Stepping Out in Faith: Embracing God's Vision
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to explore the theme of vision, focusing on how God provides fresh vision for our church, families, and individual lives. We delved into the life of Abraham, a paragon of faith and vision, to understand how we can grow as people of vision and faith. Abraham's journey, as described in Hebrews 11 and Genesis 12, exemplifies extraordinary faith and obedience. He left his homeland, not knowing where he was going, but trusting in God's promises. This act of faith was not driven by feelings but by a clear word from God.
Abraham's story teaches us that vision requires action, stepping out in faith even when the outcome is uncertain. He left everything familiar to follow God's call, which led to the birth of a nation and ultimately, the lineage of Christ. This journey wasn't easy; it involved waiting and trusting in God's timing. Despite the long wait and numerous challenges, Abraham believed in God's promises, which were eventually fulfilled.
We also discussed the importance of believing in the impossible. Abraham and Sarah had to wait 24 years to see God's promise of a child fulfilled, yet they remained steadfast in their faith. This teaches us that faith grows through hearing God's word and trusting in His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.
Moreover, we emphasized the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Abraham's faith was strengthened as he spoke words of faith, aligning his confession with God's promises. This principle applies to us as well; our words can either build up or tear down, and we should choose to speak life and hope.
In conclusion, we are called to be people of vision, stepping out in faith, trusting in God's promises, and speaking words of faith. As we do so, we can expect to see God's miraculous work in our lives and the lives of those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Vision Requires Action: Abraham's journey teaches us that having a vision from God requires us to take action, even when the outcome is uncertain. Stepping out in faith, as Abraham did, involves leaving our comfort zones and trusting in God's promises. This act of obedience can lead to extraordinary outcomes, not just for us but for future generations. [56:51]
2. Trust in God's Timing: Abraham and Sarah had to wait 24 years to see God's promise of a child fulfilled. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God's timing. Even when circumstances seem contrary, we must hold on to God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. [01:11:40]
3. Believe in the Impossible: Our God specializes in making the impossible possible. Abraham believed in God's promise of a child despite his and Sarah's old age. This teaches us to have faith in God's ability to do the impossible in our lives, whether it's healing, provision, or restoration. [01:16:20]
4. The Power of Words: Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Abraham's faith was strengthened as he spoke words of faith, aligning his confession with God's promises. We too should choose to speak life and hope, believing that our words can impact our reality. [01:23:37]
5. Persistent Faith: Abraham's faith wasn't perfect, but it was persistent. He trusted in God's promise and provision despite numerous challenges and delays. This teaches us that we don't need perfect faith, but we do need a persistent faith that doesn't give up, trusting that God knows the perfect timing. [01:20:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[53:34] - Vision Season at Shiloh
[54:11] - Stepping Out in Faith
[54:51] - Abraham's Journey of Faith
[55:25] - The Hall of Faith
[56:18] - Opening Prayer
[56:51] - Five Points About Vision
[57:49] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
[58:16] - Leaving the Familiar
[59:35] - The Legacy of Faith
[01:00:07] - God's Promises to Abraham
[01:01:07] - Moving Forward in Faith
[01:02:05] - Trusting God's Direction
[01:03:09] - Heaven as Our Ultimate Home
[01:04:06] - Believing God's Word
[01:05:25] - The Power of God's Word
[01:06:24] - Jesus' Omniscience
[01:07:32] - Trusting God's Plan
[01:08:45] - Prophetic Words and Missions
[01:10:16] - Trusting in the Waiting Season
[01:11:40] - God's Reiteration of His Promise
[01:13:16] - New Identity in Christ
[01:14:47] - Praising God in All Seasons
[01:16:20] - Believing the Impossible
[01:17:45] - Growing in Faith
[01:19:04] - Sharing the Good News
[01:20:37] - Persistent Faith
[01:22:01] - Jesus' Miracles
[01:23:37] - The Power of Words
[01:25:00] - Teaching the Power of the Tongue
[01:26:24] - It Is Well with My Soul
[01:27:54] - Trusting in God's Help
[01:29:11] - The Impact of Our Words
[01:30:41] - Changing the Atmosphere
[01:31:58] - Praying in Faith
[01:33:23] - Trusting God's Will
[01:34:41] - Faith and Vision
[01:36:13] - Restoring Hope and Vision
[01:37:36] - Prayer for Healing and Provision
[01:38:59] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:8-12
2. Genesis 12:1-5
3. Proverbs 18:21
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Abraham take in response to God's call, as described in Hebrews 11:8-12?
2. According to Genesis 12:1-5, what specific promises did God make to Abraham when He called him to leave his homeland?
3. How does Proverbs 18:21 describe the power of our words, and how does this relate to Abraham's journey of faith? [01:23:37]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Abraham's willingness to leave his homeland without knowing his destination tell us about his faith and trust in God? [54:51]
2. How can the long wait that Abraham and Sarah experienced before the birth of their child teach us about trusting in God's timing? [01:11:40]
3. In what ways can speaking words of faith, as Abraham did, impact our reality and align us with God's promises? [01:23:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Abraham stepped out in faith, leaving his comfort zone. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take to respond to this call? [54:51]
2. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something you believed God had promised you. How did you handle the waiting period, and what did you learn from it? [01:11:40]
3. Abraham believed in the impossible promise of having a child in his old age. Is there a seemingly impossible situation in your life where you need to trust in God's power? How can you strengthen your faith in this area? [01:16:20]
4. Proverbs 18:21 speaks about the power of the tongue. Think about your daily conversations. Are there specific ways you can change your speech to align more with speaking life and hope? [01:23:37]
5. Abraham's faith was persistent despite challenges and delays. How can you cultivate a persistent faith in your own life, especially when facing difficulties? [01:20:37]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of believing in God's promises even when circumstances seem contrary. How can you remind yourself of God's promises daily? Are there specific scriptures or practices that help you stay focused on His promises? [01:11:40]
7. Abraham's journey impacted future generations. How can your faith and actions today influence the lives of those around you and future generations? What legacy of faith do you want to leave behind? [58:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Vision Requires Action
Abraham's journey is a powerful example of how vision requires action. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland, he stepped out in faith, not knowing where he was going. This act of obedience was not driven by feelings but by a clear word from God. Abraham's willingness to leave everything familiar and step into the unknown led to the birth of a nation and the lineage of Christ. This teaches us that having a vision from God requires us to take action, even when the outcome is uncertain. Stepping out in faith involves leaving our comfort zones and trusting in God's promises. This act of obedience can lead to extraordinary outcomes, not just for us but for future generations. [56:51]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (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. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: What is one area of 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: Trust in God's Timing
Abraham and Sarah had to wait 24 years to see God's promise of a child fulfilled. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God's timing. Even when circumstances seem contrary, we must hold on to God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. The waiting period can be challenging, but it is also a time of growth and preparation. Trusting in God's timing means believing that He knows what is best for us and that His plans are perfect. It requires patience and faith, knowing that God's promises will come to pass in His perfect timing. [01:11:40]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think of a promise or a dream that you are waiting on God to fulfill. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing during this waiting period?
Day 3: Believe in the Impossible
Our God specializes in making the impossible possible. Abraham believed in God's promise of a child despite his and Sarah's old age. This teaches us to have faith in God's ability to do the impossible in our lives, whether it's healing, provision, or restoration. Believing in the impossible requires us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem hopeless. It means holding on to God's promises and believing that He can and will do what He has said. This kind of faith can move mountains and bring about miraculous changes in our lives. [01:16:20]
Luke 1:37 (ESV): "For nothing will be impossible with God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to believe in God's ability to do the impossible? How can you strengthen your faith in this area today?
Day 4: The Power of Words
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Abraham's faith was strengthened as he spoke words of faith, aligning his confession with God's promises. We too should choose to speak life and hope, believing that our words can impact our reality. The words we speak can either build up or tear down, and it is important to align our speech with God's truth. Speaking words of faith and hope can strengthen our faith and encourage those around us. It is a powerful tool that can bring about positive change in our lives and the lives of others. [01:23:37]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Reflect on the words you have spoken recently. Are they words of faith and hope, or words of doubt and negativity? How can you begin to speak more life-giving words today?
Day 5: Persistent Faith
Abraham's faith wasn't perfect, but it was persistent. He trusted in God's promise and provision despite numerous challenges and delays. This teaches us that we don't need perfect faith, but we do need a persistent faith that doesn't give up, trusting that God knows the perfect timing. Persistent faith means holding on to God's promises and continuing to trust in Him, even when things don't go as planned. It is about being steadfast and unwavering in our faith, knowing that God is faithful and His promises will come to pass. [01:20:37]
James 1:3-4 (ESV): "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a challenge or delay you are currently facing. How can you cultivate a persistent faith that trusts in God's promises and timing, despite the difficulties?
Quotes
1. "To have fresh vision, we need to take that step of faith. It involves stepping out even when we don't know the outcome. It involves taking God at his word, believing for the impossible, and walking in obedience. Probably the more tougher one right there. Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. And even when we don't see it, we choose to believe that our God is able." [54:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Abraham left everything that was familiar. He left the status quo of his culture to step into something that he could never even imagine. By becoming the father of the Jewish nation through faith, he became part of the very lineage of Christ. Well, what kind of legacy is your faith producing today? A decision to step out and follow Jesus can change a life. A whole lineage." [58:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "People of vision are in motion. They're progressing. They're moving forward. And the truth is, we can't just stay in our comfort zone. I'd like to stay in my comfort zone a lot of times. But God is always stretching us and helping us to grow. It's not about moving to a physical location. But it's about stepping out. To do great things for God." [01:00:37] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "People of vision step out. And they step up to serve. They seek to be a blessing. And are led by a sense of calling and purpose. They're not led by emotions. But keep going. Even when they don't feel like it. Well Abraham was pretty cozy in Ur. That was his home. He left what was good. To follow God's even better leading." [01:02:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "People of vision believe God at his word. When God spoke to Abraham. He made an amazing promise. Even though Abraham. Was over 70 years old. He packed up his belongings. He left his home. And took God at his word. That he would make him a nation. Out of him. Believing God would give him children. And grandchildren. This is possible. Because we serve a God. That calls into existence. Things that do not exist." [01:03:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "People of vision trust God in the waiting seasons. Waiting is rough. Raise your hand if you think waiting is rough. If you're not raising your hand, then you're not telling that you'd like to raise both hands and both feet. Well, for Abraham, 10 years went by without any children being born, and Abe and Sarah started having some doubts. They're like, what's going on? Imagine waiting all those years. And we would start wondering, too." [01:10:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "People of vision believe the impossible. We serve a God who's in the business of the impossible. Abraham and Sarah had to wait 24 years to see the impossible unfold. Yet the Bible says, contrary to hope, Abraham believed. And that's where we turn to Romans. I love the book of Romans. Romans 4, 16 through 25." [01:14:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "People of vision speak words of faith. The Bible says in Proverbs 18, 21, that there's death and life in the power of the tongue. We can choose to have a positive or a negative confession. My grandma, Dr. Violet Cleary, I was just telling someone this story. She always said, what you say and what you release into the air. And she believes strongly that we need to speak words of faith and to guard our tongues." [01:23:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When fear, doubt, challenges arise, we need to choose to trust that God has us right in the middle of it. We need to speak words of hope and life. We need to believe that our God is able to do exceedingly, if you know this one, say it with me, exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask, think, or imagine." [01:31:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "People of vision believe. We need to pray in faith and trust God's will to be done in our lives. We're to pray believing, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. They said, you know what, our God is able, but even if he doesn't perform a miracle, we're still not going to bow. We're still going to believe. We will still declare words of hope and faith, because our faith is activated as we speak it." [01:33:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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