Strength in Weakness: Lessons from David Brainerd
Summary
In this sermon, I began by reading from First Corinthians chapter one, focusing on the last verses of the chapter. The passage emphasizes how God chooses the weak, the lowly, and the despised to shame the wise and the strong. This theme was then applied to the life of David Brainerd, a man who, despite his struggles with physical ailments and depression, was greatly used by God. I expressed gratitude for the young men who researched and shared about Brainerd's life, and prayed for us all to learn from his example of dependence on God.
In the second part of the sermon, I delved deeper into Brainerd's struggles, drawing from his diary entries and the biblical truths found in Second Thessalonians 3:1-5. I highlighted how, despite his weak and sickly state, Brainerd found strength in the faithfulness of God. I also discussed the importance of prayer, drawing near to God, and finding joy in the midst of hardships. I concluded the sermon by emphasizing the need for us to show the love of Christ to others, regardless of their background or behavior, and to be content with where God has placed us.
Key Takeaways:
- God often chooses the weak, the lowly, and the despised to shame the wise and the strong. This is a reminder that our strength and wisdom come from God, not from our own abilities or status. ([00:36])
- Despite our physical or emotional struggles, we can find strength in the faithfulness of God. Like David Brainerd, we can press on towards the prize of the upward call of Christ. ([10:55])
- Prayer and drawing near to God are essential in our Christian walk. They help us reset our minds and focus on our purpose. ([16:34])
- We should show the love of Christ to others, regardless of their background or behavior. This is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. ([23:03])
- We should be content with where God has placed us, knowing that He will use us for His glory, just as He used David Brainerd. ([24:24])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 #!!00:36!!#
2. John 13:34-35 #!!23:03!!#
3. Philippians 4:8 #!!14:23!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 tell us about who God chooses to use for His glory?
2. How does John 13:34-35 instruct us to treat others, even those we may not naturally want to associate with?
3. What does Philippians 4:8 instruct us to do when we are feeling depressed or lonely?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 challenge the world's standards of wisdom, power, and nobility?
2. What does it mean to love one another as Christ has loved us, as instructed in John 13:34-35?
3. How can focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and commendable, as instructed in Philippians 4:8, help us in times of depression or loneliness?
Application Questions:
1. Can you think of a time when you felt weak, foolish, or lowly, and how did you see God use that situation for His glory?
2. Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to love? How can you show them Christ's love this week?
3. What is a specific situation in your life right now where you can apply Philippians 4:8 and focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and commendable?
4. How can you demonstrate your faith through your actions to someone who may perceive you as weak or foolish?
5. How can you encourage someone who is feeling depressed or lonely with the truth of Philippians 4:8 this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline, but a lifeline that connects us to God. It is a means of resetting our minds and refocusing on our purpose in life. When we slow down and spend time in prayer, we draw near to God and He draws near to us. This intimate connection with God is what sustains us in times of loneliness and depression ([15:49]).
James 4:7-8 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your prayer life. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness
Even in our weakest moments, God remains faithful. He ensures we are where we need to be and provides the rest we need to continue the work He has called us to do. When we are weak and vulnerable, God guards us against the evil one ([10:55]).
2 Thessalonians 3:3 - "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt weak or vulnerable. How did you experience God's faithfulness during that time?
Day 3: The Struggle with Depression
Depression is a real struggle, even for believers. However, we can find hope and strength in God's word. When we focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and commendable, we can combat the lies and distortions that often accompany depression ([14:23]).
Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Reflection: How can you apply Philippians 4:8 in your life, especially during times of depression or discouragement?
Day 4: The Loneliness of Serving God
Serving God can sometimes be a lonely journey. However, even in our loneliness, we can find comfort in God's presence. He never forsakes us and holds us in the palm of His hand. In times of great loneliness, God is the one who can bring us out of our despair ([15:06]).
Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Reflection: How can you draw near to God in times of loneliness? How can you use these times to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Joy of the Lord in Hardships
Despite our hardships, we can still experience the joy of the Lord. This joy comes when we draw near to God and find contentment in where He has placed us. Even in our struggles, we can rejoice because we are grounded in God and His word ([18:00]).
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent hardship you've faced. How can you find joy in the Lord amidst this struggle?
Quotes
1. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. He was able to show that he had that love even to the Indians and sometimes it was hard for him to do that however it was still needed for him to do that." - 22:04
2. "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are. David Brainerd had all of those." - 24:24
3. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Christ is there for those times of loneliness, he will be there with you and he will never forsake you." - 15:46
4. "The Lord is faithful. Even in our weak, sickly states, he is faithful to us and we know we can press on toward the prize of the upward call of Christ. He will establish you, he'll make sure you are where you need to be, he'll make sure you get the rest you need to be able to keep going in the work that he has called you to do." - 10:55
5. "Was scarce ever more confounded with a sense of my own unfruitfulness and unfitness of my work than now. Oh what a dead, heartless, barren, unprofitable wretch did I now see myself to be. My spirits were so low and my bodily strength so wasted that I could do nothing at all." - 12:14
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