Renewing Hope: Embracing God's Promises in Trials
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound promises of God, emphasizing their relevance and power in our lives. We began by acknowledging the vast number of promises in the Bible, with over 7,000 directed from God to humanity. Despite hearing these promises repeatedly, it's easy to grow apathetic, especially when our current reality seems unchanged. We delved into the story of the Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 4, who, despite her wealth and prominence, faced the deep pain of barrenness. Her story illustrates the struggle between hope and disappointment, yet it also reveals the power of God's promises when we remain faithful.
The Shunammite woman's journey teaches us that even when we lay down our hopes, God remains faithful to His word. Her eventual blessing of a son, despite her initial reluctance to hope again, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises. We also reflected on the historical revival in Alexandria, Minnesota, led by Maria Woodworth-Eder, which was sparked by a community's hunger for God. This revival serves as a reminder that God can and will do greater things when we are obedient and expectant.
We focused on two key promises from Jesus: the authority to do greater works and the assurance of His victory over the world. These promises empower us to live boldly, knowing that we are overcomers through Christ. The Shunammite woman's later experience, where her son is resurrected, further underscores the importance of faith and persistence in God's promises. Her story, along with the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, encourages us to walk through trials with the assurance that we will emerge unscathed.
Finally, we were reminded of the Great Commission in Matthew 28, where Jesus promises His eternal presence with us. This promise is a source of comfort and strength, urging us to make disciples and live out our faith with confidence. As we concluded, we were invited to renew our hope in Jesus, recognizing Him as our ultimate source of salvation and strength.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of God's Promises: Despite the vast number of promises in the Bible, it's easy to become apathetic when we don't see immediate fulfillment. The story of the Shunammite woman reminds us that God's promises are steadfast, even when our circumstances seem unchanged. We must hold onto hope, trusting that God's timing is perfect. [06:45]
2. Faith in the Midst of Disappointment: The Shunammite woman's initial reluctance to hope again after years of barrenness teaches us about the struggle between hope and disappointment. Yet, her eventual blessing shows that God honors our faith, even when we have laid down our dreams. [10:04]
3. Revival Through Obedience: The historical revival in Alexandria, Minnesota, demonstrates the power of a community's hunger for God. When we are obedient and expectant, God can ignite a spiritual awakening that transforms lives and communities. [14:45]
4. Overcoming Through Christ: Jesus' promise of victory over the world assures us that we are overcomers. Like the Shunammite woman and the three Hebrew boys, we can face trials with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will bring us through unscathed. [18:14]
5. The Great Commission and Eternal Presence: Jesus' final promise in Matthew 28 is His eternal presence with us. This assurance empowers us to live boldly, make disciples, and trust that He is with us through every trial and triumph. [26:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [05:01] - Introduction to God's Promises
- [05:52] - Personal Reflection on Promises
- [06:45] - The Shunammite Woman's Story
- [08:31] - Cultural Context of Barrenness
- [09:27] - Elisha's Promise to the Woman
- [10:59] - Wrestling with Disappointment
- [11:37] - Fulfillment of God's Promise
- [12:15] - Greater Works Through Jesus
- [13:29] - Historical Revival in Alexandria
- [15:20] - Serving and Revival Today
- [16:57] - Trials and Overcoming
- [18:14] - The Shunammite Woman's Faith
- [19:58] - Walking Through Fire
- [21:05] - Guarding Against Deception
- [23:25] - Activating Faith and Promises
- [25:57] - The Great Commission
- [27:06] - Invitation to Renew Hope
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 4:8-37 - The story of the Shunammite woman and Elisha.
2. John 14:12 - Jesus' promise of greater works.
3. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' promise of His eternal presence.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances of the Shunammite woman when she first encountered Elisha, and how did her story unfold? ([06:45])
2. How does the sermon describe the cultural context of barrenness in the Shunammite woman's time? ([08:31])
3. What are the two key promises from Jesus mentioned in the sermon, and how are they relevant to believers today? ([12:15])
4. How did the historical revival in Alexandria, Minnesota, begin, and what role did community hunger for God play in it? ([14:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Shunammite woman's story illustrate the struggle between hope and disappointment, and what does it teach about God's faithfulness? ([10:04])
2. In what ways does the promise of doing greater works than Jesus challenge or encourage believers in their daily lives? ([12:15])
3. How does the sermon connect the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the theme of overcoming trials through faith? ([20:29])
4. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28 imply about the role of believers in the world, and how does Jesus' promise of His presence support this mission? ([26:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like the Shunammite woman, laying down your hopes. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now in light of God's promises? ([10:04])
2. Jesus promises that believers will do greater works. What is one area in your life where you can step out in faith to do something greater for God's kingdom? ([12:15])
3. The revival in Alexandria was sparked by a community's hunger for God. How can you cultivate a similar hunger in your own community or church? ([14:45])
4. Consider a trial you are currently facing. How can the assurance of Jesus' victory over the world give you confidence and hope in this situation? ([16:57])
5. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can intentionally invest in spiritually this week. ([26:18])
6. The sermon mentions the importance of not growing weary in doing good. What is one practical step you can take to persevere in doing good, even when it's challenging? ([21:39])
7. How can you actively remind yourself of God's promises in your daily life, especially when circumstances seem unchanged? ([06:45])
Devotional
Day 1: The Unwavering Nature of God's Promises
In a world where promises are often broken, the promises of God stand as a beacon of hope and reliability. The Bible contains over 7,000 promises from God to humanity, yet it is easy to become apathetic when we do not see immediate fulfillment. The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 serves as a powerful reminder of the steadfastness of God's promises. Despite her wealth and status, she faced the deep pain of barrenness, a condition that brought both personal and societal disappointment. Her story illustrates the tension between hope and disappointment, yet it also reveals the power of God's promises when we remain faithful. Even when we lay down our hopes, God remains faithful to His word, as evidenced by the eventual blessing of a son to the Shunammite woman. This narrative encourages us to hold onto hope, trusting that God's timing is perfect. [06:45]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you have grown apathetic about? How can you renew your trust in His perfect timing today?
Day 2: Faith Amidst Disappointment
The Shunammite woman's journey is a profound lesson in the struggle between hope and disappointment. After years of barrenness, she was initially reluctant to hope again when Elisha promised her a son. Her story teaches us that God honors our faith, even when we have laid down our dreams. The eventual blessing of a son, despite her initial reluctance, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when our circumstances seem unchanged. It reminds us that God is at work, even when we cannot see it, and that He honors our faith when we choose to trust Him despite our disappointments. [10:04]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Think of a dream or hope you have laid down due to disappointment. How can you invite God to renew your faith in this area today?
Day 3: Revival Through Obedience
The historical revival in Alexandria, Minnesota, led by Maria Woodworth-Eder, is a powerful example of the transformative power of a community's hunger for God. This revival was sparked by a community that was obedient and expectant, demonstrating that God can ignite a spiritual awakening that transforms lives and communities. When we are obedient and expectant, God can do greater things than we can imagine. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a hunger for God and to be obedient to His leading, trusting that He can bring about revival in our lives and communities. It reminds us that God is always at work, and that He can use our obedience to bring about His purposes. [14:45]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be more obedient? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting that God can use it for His purposes?
Day 4: Overcoming Through Christ
Jesus' promise of victory over the world assures us that we are overcomers through Him. The story of the Shunammite woman and the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego encourage us to face trials with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will bring us through unscathed. These narratives remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is with us every step of the way. They encourage us to trust in God's promises and to walk through trials with the assurance that we will emerge victorious through Christ. [18:14]
1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing? How can you lean on Jesus' promise of victory to help you overcome it today?
Day 5: The Great Commission and Eternal Presence
Jesus' final promise in Matthew 28 is His eternal presence with us, which empowers us to live boldly, make disciples, and trust that He is with us through every trial and triumph. This promise is a source of comfort and strength, urging us to live out our faith with confidence. It reminds us that we are not alone in our mission to make disciples, and that Jesus is with us every step of the way. This narrative encourages us to trust in Jesus' promise of eternal presence and to live out our faith with boldness and confidence, knowing that He is with us always. [26:18]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: How can you live out the Great Commission in your daily life today? What is one step you can take to make disciples, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal presence?
Quotes
1) "As someone who's been raised in the church, I've heard these promises over and over and over again. He will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord is doing a new thing in your land. He's going to pour his spirit out on you. I could. I could keep going. And as someone who's heard them over and over again, it's really easy to get a little apathetic with it. And to go, okay, Lord, I hear you. I don't see it. Because what I'm doing is I'm looking in the Bible, and I'm seeing that you say you're doing a new thing. But I'm looking out to the world, and I'm not seeing anything new. And so, Lord, what are you really doing? Maybe it's just not going to happen in my time." [05:52] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You see, sometimes we get to feeling this way. That maybe it's just better God said no. You know what? I thought it was a promise from God. Maybe it was for somebody else in the room. Twenty years ago, he said it. Maybe I missed my moment. It's not that you stop hoping. It's just that I can't go through that again. And here's what I'll say to that. God knows your heart. God knows the promises that he's given to you. And this is the best part of the story. Verse 17, But sure enough, the woman soon became pregnant. And at that time, the following year, she had a son, just as Elisha had said." [10:59] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The revival started with people who decided that they needed Jesus and that their families needed Jesus. And Maria Woodworth Eder, it was just simply her obedience to come and share the gospel that lit the match to start a fire in this community. And I say all of this not to say, well, God's done. He's already done his work in Alexandria. You gotta go to Sri Lanka. You gotta go to Africa. No, no, no, no. I believe that God wants to do it again and that he wants to do it in a greater capacity in this area." [15:20] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And the only hope that I have is the fact that Jesus in this verse says, I have overcome. You see, if Jesus has already overcome, and Jesus is inside of me, then I have already overcome. And church, if you're suffering, or if you have been through suffering, you have overcome. And the only thing left to do is to keep going. You need to keep hoping. You need to keep the faith. You need to fight the good fight. Because at the end of the road, Jesus is standing there with a crown of victory to place on your head." [17:34] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You can walk through fire and you can walk close to the Lord and when you come out of fire, you will not even smell of smoke. So, I'm really emotional. This is such a privilege. Okay. We're gonna get back on. Here's the deal. The closer you get to the Lord, the more the enemy will come after you. Because you are a greater threat to the kingdom of God. And he will make you, he will try to make you compromise and question what the Lord has infirmed in you. But you, church, are called to guard yourself. To guard away from deception." [20:29] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "You have the tools necessary to walk in this world without fear, without shame, without pain. Well, no, sorry, suffering. Oh, how do we do this? We have to have faith to walk through this world to say that God will fulfill his promise. It says, Hebrews 11 one, now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. If you don't have faith, there is nothing to hope for. You have to have faith. And how do we have faith? We focus on the kingdom of God. We focus on what he's doing, not on what the government's doing." [23:25] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "The church is a lighthouse meant to be a beacon of hope for people to find redemption and restoration. The church is a beacon of hope and restoration in Christ because the world is not in need of another port for despair and angst. I would like to pose the question, what happens if we were to all think about the kingdom when we come to church? Or throughout our day, if we walk thinking, Lord, what are you going to do today? What new thing do you have planned? Because I think that if us as a church can unify around the kingdom of God, heaven will come down to earth." [24:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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