Stewarding Influence: Faith and Confidence in God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of influence and its profound impact on our lives. We began by examining the story from Numbers 13, where Moses sent spies to scout the Promised Land. Despite the land flowing with milk and honey, the spies were intimidated by the giants residing there, leading to fear and doubt among the Israelites. This narrative underscores the importance of being mindful of who or what influences us. As believers, we are responsible for discerning and stewarding the influences in our lives, ensuring they align with God's word and promises.
We also explored the story of Samson in Judges 15, where he used the jawbone of a donkey to defeat a thousand Philistines. This story illustrates that the anointing was not in the jawbone itself but in God's power working through it. Similarly, we must be cautious not to cling to past methods or traditions that God has moved on from. Instead, we should seek what God is using today to accomplish His purposes.
The sermon emphasized the need for faith that defies reality. Faith acknowledges the presence of giants and mountains but refuses to submit to them, trusting instead in God's power to overcome. We looked at David's encounter with Goliath, where David's faith in God, rather than Saul's armor, led to his victory. This story serves as a reminder that our confidence should be rooted in God alone.
Finally, we discussed the importance of attitude, using the analogy of a lion's belief system. A lion's confidence and attitude stem from its belief in its own strength, despite facing larger and more powerful animals. Similarly, our spiritual attitude should be fueled by our belief in God's power and promises, enabling us to face and overcome any adversary.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stewarding Influence: As believers, we must be vigilant about who or what influences us. The world is filled with voices and opinions, but we are responsible for discerning and stewarding these influences to ensure they align with God's word and promises. This requires prayer, discernment, and a commitment to God's truth. [01:44]
2. Faith That Defies Reality: Faith does not ignore reality but defies it by trusting in God's power to overcome. Whether facing giants, mountains, or personal struggles, faith resists the temptation to submit to fear and doubt, instead proclaiming God's ability to deliver and heal. [19:25]
3. Letting Go of Past Methods: The story of Samson and the jawbone teaches us that God's anointing is not tied to specific methods or traditions. We must be willing to let go of past practices that God has moved on from and seek His current direction and anointing for our lives. [16:20]
4. Confidence in God Alone: David's victory over Goliath highlights the importance of placing our confidence in God rather than human resources or methods. True victory comes from faith in God's power and promises, not from relying on our own strength or the influence of others. [27:00]
5. Attitude and Belief System: Like a lion's confidence in its own strength, our spiritual attitude should be fueled by our belief in God's power and promises. This belief system generates confidence, enabling us to face and overcome any adversary, no matter how formidable. [33:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Introduction to Influence
[01:13] - Definition of Influence
[01:44] - Modern-Day Influencers
[02:33] - Responsibility of Believers
[03:28] - The Promised Land
[05:24] - Facing Giants
[06:23] - Adversaries and Promises
[07:07] - The Report of the Spies
[08:03] - Caleb's Leadership
[09:39] - The Power of Influence
[11:08] - Discerning God's Current Work
[12:16] - Samson and the Jawbone
[16:20] - Letting Go of Past Methods
[19:25] - Faith That Defies Reality
[24:19] - David and Goliath
[27:00] - Confidence in God Alone
[33:26] - Attitude and Belief System
[40:49] - Changing Your Belief
[44:18] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:26-33 - The report of the spies about the Promised Land.
2. Judges 15:14-17 - Samson's victory with the jawbone of a donkey.
3. 1 Samuel 17:33-37 - David's faith in God over Saul's armor.
### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Israelites when the spies reported about the giants in the Promised Land? ([07:30])
2. How did Samson defeat the Philistines, and what did he do with the jawbone afterward? ([12:45])
3. What was Saul's initial reaction to David's willingness to fight Goliath, and how did David respond? ([24:53])
4. How does the analogy of the lion's attitude relate to our spiritual confidence? ([33:26])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to be mindful of who or what influences them, according to the sermon? ([01:44])
2. How does the story of Samson and the jawbone illustrate the need to let go of past methods and seek God's current direction? ([16:20])
3. What does it mean to have faith that defies reality, and how did David demonstrate this in his encounter with Goliath? ([19:25])
4. How can a believer's attitude, similar to a lion's belief system, impact their ability to face and overcome adversaries? ([33:26])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there any that you need to steward more carefully to ensure they align with God's word and promises? How can you begin to make those changes this week? ([01:44])
2. Think about a past method or tradition you have been clinging to. How can you seek God's current direction and anointing for your life today? ([16:20])
3. Identify a "giant" or "mountain" in your life. How can you exercise faith that defies reality and trust in God's power to overcome it? ([19:25])
4. In what ways can you place your confidence in God alone, rather than in human resources or methods, as David did with Goliath? ([27:00])
5. How can you cultivate a spiritual attitude fueled by your belief in God's power and promises? What specific steps can you take to build this confidence? ([33:26])
6. Consider a situation where you have been influenced by fear or doubt. How can you change your belief system to reflect trust in God's promises and power? ([37:56])
7. How can you apply the analogy of the lion's attitude to a current challenge you are facing? What practical steps can you take to approach this challenge with confidence in God's strength? ([33:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewarding Influence
As believers, we must be vigilant about who or what influences us. The world is filled with voices and opinions, but we are responsible for discerning and stewarding these influences to ensure they align with God's word and promises. This requires prayer, discernment, and a commitment to God's truth. In Numbers 13, the Israelites were swayed by the negative report of the spies, leading to fear and doubt. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that influence can have on our faith and decisions.
In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with information and opinions from various sources. It is crucial to filter these influences through the lens of God's word. By doing so, we can ensure that our thoughts, actions, and decisions are in alignment with His will. This process involves regular prayer, seeking God's guidance, and being rooted in Scripture. By being intentional about the influences we allow into our lives, we can strengthen our faith and remain steadfast in our walk with God. [01:44]
Numbers 13:31-33 (ESV): "Then the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.' So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, 'The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.'"
Reflection: Think about the sources of influence in your life. Are there any that you need to filter out or replace with godly influences? How can you be more intentional about seeking God's guidance in discerning these influences?
Day 2: Faith That Defies Reality
Faith does not ignore reality but defies it by trusting in God's power to overcome. Whether facing giants, mountains, or personal struggles, faith resists the temptation to submit to fear and doubt, instead proclaiming God's ability to deliver and heal. The story of David and Goliath is a prime example of this kind of faith. David acknowledged the reality of Goliath's strength but chose to trust in God's power rather than his own abilities or resources.
In our own lives, we may encounter situations that seem insurmountable. It is in these moments that our faith is tested. By choosing to trust in God's promises and His ability to overcome, we can face our challenges with confidence. This kind of faith requires a deep relationship with God, built on trust and reliance on His word. As we grow in our faith, we learn to see beyond our circumstances and focus on God's power and faithfulness. [19:25]
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (ESV): "Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.'"
Reflection: What is a current challenge or "giant" you are facing? How can you shift your focus from the size of the problem to the greatness of God's power and promises?
Day 3: Letting Go of Past Methods
The story of Samson and the jawbone teaches us that God's anointing is not tied to specific methods or traditions. We must be willing to let go of past practices that God has moved on from and seek His current direction and anointing for our lives. Samson's victory over the Philistines was not because of the jawbone itself but because of God's power working through it. This story reminds us that God can use any means to accomplish His purposes, and we should be open to His leading.
In our spiritual journey, it is easy to become attached to certain methods or traditions that have worked in the past. However, God is always doing new things and may lead us in different directions. By being open to His guidance and willing to let go of past methods, we can experience fresh anointing and breakthroughs. This requires humility and a willingness to trust God's wisdom over our own preferences. [16:20]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Are there any past methods or traditions you are holding onto that may be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you seek God's current direction and anointing for your life today?
Day 4: Confidence in God Alone
David's victory over Goliath highlights the importance of placing our confidence in God rather than human resources or methods. True victory comes from faith in God's power and promises, not from relying on our own strength or the influence of others. David chose to face Goliath with a sling and stones, trusting in God's deliverance rather than Saul's armor. This story serves as a powerful reminder that our confidence should be rooted in God alone.
In our own lives, we may be tempted to rely on our abilities, resources, or the opinions of others. However, true confidence comes from knowing who God is and trusting in His promises. By placing our faith in God, we can face any challenge with assurance, knowing that He is with us and will provide what we need. This kind of confidence is built through a deep relationship with God and a commitment to His word. [27:00]
Psalm 20:7-8 (ESV): "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength or the influence of others? How can you shift your confidence to be rooted in God alone?
Day 5: Attitude and Belief System
Like a lion's confidence in its own strength, our spiritual attitude should be fueled by our belief in God's power and promises. This belief system generates confidence, enabling us to face and overcome any adversary, no matter how formidable. The analogy of a lion's belief system illustrates the importance of having a strong and confident attitude based on our faith in God.
Our attitude and belief system play a crucial role in how we approach challenges and adversities. By cultivating a mindset that is rooted in God's power and promises, we can face any situation with confidence and courage. This involves regularly renewing our minds with God's word, affirming His promises, and trusting in His faithfulness. As we develop this belief system, we become more resilient and capable of overcoming any obstacle. [33:26]
Proverbs 28:1 (ESV): "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Reflection: How does your current attitude and belief system reflect your faith in God's power and promises? What steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual confidence and resilience?
Quotes
1. "One thing that we must believe as believers. We are responsible to what or who influences us. We are responsible for it. And we have to be good stewards of who or what influences us. The world goes from influence to influence to influence to influence to influence. They're not good stewards. Even when we're in the world that way. But as Christians. As believers. We have to be good stewards of who or what is influencing us. It's important." [01:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The problem is. That there are problems that God has promised us. That we have not experienced yet. Do y'all believe that? Do you believe that there is promises. That God has promised you. When you haven't experienced them yet. Well if God's not a man. And he's alive. God's promises. His word will not return. Just return as a failure. But it will accomplish that. Which he sent out to accomplish. And so we have to hold on to the promises." [03:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to tell somebody today. That your promise. Will show up. But so will your adversary. And if your adversary shows up. If your adversary is a giant. Or your adversary is a mountain. That's why we just spoke it. That's what we said. Then you have to understand that. Who are you great mountain. That you should not bow low. We understand it's not by might. It's not by power. But it's by the spirit of almighty God. That we're here. And that mountain will bow low." [06:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to understand that. And so that way the armies or the enemy. Would not come up and take out the Canaanites. Or the Hittites or the Prezorites. Because they had placed the giants. Or the giants was there. We have to understand. If God has given you something. It doesn't matter how many giants. Or how many mountains. That the enemy has placed before it. We got to have faith. That God can move that mountain. And that God can take out that giant. No matter what it is you're dealing with." [18:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is not ignorant of reality. Well there's a giant there. Or there's doubt there. Or I believe God can heal me. But it hurts. I believe God can save my family. But they're just as far away from God. As they've ever been before. I believe God can deliver me. From this generational curse. But the urges and the desires are still there. I'm not telling you. That faith robs you of reality. Faith is not ignorant. Of reality. Faith is going to defy reality. What do you mean faith is going to defy reality? To defy means to resist. Or to refuse to obey." [18:53] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "My faith. Is in what. God can do. And the faith that I have. Has got me to the point. And I believe that God. Was going to do it all along. And I'll be honest with you. I'm not shocked a bit. You think David was shocked. When that big old. Big old giant. Fell to a. He was so shocked. That he took his only sword. That he. Not even his. Sword. He took the sword of the giant. And removed his head from his shoulders. And gave victory to an entire nation that day. In one day." [22:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We have to be careful. We live in an hour like no other, and you have to make sure on a daily basis. We're in political season. Churches are jockeying for position. Politicians are jockeying for positions. Politicians, everybody's on social media trying to blow up so they can just somehow go viral and something to happen just to influence you and get you on. But I'm here to tell somebody the same thing that got you here is going to be the same thing that got you here, and it might have worked for them." [28:01] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Joshua led the people into the promised land 40 years later, and they received all the promise of God. Did they have to fight the battles? Yes, they did have to fight the battles. But understand this. Joshua's generation, or a Joshua leader, a Joshua leader is going to make sure that not only does he get his, but everybody around them gets theirs. And that's what we're looking for. See, we're not here. I told you, I don't know, I remember saying a couple months ago, and it stuck with me. We're not here to build a church. I'm here to build you." [29:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "How's it going, preacher? It's doing great, man. God is good. I see what God is doing. Oh, he's doing it. That's one thing. They expect that. But whenever you walk into work tomorrow, How's it going, Sally? It's doing good. God is doing great and mighty things. How's your daughter doing? She's acting stupid right now. Amen? What the heck did that guy do? I don't know. But use it." [30:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The lion has the right attitude. He has the right attitude because of his belief system. He believes. And so therefore, it fuels his confidence. Everything that the lion sees, he believes he can eat and that fuels his confidence. So he comes around a corner and he sees the animal that is bigger, stronger, heavier, more powerful. And smarter because his attitude is fueled by his belief system and his belief system is a resource of confidence and his confidence is a resource of his belief system." [33:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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