that our relationship with God should not be characterized by a heavy load of rules and regulations, but rather by love, grace, and the freedom to be who He created us to be. When we align our lives with Jesus, we discover that His teachings bring liberation from the oppressive yokes that others, or even we ourselves, might try to impose. [01:00:47]
Galatians 5:1: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: In what ways have you felt burdened by religious expectations, and how can you start to experience the freedom and rest that Jesus offers?
Day 3: Seeking God's Approval Above All
The desire for human approval can be a significant barrier to living out God's purpose for our lives. When we prioritize the opinions of others over God's, we risk compromising our values and mission. It's crucial to recognize that the only approval that truly matters is that of our Heavenly Father. His acceptance is complete and unconditional, and when we understand this, we can move forward with confidence and boldness, free from the fear of human judgment. This shift in focus from seeking human approval to seeking God's approval is liberating and aligns us with our true calling. [01:01:56]
Galatians 1:10: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: How has the desire for approval from others affected your spiritual journey, and what steps can you take to prioritize God's approval in your life?
Day 4: The Power of Testimony in Building Faith
Sharing personal testimonies of God's faithfulness is a powerful way to encourage others and strengthen the faith within a community. When we hear about the transformative work God has done in someone's life, it not only glorifies God but also ignites a belief in His ability to intervene in our own circumstances. Testimonies serve as living proof of God's active presence and His willingness to engage with us in a personal and meaningful way. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is continually at work, shaping our stories for His glory. [54:46]
Psalm 71:15-16: "My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone."
Reflection: Can you think of a time when God has been faithful in your life, and how can you share this testimony to encourage someone today?
Day 5: Navigating Challenges with God's Guidance
Breakthroughs often require us to face challenges head-on rather than looking for ways around them. It is through these trials that we grow in faith and resilience. Trusting in God's guidance, we can overcome any obstacle, emerging stronger and more equipped for the journey ahead. This process of confronting and conquering difficulties is not just about the end result but also about the spiritual growth that occurs along the way. By relying on God's strength and wisdom, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence, knowing that He is leading us toward His best for us. [37:54]
James 1:2-4: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What challenge are you currently facing, and how can you trust God to guide you through it, using this experience to grow in faith and resilience?
Quotes
1) "Every block can be broken with belief. If you have a breakthrough block, the solution to that is improving your faith." [01:09:20](Download | )
2) "We can't expect a breakthrough when we keep stopping on our journey towards breakthrough to make sure everybody likes the direction we're going." [01:05:21](Download | )
3) "God loves to color outside the lines. Each of you have the capacity within you for breakthrough if you would just remove the blind spots." [55:49](Download | )
4) "God wants to take off this yoke of nope. When we walk in the yoke harnessed to Jesus, he has a breakthrough for you that no nope can block." [01:00:47](Download | )
5) "I am a sweetheart okay. And if you don't believe that, I'm gonna stay up at night worrying and thinking about how I can make you like me." [01:01:56](Download | )
6) "Belief is the solution; it blows up every breakthrough block. Will you treat every breakthrough with this level of belief?" [01:12:29](Download | )
7) "You don't have to understand everything to know that God is able. You don't have to have a degree in theology to know that God is capable." [01:10:31](Download | )
8) "The only breakthrough you can get sometimes is going through something. The only way through it is through it." [37:54](Download | )
9) "We create these blind spots when we put God in a box and say I've never seen him work like that, so it must not be his thing." [54:05](Download | )
10) "I told you once didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become one of his disciples too?" [01:11:02](Download | )
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