Staying the Course: Finding Fulfillment in God

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truths found in Psalm 23 and the importance of staying the course in our spiritual journey. We began by acknowledging the presence of the Lord among us, emphasizing that He inhabits the praises of His people. Psalm 23 reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd, providing for our needs, guiding us, and refreshing our souls. Even in the darkest valleys, we need not fear, for He is with us, offering comfort and protection.

We explored the idea that true satisfaction and fulfillment come only from God. Despite our attempts to find satisfaction elsewhere, it is only in His presence that our deepest longings are met. Worship, prayer, and entering into His presence are essential practices that lead to this satisfaction. We were encouraged to not miss what God is doing in our midst and to seek His peace that surpasses all understanding.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of spiritual maturity. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, urges believers to press on toward the goal and to have a mature mindset. Spiritual growth is a continuous journey, marked by milestones that we should celebrate. We were reminded that maturity involves not just personal growth but also seeking and learning from spiritual mentors.

Paul warns against the dangers of drifting off course, indulging in earthly desires, and becoming enemies of the cross of Christ. Instead, we are called to set our minds on things above, maintaining a heavenly perspective. This perspective helps us stay focused on our true citizenship in heaven and the work we are called to do here on earth.

In conclusion, we were encouraged to stay the course, seek spiritual mentors, be on guard against temptations, and live with an urgency for the kingdom of God. Our prayers and actions should reflect our heavenly citizenship, and we should strive to build our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. True Satisfaction in God Alone: Our deepest longings and desires can only be truly satisfied in God's presence. Worship, prayer, and entering into His presence are essential practices that lead to this satisfaction. Despite our attempts to find fulfillment elsewhere, it is only in God that we find true peace and contentment. [30:00]

2. The Importance of Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual growth is a continuous journey marked by milestones that we should celebrate. Paul urges believers to press on toward the goal and to have a mature mindset. Maturity involves not just personal growth but also seeking and learning from spiritual mentors. [01:08:46]

3. The Danger of Drifting Off Course: Indulging in earthly desires and becoming enemies of the cross of Christ can lead us astray. We must be on guard against cravings that make our hearts drift and stay focused on our spiritual journey. [01:29:01]

4. Maintaining a Heavenly Perspective: Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we must live with this perspective in mind. This helps us stay focused on our spiritual goals and the work we are called to do here on earth. We should not live as if this world is our final home. [01:34:50]

5. The Role of Spiritual Mentors: Having spiritual mentors in our lives is crucial for our growth and maturity. These mentors can provide guidance, wisdom, and accountability, helping us stay the course and grow in our faith. We should seek out and learn from those who have walked the path before us. [01:19:25]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[28:48] - Psalm 23 Reflection
[29:28] - Entering God's Presence
[30:00] - True Satisfaction in God
[30:49] - Worship and Praise
[31:46] - Seeking God's Refreshing
[35:36] - Building on a Firm Foundation
[36:26] - Praying for Our Community
[37:01] - Back to School Prayers
[37:51] - Tithes and Offerings
[42:37] - Announcements
[45:16] - Special Guest Speaker
[47:54] - Missions Trip Testimony
[58:34] - Praying for Joseph
[01:00:33] - Stay the Course
[01:05:00] - Pressing Toward the Goal
[01:08:46] - Spiritual Maturity
[01:18:17] - Following Spiritual Mentors
[01:25:41] - Warning Against Drifting
[01:34:50] - Heavenly Perspective
[01:42:46] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

2. Philippians 3:12-21: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key roles of the Lord as described in Psalm 23? How does He provide for and protect His people? [28:48]
2. According to Philippians 3:12-21, what does Paul urge believers to do in their spiritual journey? What mindset should they have? [01:08:46]
3. In the sermon, what are some of the dangers mentioned that can cause believers to drift off course? [01:29:01]
4. How does Paul describe the true citizenship of believers in Philippians 3:20-21? What are we eagerly awaiting? [01:34:50]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that true satisfaction and fulfillment come only from God, as highlighted in Psalm 23 and the sermon? How does this understanding impact our daily lives? [30:00]
2. What does spiritual maturity look like according to Paul in Philippians 3:12-21? How can believers strive for this maturity in practical ways? [01:08:46]
3. How can indulging in earthly desires make someone an enemy of the cross of Christ, as mentioned in Philippians 3:18-19? What are the consequences of such a lifestyle? [01:29:01]
4. What does it mean to maintain a heavenly perspective, and how does this perspective help believers stay focused on their spiritual goals? [01:34:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are seeking satisfaction outside of God's presence? How can you incorporate more worship, prayer, and time in His presence to find true fulfillment? [30:00]
2. Identify a milestone in your spiritual journey that you can celebrate. What is the next step you can take to continue growing in your faith? [01:08:46]
3. Have you ever felt yourself drifting off course in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to guard against temptations and stay focused on your relationship with God? [01:29:01]
4. Who are the spiritual mentors in your life? If you don't have one, how can you seek out someone who can provide guidance, wisdom, and accountability? [01:19:25]
5. How can you maintain a heavenly perspective in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself that your true citizenship is in heaven? [01:34:50]
6. Think of a specific temptation or earthly desire that has been a struggle for you. What strategies can you implement to resist this temptation and stay aligned with God's will? [01:29:01]
7. How can you live with an urgency for the kingdom of God? What actions can you take this week to reflect your heavenly citizenship in your prayers and interactions with others? [01:34:50]

Devotional

Day 1: True Satisfaction in God's Presence
Description: Our deepest longings and desires can only be truly satisfied in God's presence. Worship, prayer, and entering into His presence are essential practices that lead to this satisfaction. Despite our attempts to find fulfillment elsewhere, it is only in God that we find true peace and contentment. We are often tempted to seek satisfaction in material possessions, relationships, or achievements, but these are fleeting and ultimately leave us empty. In contrast, God's presence offers a lasting and profound sense of fulfillment that nothing else can provide. [30:00]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been seeking satisfaction outside of God? How can you intentionally seek His presence today to find true fulfillment?

Day 2: The Journey of Spiritual Maturity
Description: Spiritual growth is a continuous journey marked by milestones that we should celebrate. Paul urges believers to press on toward the goal and to have a mature mindset. Maturity involves not just personal growth but also seeking and learning from spiritual mentors. This journey requires perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to be molded by God. It is important to recognize that spiritual maturity is not a destination but a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. [01:08:46]

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV): "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: Identify a recent milestone in your spiritual journey. How can you celebrate this achievement and continue to press on toward further growth?

Day 3: Guarding Against Drifting Off Course
Description: Indulging in earthly desires and becoming enemies of the cross of Christ can lead us astray. We must be on guard against cravings that make our hearts drift and stay focused on our spiritual journey. The world offers many distractions that can pull us away from our faith, but we are called to remain steadfast and vigilant. By setting our minds on things above and maintaining a heavenly perspective, we can avoid the pitfalls of worldly temptations and stay true to our calling. [01:29:01]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: What are some earthly desires or distractions that have been pulling you away from your spiritual journey? How can you guard against these temptations and stay focused on your faith?

Day 4: Living with a Heavenly Perspective
Description: Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we must live with this perspective in mind. This helps us stay focused on our spiritual goals and the work we are called to do here on earth. We should not live as if this world is our final home. By maintaining a heavenly perspective, we can prioritize what truly matters and align our lives with God's purposes. This perspective also gives us hope and encouragement, knowing that our ultimate destination is with God in eternity. [01:34:50]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to a heavenly perspective today? What practical steps can you take to align your priorities with God's eternal purposes?

Day 5: The Role of Spiritual Mentors
Description: Having spiritual mentors in our lives is crucial for our growth and maturity. These mentors can provide guidance, wisdom, and accountability, helping us stay the course and grow in our faith. We should seek out and learn from those who have walked the path before us. Mentors can offer valuable insights and support, helping us navigate the challenges of our spiritual journey. By building relationships with mature believers, we can gain the encouragement and direction needed to continue growing in our faith. [01:19:25]

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Reflection: Who are the spiritual mentors in your life? How can you seek their guidance and wisdom to help you grow in your faith? If you don't have a mentor, what steps can you take to find one?

Quotes

1. "Whenever I worship, though, whenever I praise Him, whenever I pray, whenever I enter into His presence, He satisfies my soul. Amen? He satisfies me. He protects me. He leads me. He anoints me. Goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And then I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." [30:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Lord, today we come to you in recognition that if our life is built on anything else other than you, it will not be a firm foundation. It will be like sinking sand. But we place our life, our foundation on the rock, on you. Firm foundation where we can build and we can look forward, we can move forward in the kingdom of God because our life is built on you." [35:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to stay on course, and we need to keep our hearts aligned with a heavenly perspective, right? Fixing our eyes on Jesus, being on guard against enemies, staying mature, but if we don't, if we start to drift, we will get off course. That's the guarantee." [01:05:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Maturity is not something that we can just dismiss. Maturity is something that has to happen in every single believer. There must be gains and growth for every disciple of Jesus Christ. How many know that we cannot stay where we are, right?" [01:08:46] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need to keep celebrating and growing in our spiritual faith. So keep striving to spiritually grow and then celebrate the milestones. Well, Pastor, I've been a believer for 40 years. What is there left to celebrate? There's plenty, right? Maybe for you, you desire to just get into the Word deeper. Start memorizing some Scripture, right?" [01:14:03] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We need the body of Christ in operation that we can look to others to say, hey, I need to learn a little bit here. I need someone to kind of walk with me, pray with me. Allow Jesus. Here's this. We need to allow Jesus to place people in the body of Christ in front of us that we can learn from." [01:20:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We can be so stubborn. I just tell you, right? We can be so stubborn. I'm good. I'm going to pull myself on my bootstraps. I'm just going to will my way through. That's not the Christian way, though, when it talks about walking in maturity. The immature way is to say, I'm alone. I'm fine. I'm going to do my thing. Yet God says through his word that we are the body of Christ." [01:24:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We have to be on guard against cravings that make your heart drift. Cravings, things that would just, whether it be temptations or things that the enemy's pulling our way, certain things that we could just say, hey, this thing is, well, this is cool and I'm starting, but my heart's starting to drift. As I'm saying yes to this thing, I'm starting to say no to Jesus." [01:29:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If our true citizenship is in heaven, let's not live as if this world is our final home. Well, pastor, I got to get this geared up and this. I'm all for being wise or retirement or home or this and that, okay? But this is not our final home. We can't live like this. Like that it is." [01:37:10] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Stay the course. Invest in the kingdom of God. Set your mind on things above. Use your influence. Use the social environments that you're in. Pray. Shine your light in the dark places. Seek a spiritual mentor, as maybe as humbling as it may be. Be on guard against the temptations of the enemy of the world. And seek the Lord and know that this is not our final home." [01:42:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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