Reconciliation and Faithfulness: Embracing God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that there is none like God, and how our human inclination towards pride and self-reliance often leads us away from Him. This tendency to want to do things our own way is rooted in the original sin of Adam and Eve, who chose their own desires over God's command. This choice introduced sin into the world, creating a separation between humanity and God. Living outside of God's kingdom makes it easy to fall into sin, as we often prioritize our own desires over God's will. This separation is not only a present reality but also an eternal one, as being apart from God is the essence of hell.
However, God created us in His image to be in relationship with Him, and through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the barrier of sin is removed. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord and believing in His work on the cross, we are reconciled with God and enter His kingdom. This decision is not about joining a church but becoming part of God's kingdom, where Jesus is the King. When we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, we are saved, and from that moment, He is with us, guiding us through life.
We also discussed the importance of faithfulness, as illustrated in the parable of the talents. God entrusts us with gifts and resources, expecting us to use them for His glory. Faithfulness means being loyal and steadfast, doing what we say we will do, and being true to God's original plan for our lives. It involves purposeful planning, preparation, and execution of God's will. We are called to be faithful in all areas of life, including our work, relationships, and spiritual journey. Faithfulness is a character trait that must be cultivated, and it is rewarded by God.
Key Takeaways:
- Pride and self-reliance lead to separation from God, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve. Choosing our own way over God's will results in sin and separation, both in this life and eternally. [31:14]
- Jesus' sacrifice on the cross reconciles us with God, removing the barrier of sin. By acknowledging Him as Lord, we enter His kingdom and experience His presence in our lives. [35:05]
- Faithfulness is a key aspect of our relationship with God. It involves being loyal, steadfast, and true to God's plan, using the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us for His glory. [54:13]
- Purposeful planning, preparation, and execution are essential in fulfilling God's will. We must seek His guidance, prepare diligently, and act faithfully on His instructions. [01:07:48]
- Faithfulness is demonstrated in everyday life through our work, relationships, and spiritual journey. It requires doing what we say we will do, even when it is difficult or costly. [01:19:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:14] - The Origin of Sin
[32:40] - Separation from God
[35:05] - Reconciliation Through Christ
[36:06] - Confession and Salvation
[37:22] - Prayer of Salvation
[38:51] - Honoring Veterans
[39:49] - Sharing Your Faith
[54:13] - The Parable of the Talents
[56:20] - Using Your Gifts
[01:02:30] - Making the Most of Your Time
[01:07:48] - Planning and Execution
[01:09:59] - Faithfulness in Action
[01:12:52] - Preaching the Gospel
[01:19:25] - Faithfulness in Everyday Life
[01:23:49] - Closing and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:1-7
2. Romans 10:9-10
3. Matthew 25:14-30
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the original sin committed by Adam and Eve, and how did it lead to separation from God? [31:14]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord? [35:05]
3. In the parable of the talents, what did the servants do with the talents they were given, and what was the master's response? [54:13]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of faithfulness in everyday life? [01:19:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Adam and Eve illustrate the human tendency towards pride and self-reliance? What are the consequences of this tendency? [31:14]
2. What does it mean to be part of God's kingdom, and how does this differ from simply joining a church? [35:05]
3. How does the parable of the talents relate to the idea of using our gifts and resources for God's glory? What does this parable teach about accountability and stewardship? [54:13]
4. What are some practical ways to demonstrate faithfulness in our work, relationships, and spiritual journey? [01:19:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when pride or self-reliance led you away from God's will. How can you recognize and address these tendencies in your life? [31:14]
2. Have you confessed with your mouth and believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord? If not, what is holding you back from making this decision? [35:05]
3. Identify a gift or resource that God has entrusted to you. How can you use it more effectively for His glory in the coming weeks? [54:13]
4. Consider your current level of faithfulness in your work or studies. What specific steps can you take to improve your commitment and reliability? [01:19:25]
5. Think of a relationship where you struggle to be faithful. What changes can you make to demonstrate loyalty and steadfastness in that relationship? [01:19:25]
6. How can you incorporate purposeful planning, preparation, and execution in fulfilling God's will for your life? What is one area where you can start this week? [01:07:48]
7. Reflect on a situation where being faithful was difficult or costly. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? [01:19:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Danger of Pride and Self-Reliance
Pride and self-reliance are deeply ingrained in human nature, often leading us away from God. This tendency is rooted in the original sin of Adam and Eve, who chose their own desires over God's command, introducing sin into the world and creating a separation between humanity and God. Living outside of God's kingdom makes it easy to fall into sin, as we often prioritize our own desires over God's will. This separation is not only a present reality but also an eternal one, as being apart from God is the essence of hell. Recognizing this inclination within ourselves is the first step towards seeking reconciliation with God and aligning our lives with His will. [31:14]
Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than seeking God's guidance? How can you begin to trust Him more today?
Day 2: Reconciliation Through Christ's Sacrifice
Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the barrier of sin is removed, allowing us to be reconciled with God. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord and believing in His work on the cross, we enter His kingdom and experience His presence in our lives. This decision is not about joining a church but becoming part of God's kingdom, where Jesus is the King. When we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, we are saved, and from that moment, He is with us, guiding us through life. This profound truth invites us to live in the freedom and joy of being in a restored relationship with God. [35:05]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: Have you fully embraced the reconciliation offered through Christ's sacrifice? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 3: The Call to Faithfulness
Faithfulness is a key aspect of our relationship with God. It involves being loyal, steadfast, and true to God's plan, using the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us for His glory. The parable of the talents illustrates this principle, showing that God expects us to use what He has given us wisely and for His purposes. Faithfulness means doing what we say we will do and being true to God's original plan for our lives. It requires purposeful planning, preparation, and execution of God's will. As we cultivate faithfulness, we align ourselves with God's desires and experience His blessings. [54:13]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: What gifts and resources has God entrusted to you, and how are you using them for His glory? What changes can you make to be more faithful in these areas?
Day 4: Purposeful Planning and Execution
Purposeful planning, preparation, and execution are essential in fulfilling God's will. We must seek His guidance, prepare diligently, and act faithfully on His instructions. This involves being intentional in our spiritual journey, work, and relationships, ensuring that our actions align with God's purposes. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to His kingdom and our desire to live according to His will. This intentionality requires discipline and perseverance, but it leads to a life that honors God and impacts others positively. [01:07:48]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more purposeful planning and execution in your daily life to align with God's will? What specific steps can you take this week to seek His guidance in your decisions?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Everyday Life
Faithfulness is demonstrated in everyday life through our work, relationships, and spiritual journey. It requires doing what we say we will do, even when it is difficult or costly. This character trait must be cultivated and is rewarded by God. As we strive to be faithful in all areas of life, we reflect God's faithfulness to us and become a testimony of His love and grace to those around us. This daily commitment to faithfulness strengthens our relationship with God and enables us to live out our calling with integrity and purpose. [01:19:25]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: In what specific areas of your life do you struggle to remain faithful? How can you rely on God's strength to help you be more consistent and true to His calling?
Quotes
"And as we live our lives outside of the kingdom of God, it's easy to sin. It's easy to choose my way. I want to do it my way. And the problem with that is doing it your way, is contrary to God's blessing." [00:31:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But what that does is it separates you from God. If you're not born again, if you're not born again, if you're not rejuvenated, if your spirit isn't reborn, you're separated from God. And that's a horrible place to be." [00:32:22] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Bible says that you're making him the Lord of your life, which means whatever he says goes. Whatever he tells you to do, you do. But you do it with your mouth. It says that you confess with your mouth. You believe in your heart, and you confess it with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. And when you do that, you are saved." [00:35:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because people can say anything in the moment. It's that decision. If you really make that decision today, then the rest of your life's going to be different. Tomorrow morning is when we find out if you really meant that." [00:36:48] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Basically, I'm going to say, Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Come into my life. Be the Lord of my life. From this day forward. That's it. That's it. And then from there, you follow him. So let's pray that." [00:37:50] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"and this week i'm not going to turn to the wrong one first i believe first corinthians chapter two beginning with verse nine says but as it is written what no eye has seen nor ear heard nor the heart of man imagined what god has prepared for those who love him these things god has revealed to us through the spirit for the spirit searches everything even the depths of god" [00:49:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Be faithful. In all three of those areas, it comes down to being faithful in what he's told you to do. What's faithful? Definition of faithful is remaining loyal and steadfast. True to the facts or the original. Let me say that again. Faithful is remaining loyal and steadfast, true to the facts or to the original. You're working the plan." [01:11:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Faithful is you do what you say you're going to do. Let me say that again. Faithful is doing what you say you're going to do. I don't try to eavesdrop. I really don't. You know how it works. You hear people say things. I was at a luncheon one time and I was sitting at a table and all of a sudden I hear a minister, a guy behind me, telling somebody else at his table about me." [01:15:40] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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