Stepping Out: Embracing Faith Beyond Comfort Zones

Summary

In today's message, we embarked on a new series titled "Outside," which challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the movement required to truly follow Jesus. The foundational scripture for this series is Luke 9:23, where Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This call to action is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to move beyond our comfort and into the life God has planned for us.

The theme of movement is illustrated through various biblical examples. Abraham left his homeland without knowing his destination, Moses stepped out of his reluctance to lead the Israelites, and Peter walked on water, demonstrating faith in action. Each of these figures had to leave their comfort zones to fulfill God's purpose for their lives. Similarly, we are called to live a faith that is active and dynamic, not stagnant or complacent.

Living faith is moving faith. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Our faith must be accompanied by action, stepping out in obedience to God's call. Staying still not only stunts our spiritual growth but also limits our potential to impact others and receive God's blessings. When we refuse to move, we risk missing out on the opportunities God has for us and the blessings that come with obedience.

The message also emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance, trusting His plan, and taking the first step in faith. As we prepare to take communion, we are encouraged to reflect on the areas where we have become too comfortable and ask God to reveal the steps we need to take to follow Him more closely. This series is a call to action, urging us to move beyond our comfort zones and into the abundant life God has for us.

Key Takeaways:

- Living Faith Requires Movement: True faith is not passive but requires action. Just as Abraham, Moses, and Peter stepped out in faith, we too must be willing to move beyond our comfort zones to follow Jesus. Faith without action is dead, and living faith is characterized by movement and obedience. [47:14]

- Staying Still Stunts Growth: When we remain in our comfort zones, we limit our spiritual growth and miss out on the opportunities God has for us. Like the rich young ruler, we risk walking away from the blessings and experiences that come with following Jesus. [51:53]

- Impacting Others Through Action: Our willingness to step out in faith can have a profound impact on others. By taking action, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting needs and sharing the gospel with those around us. [59:50]

- Missing Blessings by Staying Comfortable: When we refuse to step out of our comfort zones, we miss the blessings that come with obedience. God rewards those who follow His call, and sometimes the blessing is simply avoiding the consequences of disobedience. [01:05:02]

- Seek, Trust, Go: We are encouraged to seek God's guidance, trust His plan, and take the first step in faith. By doing so, we open ourselves to the possibilities and blessings that come with following Jesus. This requires a willingness to let go of our pride and embrace the journey God has for us. [01:09:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the New Series
- [02:15] - Theme of Movement in Following Jesus
- [04:00] - Biblical Examples of Stepping Out
- [10:45] - Living Faith is Moving Faith
- [15:30] - The Danger of Comfort Zones
- [20:00] - Impacting Others Through Action
- [25:00] - Missing Blessings by Staying Comfortable
- [30:00] - Seek, Trust, Go
- [35:00] - Communion Preparation
- [40:00] - Reflecting on Comfort Zones
- [45:00] - Prayer and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Outside" Series

Bible Reading:
- Luke 9:23: "Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'"
- James 2:17: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
- Genesis 12:1-4: The call of Abraham to leave his homeland.

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when He says to "take up your cross daily" in Luke 9:23? How does this relate to the concept of movement in faith? [00:30]

2. How does the story of Abraham in Genesis 12 illustrate the theme of stepping out of one's comfort zone? [47:14]

3. According to James 2:17, what is the relationship between faith and works? How was this concept explained in the sermon? [51:53]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the consequences of staying in one's comfort zone? [54:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the call to "take up your cross daily" challenge a believer's current lifestyle or priorities? What does this daily commitment look like in practical terms? [00:30]

2. In what ways did the sermon suggest that staying in our comfort zones can limit our spiritual growth and impact on others? [51:53]

3. How does the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10 serve as a warning about the dangers of comfort and material possessions? [54:50]

4. What does it mean to "seek, trust, and go" in the context of following Jesus, and how can this principle be applied to everyday life? [01:09:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God calling you to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [51:53]

2. Identify an area in your life where you feel too comfortable. What is one step you can take this week to move beyond that comfort zone in obedience to God's call? [01:09:18]

3. How can you actively seek God's guidance in your daily decisions? What practices can you implement to ensure you are listening to His voice? [01:09:18]

4. Consider the people around you who might be impacted by your willingness to step out in faith. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to them this week? [59:50]

5. What specific blessings might you be missing out on by staying in your comfort zone? How can you position yourself to receive these blessings through obedience? [01:05:02]

6. How can you incorporate the principle of "seek, trust, go" into your prayer life and decision-making processes? [01:09:18]

7. Think of a situation where you hesitated to act because of fear or uncertainty. How can you overcome these barriers to take the first step in faith? [01:02:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Motion
True faith is characterized by movement and obedience. Just as Abraham, Moses, and Peter stepped out in faith, we too must be willing to move beyond our comfort zones to follow Jesus. Faith without action is dead, and living faith is characterized by movement and obedience. This means that our faith should be active, not passive, and should be demonstrated through our actions and decisions. When we step out in faith, we align ourselves with God's purpose and open ourselves to His guidance and blessings. [47:14]

Hebrews 11:8-9 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What practical steps can you take today to begin moving in that direction?

Day 2: Growth Beyond Comfort
When we remain in our comfort zones, we limit our spiritual growth and miss out on the opportunities God has for us. Like the rich young ruler, we risk walking away from the blessings and experiences that come with following Jesus. Staying still not only stunts our spiritual growth but also limits our potential to impact others and receive God's blessings. By stepping out of our comfort zones, we allow God to work in and through us, leading to personal growth and a deeper relationship with Him. [51:53]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: Identify a comfort zone in your life that you feel God is calling you to leave. How can embracing discomfort lead to growth in your spiritual journey?

Day 3: Faith in Action Impacts Others
Our willingness to step out in faith can have a profound impact on others. By taking action, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting needs and sharing the gospel with those around us. When we live out our faith through action, we not only grow spiritually but also influence and inspire others to do the same. Our actions can serve as a testimony to God's love and power, drawing others closer to Him and encouraging them to pursue their own faith journey. [59:50]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community this week. How can your actions reflect God's love to those around you?

Day 4: Blessings in Obedience
When we refuse to step out of our comfort zones, we miss the blessings that come with obedience. God rewards those who follow His call, and sometimes the blessing is simply avoiding the consequences of disobedience. By choosing to obey God's call, we open ourselves to the opportunities and blessings He has in store for us. Obedience requires trust and faith, but it leads to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment as we align ourselves with God's will. [01:05:02]

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (ESV): "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's blessings as a result of obedience. How can this experience encourage you to trust and obey God's call in your current situation?

Day 5: Seek, Trust, and Take the First Step
We are encouraged to seek God's guidance, trust His plan, and take the first step in faith. By doing so, we open ourselves to the possibilities and blessings that come with following Jesus. This requires a willingness to let go of our pride and embrace the journey God has for us. Trusting in God's plan means surrendering our own desires and plans, and being open to His leading, even when it seems uncertain or challenging. [01:09:18]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? What step can you take today to begin trusting Him more fully in that area?

Quotes

"Following Jesus requires movement in this example let's talk about some people and and really and let me go another step and say it's kind of about getting out of your comfort zone we've got a lot of comfortable christians in the world and as one of my pastors used to say say amen or oh me one of the other because we've all been there it's nice to be comfortable it's nice to not have to work hard to take a rest and do whatever." [00:41:22] (26 seconds)

"Abraham right genesis chapter 12 abraham was a you know father of the children of israel abraham isaac and jacob one of the patriarchs of the of israel and the hebrew people and it kind of started his story start kind of started he was close to god he loved god he feared god they had a great relationship god actually told abraham to go to a land that he did not tell him where he was going he just said go where am i going god just go all right so abraham and sariah his wife who became sarah they left they win right but there was amazing things that happened that started the whole thing started with this dude had he not left things wouldn't have happened okay he had to step out." [00:41:22] (42 seconds)

"Staying still stunts growth and we can, and this is 2C, we can miss blessings, all right? Going back to Mark chapter 10, this is just a few verses after we just read about the young, rich young leader or ruler. This is going, verse 28 says this, Then Peter began to speak up and he's talking to Jesus. He says, Jesus, we've given up everything to follow you. He said, yes, Jesus replied. And I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property for my sake and for the good news will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property, along with persecution. And in the world to come, that person will have eternal life." [01:05:21] (62 seconds)

"Seek, trust, go. Seek, trust, go. Seek, trust, go. It can't be any simpler. When we take communion in a minute, I'm going to challenge you as we're taking the elements together, as we're taking the bread, as we're taking the juice, I want you to do it with an open heart, a seeking heart, asking God, God, what, what comfort zone am I stuck in? What comfort zone am I stuck in? We. We have a big sectional in our living room and one end of it is what they call a chase thing. I don't think it has anything to do with the chase family. It's like a permanent recliner -like thing and that's my chair. People try to take it sometimes, but that's my chair. But what I've noticed is that when I get in that chair and I'm comfortable, it takes some effort." [01:08:20] (65 seconds)

"And I don't know if you've ever felt this before. I have. I'm not going to tell the stories. But if you have ever walked away knowing that God asked you to do something and you didn't do it, it will eat at you. It will eat at you. I had a simple thing. I said I wasn't going to tell a story. I apologize. I had a simple thing happen. When I was a young man, I was probably 17 years old, 16 or 17, when at a service God laid on my heart to put my bass guitar down during an altar call time and go to this particular pew full of young people and me personally to challenge them and ask them if they wanted salvation, if they needed prayer, you know, just to encourage them and lift them up. And I didn't." [01:02:41] (50 seconds)

"There's a Southern Gospel song by Jason Crabb. If you are bored, search it up. But the song is called Somebody Like Me. And the whole thing, he's talking about this raggedy man who comes in after church has started. and he, you know, he looks a certain way, smells a certain way. There's presumptions that can be made because of his appearance. And he, in the course of it, he's saying somebody needs to do this. Somebody needs to pray for him. Somebody needs to love him. Somebody needs to reach out. Somebody needs to, somebody needs to. And it finally occurs to him, that's probably somebody like me. Right? So if we're not willing to step out of our comfort zone, there are a lot of people who aren't going to get prayer." [01:04:31] (39 seconds)

"Now in this passage, it's an example of how, when we step out of our comfort zones and follow Jesus' instructions, we will be rewarded. And I know right in that second, somebody said, always pastor, are we always going to be rewarded? Can I tell you something? Yeah, I think so. Now we may not always see the reward initially. We may not always know in that moment how God has blessed us for being obedient, but I promise you, I believe everything I read in scripture that obedience is blessed. Okay. Sometimes the simple reward for being obedient is you don't suffer the consequences that would have come if you weren't obedient. You get that? Don't touch the fire. It'll burn you. Ow, moron." [01:06:23] (54 seconds)

"There's a, when we are at Hope Christian for the tournament, there's a sign on the gym there. I'm gonna quote it wrong, but it says something like, do something so big that you can't do it without God. Is that close, Derek? Did you read it? Something like that. Do something that's so big that you can't possibly do it without God's help. What's the next step? What's the first step? How do you, let me put it this way. Let God show you where the door is and then go outside. Bow your heads with me." [01:11:47] (36 seconds)

"Father God, we're here before you today, just seeking your face. And I'm so grateful, even in this first sermon of this series, for what you're gonna do every week. And Lord, I'm coming to you now, humbly asking, on behalf of each one of us in this room, on behalf of myself, every staff member, every leader, every volunteer, every active congregate and attender and everyone who's just here for the first time, everyone who's coming and hasn't decided yet whether this is gonna be home or not, for each one of us, God, I'm saying, show us where we're too comfortable. And show us where the door is. Show us the steps we need to take in order to follow you." [01:12:23] (48 seconds)

"Guide and direct us every day. Help us to truly be your hands and feet extended everywhere we go. To take action. to not wait and determine whether we're the ones, just to walk out in faith knowing that we are the ones. If we see the need, we should meet the need. If we see the problem, we should fix the problem. If we see the hurting, we should be the ones to pray for them and encourage them and build them up. Give us the strength. Give us the boldness. Give us a perfect peace, Lord, for those here today that may be struggling with something on their own, in their own life, whether it's physical, whether it's emotional, financial, whatever it may be." [01:25:57] (39 seconds)

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Transcript

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