Returning to the Sacredness of God's Word
Summary
In reflecting on the journey of faith, I am deeply moved by the perseverance and depth of those who have walked with God for decades. There is a profound beauty in the prayers of those who have remained steadfast, expecting to see God's glory anew. This steadfastness is a testament to the enduring power of God's promises, which have remained true for over 2,000 years. The church is alive, and we are living proof of the promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. This is a time to celebrate the fulfillment of God's word and to be grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was promised to us and our children.
As I reflect on my own journey, I am reminded of the times I have fallen into the trap of seeking the praise of man rather than the glory of God. The allure of becoming a celebrity preacher, the temptation to entertain rather than to simply present the word of God, has been a struggle. Yet, I am reminded that the power of the gospel does not lie in eloquent speech or clever insights but in the simple, unadulterated truth of God's word. It is living and active, capable of piercing hearts and transforming lives.
The call is to return to the sacredness of God's word, to exalt it above all else, and to humble ourselves before it. We must confess our pride and ambition, recognizing that these have often led us away from the true power of the cross. The younger generation is yearning for authenticity, for a faith that is not about gimmicks or hype but about encountering the living God. They are seeking the glory of God, a glory that far surpasses anything we have known.
In this pursuit, we are reminded of the importance of community, of learning from those who have gone before us, and of raising up a new generation that values the sacredness of God's word. We are called to be diligent in our faith, to supplement it with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. In doing so, we will not be ineffective or unfruitful but will be richly provided for in the eternal kingdom of our Lord.
Key Takeaways:
- The enduring power of God's promises is evident in the steadfast faith of those who have walked with Him for decades. Their perseverance is a testament to the truth of God's word, which has remained unchanged for over 2,000 years. We are living proof of the promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. [04:14]
- The temptation to seek the praise of man rather than the glory of God is a struggle many face. The power of the gospel lies not in eloquent speech or clever insights but in the simple, unadulterated truth of God's word. It is living and active, capable of piercing hearts and transforming lives. [13:14]
- The call is to return to the sacredness of God's word, to exalt it above all else, and to humble ourselves before it. We must confess our pride and ambition, recognizing that these have often led us away from the true power of the cross. [36:31]
- The younger generation is yearning for authenticity, for a faith that is not about gimmicks or hype but about encountering the living God. They are seeking the glory of God, a glory that far surpasses anything we have known. [30:34]
- We are called to be diligent in our faith, to supplement it with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. In doing so, we will not be ineffective or unfruitful but will be richly provided for in the eternal kingdom of our Lord. [49:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Encouragement from the Faithful
- [01:09] - The Power of Perseverance
- [02:24] - Young and Old: A Needed Unity
- [03:36] - The Living Word of God
- [04:55] - Celebrating God's Promises
- [06:18] - Challenges of Modern Ministry
- [07:22] - The Temptation of Celebrity
- [09:38] - Confession and Repentance
- [13:14] - The Power of the Cross
- [16:37] - The Sacredness of Scripture
- [20:00] - Trusting in God's Word
- [23:05] - The Impact of Scripture
- [30:34] - A Generation Seeking Authenticity
- [36:31] - Humility and the Glory of God
- [49:19] - Diligence in Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
2. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 - "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
3. 2 Peter 1:3-11 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 16:18 reveal about the promise Jesus made regarding the church? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the enduring power of God's promises? [03:58]
2. In 2 Corinthians 4:1-4, what does Paul say about the way he presents the gospel? How does this align with the sermon’s call to avoid seeking the praise of man? [19:17]
3. According to 2 Peter 1:3-11, what qualities should believers strive to develop in their faith? How does this passage connect to the sermon’s message about being diligent in faith? [49:03]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church encourage believers in times of trial? [04:14]
2. In what ways might the temptation to seek human praise, as discussed in the sermon, lead to distorting the gospel message, as warned against in 2 Corinthians 4:1-4? [20:00]
3. How can the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:3-11 help believers avoid being ineffective and unfruitful in their faith journey? [49:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to seek the praise of others rather than the glory of God. How can you refocus your intentions to align with the message of the sermon? [09:12]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of authenticity in faith. What steps can you take to ensure your faith is genuine and not based on gimmicks or hype? [30:34]
3. How can you actively participate in building a community that values the sacredness of God's word, as encouraged in the sermon? [26:41]
4. Identify one quality from 2 Peter 1:3-11 that you feel needs strengthening in your life. What practical steps can you take this week to develop this quality? [49:03]
5. The sermon calls for humility and confession of pride. Is there an area of your life where pride has taken root? How can you address this through prayer and accountability? [36:31]
6. How can you encourage the younger generation in your community to seek the glory of God and not be swayed by worldly distractions? [31:12]
7. Consider the promise of God’s enduring word. How can you incorporate more of God’s word into your daily routine to strengthen your faith? [03:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Enduring Power of God's Promises
The steadfast faith of those who have walked with God for decades is a powerful testament to the enduring truth of His promises. For over 2,000 years, God's word has remained unchanged, and the church stands as living proof that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. This is a time to celebrate the fulfillment of God's word and to be grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was promised to us and our children. The perseverance of the faithful is a beautiful reminder of the power and reliability of God's promises. [04:14]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies steadfast faith, and how can you learn from their example to trust in God's promises more deeply today?
Day 2: The Temptation of Seeking Human Praise
Many face the struggle of seeking the praise of man rather than the glory of God. The allure of becoming a celebrity or the temptation to entertain rather than present the word of God can be strong. However, the power of the gospel lies not in eloquent speech or clever insights but in the simple, unadulterated truth of God's word. It is living and active, capable of piercing hearts and transforming lives. We are called to focus on God's glory rather than human approval. [13:14]
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek human approval over God's glory, and how can you refocus your intentions today?
Day 3: Returning to the Sacredness of God's Word
There is a call to return to the sacredness of God's word, to exalt it above all else, and to humble ourselves before it. Pride and ambition can often lead us away from the true power of the cross. Confessing these tendencies allows us to realign with the sacredness of Scripture. The younger generation is yearning for authenticity, for a faith that is not about gimmicks or hype but about encountering the living God. They seek a glory that far surpasses anything we have known. [36:31]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:105-106, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize the sacredness of God's word in your daily routine, and what steps can you take to humble yourself before it today?
Day 4: A Generation Seeking Authenticity
The younger generation is yearning for authenticity, for a faith that is not about gimmicks or hype but about encountering the living God. They are seeking the glory of God, a glory that far surpasses anything we have known. This pursuit calls for a return to the core of our faith, where the living God is encountered in truth and spirit. It is a reminder of the importance of community, learning from those who have gone before us, and raising up a new generation that values the sacredness of God's word. [30:34]
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be an example of authentic faith to the younger generation around you, and what practical steps can you take to foster genuine encounters with God?
Day 5: Diligence in Faith
We are called to be diligent in our faith, to supplement it with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. In doing so, we will not be ineffective or unfruitful but will be richly provided for in the eternal kingdom of our Lord. This diligence requires intentionality and a commitment to growth in our spiritual journey. By focusing on these virtues, we align ourselves with God's purpose and prepare for the eternal kingdom. [49:19]
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: Which of the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 do you need to focus on developing in your life, and what specific actions can you take to cultivate this virtue today?
Quotes
There is a depth there is like a perseverance that I just walk in the room and I'm I'm looking around I'm listening to your voice is listening there's just something that's deep you you know we were praying in that room I was just like I love this I love hearing the prayers of people who prayed for decades and they still love and they still believe and they still go no I'm expecting for tonight and I want to see more Glory than I've ever experienced I want it tonight. [00:00:45]
Think about it you guys Jesus made a promise he he says these are my promises Heaven and Earth will pass away but my word will not and he promised he promised in Matthew 16 he goes I'm going to build my church think about it someone made a promise 2,000 years ago and said I'm going to build my church and the gates of hell can't stop this and now here we are tonight 2,000 years later reaping like the promise and going man I'm still encouraged by what you promised 2,000 years ago. [00:03:40]
The power of the gospel lies not in eloquent speech or clever insights but in the simple, unadulterated truth of God's word. It is living and active, capable of piercing hearts and transforming lives. We must confess our pride and ambition, recognizing that these have often led us away from the true power of the cross. [00:13:14]
I love the praise of man still God I don't want this I don't want to love the praise of man I'm confessing my competitive nature I remember this I was meeting with this pastor you know I just respected and I was like hey can I just come pick your brain on some things I get to his house and he says I'm like I can't believe he'd take time for me and he goes of course I'll make time for you you're one of the top 20 podcasts did you know that he goes you're number 19 I'm number two and he goes let me show you how you can check so guess what I got obsessed with okay number two I'm coming after you. [00:10:31]
I do see a young generation that's tired of the games seriously they're tired of the show The gimmicks the hype and they're ready for something sacred you know cuz all the hype all the fun you can have God and they don't want the end right they just yes they just give me the word of God give it to me straight tell me if I'm off if this is sin just say it yes and I want to experience him like Moses. [00:30:34]
Paul says I refuse to practice cunning I I refuse to try to be so clever to get their attention I I refuse to try to manipulate them and trick them and and just kind of move them in such a way he goes but instead rather than tampering with God's word now I better not teach that just yet I better not teach that just yet that's going to offend them oh the world hates this right now he goes I refuse to Tamper or practice cunning but by an open statement of the truth we just throw it out there. [00:20:00]
We are called to be diligent in our faith, to supplement it with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. In doing so, we will not be ineffective or unfruitful but will be richly provided for in the eternal kingdom of our Lord. [00:49:19]
I love second Timothy let me read from second Peter and you just let let it wash you just enjoy this this like Peter and John on the Mountaintop with James and Jesus and Elijah and Moses and the cloud comes and the voice comes out of the cloud and it says they fell on their faces and they were terrified CU like Oh shoot that's God's voice and they are just shaking. [00:45:51]
I think the most encouraging thing to me about Gary is that he's pretty old and no I I I mean that in a good way like No And and honestly I look around most of the events I speak at are for young people and uh the I come here and uh and no it's true but you know what the thing is it is so different it is there. [00:00:05]
I love the praise of man still God I don't want this I don't want to love the praise of man I'm confessing my competitive nature I remember this I was meeting with this pastor you know I just respected and I was like hey can I just come pick your brain on some things I get to his house and he says I'm like I can't believe he'd take time for me and he goes of course I'll make time for you you're one of the top 20 podcasts did you know that he goes you're number 19 I'm number two and he goes let me show you how you can check so guess what I got obsessed with okay number two I'm coming after you. [00:10:31]
I love the praise of man still God I don't want this I don't want to love the praise of man I'm confessing my competitive nature I remember this I was meeting with this pastor you know I just respected and I was like hey can I just come pick your brain on some things I get to his house and he says I'm like I can't believe he'd take time for me and he goes of course I'll make time for you you're one of the top 20 podcasts did you know that he goes you're number 19 I'm number two and he goes let me show you how you can check so guess what I got obsessed with okay number two I'm coming after you. [00:10:31]
I love the praise of man still God I don't want this I don't want to love the praise of man I'm confessing my competitive nature I remember this I was meeting with this pastor you know I just respected and I was like hey can I just come pick your brain on some things I get to his house and he says I'm like I can't believe he'd take time for me and he goes of course I'll make time for you you're one of the top 20 podcasts did you know that he goes you're number 19 I'm number two and he goes let me show you how you can check so guess what I got obsessed with okay number two I'm coming after you. [00:10:31]
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