Preparing Our Hearts: Obedience and Trust in God
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of preparing room in our hearts for God, especially when obedience to Him is costly. Reflecting on personal experiences, such as returning to a place of past trauma, we delved into the challenges of following God's call even when it leads us back to uncomfortable or painful places. This journey of obedience is not just about the actions we take but about understanding the centrality of Jesus in our lives and the Bible. Jesus is not an addendum to the story; He is the main character, the hero who exemplifies perfect obedience and sacrifice.
We examined the story of Abraham, the father of faith, who was called to leave his comfort and follow God into the unknown. Despite his imperfections and moments of doubt, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. His journey teaches us about the importance of trusting God's promises, even when they seem impossible. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his son of promise, highlights the tension between the gifts we receive and the Giver Himself. God tested Abraham to ensure that nothing, not even the promise, would eclipse the Promiser.
This narrative foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, who took on the sins of the world. It challenges us to live as though Jesus is our substitute, operating from a place of favor rather than striving to earn it. The story of Abraham and Isaac is a powerful reminder that God provides, and our role is to trust and surrender to His will. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we are called to examine our own "Isaacs"—those things we hold dear—and offer them to God, trusting that He knows best and will provide in His perfect way.
Key Takeaways:
1. Obedience in the Face of Pain: Obedience to God can lead us back to places of past pain, but it is in these moments that we grow and heal. Trusting God in these difficult times allows us to experience His redemptive power and transformation. [00:48]
2. Jesus as the Central Character: Jesus is the central figure of the Bible, not an add-on. Understanding His role as the ultimate sacrifice helps us grasp the depth of God's love and the importance of living with Him as our substitute. [02:02]
3. Faith and Righteousness: Abraham's story teaches us that righteousness comes through faith, not works. Believing in God's promises, even when they seem impossible, aligns us with His will and opens the door to His blessings. [05:19]
4. The Test of Priorities: God tests our hearts to ensure that nothing becomes more important than Him. Like Abraham, we must be willing to surrender our most cherished "Isaacs" to God, trusting that He will provide and protect. [08:09]
5. Living from Favor, Not for Favor: When Jesus is our substitute, we live from a place of favor, not striving to earn it. This shift in perspective allows us to rest in God's love and operate with confidence in His provision and care. [18:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:48] - Costly Obedience
- [02:02] - Jesus: The Central Character
- [03:56] - Abraham's Journey of Faith
- [05:19] - Faith Credited as Righteousness
- [06:34] - The Plan of Man vs. The Plan of God
- [08:09] - The Test of Priorities
- [09:33] - Understanding Ancient Context
- [11:35] - Abraham's Agony and Trust
- [12:35] - The Foreshadowing of Christ
- [14:33] - The Innocent for the Guilty
- [16:52] - Jesus as Our Substitute
- [18:29] - Living from Favor
- [21:01] - God's Provision
- [23:37] - The Blessing of Obedience
- [30:29] - Trusting the Relationship
- [31:51] - Surrendering Our Isaacs
- [34:08] - Practicing Surrender
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 22:1-14
2. Hebrews 11:17-19
3. John 1:29
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the nature of the test that God gave to Abraham, and how did Abraham respond to it? [08:09]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus in the Bible, particularly in relation to the story of Abraham and Isaac? [02:02]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the cultural context of child sacrifice during Abraham's time, and how does this context help us understand God's test of Abraham? [09:33]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of living from a place of favor rather than striving for it? [18:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of Abraham and Isaac foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus, and how does this deepen our understanding of God's plan for redemption? [12:35]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of Abraham's faith being credited as righteousness, and what does this teach us about the nature of faith and obedience? [05:19]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the potential dangers of allowing God's promises to become more important than God Himself, and how can this apply to our own lives? [08:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between living with Jesus as our substitute versus trying to earn God's favor, and what impact does this have on our daily lives? [18:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when obedience to God felt costly for you. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [00:48]
2. Identify an "Isaac" in your life—something you hold dear that might be competing with your devotion to God. How can you begin to surrender this to God, trusting in His provision? [31:51]
3. The sermon emphasizes living from a place of favor rather than striving for it. What practical steps can you take to shift your mindset and live more confidently in God's favor? [18:29]
4. How can the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac inspire you to trust God more deeply, even when His plans seem unclear or challenging? [12:35]
5. Consider the role of Jesus as the central character in your life story. How can you make more room for Him in your daily decisions and priorities? [02:02]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of trusting God's promises, even when they seem impossible. What is one promise from God that you are currently holding onto, and how can you strengthen your faith in it? [05:19]
7. How can you practice surrendering your "Isaacs" to God this week, and what support or accountability might you need from your small group to do so? [34:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Painful Obedience
In life, obedience to God can sometimes lead us back to places of past pain or trauma. These moments, though challenging, are opportunities for growth and healing. When we trust God in these difficult times, we open ourselves to His redemptive power and transformation. The journey of obedience is not just about the actions we take but about allowing God to work in our hearts, bringing healing and restoration. As we face these moments, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us through the pain and into a deeper relationship with Him. [00:48]
Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'"
Reflection: Is there a painful area in your life where God is calling you to trust Him more deeply? How can you take a step of obedience today, believing in His promise to be with you?
Day 2: Jesus, the Heart of the Story
Understanding Jesus as the central character of the Bible transforms our perspective on God's love and sacrifice. Jesus is not an add-on to the biblical narrative; He is the main character, the hero who exemplifies perfect obedience and sacrifice. By recognizing His role as the ultimate sacrifice, we grasp the depth of God's love for us. This understanding challenges us to live with Jesus as our substitute, embracing the grace and favor He offers. As we center our lives around Him, we find purpose and direction in His example. [02:02]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the central character of your life change the way you approach your daily decisions and relationships?
Day 3: Faith Beyond the Impossible
Abraham's story is a testament to the power of faith and the righteousness that comes from believing in God's promises. Despite his imperfections and moments of doubt, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. His journey teaches us the importance of trusting God's promises, even when they seem impossible. By aligning ourselves with God's will, we open the door to His blessings and experience the fulfillment of His promises in our lives. This faith journey requires us to look beyond our circumstances and trust in God's greater plan. [05:19]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that seems impossible in your life right now? How can you take a step of faith today to trust in His plan?
Day 4: Surrendering Our Priorities
God often tests our hearts to ensure that nothing becomes more important than Him. Like Abraham, we must be willing to surrender our most cherished "Isaacs" to God, trusting that He will provide and protect. This test of priorities challenges us to examine what we hold dear and to offer it to God, believing that He knows best. By surrendering our priorities, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His provision in ways we could never imagine. This act of surrender is a powerful demonstration of our trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. [08:09]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one "Isaac" in your life that you need to surrender to God? How can you trust Him to provide and protect as you let go?
Day 5: Living from a Place of Favor
When we understand Jesus as our substitute, we begin to live from a place of favor rather than striving to earn it. This shift in perspective allows us to rest in God's love and operate with confidence in His provision and care. Living from favor means embracing the grace that Jesus offers and allowing it to transform our lives. It frees us from the burden of performance and enables us to walk in the freedom and joy of being God's beloved children. As we live from this place of favor, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [18:29]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you striving to earn God's favor? How can you embrace the truth of living from a place of favor today?
Quotes
One of the purposes of this Prepare the Way series is for us to see that Jesus really is the central character of the Bible. He really is the solution. It's important for everybody to know at Christmastime, Jesus is not like an extra chapter that they tagged on at the end. [00:01:08] (16 seconds)
God made us to use things and use maybe even power and use status for his glory, but he never made us to serve those things. He never made it so that we needed to grasp that and have it and own it and it to be ours. And yet there's something that's gone wrong in each one of our hearts, your heart and my heart, where we want things, we even want to live under the tyranny of things. [00:02:02] (22 seconds)
All Abraham did was believe God. He just said, I think you're right. What did he do? He trusted him. He became the friend of God and he trusted him. Okay, I trust that you're going to do what you say you're going to do. And God says, that's enough. I'll take that. I'll tell you what, I'm going to overlook all of your sin ever. [00:05:28] (18 seconds)
Is it possible that that thing, it can be so good, or we're hoping it's going to be so good, that it can eclipse the very God that would give it? And God said, well, that's going to put him in danger. I don't want him to be that way. And so I'm going to give him a challenge. And that's exactly what he did. Now, I need you to hear, it's not just a challenge for him. It's a challenge for us right here in this time. What are we saying? God wants to be more important than anything. [00:07:40] (28 seconds)
But when Jesus is our substitute, we know it, we're operating from a place of having favor. And it's very different. Let me give an example. In my early 20s, I worked for a lot of places where I was irrelevant, okay? Worked on construction crews, worked on the railroad, worked in factories, and in every one of those places, I worked for a lot of places where I was irrelevant, okay? One of these places, it was like, you know, dude, we can get 300 more of you. We don't care about you. You're nothing. And so just watch it. Just do it right, okay? Because we don't need you around here. And so there was a sense of, there's a little bit of fear, like, dude, don't jack it up. Don't do it wrong, or they're just going to let you go. Because you ain't nothing. In my latter half of my 20s, I worked for my father. [00:17:47] (42 seconds)
I believe it's very scriptural to say there are Christmas gifts that God wants to give every one of us, but some of them are contingents on whether or not we will obey the voice of his word. Because you've obeyed. It worked the same way in David's day. I don't know if any of you have read that. Remember that when David sinned against the Lord with Bathsheba, the Lord's rebuke includes the pronouncement, David, I've done all this for you, and I would have done much more. [00:23:37] (32 seconds)
Abraham will do what I say because it's me, not because... He's trying to get something. In fact, he might lose everything. So we've all got Isaacs. Have you got an Isaac? [00:31:51] (10 seconds)
bring it to Jesus and say, God, you can do whatever you want. Now, the thing you got to know about God, remember this, God does ask us to surrender Isaac's, but God the Father went first and it cost him more than it will ever cost any of us. He went first. He sacrificed his own son. The worst possible thing happened to the most innocent possible person. Listen, God says, I get it. I've done that. [00:32:31] (28 seconds)
So Kenzie and I, it was a few months, but we did it. We moved back. It took us a little while to get there, but we got back and we moved back there for two years. We didn't want to go, but you know, something strange happened while we were there. The things that were broken and hurting began to heal. [00:33:55] (18 seconds)
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