Partnering with God: Embracing Hope and Transformation

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think, as highlighted in Ephesians 3:20. This scripture reminds us that while God is capable of unimaginable wonders, He chooses to work through us, according to the power that works within us. Our internal state, our openness to His Spirit, and our willingness to partner with Him can either allow or restrict His work in our lives. This partnership is crucial, as it determines the extent to which God can manifest His power through us.

We also delved into the importance of understanding God's will, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, which calls us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. This is God's will for us, and it is through this posture that we avoid quenching the Spirit. Our spiritual warfare begins within, as we dismantle strongholds of negative thinking and replace them with thoughts aligned with God's truth.

Hope emerged as a central theme, defined as the confident expectation of good things from God. It is essential, especially in challenging times, to maintain hope and trust in God's goodness. We shared personal stories, like the unexpected challenges faced after moving to Florida, to illustrate how hope can transform our perspective and lead us to see God's hand at work, even in difficult situations.

Finally, we discussed the concept of foreboding, a sense of impending doom, and how it contrasts with hope. By changing our "what ifs" from negative to positive and discarding our "yeah buts," we can break free from the strongholds of fear and anxiety. We are called to be prisoners of hope, trusting in God's promise to restore and bless us beyond measure.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Partnership with Us: God is capable of doing exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think, but He chooses to work through us. Our openness to His Spirit and willingness to partner with Him determine the extent of His work in our lives. We must cultivate an internal state that allows His power to manifest through us. [01:00:56]

- Understanding God's Will: Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are key components of God's will for us. By maintaining this posture, we avoid quenching the Spirit and align ourselves with His purposes. This alignment is crucial for experiencing His power and presence in our lives. [01:02:19]

- The Power of Hope: Hope is the confident expectation of good things from God. It is essential, especially in challenging times, to maintain hope and trust in God's goodness. Hope transforms our perspective and enables us to see God's hand at work, even in difficult situations. [01:16:13]

- Breaking Strongholds of Negative Thinking: Spiritual warfare begins within, as we dismantle strongholds of negative thinking and replace them with thoughts aligned with God's truth. By changing our "what ifs" from negative to positive and discarding our "yeah buts," we can break free from fear and anxiety. [01:45:33]

- Becoming Prisoners of Hope: We are called to be prisoners of hope, trusting in God's promise to restore and bless us beyond measure. By focusing on His goodness and faithfulness, we can confidently expect good things from Him, even in the midst of challenges. [01:53:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [56:33] - Honoring Our Pastors
- [57:19] - The Importance of Family
- [58:14] - Ephesians 3:20: Exceedingly Abundantly
- [01:00:07] - The Power Within Us
- [01:01:51] - Understanding God's Will
- [01:03:10] - Rejoicing, Prayer, and Thanksgiving
- [01:04:49] - Spiritual Warfare and Strongholds
- [01:06:32] - The Battle Within
- [01:08:23] - Capturing Thoughts
- [01:10:16] - The Obedience of Christ
- [01:15:11] - Living in Hope
- [01:18:09] - God's Everlasting Covenant
- [01:22:44] - Personal Story: Moving to Florida
- [01:31:15] - Changing Our "What Ifs"
- [01:44:13] - God's Vengeance for Us
- [01:53:19] - Becoming Prisoners of Hope

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 3:20
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 3:20, what is God capable of doing, and how does this relate to the power that works within us? [58:32]

2. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, what are the three actions that are described as God's will for us, and how do they help us avoid quenching the Spirit? [01:02:19]

3. How does the sermon describe the concept of hope, and why is it particularly important during challenging times? [01:16:13]

4. What are the "what ifs" and "yeah buts" mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to spiritual warfare and strongholds of negative thinking? [01:45:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of God working through us, as mentioned in Ephesians 3:20, challenge or encourage our understanding of our role in God's plans? [01:00:56]

2. What might it look like in practical terms to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19? How can these actions impact our spiritual life? [01:02:19]

3. The sermon discusses the importance of hope as a confident expectation of good things from God. How can this perspective change the way we face difficult situations? [01:16:13]

4. In what ways can changing our "what ifs" from negative to positive help us break free from fear and anxiety, according to the sermon? [01:45:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt limited by your own thoughts or fears. How can you invite God to work through you in that situation, allowing His power to manifest? [01:00:56]

2. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to rejoice, pray, or give thanks. What steps can you take this week to align more closely with God's will as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19? [01:02:19]

3. Think of a challenging circumstance you are currently facing. How can you cultivate hope and maintain a confident expectation of good things from God in this situation? [01:16:13]

4. Consider the "what ifs" and "yeah buts" that often dominate your thinking. What is one practical way you can begin to change these thoughts to align with God's truth? [01:45:33]

5. The sermon mentions becoming "prisoners of hope." What does this mean to you, and how can you actively choose to live as a prisoner of hope in your daily life? [01:53:19]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a sense of foreboding or impending doom. How can you shift your focus to God's promises and break free from these negative strongholds? [01:44:53]

7. How can you support someone in your life who is struggling with negative thinking or a lack of hope? What specific actions can you take to encourage them this week? [01:49:55]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Power Through Our Openness
God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think is not just a distant promise but a present reality that He desires to manifest through us. This manifestation is contingent upon our openness to His Spirit and our willingness to partner with Him. Our internal state, characterized by faith and receptivity, plays a crucial role in determining the extent to which God can work through us. By cultivating a heart that is open and responsive to His leading, we allow His power to flow through us, impacting our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:00:56]

Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to be more open to His Spirit? How can you actively cultivate a heart that is receptive to His power today?

Day 2: Aligning with God's Will
Understanding and aligning with God's will is essential for experiencing His presence and power in our lives. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in everything are key components of His will for us. This posture not only aligns us with His purposes but also prevents us from quenching the Spirit. By maintaining a heart of gratitude and constant communication with God, we position ourselves to receive His guidance and strength, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence. [01:02:19]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are aligning with God's will in your everyday life?

Day 3: Hope as a Transformative Force
Hope, defined as the confident expectation of good things from God, is a powerful force that can transform our perspective, especially in challenging times. By maintaining hope and trust in God's goodness, we can see His hand at work even in difficult situations. This hope is not a passive wish but an active trust in God's promises and faithfulness. It empowers us to face adversity with courage and resilience, knowing that God is working all things for our good. [01:16:13]

Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you actively choose to maintain hope and trust in God's goodness in this situation? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on His promises?

Day 4: Overcoming Negative Thinking
Spiritual warfare often begins within, as we confront and dismantle strongholds of negative thinking. By replacing these thoughts with those aligned with God's truth, we can break free from fear and anxiety. Changing our "what ifs" from negative to positive and discarding our "yeah buts" are practical steps in this process. This mental shift not only liberates us from the bondage of fear but also aligns our thoughts with God's perspective, enabling us to live in the freedom and peace He offers. [01:45:33]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: Identify a negative thought pattern that you struggle with. How can you begin to replace these thoughts with God's truth? What specific scriptures or affirmations can you use to combat these negative thoughts?

Day 5: Embracing Hope as a Lifestyle
We are called to be prisoners of hope, trusting in God's promise to restore and bless us beyond measure. By focusing on His goodness and faithfulness, we can confidently expect good things from Him, even in the midst of challenges. This lifestyle of hope is not about ignoring reality but about choosing to see God's hand at work in every situation. It is about living with a confident expectation that God is for us and that His plans for us are good. [01:53:19]

Zechariah 9:12 (ESV): "Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to be a "prisoner of hope"? How can you cultivate a lifestyle of hope and trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on His faithfulness?

Quotes

1) "But let me just emphasize what I think God's emphasizing. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think. That means you dream it, you, you come up with it, you think of it. He's got something better. And more. He's got something beyond that. Far beyond that. Exceedingly abundantly way beyond. You think you, you think it up, you pray it, you ask for it, you go for it. What he's got is even better. Exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think. He just wants to blow our minds. He wants to rip the lid off our minds and show us what he's actually able to do." [59:13] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "I love this scripture because there's always people who are like, man, I just want to know what God's will is for my life. Can you just tell me what God's will is? I need to know what God's will is. I'm not sure. Pray for me. Can you pray for me to know what God's will is? Am I supposed to go to college or not? Am I supposed to go to this city or not? Am I supposed to stay? Am I supposed to go? What's God's will? What's God's will? What's God's will? And this is one of the few places in the Bible that actually tell us God's will. So you want to know what God's will is? Here's where it's at. 1 Thessalonians 5. We're going to start in verse 16. Rejoice. Always. Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Rejoicing, praying, gratitude. This is God's will for you." [01:01:51] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Hope is really important. Faith is the substance of what we hope for. If we're not living in hope. Then we're not going to be ready for faith to show up. And then it was great. We sang about it. Well I got in the car with Sandy to come to church this morning. And Sandy is three times in the car. Says the word hope. I'm like okay. Now I know. What I'm going to talk about is right. Sandy's talking about hope. I'm praying and thinking about hope with God. And then we get here and we're singing about Jesus Christ. Our living hope. I think living in hope is really important. So I'm going to tell you some fun stuff. But first here's what hope is. Hope is the confident expectation of good things from God." [01:15:11] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Hope is not opposed to it. Hope is not against honesty. It's really important to be honest. It's really important to be like, this is not a good situation. And? I'm going to hang on to you because I know you're not going to turn from doing me good. They're both simultaneously true. Sometimes we think hope means I have to pretend like everything's okay and dismiss it and shut it down and act like everything is okay. No, that's dumb. Hope doesn't deny reality. Hope just comes from a super reality. A greater reality. Capital R. But you got to be honest. Hope is not opposed to honesty about situations. Hope is God's response to honesty." [01:20:28] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "The opposite of hope is foreboding. Here's what foreboding is. Foreboding is a feeling or sense that something bad or unfortunate is going to happen. It's often associated with a sense of dread or apprehension about the future. In essence, foreboding serves as a warning signal, preparing an individual or audience for potential future events, usually of a negative nature. Foreboding and hopelessness are work hand in hand, and I think a lot of times, they're habit structures of thought that we've just thought about over and over and over, and those need to be broken. Other times, they're an actual spirit, that attach to our habits and structures of thought, because habit structures of thought are strongholds. We build strongholds to house spiritual realities." [01:44:13] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Here's what David said. This is so great. Psalm 27.1, the Lord is the stronghold of my life. David was famous for talking about all the negative stuff that was happening and then remembering the good. He grieved like those who have hope. He processed out all the negative stuff, and he's like, aha, the Lord is my stronghold. I am going to build habit structures of thought with the Lord and for the Lord. Not anyone else. Here's another version, another verse. Psalm 94.22, the Lord has become my stronghold and my God, the rock of my refuge, the rock on which I stand. We sang it this morning. When everything around me is shaking, I've never been more glad, because I put my trust in Jesus. He'll never let me down. Is he going to fail you now? He won't. We sang it all. We sang it all." [01:46:22] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "What are my what ifs? What are my yeah buts? And I'm in control of my mind, nobody else. It's my mind. It's my brain. It's my thoughts. God gives us self-control. We have the ability to decide what we think. Sometimes if we've thought negative so long, if we've had negative what ifs so long and we build that stronghold and the spirit joins and is like, I'm here, that just makes you depressed and makes you sad and makes you hopeless, sometimes it can feel like we no longer have control of our minds. But the reality is we always do, because we have someone who will not turn from doing us good, will not turn from breaking those strongholds and helping us build new ones, will not turn from joining us in our pain, in our bad situations and going, what if this is happening for you, not to you?" [01:47:53] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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