The Power of Yes: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded of the significance of "coming"—both the historical coming of Jesus into the world and the anticipated return of Christ. This season, we explore "The Power of Yes," beginning with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their narrative, found in Luke 1:57-66, illustrates the importance of listening to God and trusting His promises, even when they seem impossible. Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, were a devout couple who had longed for a child. Despite their advanced age, God promised them a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
Zechariah's initial doubt led to his temporary muteness, a divine pause that allowed him to listen more deeply to God's message. This story underscores the importance of listening—not just hearing words, but truly digesting and acting upon them. In our busy lives, especially during the holiday season, we must take time to pause and listen to God, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the counsel of fellow believers.
Listening to God requires trust. Zechariah's eventual acceptance of God's promise, demonstrated by naming his son John, restored his voice and brought joy and awe to those around him. This act of obedience highlights the transformative power of saying "yes" to God. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to trust God wholeheartedly, believing in His promises and allowing His Word to guide our lives.
In this Advent season, let us deepen our relationship with God by listening to His voice through Scripture and prayer. May we trust Him fully, as Zechariah and Elizabeth did, and be open to the blessings and guidance He offers. As we partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion, we are reminded of God's love and grace, calling us to be His hands and feet in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Listening: Zechariah's story teaches us the importance of listening to God. True listening involves not just hearing but understanding and acting upon God's Word. In our busy lives, we must create space to hear God's voice, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the wisdom of others. [31:07]
2. Trusting God's Promises: Zechariah's initial doubt and subsequent obedience highlight the necessity of trusting God's promises, even when they seem improbable. Trusting God requires faith and the willingness to say "yes" to His plans, leading to transformation and blessing. [39:13]
3. Scripture as a Guide: The Bible is a living Word, relevant for us today as it was thousands of years ago. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can discern God's will and align our lives with His purposes, ensuring that our actions are grounded in His truth. [47:51]
4. Prayer as a Two-Way Conversation: Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about listening for His guidance. Taking time to be still and attentive in prayer allows us to hear God's voice and direction for our lives, much like Zechariah did at the altar. [49:03]
5. The Role of Community: God often speaks to us through the voices of others in our faith community. By listening to fellow believers, we can gain insight and encouragement, helping us to grow in our relationship with God and fulfill His purposes. [50:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:32] - Introduction to Advent and The Power of Yes
- [27:24] - Zechariah and Elizabeth's Story
- [28:20] - The Importance of Listening
- [31:07] - Roosevelt's Reception Line Story
- [33:06] - Zechariah's Temple Duty
- [34:32] - Zechariah's Encounter with Gabriel
- [35:32] - The Promise of John
- [39:13] - Zechariah's Obedience and Restoration
- [43:16] - John's Role in Preparing the Way
- [47:51] - Trusting God's Word
- [49:03] - Listening Through Prayer and Community
- [50:30] - The Importance of Scripture
- [51:31] - Tim Allen's Testimony
- [54:39] - Holy Communion and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Yes
Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:57-66
- James 5:14-15
- Malachi 3:10
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial reaction of Zechariah when he was told by the angel Gabriel that he would have a son? How did this reaction affect him? [35:32]
2. How did Zechariah communicate the name of his son, and what was the significance of this action? [39:13]
3. What role did John the Baptist play in preparing the way for Jesus, according to the sermon? [43:16]
4. How does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth illustrate the importance of listening to God? [31:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Zechariah's temporary muteness teach us about the consequences of doubt and the importance of faith in God's promises? [35:32]
2. How does the act of naming his son John demonstrate Zechariah's obedience and trust in God's plan? [39:13]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that listening to God can transform our lives, similar to how it transformed Zechariah's life? [31:07]
4. How does the sermon connect the practice of listening to God with the Advent season and the anticipation of Christ's return? [26:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises. How did that experience affect your faith, and what steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God? [35:32]
2. Zechariah's story emphasizes the power of listening. What practical steps can you take this Advent season to create space for listening to God in your daily life? [31:07]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer as a two-way conversation in your spiritual routine, ensuring you not only speak to God but also listen for His guidance? [49:03]
4. The sermon highlights the role of community in hearing God's voice. Who in your faith community can you turn to for wisdom and encouragement, and how can you be that voice for others? [50:30]
5. Consider the ways you currently engage with Scripture. How can you deepen your understanding and application of God's Word in your life, especially during this Advent season? [47:51]
6. Reflect on the concept of trusting God's promises, even when they seem improbable. What is one promise from God that you find challenging to trust, and how can you work towards embracing it fully? [39:13]
7. As you prepare for the holiday season, what specific distractions can you identify that might prevent you from focusing on your relationship with God, and how can you address them? [31:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Art of Deep Listening
Listening to God is more than just hearing words; it involves understanding and acting upon His guidance. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:57-66 illustrates this profound truth. Zechariah, a priest, initially doubted God's promise of a son due to his and Elizabeth's advanced age. This doubt led to a period of muteness, a divine pause that allowed him to listen more deeply to God's message. This pause was not a punishment but an opportunity for transformation. In our busy lives, especially during the holiday season, we must create space to hear God's voice, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the wisdom of others. True listening requires us to be still and attentive, allowing God's Word to penetrate our hearts and guide our actions. [31:07]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: In what ways can you create space in your daily routine to truly listen to God's voice? Consider setting aside a specific time each day to be still and attentive to His guidance.
Day 2: Embracing the Unlikely Promises
Trusting God's promises, even when they seem improbable, is a central theme in the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Zechariah's initial doubt was met with a divine pause, but his eventual obedience in naming his son John restored his voice and brought joy to those around him. This act of faith highlights the transformative power of saying "yes" to God. Trusting God requires faith and the willingness to embrace His plans, even when they defy human logic. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to trust God wholeheartedly, believing in His promises and allowing His Word to guide our lives. [39:13]
Hebrews 11:11 (ESV): "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to believe or accept? How can you take a step of faith today to trust in His plan for your life?
Day 3: Scripture as a Living Guide
The Bible is not just a historical document but a living Word that is relevant for us today. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can discern God's will and align our lives with His purposes. Zechariah's story reminds us of the importance of grounding our actions in God's truth. As we engage with Scripture, we are invited to listen for God's voice and allow His Word to shape our decisions and actions. This Advent season, let us deepen our relationship with God by listening to His voice through Scripture and prayer. [47:51]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine? Consider choosing a specific passage to meditate on each day and ask God to reveal His truth to you through it.
Day 4: Prayer as a Dialogue
Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about listening for His guidance. Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel at the altar highlights the importance of being still and attentive in prayer. Taking time to listen allows us to hear God's voice and direction for our lives. This Advent season, let us approach prayer as a two-way conversation, being open to both speaking and listening. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and be more attuned to His will. [49:03]
1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: In your prayer time today, focus on listening. What might God be trying to communicate to you? How can you be more attentive to His voice in your daily life?
Day 5: Community as a Source of Wisdom
God often speaks to us through the voices of others in our faith community. By listening to fellow believers, we can gain insight and encouragement, helping us to grow in our relationship with God and fulfill His purposes. Zechariah and Elizabeth's story reminds us of the importance of community in discerning God's will. As we engage with our faith community, let us be open to the wisdom and guidance that others can offer, allowing their insights to shape our journey with God. [50:30]
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you reach out to for wisdom and guidance? Consider seeking their counsel on a specific area of your life where you need direction.
Quotes
Advent is a time where we celebrate coming. In fact, the word means coming. We celebrate that Jesus came into the world to bring God's love, salvation, His mercy to the world. But we also look with great anticipation waiting for Jesus to come back again. [00:25:56] (22 seconds)
Listening is important in our relationship with God, to not just lift up prayers, especially as we need them, but to take time to pause, to take time to listen. Today, in the busyness of this season, as we prepare for decorating yards and homes, and prepare to make homemade goodies in this season, and prepare to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones, may we make sure that we take a moment of pause to listen to God. [00:31:26] (39 seconds)
As soon as he said yes to what God had said as soon as he named the child John listen to God listen to the angel several things took place one his speech literally returned right then and there Zachariah praised God uh they they worshiped God uh and God anointed John for the purposes that were ahead. [00:40:37] (31 seconds)
How do we take all of this? In this season of Advent for ourselves, the message for today from Zachariah and Elizabeth is, will we listen to God? As importantly, listening is not just hearing words. that's hearing listening is digesting words listening to what the individual saying put it into practice will we trust God wholeheartedly. [00:43:34] (30 seconds)
Prayer is important to listening to God. To take time not only to talk, to thank God, to offer him praises, to ask him to do things for us, but also to ask him to do things for us. To ask him to help our families, to ask him to intercede on behalf of those who are sick and in need. [00:48:13] (15 seconds)
Through it all, through prayer, compelling spirit, the voice of others. Everything that we hear, everything that we hear internally or from others that we feel we should do, we need to put to the scripture test. God is not going to tell us to do anything that's outside that word. [00:49:32] (20 seconds)
Friends, listening is so important in our relationships. We can't build relationships as friends without listening. We can't build relationships in families without listening. We can't have as fruitful a work environment without listening. And the list goes on and we certainly will not have a strong relationship with God if we're not taking time to listen. [00:50:30] (30 seconds)
Tim's life was changed because he listened to God. He listened to the Word of God. God wasn't just a concept. God wasn't just a Santa Claus figure that was there when things were good, not there when things were bad. God became a real figure, someone he could walk with, talk with, listen to, a guide for his life. [00:54:02] (29 seconds)
This Advent season, may we increase our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. may we pick up our bibles may we listen to god as we read through certain verses may we listen to god in prayer and spend time listening and may we trust god wholeheartedly that was the difference for tim as he uh read through the scriptures he gained a faith in god and trusted wholeheartedly may we do the same. [00:54:30] (44 seconds)
Lord, we thank you for the sacrament of holy communion we thank you that it's a reminder that you so love the world that you gave your only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life we thank you lord that through this sacrament we experience your grace and your mercy yet again uh that you wipe the slate clean again and lord as we come to your table we confess those places in our lives where we fall short of your grace and your mercy and of your glory lord uh remind us that we're called to be a redeemed and reconciled people that are called to be your hands your feet your mouthpiece in this world so lord strengthen us through this sacrament of holy communion help us to listen to you in this season and help us to trust you wholeheartedly in jesus name we pray amen.
[00:56:27] (77 seconds)
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