Rebuilding Identity and Faith Through Grace and Authority
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a journey to explore our identity as individuals, as a church, and as a culture, especially in the context of the challenges we've faced over the past few years. Reflecting on the tumultuous events since 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the societal divisions it exacerbated, we acknowledged the fear and confusion that have gripped many. Yet, amidst these trials, we are reminded of our enduring identity and mission as a church.
Drawing from the book of Zechariah, we examined the metaphor of the Babylonian captivity and its relevance to our current situation. Just as the Israelites were held in a subtle form of bondage in Babylon, many of us may find ourselves in a state of spiritual captivity without even realizing it. Zechariah's prophecy to Zerubbabel, a leader who emerged from Babylon, serves as a powerful reminder that our deliverance and success are not by might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord.
We are called to rise from the rubble of our past and rebuild with the authority and favor that God grants us. This rebuilding is not just a physical or organizational task but a spiritual renewal that requires us to confront and overcome the mountains in our lives. These mountains represent the obstacles and challenges that seem insurmountable but can be moved through faith and the power of God's Spirit.
Grace plays a crucial role in this process. It is not merely about forgiveness but about the unmerited favor and empowerment that God bestows upon us. Grace is the force that pursues us, even when we try to hide, and it is the power that enables us to overcome the mountains in our lives.
As we move forward, we must recognize the importance of staying in our God-given lanes, understanding our rank, order, and assignment within the kingdom. This understanding helps us avoid the chaos and manipulation that can derail our mission. Instead, we are to function with the clarity and purpose that comes from knowing our place in God's plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity and Mission: Our identity as individuals and as a church remains steadfast despite the challenges we've faced. We are called to lead and rebuild, not by our own strength, but by the Spirit of the Lord. This mission requires us to confront and overcome the mountains in our lives through faith and divine empowerment. [08:16]
2. Grace as Empowerment: Grace is more than forgiveness; it is the unmerited favor and empowerment from God that enables us to overcome obstacles. Grace pursues us, even when we try to hide, and it is the force that tears down the mountains that stand in our way. [24:25]
3. Spiritual Renewal: Just as the Israelites were called to rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, we are called to rebuild our spiritual lives. This renewal involves recognizing and addressing the subtle forms of bondage that may hold us back and embracing the authority and favor that God grants us. [13:32]
4. Faith and Authority: We have the authority to speak to the mountains in our lives and command them to move. This authority comes from our faith in God and the power of His Spirit. By speaking to our obstacles with faith, we can transform seemingly insurmountable challenges into opportunities for growth and victory. [23:03]
5. Order and Assignment: Understanding our rank, order, and assignment within the kingdom of God helps us avoid chaos and manipulation. By staying in our God-given lanes and fulfilling our specific roles, we can function effectively and fulfill our purpose without being derailed by external pressures or internal confusion. [44:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Identity and Culture
[02:23] - Reflecting on 2020 and Beyond
[03:31] - Challenges and Divisions
[04:42] - Fear and Manipulation
[05:55] - Church's Response
[06:48] - Safety and Preparedness
[08:16] - Our Enduring Mission
[09:22] - Zechariah's Prophecy
[10:24] - Egyptian and Babylonian Bondage
[11:42] - Subtle Captivity
[13:32] - Rebuilding from Rubble
[15:11] - Vision and Metaphor
[18:58] - Authority from God
[20:40] - Grace and Favor
[23:03] - Speaking to Mountains
[24:25] - Grace as Empowerment
[27:01] - Unmerited Favor
[29:00] - Grace Pursues Us
[31:38] - Overcoming Mountains
[33:00] - Completing Our Mission
[34:12] - Removing the Veil
[36:42] - God's Salvation
[38:31] - Faith and Authority
[40:40] - Moving Mountains
[44:50] - Order and Assignment
[47:34] - Staying in Our Lane
[50:10] - Dealing with Mountains
[51:58] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Zechariah 4:6-7 (NIV): "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. 'What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Zechariah 4:6-7 say about the source of our strength and success? How does this relate to the challenges faced by Zerubbabel? ([18:58])
2. According to the sermon, what are the "mountains" in our lives, and how are we instructed to deal with them? ([23:03])
3. How does the concept of grace in the sermon go beyond mere forgiveness? What additional aspects of grace are highlighted? ([24:25])
4. What role does understanding our rank, order, and assignment play in fulfilling our mission according to the sermon? ([44:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of the Babylonian captivity in Zechariah relate to our current spiritual state as described in the sermon? ([13:32])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that grace empowers us to overcome obstacles? How does this differ from the common understanding of grace? ([24:25])
3. What does it mean to speak to the mountains in our lives with authority? How does this concept challenge our usual approach to problems? ([23:03])
4. How can understanding our specific roles within the kingdom of God help us avoid chaos and manipulation? ([44:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might you approach it differently knowing that success comes "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord? ([18:58])
2. Identify a "mountain" in your life that seems insurmountable. How can you apply the principle of speaking to this mountain with faith and authority? ([23:03])
3. Think about a time when you felt pursued by grace. How did that experience empower you to overcome a significant obstacle? ([24:25])
4. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually captive without realizing it? What steps can you take to begin rebuilding your spiritual life? ([13:32])
5. How can you better understand and stay in your God-given lane? What practical steps can you take to fulfill your specific role within the kingdom of God? ([44:50])
6. Consider the concept of grace as unmerited favor and empowerment. How can you extend this kind of grace to others in your daily interactions? ([24:25])
7. Reflect on the importance of order and assignment in your life. How can you ensure that you are functioning effectively within your God-given role? ([44:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Identity and Mission
Our identity as individuals and as a church remains steadfast despite the challenges we've faced. We are called to lead and rebuild, not by our own strength, but by the Spirit of the Lord. This mission requires us to confront and overcome the mountains in our lives through faith and divine empowerment. Reflecting on the tumultuous events since 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the societal divisions it exacerbated, we acknowledged the fear and confusion that have gripped many. Yet, amidst these trials, we are reminded of our enduring identity and mission as a church. Drawing from the book of Zechariah, we examined the metaphor of the Babylonian captivity and its relevance to our current situation. Just as the Israelites were held in a subtle form of bondage in Babylon, many of us may find ourselves in a state of spiritual captivity without even realizing it. Zechariah's prophecy to Zerubbabel, a leader who emerged from Babylon, serves as a powerful reminder that our deliverance and success are not by might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. [08:16]
Zechariah 4:6-7 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’'"
Reflection: What are the mountains in your life that seem insurmountable? How can you rely on the Spirit of the Lord to help you overcome them today?
Day 2: Grace as Empowerment
Grace is more than forgiveness; it is the unmerited favor and empowerment from God that enables us to overcome obstacles. Grace pursues us, even when we try to hide, and it is the force that tears down the mountains that stand in our way. This grace is not just a passive gift but an active force that empowers us to rise above our challenges. It is the divine enablement that allows us to accomplish what we could never do on our own. Understanding grace in this way transforms our perspective on the difficulties we face, reminding us that we are not alone and that God's power is at work within us. [24:25]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's grace as empowerment? How can you invite His grace to work through your weaknesses today?
Day 3: Spiritual Renewal
Just as the Israelites were called to rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, we are called to rebuild our spiritual lives. This renewal involves recognizing and addressing the subtle forms of bondage that may hold us back and embracing the authority and favor that God grants us. Spiritual renewal is not just about returning to a previous state but about growing into a deeper, more mature relationship with God. It requires us to confront the areas where we have become complacent or where we have allowed subtle forms of bondage to take hold. By embracing the authority and favor that God grants us, we can rebuild our spiritual lives on a stronger foundation. [13:32]
Isaiah 61:4 (ESV): "They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations."
Reflection: What subtle forms of bondage might be holding you back in your spiritual life? How can you begin to address these areas and embrace the renewal that God offers?
Day 4: Faith and Authority
We have the authority to speak to the mountains in our lives and command them to move. This authority comes from our faith in God and the power of His Spirit. By speaking to our obstacles with faith, we can transform seemingly insurmountable challenges into opportunities for growth and victory. This concept is rooted in the understanding that our words, when aligned with God's will and spoken in faith, have the power to bring about change. It is a call to exercise the authority that God has given us, not in our own strength, but through the power of His Spirit. [23:03]
Mark 11:23 (ESV): "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."
Reflection: What specific mountains in your life do you need to speak to with faith and authority? How can you begin to exercise this authority today?
Day 5: Order and Assignment
Understanding our rank, order, and assignment within the kingdom of God helps us avoid chaos and manipulation. By staying in our God-given lanes and fulfilling our specific roles, we can function effectively and fulfill our purpose without being derailed by external pressures or internal confusion. This understanding brings clarity and purpose, allowing us to focus on what God has called us to do. It also helps us to avoid the pitfalls of comparison and competition, as we recognize that each of us has a unique role to play in God's plan. [44:50]
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."
Reflection: What is your specific role within the body of Christ? How can you stay focused on your God-given assignment and avoid the distractions of comparison and competition?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you're a human being on the planet in 2024, no matter how old you are, you've been through some stuff lately. Amen. Amen. If you're an American in 2024, welcome to the freak show. You've got a front row seat." [02:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe that God is challenging us. I believe that God is challenging you personally. And I believe that the Lord is challenging us as a people. And on a broader scale, us as a culture. To lead the way on some things." [08:16] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is wanting to do something through you to you for you and in you through you to you for you and in you God is wanting to do something through you to you for you and in you and it's not by might it's not by power he said but it's by my spirit." [20:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You may be looking at a situation today that seems enormous, that seems overwhelming, that seems stronger than you can endure or bigger than you can cross. But when God gets involved, he's going not by might, not by power, but by my spirit. I'm going to bring that mountain down." [23:03] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Grace is the thing that kicks the door in after you. Come on. Grace is the. Grace is the thing that chases you when you run. Grace is the thing that says, oh, no, you ain't getting away. Grace is that thing that kicked the door down. Come in and get you." [28:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to allegorically say and metaphorically say this morning that perhaps that's where a lot of us are at right now we we're in that place where we can't exactly ever be what we used to be there are some people that can still remember some things and and but we're here what we're going to do we're just going to be here we're going to rebuild the kingdom from their perspective or we know we're going to rebuild the temple we're going to do that." [13:32] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Grace is going to overcome everything that that mountain stood for. Come on, y'all. Grace, no matter what you've been, no matter what you've bowed down to, no matter what lifestyle has taken you over, grace wants to tear that mountain up and cover it with the things of God now. I'm talking about grace. Hallelujah. Grace." [32:07] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The kingdom functions by, and y'all are not going to like this either, but I'm going to say it this way, by rank, by order, and by assignment. Not by gifting, not by personality, by rank, by order, and by assignment. Because God has put you somewhere. And listen, I'm not just talking about church. Yes, church. Yes, church. But in life, God has put you somewhere, and that's your rank. Be that." [46:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're in any kind of relationship that's operated through intimidation, control, and manipulation, get out of there. Get out of there. If you found yourself in a job, and that's the way the people over you, then you may have to take a minute. I'm not telling you to go quit your job in a minute, and then you be coming up, get paid my life bill. You stay put where you're at. But better for you. Keep your eyes open." [45:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm praying that on this backside of this, this definition of our time frame, that God is going to raise some of us up. Some of y'all up, raise some of me up, however much longer I got, and be one. And I'm coming out of all this stuff that has happened. I'm coming out of all the rubble that has been behind me, but I'm not coming out with nothing. I'm coming out with the word of the Lord, because let me tell you, that's the only thing that is going to sustain you is a word from God." [20:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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