Reflecting on God's Faithfulness: Lessons for 2025
Summary
Reflecting on the past year is a powerful exercise that allows us to see God's hand in our lives. Today, we gather to remember and celebrate the ways God has worked in our lives throughout 2024. This is not just a time to recall blessings but also to acknowledge the challenges and how God has brought us through them. As we look back, we are reminded of the importance of remembering, a theme deeply rooted in biblical history. From the rainbow in Genesis to the stones set by Joshua, God has always encouraged His people to remember His promises and faithfulness.
In Deuteronomy 4, we are urged to remember the instructions of the Lord and to keep His commandments close to our hearts. This remembrance is not passive; it requires action. We are called to live out God's word, allowing it to shape our lives so that others may see His wisdom and understanding through us. This is a call to be active participants in our faith, not merely hearers but doers of the word.
As we move into 2025, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the faith strengthened in 2024. Let us be intentional in keeping God's activities fresh in our minds, sharing our stories of His faithfulness with others. This year, may we commit to hearing and obeying God's word, understanding that true hearing involves action. Let us be a community that reflects God's love and wisdom to the world, living out our faith in tangible ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Remembrance: Remembering God's faithfulness is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is through remembrance that we can see how God has worked in our lives, both in blessings and challenges. This practice strengthens our faith and prepares us for future trials. [34:53]
2. Active Faith: True faith involves action. Hearing God's word is not enough; we must also obey and live it out. This obedience is a testimony to others, showing them the wisdom and understanding of God. [51:22]
3. Keeping God's Works Fresh: To prevent God's works from fading in our hearts, we must actively recall and share them. This involves telling our stories and teaching them to future generations, ensuring that God's faithfulness is never forgotten. [55:02]
4. The Importance of Community: As a church, we are called to support one another, especially in significant moments like baptisms. This communal support reflects God's love and helps us grow in faith together. [21:54]
5. Preparing for the Future: As we look back on 2024, we must also prepare for 2025 by reflecting on what God has done and committing to live in His will. This preparation involves letting go of past burdens and embracing the lessons learned. [01:07:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:50] - The Art of Reflection
[18:20] - Baby Jasper's Baptism
[21:54] - Community Support
[34:53] - Biblical Remembrance
[40:32] - Are We There Yet?
[43:01] - Lessons from the Israelites
[44:30] - Deuteronomy's Call to Remember
[46:25] - Reflecting on Hardships
[49:03] - Keeping God's Instructions
[51:22] - Living Out Our Faith
[55:02] - Sharing Our Stories
[56:19] - God's Work in Our Lives
[59:00] - Remembering the Lord
[01:07:19] - Preparing for 2025
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Deuteronomy 4:9-14
- Romans 10:8-10
---
Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the specific instructions given in Deuteronomy 4 about remembering God's works and commandments? How does this relate to the theme of remembrance in the sermon? [44:30]
2. In Romans 10, what does Paul say about the relationship between belief in the heart and confession with the mouth? How does this connect to the idea of active faith discussed in the sermon? [01:03:04]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of community support, particularly in the context of significant life events like baptisms? [21:54]
4. What examples from the sermon highlight the importance of keeping God's works fresh in our minds? How does this practice benefit our faith journey? [55:02]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of remembrance in Deuteronomy 4 challenge the way we currently remember and reflect on God's work in our lives? What might be the consequences of neglecting this practice? [44:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that active faith is demonstrated through obedience and action? How does this align with the teachings in Romans 10? [51:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of community in supporting individual faith journeys? What are the implications of this for how we engage with our church community? [21:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between remembering past challenges and preparing for future ones? How can this perspective influence our approach to new challenges in 2025? [01:07:19]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a specific moment in 2024 where you saw God's hand at work in your life. How can you ensure that this memory remains fresh and impactful as you move into 2025? [55:02]
2. Consider the ways you currently engage with God's word. What practical steps can you take to move from being a hearer to a doer of the word, as emphasized in the sermon? [51:22]
3. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you navigate it, and what lessons can you carry forward into the new year? [01:07:19]
4. Identify a person or group within your church community who has supported you in your faith journey. How can you reciprocate this support or extend it to others in 2025? [21:54]
5. What are some specific ways you can share stories of God's faithfulness with others, ensuring that His works remain fresh in your community's collective memory? [55:02]
6. As you prepare for 2025, what past burdens do you need to let go of, and what lessons from 2024 do you want to embrace? How can these decisions shape your goals for the coming year? [01:07:19]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of daily reflection and journaling, as suggested in the sermon, to enhance your spiritual growth and awareness of God's presence in your life? [12:50]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
---
Day 1: The Power of Remembrance
Reflecting on the past is a spiritual discipline that allows us to see God's hand in our lives. Throughout biblical history, God has encouraged His people to remember His promises and faithfulness, from the rainbow in Genesis to the stones set by Joshua. This act of remembrance is not just about recalling blessings but also acknowledging the challenges and how God has brought us through them. By remembering, we strengthen our faith and prepare ourselves for future trials, understanding that God's faithfulness is a constant in our lives. [34:53]
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific challenge you faced in 2024. How did you see God's faithfulness during that time, and how can you share this story with someone this week?
Day 2: Active Faith
True faith is not passive; it requires action. Hearing God's word is not enough; we must also obey and live it out. This obedience is a testimony to others, showing them the wisdom and understanding of God. As we live out our faith, we become active participants in God's work, allowing His word to shape our lives and influence those around us. This call to action is a reminder that our faith should be visible and impactful, demonstrating God's love and wisdom to the world. [51:22]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can actively live out your faith this week. What specific action can you take to demonstrate God's love and wisdom to those around you?
Day 3: Keeping God's Works Fresh
To prevent God's works from fading in our hearts, we must actively recall and share them. This involves telling our stories and teaching them to future generations, ensuring that God's faithfulness is never forgotten. By keeping His works fresh in our minds, we not only strengthen our own faith but also inspire others to trust in God's promises. This practice of sharing and teaching is a vital part of our spiritual journey, helping us to remain connected to God's ongoing work in our lives. [55:02]
"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you witnessed God's work in your life. How can you share this story with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community
As a church, we are called to support one another, especially in significant moments like baptisms. This communal support reflects God's love and helps us grow in faith together. Being part of a community means sharing in each other's joys and burdens, providing encouragement and strength as we journey together in faith. This sense of community is essential for spiritual growth, reminding us that we are not alone and that God's love is manifested through our relationships with one another. [21:54]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on someone in your church community who might need support or encouragement. How can you reach out to them this week to show God's love and support?
Day 5: Preparing for the Future
As we look back on 2024, we must also prepare for 2025 by reflecting on what God has done and committing to live in His will. This preparation involves letting go of past burdens and embracing the lessons learned. By doing so, we position ourselves to move forward with faith and confidence, trusting that God will continue to guide us. Preparing for the future is an act of faith, acknowledging that while we may not know what lies ahead, we can trust in God's plan and His unwavering presence in our lives. [01:07:19]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: As you look ahead to 2025, what is one burden you need to let go of to fully embrace God's plan for your life? How can you commit this area to God in prayer today?
---
Quotes
"Remembering is exceedingly important, especially biblically. Biblically, in the Bible, in the Old Testament, there are so many things that challenge us. To remember. You have, you remember the rainbow in Genesis chapter 9? When God said, every time I see the rainbow, I'll remember that I will not flood the earth again. You have the rainbow. And so there's a rainbow. And you have the Passover lamb. Remember in Exodus chapter 12, where they were supposed to sacrifice a lamb. And so the plague wouldn't kill, the plague that killed the firstborn child, the firstborn son. Remember that? And that every year they were, it was perpetual sacrifice. That they were supposed to always remember." [00:34:07] (43 seconds)
"Let's look at this passage out of Deuteronomy chapter four. Be careful and watch yourself closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Again in the book, be careful. Do not forget. The covenant that the Lord your God made with you. Again in Deuteronomy, be careful that you do not forget. One, the covenant. Two, the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Again in Deuteronomy, be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God. Again, he says, do not forget." [00:44:06] (44 seconds)
"Before you take possession of the promised land, Moses says, I have some things for you to reflect on. I have some things for you to reflect on. And Moses in chapters one, two, and three, what does he do? What does he do? He takes and remembers. He helps them remember some hard times, the challenging times, the times of rebellion, and also the beautiful times, the wonderful times. When they went to the mountain themselves and they heard the voice of God, he helps them remember the good times. And the hard times. That's what I want you to do. I want you not just to reflect upon the blessings, but reflect on the hardships and see how the Lord brought you out of those hardships and prepared you for this moment." [00:45:50] (56 seconds)
"First thing we notice, first thing is remember the instructions of the Lord. Remember the instructions and then do not add to them. Don't add. And so here are the instructions and, oh, look, here's some more instructions you need. Don't add to them. Don't make them harder to follow. Oh, and isn't that what Jesus wrestled with? When he entered the land of Israel, he gave them to him. When he entered the land, when he, we just celebrated his birth, when he walked the land and the Pharisees and the religious leaders, they, they, they wanted to constrict him to the laws that they added to. Do not add to them, nor subtract from them." [00:48:43] (39 seconds)
"for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations who will hear about all the decrees and say surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people this is great we're gonna look at this in a second what other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the lord your god is near us when we pray to him and what other nation is so great as to have such a righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws that i am setting for you today oh there there's no other nation that does that oh church church there's some great truth in those couple of verses one when you put the laws and you put the things that you have learned and you instead of treasuring them and putting it on the box and hiding them you look at them you reflect on them and they change your life others will be attracted to the lord because of you see here's the truth are you ready for the truth honest truth people are watching you people are watching you here's a cartoon the cartoon says don't worry it's only marketers collecting personal data so that they can create more relevant advertising for us and that's what that is true while that is true that's not what i'm talking about that's not what i'm talking about i'm not talking about people snooping in you people following you i'm talking about the fact that if you you claim to be a Christian and you follow the ways of Jesus, then you know what? Then you know what? People will be watching. And when they watch and as they watch, will they be attracted to the Lord? Or will they think you're just an ordinary, regular person who happens to go to church on Sundays?" [00:51:22] (105 seconds)
"Verse six says, observe these carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to whom? Whom? Those people who are not part of the covenant promise. Those people who are not part of the church, if you will. Those people who are not part of your community. They are watching you and you will show your wisdom and God's wisdom and God's understanding and your understanding of him by remembering and reflecting and obeying what he's told you to do. Ha, isn't that great? Number three. Number three, keep his activities fresh. Keep his activities fresh in your mind. That has been a theme today. What happened in January? What happened in February? What happened in March? Keep God's promises, keep his things close by your heart. Deuteronomy 9 through 14. I'm only going to read a couple of these verses. Look what it says. Only to be careful and you watch yourself closely so that you do not forget the things that your eyes have seen." [00:53:08] (69 seconds)
"And more importantly, so that you don't let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Do you catch that? Do you see that? Don't forget. And how do you forget? You let things fade. You let things fade. And how do you let things fade? You neglect it. You just put it in the sun. And pretty soon, it looks like that storm where you've just put the promises, you've put the answers that God has given you. You've put your story. Remember your story when you first became a Christian? Remember that story that the people that were around your life, when you first believed? How often have you told that story? Tell the stories so that they are always fresh in your mind. Keep His activity fresh in your mind." [00:54:18] (72 seconds)
"Don't forget what you've encountered. The things that you've seen and done. How has God worked in your life this last year? It says, remember the days you stood before the Lord. And so he brings up, he brings up a passage. Remember the day you stood before the Lord? You came near and you stood at the foot of the mountain with the blazing of heaven. And Moses was bringing up very specific things. That when God was going to, when the God of the universe was going to speak to the people, remember that day? Remember when God spoke to you? Remember the promise that he made to you? Remember the hope that he said he would give? Remember? He doesn't change. His word never changes. Think about and reflect upon those words, that moment." [00:58:08] (52 seconds)
"Until I do the things that I've heard, I haven't heard anything at all. Wow. Here, intertwined with obedience, intertwined with action, here. And so let's turn from the book of Deuteronomy into the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul is writing to a church in Rome. Filled with all the worldliness of Rome. And Paul is going to make some great points. And I'm leading us to what he, being a Jewish man, would be thinking when he writes these words. In Deuteronomy 10 .5, it says, Moses writes, this about the righteous, that the law, wait, about the righteousness that is the law. The person who does these things will live by them. The word is near to you. It is in your mouth and it is in your heart. That is the message concerning the faith that we proclaim." [01:02:52] (72 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 29, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?