Radical Obedience: Trusting God's Provision and Power
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. It's a joy to worship the Lord Jesus Christ together. If you're new, please fill out our connection card so we can connect and pray for you. We are a praying church, and we love to entreat the Lord together. Tomorrow, the ladies have an event called "Dessert on the Deck" at the Carwells' at 7 p.m. We also celebrate the birth of Alina Kasaska and pray for Ron Jurek, who was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. Additionally, we have 18 students and four adult leaders going on a mission trip to Peoria, where they will serve the community through various projects and a VBS program.
Today, we continue our sermon series "Cloud of Witnesses," focusing on the faith stories in Hebrews 11. We revisit Abraham's faith, particularly the moment when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. This story, found in Genesis 22, is a defining moment of faith, showing radical obedience and trust in God. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates that faith requires holding nothing back from God. He believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead, showing his trust in God's power to perform miracles.
This story parallels the sacrifice of Jesus, God's only Son, who died on the cross for our sins. Just as Abraham trusted God to provide, we too must trust that God will provide for us, even if it requires a miracle. Radical obedience and faith in God's provision are essential aspects of our relationship with Him. We are called to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means obeying God's commands wholeheartedly, even when we don't fully understand them.
As we reflect on Abraham's faith, we are reminded that God calls us to radical obedience and trust in His miraculous power. Whether it's forgiving others, breaking bad habits, or surrendering our desires, we must trust that God will provide what we need. We can come to God just as we are, and He will help us live a new life in Him. Let us pray for the strength to follow God wholeheartedly and trust in His provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. Radical Obedience is Necessary: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac shows that true faith requires holding nothing back from God. Radical obedience means trusting God completely, even when His commands are difficult to understand or follow. This kind of faith is not partial but complete, as demonstrated by Abraham's actions. [51:48]
2. Faith in God's Provision: Abraham believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead, showing his trust in God's power to perform miracles. This faith in God's provision is essential for us as well. We must trust that God will provide what we need, even if it requires a miracle. [45:16]
3. Loving God Wholeheartedly: Loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength means obeying His commands fully. This is not about following God partially but wholeheartedly, as exemplified by Abraham and other faithful figures in the Bible. [54:55]
4. The Parallel of Jesus' Sacrifice: The story of Abraham and Isaac parallels the sacrifice of Jesus, God's only Son, who died on the cross for our sins. Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provided Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. This demonstrates God's immense love and provision for us. [48:30]
5. Coming to God Just as We Are: No matter where we are in our faith journey, we can come to God just as we are. He accepts us, forgives us, and helps us live a new life in Him. This requires confessing our sins and trusting in God's power to transform us. [01:11:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:43] - Announcements and Prayer Requests
[15:22] - Mission Trip to Peoria
[17:07] - Prayer for Mission Team
[34:35] - Children's Message: Generosity
[37:29] - Prayer for Children
[39:11] - Prayer for the Congregation
[40:28] - Introduction to Hebrews 11:17-19
[42:03] - The Faith of Abraham
[43:38] - The Binding of Isaac
[45:16] - God's Test of Abraham
[46:48] - The Lord Will Provide
[48:30] - The Parallel of Jesus' Sacrifice
[49:53] - Radical Obedience and Faith
[51:48] - Faith Completed by Works
[53:34] - Wholehearted Obedience
[54:55] - Loving God with All Our Heart
[56:37] - Obeying God's Commands
[58:02] - Following Jesus' Teachings
[59:34] - No Middle Road in Faith
[01:01:54] - Holding Nothing Back from God
[01:03:54] - Believing in Miracles
[01:05:36] - Trusting God's Provision
[01:07:10] - The God of Miracles
[01:09:14] - Just As I Am: A Story of Transformation
[01:11:00] - Coming to God Just as We Are
[01:12:24] - Radical Obedience and Faith in Miracles
[01:13:14] - Closing Prayer
[01:21:41] - Benediction and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 11:17-19
- Genesis 22:1-14
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Abraham asked to do by God, and how did he respond? (Hebrews 11:17-19, Genesis 22:1-3)
2. How did Abraham demonstrate his faith in God's provision during the test? (Genesis 22:8, Hebrews 11:19)
3. What parallels are drawn between the story of Abraham and Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus? (Genesis 22:13, [48:30])
4. What does the name "The Lord Will Provide" signify in the context of Abraham's story? (Genesis 22:14, [46:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac considered an act of radical obedience? ([49:53])
2. How does Abraham's faith in God's ability to raise the dead influence his actions? ([45:16])
3. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength according to the sermon? ([54:55])
4. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac help us understand the concept of trusting in God's provision, even when it requires a miracle? ([01:05:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was asking you to do something difficult. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([49:53])
2. Abraham believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust in God's miraculous power? ([45:16])
3. The sermon emphasized loving God wholeheartedly. Are there areas in your life where you are holding back from fully obeying God? ([54:55])
4. How can you practice radical obedience in your daily life, even when you don't fully understand God's commands? ([56:37])
5. The story of Abraham and Isaac parallels the sacrifice of Jesus. How does this understanding deepen your appreciation for God's provision and love? ([48:30])
6. The sermon mentioned coming to God just as we are. What steps can you take this week to approach God with honesty and openness about your struggles? ([01:11:00])
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to trust that "The Lord Will Provide." How can you actively place your trust in God's provision this week? ([46:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Obedience is Necessary
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is a profound example of radical obedience to God. This act of faith demonstrates that true belief in God requires holding nothing back, even when His commands are difficult to understand or follow. Abraham's actions show that faith is not partial but complete, as he trusted God entirely, believing that God could even raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. This kind of radical obedience is a call for us to trust God fully, surrendering all aspects of our lives to Him. [51:48]
Genesis 22:2-3 (ESV): "He said, 'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.' So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would radical obedience in this area look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Faith in God's Provision
Abraham's belief that God could raise Isaac from the dead highlights his unwavering trust in God's power to perform miracles. This faith in God's provision is essential for us as well. We must trust that God will provide what we need, even if it requires a miracle. Abraham's story encourages us to rely on God's provision in all circumstances, knowing that He is capable of meeting our needs in extraordinary ways. [45:16]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you trust God to provide for you in this situation, even if it requires a miracle?
Day 3: Loving God Wholeheartedly
Loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength means obeying His commands fully. This is not about following God partially but wholeheartedly, as exemplified by Abraham and other faithful figures in the Bible. Wholehearted obedience involves dedicating every part of our lives to God and seeking to honor Him in all we do. It is a call to love God completely, without reservation, and to live in a way that reflects that love. [54:55]
Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your love for God more fully in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to show your wholehearted obedience to Him?
Day 4: The Parallel of Jesus' Sacrifice
The story of Abraham and Isaac parallels the sacrifice of Jesus, God's only Son, who died on the cross for our sins. Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provided Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. This demonstrates God's immense love and provision for us. Understanding this parallel helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. [48:30]
Romans 8:32 (ESV): "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"
Reflection: How does understanding the parallel between Isaac's near-sacrifice and Jesus' sacrifice deepen your appreciation for God's love? How can you live in a way that reflects gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice?
Day 5: Coming to God Just as We Are
No matter where we are in our faith journey, we can come to God just as we are. He accepts us, forgives us, and helps us live a new life in Him. This requires confessing our sins and trusting in God's power to transform us. We are reminded that God calls us to radical obedience and trust in His miraculous power, and He will provide what we need to live a life that honors Him. [01:11:00]
Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God's transformation? How can you come to God just as you are today, trusting in His power to change you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The greatest gift I know of someone who gave something away was God our Father. And do you know what he gave away? He gave away his one and only son to die on the cross for our sins so that we could have a relationship with God that starts now and lasts forever all the way into heaven. Is that amazing? Isn't God so generous that he gave even his only son?" [36:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We believe in a God of miracles, don't we? Abraham reasoned, if I surrender my son, it's going to take a miracle for my offspring and descendants to come through him. And is that what God did? He did a miracle, and he can do a miracle for you and I in miracles. We have to trust him. We have to trust him with our whole heart. Not just part of it. And believe that God can do miracles. He can even raise someone from the dead." [01:07:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God. Sometimes we think, well, I haven't followed God with my whole heart, so I guess that's the end of the story. No, you can do it today. You have the opportunity today to come just as you are. No matter how much you think, well, I haven't followed, you know, if the percentage of following God is there, I'm more of like a one percent, or a two, or maybe you think, well, I follow God seventy-five percent. Wherever you're at today, just as you are, go to God and He will accept you, and He will forgive you, and He will help you follow Him with your whole heart." [01:11:00] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Father, we come to you needy. We come to you trusting with the faith of Abraham. In Christ's name, amen. This hymn, it's not on the slides, but the lyrics are simple enough. I want to challenge you this morning to pray a bold prayer to the Lord to mean it with all of your heart. Father, God, we surrender all to you because you surrendered all first to us. Father, may your love compel us. May your love control us. May your love strengthen us, empower us, and give us courage." [01:21:41] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Abraham had faith that radical obedience was necessary, right? Because he could have said, God, I'll obey you in a lot, but not this. Is that what Abraham said? No, it was all or nothing. And the scriptures give this point as well. The scriptures say in James 2.22 that Abraham's faith was completed by his works when he offered his own son Isaac on the altar. Faith apart from works is dead, right? James is saying that Abraham's faith, it would have been partial if he followed God in everything, but being willing to offer his son. No, but Abraham's faith was not partial. It was complete." [51:48] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This is what faith looks like. It looks like holding nothing back. If God tells you to sacrifice your only son, then that's what you do. That's what Abraham was willing to do because he knew it was God speaking. He knew it's what God wanted, and so he was willing to do it, even to the point of his only son. And God blessed him because he said, because you haven't even withheld your only son. Scripture is clear. This is not just a one-time event where it was just Abraham who followed God radically with his all. No, this is the story the scriptures are writing for us of what faith looks like." [53:34] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This is why Jeremiah 29 says, if you seek me, you will find me. If you seek me with your whole heart, not just a little bit, not just some of the things I say, but with your whole heart. And some of us, we're having trouble connecting with God. We're having trouble finding God. Well, are you seeking him with your whole heart? Are we seeking him with our whole heart? Is there any part of us we are withholding from obedience to God? Because God wants all of us, not just part of us, not just some of us, not just some of his commands. No, he wants us to follow him with our whole heart, right?" [54:55] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Abraham had a trust and a faith that radical obedience was necessary. That's what faith looked like. When we compromise on even those little things, we are distrusting the Lord that he knows what's best for us. When we compromise on those things, when we ignore the word of God to appease ourselves, we are distrusting that God is trustworthy. Abraham would not have gotten up early in the morning to go sacrifice his son if he didn't view it as necessary, would he? God blessed Abraham because he did not withhold his son. This is what faith looks like. It's holding your faith. It's holding your faith. It's holding your faith. It's holding your faith. Nothing back." [01:01:54] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reason we follow God wholeheartedly is because we trust that God can do a miracle in us too. I'm reminded of a story. There was a preacher, Caesar Milan, and he was invited to this program where a woman did a beautiful job playing the piano and singing. And the preacher, he makes his way through the crowd after the concert, and he says to her, young lady, when you were singing, I sat there and thought how tremendously the cause of Christ would be benefited if you would dedicate yourself and your talents to the Lord. And she was like, oh, that sounds great. He wasn't done talking. He said, you are, though, just as much a sinner as the worst drunkard in the street. You are just as much of a sinner as the harlot on Scarlet Street, but I am glad to tell you that the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, will cleanse you from all sin if you come to him." [01:09:14] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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