Resting in God's Presence: Embracing Prophetic Ministry

 

Summary

In my sermon, I began by sharing a personal story about the challenges I faced during a particularly tough period marked by a devastating fire in Talent, Oregon, and the impact of COVID-19. This led to a profound moment of rest and support extended by Chris and Laura, which deeply touched me, emphasizing the importance of community and support in times of hardship.

I then transitioned into discussing the significance of prophetic ministry and the unique challenges and misunderstandings that prophets often face within the church. I highlighted the difference between having a prophetic gift and being called to the office of a prophet, stressing the importance of recognizing and properly responding to these callings within the body of Christ.

The sermon delved into the concept of rest as a divine strategy, not merely physical relaxation but a spiritual state where we align with God's rhythms. I used the example of Moses and the Israelites, emphasizing that understanding and entering God's rest is crucial for spiritual leadership and guidance.

I further explored the theme of co-laboring with God, using personal anecdotes and biblical narratives to illustrate how God invites us to work with Him, not just for Him. This involves a shift from striving in our strength to resting in His provision and guidance, which I related through the metaphor of an older oxen yoked with a younger one, teaching us to move in sync with Christ.

Towards the end of the sermon, I shared insights on the importance of spiritual inheritance and generational blessings, connecting these ideas with practical steps towards realizing them in our communities and personal lives. I encouraged the congregation to engage actively in creating legacies that honor God and bless future generations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Prophetic Ministry:
Prophetic ministry is not just about foretelling but is a vital part of church life that requires discernment and acceptance. Prophets see beyond the natural to the spiritual realities that God wants to reveal to His church. Recognizing and supporting the role of prophets in our midst helps in aligning the church with God's vision and direction. [04:17]

2. The True Nature of Rest:
Rest in the biblical context is deeply spiritual, involving trust and surrender to God's timing and plans. It's not merely cessation from work but entering into God's completed works, as exemplified by God resting on the seventh day of creation. This rest is available and necessary for every believer to receive divine strength and wisdom. [20:37]

3. Co-Laboring with Christ:
True ministry effectiveness comes not from toiling in our strength but from yoking ourselves with Christ. His yoke is easy and His burden light, which means our work for the Kingdom should not lead to burnout but should be rejuvenating and life-giving as we move in sync with Him. [24:16]

4. The Importance of Spiritual Inheritance:
As believers, we are called to think generationally. Spiritual inheritance is about passing on the blessings and lessons we've received from God to the next generations, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues and expands beyond our personal influence. [42:36]

5. Embracing God's Timing and Seasons:
There are seasons in life and ministry when God calls us to intense labor and others to rest. Recognizing and moving according to these divine seasons is crucial for sustained spiritual health and productivity. This understanding allows us to thrive in every season without falling into frustration or stagnation. [25:14]

Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
- [02:14] - The Role of Prophetic Ministry
- [09:12] - Discussing Faith and Words
- [19:15] - Exploring Biblical Rest
- [23:51] - Understanding the Yoke of Christ
- [30:38] - The Challenge of Stillness in Worship
- [39:55] - Co-Laboring with God in Ministry
- [50:40] - Generational Blessings and Inheritance
- [58:07] - Closing Prayers and Blessings

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 33:12-14 (NIV)
> Moses said to the Lord, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

2. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
> "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

3. Genesis 26:18-22 (NIV)
> Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them. Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses' request to God in Exodus 33:12-14, and how did God respond?
2. According to Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him with their burdens?
3. In Genesis 26:18-22, what were the names of the wells Isaac dug, and what do they signify?
4. How did the pastor describe the difference between having a prophetic gift and being called to the office of a prophet? ([05:23])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to enter into God's rest as described in Exodus 33:14 and Matthew 11:28-30? How does this concept of rest differ from mere physical relaxation? ([20:37])
2. How can the story of Isaac digging wells in Genesis 26:18-22 be applied to our spiritual journey and persistence in faith? ([15:27])
3. What are the implications of co-laboring with Christ as described in the sermon, and how does this shift our approach to ministry and daily life? ([24:16])
4. How does recognizing and supporting the role of prophets within the church help align the church with God's vision and direction? ([05:44])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How did you find rest in God during that period? If you didn't, what could you have done differently? ([20:37])
2. In what ways can you actively support and recognize prophetic ministry within your church community? How can you discern between a prophetic gift and the office of a prophet? ([05:23])
3. How can you practice co-laboring with Christ in your daily tasks and responsibilities? What steps can you take to ensure you are moving in sync with Him rather than striving in your own strength? ([24:16])
4. Think about the concept of spiritual inheritance and generational blessings. What practical steps can you take to create a legacy that honors God and blesses future generations? ([42:36])
5. Identify a season in your life where you felt God was calling you to either intense labor or rest. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([25:14])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and practice of biblical rest in your life? What changes might you need to make in your schedule or mindset to align with God's rhythms? ([20:37])
7. Reflect on the importance of community and support during times of hardship. How can you be a source of rest and encouragement to someone in your church or community who is currently facing challenges? ([01:45])

Devotional

Day 1: Prophetic Ministry: Beyond Foretelling
Prophetic ministry is an integral part of the spiritual life of the church, serving not only to foretell future events but also to reveal deeper spiritual truths and divine insights. Prophets are gifted in seeing beyond the natural realm into the spiritual purposes of God, which are often hidden from the general view. Their role is crucial in guiding the congregation towards God's vision, providing clarity and direction that align with divine intentions. Recognizing and supporting prophets in their ministry helps the church align more closely with God's overarching plans, fostering a community deeply rooted in spiritual realities. [04:17]

Amos 3:7-8 (ESV): "For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?"

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt a deep spiritual insight or conviction. How can you better embrace and act upon these prophetic moments in your daily life?

Day 2: The True Nature of Rest
Rest, as depicted in the scriptures, transcends mere physical cessation of work; it is a profound spiritual practice of trust and surrender to God's timing and plans. This type of rest involves entering into what God has already completed, including His creation and redemptive works. It is a divine invitation to cease striving in our own strength and to begin relying on the wisdom and provision of God. This rest is not passive but an active trust that aligns us with the rhythms of God's grace and timing, offering strength and renewal. [20:37]

Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you are striving in your own strength instead of entering into God's rest? How can you begin to make that shift?

Day 3: Co-Laboring with Christ
True effectiveness in ministry comes not from toiling alone but from partnering with Christ, whose yoke is easy and burden is light. This partnership means moving in sync with Jesus, learning from Him how to carry out our tasks with grace and efficiency. This approach transforms our work from being a source of burnout to a source of rejuvenation and spiritual fulfillment. As we yoke ourselves with Christ, our efforts become aligned with His, leading to greater impact and less personal strain. [24:16]

Matthew 11:29-30 (ESV): "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: Reflect on your current ministry or service activities. In what ways can you more effectively yoke yourself with Christ to experience His ease and lightness in your tasks?

Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Inheritance
Spiritual inheritance involves passing on the blessings and divine lessons we have received to future generations. This legacy is not just about material or earthly possessions but about the rich spiritual deposits that shape the faith and character of the next generation. By actively engaging in creating and nurturing these legacies, we ensure that the truths and blessings of God are magnified and extended beyond our time, influencing countless lives towards godly living. [42:36]

Psalm 78:4-6 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done... that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children."

Reflection: What spiritual lessons or blessings have you received that you can pass on to others? How can you begin to impart these to the next generation?

Day 5: Embracing God's Timing and Seasons
Understanding and moving according to God's timing and seasons is essential for maintaining spiritual health and productivity. There are times for intense labor and times for rest, each ordained by God for specific purposes in our lives and ministries. Recognizing these divine timings can prevent frustration and stagnation, allowing us to thrive and grow in every season. This awareness enables us to align our efforts with God's schedule, leading to more fruitful and fulfilling spiritual lives. [25:14]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Reflection: Are there aspects of your life where you feel out of sync with God's timing? What steps can you take to better align with His divine seasons?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Our culture values busyness as if this is a badge of success. And so what happened because of the fall is man no longer co-labors with God. Now, we just toil and labor. We break our backs and we contend and we're just stressed out all the time and worry and fear and anxiety. And we're just stressed out all the time. And I have to carry all this on my own." [21:33]( | | )

2. "I want to encourage you, pay attention to what you speak. This is the word of faith movement. And it's essence, there's more to it. But then the Lord began to speak to me about John Wimber, about the Vineyard Movement. The Vineyard Movement shifted our worship. Some of you grew up in the Maranatha, you know, and you know, those songs are beautiful. But the Vineyard began to sing to Jesus." [10:35]( | | )

3. "I believe you guys are coming into a season where if you can learn to host him, as your most honored treasure guest, and you do so well, it's just going to be as simple as cancer go. Blind eyes be open. It's not going to have to be fasting for 40 days. It's not going to have to be working things up into a frenzy." [38:41]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Because I'm trying to do it with my human intellect, which some of this stuff, wasn't bad. But how many of you know, Jesus doesn't say, follow my mission and vision statement. He says, follow me. Paul doesn't say, follow my mission and vision and what are my core values and come to our beginner class. Paul says, imitate me." [26:17]( | | )

2. "I had this experience with Jesus. My dad was a carpenter, a contractor, construction worker, all those things. I saw Jesus and he was busy at work. And he was, you know, the saw, and he had the wood. In this encounter, he called me over. And I was my age now, but I was like a little boy." [39:17]( | | )

3. "I know what it says, but I said, God, I don't understand this verse. My yoke is easy. My burden is light. And maybe the teachers out there are going, well, I can't wait for the break to tell them. See, God would take an older oxen and he would tie it to a younger oxen. You know, God wouldn't, but they'd take an older oxen, tie it to a younger oxen. And then the older oxen carried all of the weight. And the younger oxen just had to follow and step with the older oxen." [23:51]( | | )

4. "The ways of God are found in the rest of God. there's a revelation that is unfolding in the body of Christ in this hour of the importance of rest. But I want to dive into it because when you think of rest, you might be thinking, sleeping in on a Sunday morning, right? In the book of Genesis, God creates, right? He creates the heavens and the earth. And day six, he creates man." [19:15]( | | )

5. "Just because you see it doesn't mean you're supposed to do anything about it. Hello? This is what I feel is happening in this community. Gifts are stirring. Anointing is increasing. Glory is increasing. Keep pressing in." [37:17]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?