Possessing Our Identity and Blessings in Christ
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of seeking God first and meditating on His Word for success in life. I stressed that success is not achieved by doing things our way, but by putting God first in everything we do. I also highlighted the importance of reading the Word of God obediently and not picking and choosing scriptures that are convenient. The Bible is not given to us for information, but for transformation. I also urged the congregation to follow God's Word completely, not turning to the right or the left, but standing firm in faith. I also touched on the uncertainty of the world we live in, where absolutes no longer exist and God's Word is becoming more diluted. I encouraged the congregation to take a stand for God and His Word, as those who don't will fall for anything.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek God first and meditate on His Word for success in life [ 01:22:43]
- Read the Word of God obediently and follow it completely [ 01:23:56]
- Stand firm in faith and do not compromise [ 01:44:10]
- The world is uncertain and absolutes no longer exist, but we must hold on to God's Word [ 20:46]
- We are equipped with all things that pertain to life and godliness, and we must walk in it [ 01:43:14]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 1:1-9 #!!23:02!!#
2. Joshua 1:10-11 #!!26:09!!#
3. Ephesians 1:18 #!!47:43!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What was the command given to Joshua in Joshua 1:1-9?
2. How did Joshua relay the command to the people in Joshua 1:10-11?
3. What does Ephesians 1:18 say about understanding God's will?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be "strong and courageous" as commanded in Joshua 1:1-9?
2. How does the command given to Joshua relate to the command given to the people in Joshua 1:10-11?
3. How does Ephesians 1:18 relate to understanding and following God's will?
Application Questions:
1. How can you apply the command to be "strong and courageous" in your current situation?
2. What steps can you take to better understand and follow God's will for your life, as suggested in Ephesians 1:18?
3. Can you think of a time when you had to relay a difficult message or command to others, like Joshua did? How did you handle it and what can you learn from that experience?
4. How can you prepare yourself for times of transition and uncertainty, as the Israelites had to when crossing the Jordan?
5. What is one specific way you can seek God's direction for your life this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Meditate Continually on God's Word
God's Word is not just for occasional reading, but for constant meditation. It is through this continual reflection that we can truly understand His will and His promises. This meditation is not a passive activity, but an active engagement with the Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. [01:22:43]
Psalm 119:15 - "I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways."
Reflection: How can you incorporate regular meditation on God's Word into your daily routine?
Day 2: Read the Word Obediently
God's Word is not a buffet where we can pick and choose what we like. It is a complete guide for our lives, and we are called to read it obediently, not selectively. This obedience leads to transformation, not just information. [01:23:56]
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 - "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Reflection: What parts of God's Word do you find difficult to accept or obey, and how can you approach them with a heart of obedience?
Day 3: Trust God in the Unknown
Life is filled with unknowns, and it is in these moments that our faith is truly tested. God doesn't always give us all the details, but He does call us to trust Him. Stepping out in faith, even when we can't see the whole picture, is a crucial part of our spiritual journey. [58:30]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What unknowns are you facing right now, and how can you exercise your faith in God during this time?
Day 4: Seek God's Direction for Your Life
God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us. However, we can only discover this when we earnestly seek His direction. Knowing God's calling for our lives brings fulfillment and purpose, and it requires us to seek Him above all else. [48:51]
Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: How are you actively seeking God's direction for your life?
Day 5: Embrace the Truth, Even When It Hurts
The truth can be painful, but it is also liberating. God's Word is the ultimate source of truth, and it is better to be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie. Embracing the truth leads to healing and freedom, even if it initially causes discomfort. [01:19:15]
Ephesians 4:25 - "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."
Reflection: What truths from God's Word have you been avoiding because they are uncomfortable, and how can you begin to embrace them?
Quotes
1. "You've got to put me first, seek first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Meditate, meditate on God's Word, day and night. God says, if you do that, I will bless you." - 01:22:43
2. "Do all that is written, all, not some, not what's convenient for you. Like many of us, we pick and choose the scriptures we like. We have our favorite verses, but we don't like this verse. Because it's not conducive to my lifestyle. Doesn't work that way. It's from Genesis to Revelation. That's the Word of God." - 01:23:56
3. "Ships don't sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water is that get in them. Don't let what's happening around you get in you. Take a stand." - 01:44:53
4. "We're living in an uncertain world, is that there seems to be no more absolutes today. Everything seems to be relative. Everybody's got an opinion about something. And what's happening is that as God's word is become more diluted, I would say day by day, then we see that absolutes no longer exist." - 21:50
5. "Keep trusting. Keep going forward. God will never leave you. Don't turn to the right or the left. And I will be with you as I was with Moses. You have my Word. I promise you, God's promises are yes and amen. God will never mislead you or misguide you." - 01:24:54
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