Stewarding God's Vision: Faith, Civic Duty, and Patience
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of vision, particularly how it relates to our faith and our role as stewards of God's revelations. We began by acknowledging that when God imparts a vision, it is not solely for us to execute independently. Instead, it requires a collaborative effort with Him, recognizing that we are stewards of what He has entrusted to us. This stewardship means understanding that the vision is not ours but His, and we must be faithful in sharing and nurturing it.
We also delved into the importance of civic engagement, especially in the context of voting. Drawing from biblical teachings, we emphasized the responsibility of Christians to be active participants in society, including exercising the right to vote. This is part of being good citizens and living out our faith in practical ways. We discussed the findings of a survey that highlighted the potential impact of churches in motivating non-voting believers to participate in elections, underscoring the role of the church in fostering civic responsibility.
Furthermore, we introduced the concept of "vision builders," individuals who are fully committed to the church's mission and vision. These vision builders are not only dedicated to supporting the church community but also to partnering with global missions. We celebrated the church's longstanding commitment to giving and supporting both local and international missions, highlighting the upcoming Vision Builders event as a time of celebration and reflection on our collective achievements.
The sermon concluded with a reflection on the nature of divine vision. We discussed how God's vision often requires His provision, and how it is essential to prepare our hearts to receive and nurture this vision. By writing down and sharing the vision, it begins to take on a life of its own, drawing people and resources to it. We were reminded of the importance of patience and faithfulness in stewarding God's vision, using the story of Abraham and Sarah as an example of the challenges and rewards of trusting in God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Stewardship of Vision: Recognizing that we are stewards of God's vision is crucial. This means understanding that the vision is not ours but His, and we must faithfully nurture and share it. By doing so, we allow the vision to breathe and attract others to it, creating a collaborative effort with God. [28:55]
2. Civic Responsibility: As Christians, we are called to be active participants in society, which includes voting. This is part of our responsibility to be good citizens and to influence the culture positively. By engaging in civic duties, we can help create a peaceful and godly environment. [07:17]
3. Vision Builders: Vision builders are individuals committed to the church's mission and vision. They support the church community and global missions, embodying the spirit of giving and service. This commitment is celebrated through events like Vision Builders, which highlight our collective achievements. [15:12]
4. Divine Vision and Provision: God's vision often requires His provision, meaning it is beyond our own resources. This teaches us to rely on Him and trust in His timing and methods. By preparing our hearts and sowing the seed of His vision, we participate in the growth and eventual harvest. [27:38]
5. Patience and Faithfulness: The story of Abraham and Sarah reminds us of the importance of patience and faithfulness in stewarding God's vision. Even when the promise seems impossible, trusting in God's word and timing leads to fulfillment. This requires us to avoid taking matters into our own hands and instead rely on His guidance. [31:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:59] - Introduction and Greetings
- [01:39] - Importance of Prayer and Civic Engagement
- [02:40] - Survey on Voting and Faith
- [03:52] - Reasons for Not Voting
- [06:10] - Motivating Non-Voters
- [07:17] - Christian Responsibility to Vote
- [10:03] - Sacredness of Voting
- [10:58] - Seeking the Welfare of the City
- [11:45] - Three Key Actions: Pray, Vote, Influence
- [12:33] - Introduction to Vision Builders
- [15:12] - Vision Builders Event
- [17:56] - Building a Community for God Seekers
- [20:38] - Mission and Vision of the Church
- [23:29] - Prophetic Vision and Its Impact
- [27:04] - Collaboration with God in Vision
- [31:34] - Patience in God's Promises
- [35:04] - Personal Reflection on Vision
- [42:47] - Prophetic Word and Future Vision
- [44:40] - Closing Blessing and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 - "I exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
2. Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no prophetic vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law."
3. Habakkuk 2:2-3 - "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, what is the primary purpose of praying for those in authority? How does this relate to the concept of civic responsibility discussed in the sermon? [02:40]
2. In Proverbs 29:18, what is the consequence of lacking prophetic vision? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of having a divine vision? [21:31]
3. How does the story of Abraham and Sarah illustrate the challenges and rewards of trusting in God's promises, as mentioned in the sermon? [31:34]
4. What role do "vision builders" play in the church's mission, and how is this concept celebrated within the church community? [15:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the exhortation in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray for leaders connect with the sermon’s call for Christians to engage in civic duties like voting? What might be the broader implications of this connection for Christian civic engagement? [07:17]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a lack of prophetic vision can lead to a lack of direction or purpose within a church community? How might this apply to individual believers as well? [21:31]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of patience and faithfulness in stewarding God's vision. How does the story of Abraham and Sarah serve as a cautionary tale about taking matters into our own hands? [31:34]
4. How does the concept of "vision builders" reflect the church's commitment to both local and global missions? What does this reveal about the church's understanding of its mission and vision? [15:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be trying to fulfill a vision without relying on God's provision? How can you shift your approach to be more collaborative with God? [27:38]
2. Considering the sermon’s emphasis on civic responsibility, how can you actively participate in your community to reflect your faith? Are there specific actions you can take to encourage others to engage in civic duties like voting? [07:17]
3. Think about a vision or goal you have. Have you written it down and shared it with others as suggested in Habakkuk 2:2-3? What steps can you take to make your vision more visible and actionable? [23:29]
4. How can you become a "vision builder" in your church or community? What specific actions can you take to support the church's mission and vision, both locally and globally? [15:12]
5. Reflect on a time when you were impatient with God's timing. How did that experience affect your faith journey? What can you learn from Abraham and Sarah's story to apply to your current situation? [31:34]
6. In what ways can you prepare your heart to receive and nurture God's vision for your life? Are there specific practices or disciplines you can adopt to be more open to His guidance? [28:15]
7. How can you foster a community for God seekers in your own context, as described in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to create an environment that encourages spiritual growth and connection? [17:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship of Divine Vision
Recognizing that we are stewards of God's vision is crucial. This means understanding that the vision is not ours but His, and we must faithfully nurture and share it. By doing so, we allow the vision to breathe and attract others to it, creating a collaborative effort with God. This stewardship requires humility and a willingness to align our actions with God's purpose, acknowledging that His plans are greater than our own. As stewards, we are called to be faithful in sharing and nurturing the vision, allowing it to grow and impact others. [28:55]
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14, ESV)
Reflection: What specific vision has God entrusted to you, and how can you actively nurture and share it with others this week?
Day 2: Civic Responsibility as Faithful Witness
As Christians, we are called to be active participants in society, which includes voting. This is part of our responsibility to be good citizens and to influence the culture positively. By engaging in civic duties, we can help create a peaceful and godly environment. The act of voting is not just a civic duty but a spiritual one, where we can express our values and beliefs in the public sphere. It is an opportunity to seek the welfare of the city and to be a light in the world, reflecting God's love and justice. [07:17]
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to vote in a way that reflects your faith and values in the upcoming election?
Day 3: Becoming a Vision Builder
Vision builders are individuals committed to the church's mission and vision. They support the church community and global missions, embodying the spirit of giving and service. This commitment is celebrated through events like Vision Builders, which highlight our collective achievements. Vision builders are not only dedicated to supporting the church community but also to partnering with global missions. They are catalysts for change, inspiring others to join in the mission and vision of the church. [15:12]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to your church's mission and vision, both locally and globally, this month?
Day 4: Trusting in Divine Vision and Provision
God's vision often requires His provision, meaning it is beyond our own resources. This teaches us to rely on Him and trust in His timing and methods. By preparing our hearts and sowing the seed of His vision, we participate in the growth and eventual harvest. It is essential to prepare our hearts to receive and nurture this vision, trusting that God will provide the necessary resources and guidance. This reliance on God deepens our faith and strengthens our relationship with Him. [27:38]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God for provision, and how can you actively prepare your heart to receive His vision?
Day 5: Patience and Faithfulness in God's Promises
The story of Abraham and Sarah reminds us of the importance of patience and faithfulness in stewarding God's vision. Even when the promise seems impossible, trusting in God's word and timing leads to fulfillment. This requires us to avoid taking matters into our own hands and instead rely on His guidance. Patience and faithfulness are essential virtues in the journey of faith, as they allow us to wait on God's perfect timing and trust in His promises. [31:34]
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)
Reflection: What promise from God are you waiting on, and how can you cultivate patience and faithfulness in your life as you wait for its fulfillment?
Quotes
1) "If God is going to give you a vision, or if he has given you a vision that requires his provision, that requires him, requires a collaboration, how should you respond? Number one, you realize, recognize you are a steward. You're a servant. So when God gives you a word, when he begins to speak a vision into your life, he begins to show you something about himself. Here's the first stop is, I am a steward of what he's given me. It's not mine, it's his. And when you recognize and realize it's his, then you have no embarrassment about sharing what it is that he wants to do. You just lay it out there." [00:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "I believe that we are commanded as Christians to... To vote. To be good citizens. I believe that. I believe that when people think about what good citizens are, that they would find out at the core they're Christ followers. And so I know that some of these things, like, I mean, you know, you think, man, it's hard for me to reconcile voting for this person or that person, this issue or that issue. But I'm just saying that, hey, we as Christians don't have the... We really are people that should be model citizens. And I believe that includes voting." [07:17] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Here's what I've learned about vision. Most everybody has some kind of vision. So if you're here today, you probably got some kind of vision, a vision for your life, a vision for your family, a vision for your business, your favorite football team. I have this time of year, I always get a vision to see the Cowboys in the Super Bowl. And for 29 years in a row, I've been disappointed. But not every vision that people have is a vision from God. So it's possible to have a human vision. But today, what I want to talk about is a divine vision, a vision that comes from God." [16:25] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Our vision, this is who we are, is to build a community for God seekers. That every one of you are here today, we believe, because you want more of God in your life. We want to create a community that doesn't hinder that, but a community that makes it fertile for that to happen, for you to get more of God. In your life, for me to have more of God in my life. And so we're building a community for God seekers." [17:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The Bible says in Proverbs 29, 18, where there is no prophetic vision, the people cast off restraint. It's the vision that keeps us together. Now, again, I'm talking about vision that comes from God. The God kind of vision. It's that prophetic revelations, that knowing and understanding who we are, what we do, and why we do it, and then I'm a part of that. That kind of vision is what we're talking about. Where there is no prophetic vision, the Bible says, the people cast off restraint." [21:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "When you make God's vision plain and clear, you write it down so people can see it. You talk about it multiple times during the year. You have an event every year where we discuss it. It keeps everybody together, first and foremost. But secondly, it begins to take a life of its own. When you declare God's vision for your small group, for your... for your marriage, for your kids, for your family, for your friends, for your church, and you declare it and get it out there in the airwaves, it begins to take its own life. It begins to take life and become life-giving." [23:29] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "God's vision always requires God's provision. If God gives you a vision, and you got all the money in your bank account you need to make that happen, I'm sorry to tell you this, but it's not from God. It's not from God. God doesn't need your money. But he gives you a vision where you have to have his money to be able to do it. That's just the way he works. That's the way he flows. That's the way he rolls. Right? And so God's vision always requires God's provision." [27:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "God gives his vision that's always aligned with his word. It's never different. It's never different from his word. And then we, as collaborators, prepare the soil of our hearts. We get our hearts ready to receive the word. We make sure that we're ready, humble. We're stewards. We're in a spot to say, Lord, this is not me. This is you. I'm a steward of it. Whatever you say is what we'll do. Right? And so we prepare the soil of our hearts and then we sow the seed. What is the seed? It's the word that we got. It's the vision. It's the vision. It's the vision that God has for us." [34:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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