Transform Your Faith: Five Steps for 2025
Summary
In this message, I invite you to consider how 2025 can be a year of breakthrough and transformation in your spiritual journey. Reflecting on the past year, many of us may find areas in our faith and life where we desire change. To achieve this, we must embrace new habits and priorities. I offer five practical tips to help you make 2025 your best year yet.
First, immerse yourself in the Word of God. Reading the Bible is essential for understanding God's wisdom and guidance. Whether you're new to the Bible or have found it challenging, start with the New Testament Gospels or Genesis. Join our Bible reading plan to journey through the scriptures together, aligning our hearts and minds with God's truth.
Second, cultivate a habit of prayer. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God, express gratitude, and seek His guidance. It's not about eloquence but sincerity. Jesus taught us to pray simply, recognizing God's holiness and seeking His will. Make prayer a daily practice, whether in the morning, evening, or throughout the day, and experience the peace that comes from entrusting your concerns to God.
Third, engage in worship, both individually and in community. Worship is an expression of reverence and adoration for God. It can take many forms, from singing and prayer to acts of service. Worshiping together strengthens our faith and builds a sense of belonging. As a community, we can encourage and uplift one another, using our spiritual gifts to serve and glorify God.
Fourth, serve others with love and generosity. God has gifted each of us uniquely to serve His kingdom. Find ways to serve within your church or community, whether through small acts of kindness or larger commitments. Serving others not only blesses them but also brings joy and fulfillment to our own lives.
Finally, practice generosity through tithing. Giving is an act of trust and recognition of God's provision. It's not about a specific percentage but a heart of generosity. As we give, we honor God and support His work in the world. Start small if needed, and let generosity become a regular habit in your life.
As we enter 2025, let us commit to these practices, making Christ the center of our lives. Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace the Word of God: Reading the Bible is crucial for gaining wisdom and guidance. Start with the New Testament or Genesis, and join a Bible reading plan to stay aligned with God's truth. [02:16]
2. Cultivate a Habit of Prayer: Prayer is about sincerity, not eloquence. Make it a daily practice, whether in the morning, evening, or throughout the day, to experience God's peace and guidance. [12:02]
3. Engage in Worship and Community: Worship is an expression of reverence for God. Participate in worship both individually and in community, using your spiritual gifts to serve and glorify God. [22:00]
4. Serve Others with Love and Generosity: Use your unique gifts to serve God's kingdom. Find ways to serve within your church or community, bringing joy and fulfillment to your life. [30:24]
5. Practice Generosity Through Tithing: Giving is an act of trust and recognition of God's provision. Start small if needed, and let generosity become a regular habit in your life. [35:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - The Need for Change
[01:19] - Five Tips for a Breakthrough Year
[02:16] - Importance of Bible Reading
[03:20] - Navigating the Bible
[04:31] - Bible Reading Plan Invitation
[06:50] - Finding Your Best Time to Read
[08:05] - Prosperity and Success
[09:33] - The Power of Prayer
[11:17] - Jesus' Teaching on Prayer
[12:02] - The Lord's Prayer
[13:24] - Defining Our Relationship with God
[14:12] - Praying Without Ceasing
[15:28] - Practical Tips for Prayer
[16:31] - Gratitude in Prayer
[17:14] - Overcoming Anxiety Through Prayer
[18:08] - Leaving Worries with God
[19:26] - The Necessity of Prayer
[20:15] - Understanding Worship
[21:00] - Worship in Community
[22:00] - The Power of Collective Worship
[23:28] - Building Relationships in Worship
[24:12] - Everyone's Role in Worship
[25:44] - Using Spiritual Gifts
[26:30] - Encouraging One Another
[27:36] - The Need for Community
[28:14] - The Danger of Isolation
[28:59] - Overcoming Church Hurt
[29:27] - Serving God and Others
[30:24] - Finding Ways to Serve
[31:23] - The One Another Commands
[32:05] - Starting Small in Service
[33:03] - Discovering Your Gifts
[34:09] - The Principle of Tithing
[35:17] - Generosity from the Heart
[35:59] - The Storehouse and the Church
[37:24] - Making Tithing a Habit
[38:02] - Joy in Generosity
[39:14] - Financial Stewardship
[40:07] - Starting Small with Tithing
[40:48] - Financial Peace and Budgeting
[42:00] - Engaging with the Church
[43:00] - Using Your Gifts for God
[43:49] - Making Christ the Center
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
2. Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is reading the Bible considered essential for gaining wisdom and guidance? ([02:16])
2. What are some of the challenges people face when starting to read the Bible, and how does the sermon suggest overcoming them? ([03:20])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in a believer's life, and what example does Jesus provide for prayer? ([12:02])
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of worshiping in community, and how does it relate to Psalm 95:1? ([22:00])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Psalm 119:105 illustrate the importance of the Bible in making life decisions, according to the sermon? ([02:16])
2. In what ways does the Lord's Prayer serve as a model for sincere and simple communication with God, as discussed in the sermon? ([12:02])
3. How does the concept of "praying without ceasing" in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on making prayer a daily habit? ([14:12])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between serving others and experiencing personal joy and fulfillment? ([30:24])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current Bible reading habits. What specific steps can you take to immerse yourself more deeply in God's Word this year? ([02:16])
2. Consider your prayer life. How can you incorporate more sincere and consistent prayer into your daily routine? What might be a good time for you to pray? ([12:02])
3. Think about your participation in worship. How can you engage more actively in both individual and community worship? What spiritual gifts can you contribute to your community? ([22:00])
4. Identify a way you can serve others with love and generosity this week. What unique gifts do you have that can be used to bless others? ([30:24])
5. Reflect on your approach to generosity and tithing. How can you cultivate a heart of generosity, and what small steps can you take to make giving a regular habit? ([35:17])
6. How can you ensure that Christ remains the center of your life as you pursue these spiritual practices in 2025? ([43:49])
7. Consider a specific area in your life where you desire change. How can the practices discussed in the sermon help you achieve a breakthrough in that area? ([01:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Immersing in Divine Wisdom
To truly understand God's wisdom and guidance, immersing oneself in the Word of God is essential. The Bible serves as a foundational source of spiritual insight, offering clarity and direction for life's journey. Whether you are new to the Bible or have found it challenging in the past, starting with the New Testament Gospels or Genesis can provide a fresh perspective. Engaging in a Bible reading plan can help you stay aligned with God's truth, fostering a deeper connection with His teachings. By consistently reading and reflecting on the scriptures, you open your heart and mind to divine wisdom, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions. [02:16]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to incorporate regular Bible reading into your daily routine, and how might this practice transform your understanding of God's guidance?
Day 2: The Power of Sincere Prayer
Prayer is a profound way to connect with God, express gratitude, and seek His guidance. It is not about eloquence but sincerity, as Jesus taught us to pray simply, recognizing God's holiness and seeking His will. Making prayer a daily practice, whether in the morning, evening, or throughout the day, can bring peace and clarity to your life. By entrusting your concerns to God, you experience a sense of calm and assurance, knowing that He is listening and responding to your needs. Embracing prayer as a regular habit allows you to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, fostering spiritual growth and transformation. [12:02]
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific time each day when you can dedicate a few moments to sincere prayer. How can this intentional practice help you experience God's peace and guidance more fully?
Day 3: Worship as a Community Experience
Worship is an expression of reverence and adoration for God, and it can take many forms, from singing and prayer to acts of service. Engaging in worship both individually and in community strengthens your faith and builds a sense of belonging. As a community, believers can encourage and uplift one another, using their spiritual gifts to serve and glorify God. Participating in collective worship allows you to experience the power of shared faith, fostering deeper connections with others and with God. By embracing worship as a communal experience, you open yourself to the transformative power of God's presence in your life. [22:00]
"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: How can you actively participate in your community's worship activities this week, and what impact might this have on your spiritual journey and relationships with others?
Day 4: Serving with Love and Generosity
God has uniquely gifted each person to serve His kingdom, and finding ways to serve within your church or community can bring joy and fulfillment to your life. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger commitments, serving others is a way to express love and generosity. It not only blesses those you serve but also enriches your own spiritual journey. By using your unique gifts to serve others, you contribute to the growth and vitality of your community, reflecting God's love and compassion in tangible ways. Embracing a lifestyle of service allows you to experience the joy of giving and the fulfillment of living out your faith. [30:24]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific talents or resources do you have that can be used to serve others in your community this week, and how can you take a step towards putting them into action?
Day 5: Generosity as a Spiritual Practice
Practicing generosity through tithing is an act of trust and recognition of God's provision. It is not about a specific percentage but a heart of generosity. As you give, you honor God and support His work in the world. Starting small, if needed, and letting generosity become a regular habit in your life can lead to spiritual growth and fulfillment. By embracing a lifestyle of giving, you acknowledge God's blessings and contribute to the well-being of others. Generosity is a powerful expression of faith, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes and a life committed to His service. [35:17]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you cultivate a more generous heart this week, and what steps can you take to make generosity a consistent practice in your life?
Quotes
"I'm going to do the same thing Douglas did and encourage you to read your Bible. Right. Right. Right. You've got to read your Bible so that you know what it says, so that you know what the Lord says, so that you can see how you're supposed to be. As the Bible tells us, Psalm 119, 105 says," [00:01:51]
"So where should you start? Now, most of us are going to tell you to start in what we call the New Testament. We look at the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Those are the Gospels. The ones that tell us the story of Jesus himself. And we point you there because many of us have already heard of Jesus to begin with." [00:03:41]
"And so with that, I'm going to invite you. Now, we are doing a Bible reading plan, a year in the Bible with Nikki and Pippa Gumbel. You can find it on the Bible app. You can find me on the Bible app. I meant to put it in the description, but you can look up Gerald N .C., and I'm on the Bible app. If you want to join us there, hey, friend me on there." [00:05:00]
"Prayer is the other thing I want to tell you. We're going to call it tip number two here. I don't have them in any specific order, but I would say Bible and prayer are two of the most important ones, right? You see, prayer, I mean, many of us, we don't do it because we question. How are we, am I doing it right? Or I'm not having the outcome that I prayed for." [00:09:00]
"You're just supposed to pray to God and talk to him and let him know, you know, you're thankful to him and let him know, you know, you recognize who he is. He is God. He is the creator. He's holy and all this above us. But yet he wants to hear from his children and he wants to know what things you need help with." [00:09:53]
"And so he gave them the example of the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6, 9. It begins, it says, pray then like this, our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." [00:12:02]
"Prayer is also about, to me, defining our relationship. I mean, prayer, again, even here, he talks about who God is, right? Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done. Hallowed be your name. Holy are you, Lord. It's recognizing him as Father, as God, as creator, as provider, as protector, and so much more." [00:13:24]
"Another favorite verse, Hebrews 10, 24 through 25, 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 by encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Stir up one another to love and good works. What's that mean?" [00:26:44]
"It says we are to motivate and encourage one another, to build one another up, to push one another on. If you've ever been, and here I'm talking about fitness, if you've ever been working out and you, you've ever had a trainer there with you, what does the trainer do? They motivate you and encourage you to go further than you think you can." [00:27:36]
"And in Christ set the example, Mark 10 .45, for even the son of man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. So again, wherever you are, whatever your situation, my encouragement to you is to get plugged in somewhere, make serving a regular occurrence." [00:30:34]
"And I didn't save it to the end on purpose, but I want to be clear. Now, whenever I talk about tithing, I'm not talking about being obligated to keep the Old Testament laws in place. I'm talking about tithing. I'm not talking about tithing. But I believe, excuse me, I believe that we are truly held to an even higher standard than that." [00:34:49]
"2 Corinthians 9, 7 says, Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. You want to experience joy, be a generous person. Be a giver. See what you're finding. finances, what God's gifts to you have done, can do for other people." [00:38:02]
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