The Power of Knowing: Embracing Spiritual Truths
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of "The Power of Knowing" as we delved into 1 John 2. This chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness and affection, urging us to discern what God wants us to know. We began by acknowledging the diverse ages and stages within God's family, from children to fathers, and how each plays a vital role in the spiritual journey. This journey is about knowing God, finding community, serving others, and leaving a legacy. It's a reminder that whatever challenges we face, God uses them to make us stronger.
We then shifted our focus to spiritual affection, highlighting the biblical command to "love not the world." This world, as described, is a system opposed to God, and loving it undermines our love for Him. We discussed how worldliness is not about specific actions or places but a mindset that excludes God. The world makes promises it cannot keep, but God can. We are called to live with a love for God that surpasses any worldly attachment.
The sermon also touched on the concept of the Antichrist, both as a principle and a person, emphasizing the importance of living in light of the Lord's return. We are reminded that the world is passing away, and our focus should be on eternal values. The spiritual anointing we receive from the Holy Spirit empowers us to discern truth and live out our faith in a world that often promotes deception.
Finally, we were encouraged to abide in Christ, allowing His word and Spirit to cleanse us from sin. Through stories of transformation, we saw how God's love and truth can change lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. As we concluded, we were invited to reflect on our spiritual journey, repent where necessary, and commit to loving God above all else.
Key Takeaways:
1. Spiritual Awareness and Growth: Our spiritual journey involves recognizing the different stages of faith within God's family. Whether young or old, each stage contributes to our growth and strength in the Lord. Embrace the journey, knowing that God uses every season to make us stronger. [39:55]
2. Love Not the World: The world, as a system opposed to God, cannot coexist with a love for Him. True success is found in knowing God and living with eternal values. Our love for God must surpass any attachment to worldly things. [44:13]
3. The Antichrist and Spiritual Discernment: The concept of the Antichrist serves as a reminder to live in anticipation of Christ's return. We must be vigilant, discerning truth from deception, and ensuring our allegiance is with God, not the world. [55:43]
4. Abiding in Christ: Abiding in Christ means allowing His word and Spirit to cleanse us from sin. Just as soaking dishes removes grime, abiding in God's presence helps sin fall away from our lives. [01:11:46]
5. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The anointing of the Holy Spirit equips us to discern truth and live out our faith. We don't need special knowledge from others; God's Spirit within us guides us into all truth. [01:02:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [35:52] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
- [38:10] - Legacy Summit and Groundbreaking Sunday
- [39:55] - Spiritual Awareness and Growth
- [41:30] - Strength Through Trials
- [42:40] - Spiritual Affection
- [43:34] - Love Not the World
- [44:13] - Understanding Worldliness
- [45:46] - The World's Promises vs. God's Promises
- [47:48] - The Three Enemies: Flesh, World, and Devil
- [49:58] - Lust of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride of Life
- [50:41] - The Eternal Perspective
- [51:53] - Investing in Eternity
- [53:54] - The Antichrist and Last Hour
- [55:43] - Living in Light of Christ's Return
- [57:08] - The Antichrist's Role and Influence
- [58:43] - Jesus' Victory Over the Antichrist
- [01:01:31] - Reflecting Christ in a Worldly World
- [01:02:47] - Spiritual Anointing and Truth
- [01:11:46] - Abiding in Christ
- [01:13:39] - Invitation to Repentance and Prayer
- [01:15:06] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Knowing
Bible Reading:
- 1 John 2:14-17
- James 4:4
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 John 2:14, what are the different groups mentioned, and what is said about each of them? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual awareness? [39:55]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "love not the world," and how is worldliness defined? [44:13]
3. What are the three enemies mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the temptations faced by Adam and Eve? [47:48]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Antichrist, and what are believers encouraged to do in light of this? [55:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of spiritual awareness help believers navigate the different stages of their faith journey? What role does the church community play in this process? [41:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worldliness can infiltrate a believer's life, and how can one discern between worldly and godly values? [45:46]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of abiding in Christ, and what practical steps can believers take to ensure they remain in Him? [01:11:46]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of spiritual anointing, and how does it empower believers to discern truth in a deceptive world? [01:02:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current stage in your spiritual journey. How can you embrace the challenges and growth opportunities in this season of your life? [41:30]
2. Identify an area in your life where worldly values might be influencing your decisions. What steps can you take to realign your priorities with God's eternal values? [45:46]
3. Consider the concept of abiding in Christ. What daily practices can you implement to ensure you are consistently connected to His word and Spirit? [01:11:46]
4. How can you cultivate a mindset of spiritual discernment in your daily life? Are there specific situations where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance? [01:02:47]
5. Think about a recent challenge or trial you faced. How did it contribute to your spiritual growth, and how can you use this experience to encourage others in their faith journey? [41:30]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the Antichrist and living in anticipation of Christ's return. How does this perspective influence your daily actions and decisions? [55:43]
7. The sermon encourages believers to love God above all else. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your love for God and reduce attachments to worldly things? [44:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Stages of Faith
Our spiritual journey is a dynamic process that involves recognizing and embracing the different stages of faith within God's family. Each stage, whether we are young in faith or seasoned in our walk with God, contributes to our growth and strength in the Lord. This journey is not just about personal development but also about finding community, serving others, and leaving a legacy. It is a reminder that God uses every season of our lives to make us stronger, and we should embrace each stage with gratitude and openness. [39:55]
"I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father." (1 John 2:13 ESV)
Reflection: What stage of faith do you find yourself in today, and how can you embrace it to grow closer to God and serve those around you?
Day 2: Prioritize Eternal Values Over Worldly Attachments
The world, as a system opposed to God, cannot coexist with a love for Him. True success is found in knowing God and living with eternal values. Our love for God must surpass any attachment to worldly things, as the world makes promises it cannot keep. By focusing on eternal values, we align ourselves with God's purpose and find fulfillment beyond the temporary allure of worldly attachments. [44:13]
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15 ESV)
Reflection: Identify one worldly attachment that competes with your love for God. How can you begin to shift your focus towards eternal values today?
Day 3: Live in Anticipation of Christ's Return
The concept of the Antichrist serves as a reminder to live in anticipation of Christ's return. We are called to be vigilant, discerning truth from deception, and ensuring our allegiance is with God, not the world. This anticipation should shape our daily lives, encouraging us to live with integrity and purpose, knowing that the world is passing away and our focus should be on eternal values. [55:43]
"Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour." (1 John 2:18 ESV)
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Day 4: Abide in Christ for Spiritual Cleansing
Abiding in Christ means allowing His word and Spirit to cleanse us from sin. Just as soaking dishes removes grime, abiding in God's presence helps sin fall away from our lives. This process of spiritual cleansing is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God and living a life that reflects His love and truth. By abiding in Christ, we are empowered to overcome sin and grow in holiness. [01:11:46]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6 ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to abide more deeply in Christ and allow His presence to cleanse you from sin?
Day 5: Rely on the Holy Spirit for Truth and Guidance
The anointing of the Holy Spirit equips us to discern truth and live out our faith. We don't need special knowledge from others; God's Spirit within us guides us into all truth. This reliance on the Holy Spirit is crucial in a world that often promotes deception. By trusting in the Spirit's guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and confidence, knowing that we are empowered to live according to God's will. [01:02:47]
"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him." (1 John 2:27 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance today, and how can you actively seek His direction?
Quotes
1. "I also want you to know that this represents, I think, a spiritual journey. Some people get saved late in life, but they're born again, starting in that faith. I want you to know that this is a spiritual journey. I want you to know that this is a spiritual journey. And then there are those that are growing somewhere in between getting saved and being, you know, a person that's been saved a long time. And so you see here that people are on a spiritual journey. And we want to take you on a spiritual journey to know God, to find community, to serve people, and to leave a legacy. And I love it that it says the young men here are strong. Everybody say strong. Let me just tell you, whatever you're going through right now, in this season, God's going to use it to make you stronger. That's a word for somebody." [41:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Love for God and love for the world are mutually exclusive. They can't coexist. See, if you have a love for the world, it undermines your love for God. The Bible plainly says you cannot serve God and this world, all right? In fact, think about Isaiah 5, 20. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. I like Kevin DeYoung's definition of worldliness. Worldliness is what makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange. Let me say that again. Worldliness is what makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange." [45:46] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Pick up here in verse 17, and the world with its lust is passing away. But the one who does the will of God remains forever. You ought to memorize that verse. It's an incredible verse. And I don't want to stay here for just a moment. It's an economic principle here. You know what it is? What lasts the longest is worth the most. Now, the world's passing away, but who does the will of God is going to last forever. Worldliness is temporary. Godliness is eternal. And when Jesus comes back, this whole world is going to burn up. The world's not getting better and better. The world is getting worse and worse." [51:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let me tell you, there's a lot of times because there's so much evil in this world that you just want to run and hide. Take your family and go out somewhere and be a prepper and get away from it all. That's not the answer. Because you still got your flesh and your pride and all the internal struggle still within you. And nobody gets saved. And God put us here to be salt and light. So, what's the answer? The answer is what I just told you. He gave us his word. He gave us his spirit so we know how to live, so you know how to vote. Yeah. You don't want the Antichrist and the world telling you how to vote." [01:05:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And you're a anointed to a state that said you were born for the good, that you are going to position your wlets, to maintain rules, both for you and for us. And then everything in our life, it's a You can disagree without being disrespectful and you can disagree without being destructive. Listen, I got so mad last night watching that ball game. The fans didn't like one of the calls that the referee made. So all the student section threw down their bottles, their water bottles down on the field. And they went out there and cleaned it all up and the refs got together and reversed the call which is not even allowed. Well, every football stadium in America ought to throw their water bottles down on the field every time that a referee calls a play you don't agree with. All they did was reward them. It's stupid." [01:08:52] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you, if what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father and this is the promise that he himself made to us, eternal life. Woo! We got something this world can't offer. I have written these things to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. As for you, the anointing you receive from him remains in you and you don't need anyone to teach you. Now, he's not saying you don't need teachers. John's teaching us right here. And Ephesians 4 says we got apostles and prophets and pastors and teachers. What he's saying is this. You don't have to wait till Sunday to be taught the Word of God. Get in it every day and the Holy Spirit will teach you." [01:09:43] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Abide. Everybody say abide. Abide. I heard a preacher use this illustration. He said, abiding is like when you have dirty dishes and it's caked on. And you have to put it in soapy water and let it stay there overnight. And that's what I had to do. Because my favorite food during the fall football season is any kind of chip and dip. And I keep putting that dip bowl in the microwave and heating it up again and again and again and again. And it just bakes on it. So last night, knowing that I'm going to leave town, I knew I had to get that bowl clean. And it was caked on. And so I put it in the sink, filled it with hot water, put soap in it, let it sit overnight. And this morning I got up and you know what? I got up. I got up. I got up. It was baked on. It just fell off. It just fell off. And if you'll abide. Abide in God's Word. Stay close to Him. Abide in His Spirit. Let me tell you, sin will just fall off of you. Isn't that good? That's what God wants to do for you." [01:11:46] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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