Strength in Weakness: Embracing God's Power Together
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Often, we feel inadequate or incompetent in certain areas of our lives, but it is precisely in these areas that God wants to manifest His strength. When we step out in obedience, even when we lack confidence, we find that His anointing meets us there. This is a call to embrace our weaknesses and trust that God will work through them to accomplish His purposes.
We also delved into the dynamics of family within the church. The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a family united by the Spirit of God. We are called to be relational, to support and build each other up, and to prophesy encouragement and edification into each other's lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak life and truth, and this is a gift available to all believers, not just a select few.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of unity and the dangers of division within the body of Christ. Multiple visions can lead to division, but when we align ourselves with the vision God has given to the leadership, we can move forward in unity and strength. This unity is crucial for breaking through the enemy's defenses and advancing God's kingdom.
We also touched on the influence of the world and the media, which are often controlled by the enemy. As believers, we must be discerning and not allow worldly influences to dictate our actions or beliefs. Instead, we should focus on what God is saying and doing, staying humble and putting others above ourselves.
Finally, we were reminded of the power of relationships and the necessity of being in covenant with one another. There are certain blessings and breakthroughs that can only be accessed through unity and relationship. As a family, we are called to love, support, and encourage each other, speaking God's truth and life into every situation.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses. When we feel inadequate, it is an opportunity for God to show His strength. By stepping out in obedience, even without confidence, we allow His anointing to work through us. This requires trust and a willingness to embrace our weaknesses as a platform for His glory. [00:30]
2. The church is a family, and we are called to be relational and supportive. The Holy Spirit empowers us to prophesy encouragement and edification into each other's lives. This gift is available to all believers, and it is through this mutual encouragement that we grow stronger as a body. [46:28]
3. Unity is essential for the church to move forward. Multiple visions can lead to division, but aligning with the vision God has given to the leadership allows us to advance His kingdom effectively. Unity is a powerful force that breaks through the enemy's defenses. [01:01:33]
4. We must be discerning about the influence of the world and media. The enemy often controls these platforms, and as believers, we should focus on God's truth rather than worldly narratives. Staying humble and putting others above ourselves helps us maintain a godly perspective. [01:05:53]
5. Relationships and covenant are vital for accessing certain blessings and breakthroughs. As a family, we are called to love, support, and encourage each other, speaking God's truth into every situation. This unity and relationship unlock the power of God in our lives. [01:15:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Embracing Weakness
[05:00] - God's Anointing in Inadequacy
[10:00] - The Church as Family
[15:00] - Relational Dynamics
[20:00] - The Power of Prophecy
[25:00] - Unity in Vision
[30:00] - Discernment Against Worldly Influence
[35:00] - Humility and God's Heart
[40:00] - The Role of Relationships
[45:00] - Covenant and Blessings
[50:00] - Encouragement and Edification
[55:00] - The Influence of Media
[01:00:00] - Unity and Breakthrough
[01:05:00] - Closing Reflections
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
2. 1 Corinthians 14:31 - "For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged."
3. Ephesians 2:2 - "In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, how does God's power manifest in our weaknesses? ([00:30])
2. What role does prophecy play within the church family, as discussed in the sermon? ([46:28])
3. How does the sermon describe the influence of the world and media on believers? ([01:05:53])
4. What is the significance of unity within the church, as highlighted in the sermon? ([01:01:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's power being made perfect in weakness challenge common perceptions of strength and capability? ([00:30])
2. In what ways does the ability to prophesy encourage and build up the church community? ([46:28])
3. How can believers discern between worldly influences and God's truth in their daily lives? ([01:05:53])
4. Why is aligning with the vision given to church leadership crucial for maintaining unity? ([01:01:33])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a personal area of weakness. How can you step out in obedience and allow God's power to work through you in that area? ([00:30])
2. How can you actively participate in encouraging and edifying others within your church family this week? ([46:28])
3. Identify a specific worldly influence that you need to be more discerning about. What steps can you take to focus more on God's truth? ([01:05:53])
4. Consider how you can support the vision of your church leadership. What practical actions can you take to promote unity within your church community? ([01:01:33])
5. Think of a relationship within your church that could benefit from deeper connection. How can you invest in that relationship to access the blessings of unity and covenant? ([01:15:40])
6. How can you practice humility and put others above yourself in your daily interactions? ([01:05:53])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate. How did you see God's strength manifest in that situation, and how can that experience encourage you in future challenges? ([00:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Weakness as a Platform for God's Power
In moments of inadequacy, we often feel that our weaknesses are obstacles to overcome. However, these very weaknesses are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and glory. When we step out in obedience, even when lacking confidence, we create space for God's anointing to work through us. This requires a deep trust in God's ability to use our limitations for His purposes. Embracing our weaknesses allows us to witness His strength in action, transforming our perceived shortcomings into platforms for His glory. [00:30]
"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate? How can you invite God to show His strength through this weakness today?
Day 2: The Church as a Relational Family
The church is more than a gathering of individuals; it is a family united by the Spirit of God. This family dynamic calls us to be relational, supportive, and encouraging to one another. The Holy Spirit empowers every believer to prophesy encouragement and edification into each other's lives, fostering growth and strength within the body. This mutual encouragement is not reserved for a select few but is a gift available to all believers, enabling us to build each other up in love and unity. [46:28]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church family can you encourage today? How can you intentionally speak life and truth into their situation?
Day 3: Unity in Vision for Kingdom Advancement
Unity within the church is essential for advancing God's kingdom. When multiple visions arise, division can occur, hindering the church's mission. Aligning with the vision God has given to the leadership allows the church to move forward in strength and unity. This collective focus is a powerful force that breaks through the enemy's defenses, enabling the church to effectively carry out its mission. Unity is not just a strategy but a spiritual necessity for kingdom advancement. [01:01:33]
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your church? What steps can you take to align with the vision God has given to your church leadership?
Day 4: Discernment Against Worldly Influence
In a world where media and societal narratives are often controlled by the enemy, believers are called to be discerning. It is crucial to focus on God's truth rather than being swayed by worldly influences. Staying humble and putting others above ourselves helps maintain a godly perspective, allowing us to navigate the world with wisdom and integrity. By prioritizing God's voice, we can resist the enemy's attempts to distract and divide us. [01:05:53]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What worldly influence do you need to be more discerning about? How can you focus more on God's truth in your daily life?
Day 5: The Power of Covenant Relationships
Relationships and covenant within the church are vital for accessing certain blessings and breakthroughs. As a family, believers are called to love, support, and encourage each other, speaking God's truth into every situation. This unity and commitment to one another unlock the power of God in our lives, allowing us to experience His blessings in ways that are only possible through community. Covenant relationships are not just beneficial but essential for spiritual growth and breakthrough. [01:15:40]
"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: Who in your church community can you commit to supporting more intentionally? How can you strengthen your covenant relationships this week?
Quotes
And I feel like the word he gave me was that his power is made perfect in our weakness. So if there's an area in you that feels weak or incompetent or feels like, man, I got this idea, but I just, man, I don't have the confidence to go do that. I feel like the Lord's saying that there's an anointing there, that all you got to do is just do this. You just got to, you don't have to have the skills to do it. You just got to step out and be obedient. [00:31:04] (31 seconds)
You just got to step out and he'll meet you there and his power will be made perfect in that area. Right? People want a practical example? Right? I mean. Someone who's not very good in school, someone who's not very good with reading and writing, yet the Lord's calling them to go write a book. Right? Right. All they got to do is be obedient and step out and the power of God will meet them and that'll be accomplished. [00:31:34] (37 seconds)
So there's an anointing in that area. The Lord's just saying, you'll find me. You will find me in those areas where you lack confidence. In the areas where you feel weak. That's where you'll find me. Because you know, when you're good at something, guess what? You don't need him. You're good at it. You don't need him. You're good with finances. You're good with budgeting. You're good with these things. You don't need him. You're good with work. You don't need him there. But guess where you do need him? Guess where he's going to show up in power where you're weak, but you're scared to step out where you're weak. [00:32:29] (40 seconds)
So today, what is it? What does it look like, you know, to be a family? What are some of the key elements of being a family? And one of the things is, is that we're connected, right? We're connected. But we could be better connected. Sometimes I feel like we have staticky connections in the body. Sometimes I feel like we have disconnected lines in the body. Sometimes I feel like we have people that are brothers and sisters that just couldn't even be bothered. Right? [00:41:55] (31 seconds)
And so. And so we got to get a lot better at this. We got to get a lot better at being relational. We got to get a lot better at, you know, helping one another out and being that one unit together as one. And they lay this out, what that looks like throughout Scripture, through the Old Testament, New Testament. They lay it out for us. What does that look like? One of the things I want to bring up and let's turn to. Well, before we go to numbers, let's go to 2 Peter 1 .21 and establish a few things. [00:42:55] (38 seconds)
So we should be going after gifts. We all have the Spirit of God living in us. We can all prophesy. And what should we be living on? As brothers and sisters, what should we be living on? Let's go to Matthew 4 .4. It is written. We're going to throw woman in here, too. Man and woman shall not live on what? But on every word that comes what? What? You should be speaking to one another in here as family. [00:47:49] (40 seconds)
You should be speaking the word of God, which comes from the Spirit of God, which is what? Prophecy, because you all can speak prophecy. And how do we speak prophecy? By building one another up, speaking encouraging words, telling testimonies about how good our God is, speaking the promises of God over people. This is what the family does. This is what the family looks like in the body. [00:48:55] (32 seconds)
among the elders but did not go out to the tent yet the spirit also rested on who them what does this say about family this group were registered they were one unit they were getting together and worshiping the Lord at this time Moses was there he had everything organized in an order and they were seeking the face of God yet two people did not make it to the meeting and yet when the Spirit of God fell on the whole group because they were family it didn't matter if they were in New York it didn't matter if they were in Mexico because they were family and United and in covenant as a family guess what the other two way over here in the camp guess what happened to them at the same time the Spirit of God fell on them because they're in covenant they're in relationship they are a family together so what happens the pastor Paul happens to me what happens to Jennifer happens to me what happens to me happens to her that's the kind of covenant that they were in as a family that's the kind of relationship that God sees his sons and daughters having together that's the type of intimacy he puts together that's the kind of intimacy that the Holy Spirit brings together and unifies think about that there's been times I've had breakthroughs and I didn't have a chance to tell my wife and I call my wife and she's had a great day and things have went her way and she's heard the Lord and things have happened in the past with her because we're one unit you [00:52:33] (106 seconds)
You don't see, well, wait a second. Let me prophesy into your life real quick. Wait a second. I'm picking up on the heart of the Father for you, and this is what he's saying. And encourage that person that's yelling at everybody or being a jerk. And say, look. Look, the heart of the Father is saying this about you, and he loves you. Prophesy into their life. Speak, thus saith the Lord, over them. Because it's your brother and your sister, [00:56:23] (39 seconds)
And what will happen is the scales will fall off your eyes, and you'll see where the enemy, the prince of the power of the air, has bullied them so much that it's got your brother and sister believing something that is totally untrue. And then you start to feel compassion and mercy for them, and you start interceding and praying and going and saying, I love them. I don't care what they believe. I don't care what they're saying. I love them so much. I just want their heart to change, and I want God to do it. [01:07:00] (31 seconds)
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