Speaking Life: Embracing Faith and Boldness in God

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound power of speaking life over our finances and the importance of declaring God's favor and blessings over our resources. This is not a mere ritual but a powerful act of faith that aligns us with God's abundance and purpose. We delved into the book of Acts, specifically Acts 5, where the apostles performed miraculous signs and wonders, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. The passage challenges us to believe that the same Holy Spirit who worked through the apostles is available to us today, empowering us to bring healing and freedom to those around us.

We examined the concept of religiosity, which often manifests as form without power, focusing on rules and appearances rather than a genuine relationship with God. Jesus warned against the "yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees," which represents a legalistic mindset that can infiltrate our faith. This mindset can hinder our relationship with God, reducing it to a set of rules rather than a dynamic, loving relationship. We are called to embrace the freedom of relationship with God, which liberates us to live out our faith with authenticity and power.

The apostles' boldness in the face of persecution serves as a powerful example of obedience to God over human authority. Their unwavering commitment to proclaiming the name of Jesus, even when faced with imprisonment and threats, challenges us to prioritize God's voice above all else. This obedience, coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit, is the antidote to religiosity and empowers us to live out our faith boldly.

As we navigate a world that often opposes the values of God's kingdom, we are reminded that the advancement of God's kingdom will inevitably clash with other kingdoms. This requires us to be courageous and bold, relying on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength. We are called to be carriers of kingdom values, standing firm in our faith and proclaiming the good news of Jesus with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of declaration: Speaking life over our finances and resources is an act of faith that aligns us with God's abundance and purpose. It is not a ritual but a powerful declaration of God's favor and blessings. [01:10:00]

- The Holy Spirit's power: The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles to perform miracles is available to us today. We are challenged to believe in the possibility of healing and freedom through the Holy Spirit's power. [01:17:00]

- Beware of religiosity: Religiosity focuses on rules and appearances rather than a genuine relationship with God. We are called to embrace the freedom of relationship with God, which liberates us to live out our faith authentically. [01:26:04]

- Obedience over human authority: The apostles' boldness in proclaiming Jesus, even in the face of persecution, challenges us to prioritize God's voice above all else. Obedience to God, coupled with the Holy Spirit's power, is the antidote to religiosity. [01:37:28]

- Advancing God's kingdom: As we carry kingdom values into the world, we will encounter opposition. We need courage and boldness, relying on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength to stand firm in our faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus. [01:40:38]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09:42] - Speaking Life Over Finances
[01:10:39] - Partnering with God's Favor
[01:12:07] - Upcoming Event: Life to the City
[01:14:24] - Exploring the Book of Acts
[01:17:00] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[01:18:43] - Setting People Free
[01:19:11] - Angelic Assistance
[01:22:09] - Obeying God Over Humans
[01:24:05] - Rejoicing in Suffering
[01:25:13] - The Challenge of Religiosity
[01:28:17] - Relationship Over Ritual
[01:30:19] - Form and Structure
[01:32:23] - Uncontainable God
[01:35:33] - Wisdom of Gamaliel
[01:37:28] - Obedience and the Holy Spirit
[01:40:38] - Advancing God's Kingdom
[01:43:03] - Prayer for Boldness and Courage

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 5:17-42
- Matthew 16:6

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Observation Questions:

1. What miraculous events were the apostles involved in according to Acts 5, and how did these events demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit? [01:16:23]

2. How did the high priest and the Sadducees react to the apostles' actions, and what was their primary emotion? [01:32:07]

3. What role did the angel play in the apostles' story, and what message did the angel deliver to them? [01:19:27]

4. How did the apostles respond to the orders given by the high priest and the Sanhedrin? [01:22:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that speaking life over our finances is more than just a ritual? How does this align with the concept of faith in action? [01:09:42]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between religiosity and a genuine relationship with God? What are the dangers of a legalistic mindset? [01:26:04]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers today, and how does this compare to the apostles' experiences in Acts 5? [01:17:00]

4. How does the sermon interpret the apostles' boldness in the face of persecution, and what lesson does it offer about obedience to God over human authority? [01:37:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current financial situation. How can you begin to speak life and declare God's favor over your finances in a practical way this week? [01:09:42]

2. Identify an area in your life where you might be following rules or traditions more than seeking a genuine relationship with God. What steps can you take to shift your focus? [01:26:04]

3. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt the Holy Spirit empowering you to act or speak boldly? Share this experience with the group and discuss how you can be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. [01:17:00]

4. Consider a situation where you might need to prioritize God's voice over human authority. How can you prepare yourself to act with courage and obedience in such situations? [01:37:28]

5. The sermon mentions the inevitability of opposition when advancing God's kingdom. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength when facing such challenges? [01:40:38]

6. Think of a time when you felt challenged by a legalistic mindset, either in yourself or others. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to foster a more authentic faith? [01:26:04]

7. How can you actively carry and demonstrate kingdom values in your daily interactions, especially in environments that may oppose these values? [01:40:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Faithful Declarations
Speaking life over our finances and resources is an act of faith that aligns us with God's abundance and purpose. This is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound declaration of trust in God's provision and favor. By declaring God's blessings, we open ourselves to His divine abundance, allowing His purpose to manifest in our lives. This act of faith is a reminder that our words hold power and can shape our reality, aligning us with the promises of God. [01:10:00]

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your finances can you begin to speak life over today, trusting God for His provision and abundance?


Day 2: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Empowerment
The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles to perform miracles is available to us today. This truth challenges us to believe in the possibility of healing and freedom through the Holy Spirit's power. We are invited to step into a life of faith where the miraculous becomes possible, trusting that the Holy Spirit can work through us to bring transformation and hope to those around us. This empowerment is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who believe. [01:17:00]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to work through you today to bring healing and freedom to someone in your life?


Day 3: Breaking Free from Religiosity
Religiosity focuses on rules and appearances rather than a genuine relationship with God. We are called to embrace the freedom of relationship with God, which liberates us to live out our faith authentically. This freedom allows us to move beyond mere rituals and into a dynamic, loving relationship with God, where our faith is expressed through genuine love and obedience. By rejecting a legalistic mindset, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace. [01:26:04]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are more focused on rules than on a relationship with God? How can you shift your focus today?


Day 4: Prioritizing Divine Obedience
The apostles' boldness in proclaiming Jesus, even in the face of persecution, challenges us to prioritize God's voice above all else. Their unwavering commitment to obedience, coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit, serves as an antidote to religiosity. This example encourages us to listen for God's voice and to act in obedience, even when it contradicts human authority or societal norms. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose. [01:37:28]

"But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" (Acts 5:29, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to obedience, even if it goes against societal expectations? How can you take a step of faith today?


Day 5: Courageously Advancing God's Kingdom
As we carry kingdom values into the world, we will encounter opposition. This requires courage and boldness, relying on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength to stand firm in our faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus. We are called to be carriers of kingdom values, standing firm in our faith and proclaiming the good news of Jesus with confidence. This mission invites us to be bold and courageous, trusting that God is with us as we advance His kingdom. [01:40:38]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can boldly stand for God's kingdom values in your community today, even if it means facing opposition?

Quotes



As we speak life over our giving today, we believe God for raises and bonuses, estates and inheritances, abundant resources to create spaces for encounter where people from the oldest to the youngest are saved, set free, and sent to carry the authority and goodness of Jesus into all spaces and places. [01:10:09]

I feel really challenged that it's the same Holy Spirit who's operating then who can operate now so there is absolutely no reason for us to be so filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and so moving in obedience to God and his ways that wherever we walk that if our shadow falls on someone who is sick or who has any pain in their bodies that that would leave instantly. [01:17:11]

One of the roles of angels is to assist God and to assist us in shaping history and working out the Destinies of people and Nations. So we see this throughout the Bible. The angel of the Lord was leading the way for Moses and the Israelites to bring them into the promised land in Exodus. [01:19:11]

Peter and the other Apostles replied we must obey God rather than human beings. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead who you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and savior so that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. [01:22:08]

Beware of the yeast of the Sadducees and the Pharisees and what he means by that is that what religion is and what religiosity is around which is form without power. It's around following rules. It's about appearing a certain way that will it just takes a little it just takes a little but it affects the whole. [01:25:13]

Religion or religiosity that biblically it refers to the outward rituals and ceremonies that show one's obedience to God and the Pharisees and the Sadducees were known for their Devotion to obeying and protecting all of God's laws. That's a good thing however they were so desperate to keep God's laws that they began to build extensions around those laws. [01:28:17]

If we reduce our relationship with God to a set of rules or commands that we have to keep we are totally missing the point. The invitation of God to a relationship of love and obedience and devotion is the form and structure that supports and liberates us into greater fullness of Destiny in God. [01:30:19]

Obedience to God together with the power of our Holy Spirit I believe is one of the biggest antidotes to religiosity. Obedience to God together with the power of the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God looks like placing the highest value on his life even when it's going to stir up trouble. [01:37:28]

God is breaking the church out of a long dark night where we have compromised obedience to his voice for the sake of respectability where we've compromised obedience to his voice for the sake of timidity and political correctness and safety. This is hugely challenging to me as well. [01:40:38]

When we stop doing that when we Place obedience to his voice regardless of the backlash what's going to happen is that Bey Way Beyond The Four Walls of a church building the kingdom is going to start coming to politics to our education system to our health system to all the systems. [01:40:38]

We need the wisdom and the courage and the boldness of the Holy Spirit more than ever and we can't we cannot keep holding back we cannot keep holding back and I oh goodness I say this to myself because I find that I I I find for myself that I tend to I shrink back and I like to keep the peace and God's calling me out of that. [01:43:03]

Would we be carriers of Kingdom values would we be carriers of Kingdom values that everywhere we walk that where the kingdom values that we carry that are values of the Kingdom of Heaven the things that matter most to you where we come into the cont into contact with values that are of another kingdom we ask you in those moments for courage and for boldness. [01:43:03]

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Transcript
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