Transformative Power: Aligning with God's Will
Summary
In our exploration of power, we delve into its true essence and how it manifests in our lives as followers of Christ. Power, at its core, is the capacity to effect change. The Apostle Paul frequently references the power that raised Christ from the dead, emphasizing that this same power is at work within us. This divine power is not about force but about influence and transformation. God, who possesses all power, chooses not to push but to pull, to woo, and to influence. This is a lesson for us in understanding prayer—not as a means of pushing our will but as a way of aligning with God's will and drawing His kingdom into our lives.
Historically, the people of Christ have achieved the most when they had the least. This paradox highlights the truth that when we have nothing else to rely on, we learn to depend entirely on God. This dependence fosters a deeper joy and community, as seen in families and communities that thrive despite material lack. The story of Israel in the book of Judges illustrates this principle. When Israel demanded a king, they sought security in human institutions rather than in God. Yet, through their exile, they learned that God's kingdom is not tied to a place or institution but is present wherever His people are willing to let go of their own kingdoms.
The discussion on money further underscores this theme. Money, like power, extends the range of our effective will. The question is whether we use it for ourselves or for God's glory. True engagement with God's kingdom begins with prayer and giving, as exemplified by the widow's offering. Her small gift was greater than all others because it was given in faith and aligned with God's kingdom work.
In theological education, the challenge is to move beyond mere knowledge acquisition to fostering true discipleship. The objective should be to produce disciples who make disciples, embodying the teachings of Christ in their lives. This requires a shift in focus from academic scholarship to practical obedience and transformation.
Finally, the cross remains central to our faith. It is not merely a symbol of suffering but a call to self-denial and alignment with God's will. The cross reveals God's love and righteousness, challenging us to live not for ourselves but for Christ, who died and rose again for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Power and Influence: True power is the capacity to effect change, not through force but through influence and transformation. God exemplifies this by choosing to pull rather than push, teaching us that prayer is about aligning with His will rather than imposing our own. [02:48]
2. Strength in Weakness: The people of Christ have historically accomplished the most when they had the least, as reliance on God becomes paramount. This dependence fosters joy and community, as seen in the lives of those who thrive despite material lack. [04:22]
3. Money and Kingdom Work: Money extends the range of our effective will, and its true value lies in how it is used for God's glory. Engaging with God's kingdom begins with prayer and giving, as these acts align us with His purposes. [11:27]
4. Discipleship in Education: The goal of theological education should be to produce disciples who make disciples, focusing on practical obedience and transformation rather than mere knowledge acquisition. This shift requires a rethinking of educational objectives. [18:01]
5. The Cross and Self-Denial: The cross is central to our faith, calling us to self-denial and alignment with God's will. It reveals God's love and righteousness, challenging us to live for Christ, who died and rose again for us. [23:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Defining Power
- [01:12] - Power in Resurrection
- [02:09] - Pushing vs. Pulling
- [03:00] - Prayer as Pulling
- [03:30] - Accomplishing with Less
- [04:43] - Joy in Simplicity
- [06:06] - Israel's Demand for a King
- [07:46] - Exile and God's Presence
- [09:55] - Money and Trust
- [11:15] - Engaging the Kingdom
- [13:21] - Rethinking Education
- [18:01] - Discipleship as Objective
- [19:04] - Expanding the Gospel
- [23:22] - The Cross and Self-Denial
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 3:20-21
2. 2 Corinthians 5:15
3. Mark 12:41-44 (The Widow's Offering)
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the Apostle Paul describe the power that is at work within believers in Ephesians 3:20-21? How is this power related to the resurrection of Christ? [01:12]
2. In the sermon, what examples are given to illustrate the idea that the people of Christ have accomplished the most when they had the least? [03:30]
3. What is the significance of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44, and how does it relate to the concept of kingdom work as discussed in the sermon? [11:39]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in relation to power and influence? [02:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for believers to have the same power that raised Christ from the dead working within them? How might this understanding impact a believer's daily life? [01:12]
2. How does the concept of "strength in weakness" challenge common perceptions of power and success in today's society? [04:22]
3. In what ways does the widow's offering exemplify true engagement with God's kingdom, and how does this challenge our understanding of giving and sacrifice? [11:39]
4. How does the sermon suggest that theological education should shift its focus to produce disciples who make disciples? What might this look like in practice? [18:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt powerless. How did you see God's power at work in that situation, and how can you apply this understanding to current challenges? [01:12]
2. Consider areas in your life where you might be relying on your own strength rather than depending on God. How can you shift your focus to trust more in God's provision? [04:22]
3. How do you currently use your financial resources? What changes can you make to ensure that your spending and giving align with God's kingdom purposes? [11:15]
4. In what ways can you incorporate prayer as a means of aligning with God's will rather than trying to impose your own? How might this change your approach to prayer? [03:00]
5. Think about your involvement in your church or community. How can you contribute to making disciples who make disciples, and what steps can you take to foster practical obedience and transformation? [18:01]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-denial and living for Christ. What is one specific area in your life where you can practice self-denial this week? [23:22]
7. How does the cross challenge you to live differently? Identify one way you can embody the love and righteousness of God in your interactions with others this week. [23:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Power as Influence and Transformation
True power is not about force but about the capacity to effect change through influence and transformation. This divine power, as described by the Apostle Paul, is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and is at work within us. It is a power that pulls rather than pushes, aligning us with God's will through prayer. Prayer becomes a means of drawing God's kingdom into our lives, not by imposing our desires but by seeking His will. This understanding of power challenges us to rethink how we approach prayer and influence in our daily lives. [02:48]
Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you trying to push your own will? How can you shift your approach to align with God's will and allow His power to work through you?
Day 2: Strength in Dependence on God
The paradox of strength in weakness is evident throughout the history of God's people. When they had the least, they accomplished the most, relying entirely on God. This dependence fosters a deeper joy and community, as seen in families and communities that thrive despite material lack. The story of Israel in the book of Judges illustrates this principle, where their demand for a king showed a misplaced trust in human institutions. Through their exile, they learned that God's kingdom is not tied to a place or institution but is present wherever His people are willing to let go of their own kingdoms. [04:22]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "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. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel weak or lacking? How can you invite God to show His strength through your dependence on Him in this area?
Day 3: Money as a Tool for God's Glory
Money, like power, extends the range of our effective will. Its true value lies in how it is used for God's glory. Engaging with God's kingdom begins with prayer and giving, as these acts align us with His purposes. The widow's offering exemplifies this principle, where her small gift was greater than all others because it was given in faith and aligned with God's kingdom work. This challenges us to consider how we use our resources and whether they serve our own interests or God's glory. [11:27]
Luke 21:1-4 (ESV): "Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'"
Reflection: How are you currently using your financial resources? What is one specific way you can use your money to further God's kingdom this week?
Day 4: Discipleship Beyond Knowledge
The goal of theological education should be to produce disciples who make disciples, focusing on practical obedience and transformation rather than mere knowledge acquisition. This requires a shift in focus from academic scholarship to living out the teachings of Christ in everyday life. True discipleship involves embodying the teachings of Christ and influencing others to do the same. This calls for a rethinking of educational objectives, emphasizing the importance of practical application and transformation in the journey of faith. [18:01]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently living out the teachings of Christ? How can you take a step towards practical obedience and influence others in your community this week?
Day 5: The Cross and Living for Christ
The cross is central to our faith, calling us to self-denial and alignment with God's will. It reveals God's love and righteousness, challenging us to live not for ourselves but for Christ, who died and rose again for us. This call to self-denial is not merely about suffering but about aligning our lives with God's purposes and living in a way that reflects His love and righteousness. The cross challenges us to examine our priorities and live in a way that honors Christ's sacrifice. [23:22]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are living for yourself rather than for Christ? How can you begin to align this area with God's will and live in a way that reflects His love and righteousness?
Quotes
"Power is the capacity to affect change. Paul will use the word energy also, and Paul, once you understand this, you'll see Paul is absolutely power mad, and he's always referring back to the power that raised Christ from the dead, and he's saying that's what's going on in you." [00:43:12]
"Human beings, when they start exercising power, will invariably turn to force. Not all power is force. You know what it is to force something, right? But you learn in life that some things that can be pushed can't be pulled and some things that can be pulled can't be pushed." [01:37:04]
"God has all power, and so he could push anything he wanted to push, but he doesn't want to because he knows that what he's aiming for in human character and the outcome of human history is something you can't push; you have to pull it. And so he pulls and he woos, and he influences and he waits." [02:40:84]
"The people of Christ have always accomplished the most when they have had the least. It's because when you don't have anything else to count on, you wind up counting on God. Someone was talking about being in some other countries where they're very poor and remarking on how happy they were." [03:10:08]
"Religious institutions tend to create something to trust other than God. Now that is what happened in Israel in the book of Judges. They just had to wait for God to raise up some person to deliver them, and they finally said to Samuel, the last of the judges, we want a king." [05:55:20]
"Money is real kingdom stuff. When you understand that your kingdom is a matter of the range of your effective will, then you realize money extends the range of your effective will. Now the question is, are you going to use it for yourself, or are you going to use it for the glory of God?" [10:57:36]
"The first two steps are prayer and giving. That's how you engage the kingdom is in prayer and giving, and giving is kingdom life. That's why the poor widow who put in two mites gave more than all the rest of them. That was kingdom work." [11:25:36]
"The question is what are the objectives? There's the further question, are the real objectives the ones I stated? Now a person who is teaching in an institution is under a lot of pressure from the institution, often not said but just present in the lives of those around them." [14:48:16]
"Routine obedience to Christ. Now, you know, if you're talking about a seminary, you might think that would be the objective. It could be. It would certainly stir things up if that were explicitly stated, and very likely your seminary would be in trouble with the accrediting association." [16:25:12]
"An educational institution had that as its objective. They wanted their students to come out as disciples making disciples and then leading the disciples on. Sounds good to me. So you're raising a very challenging issue, of course. I don't mean to be light about it." [18:05:92]
"The cross is for me. The cross of the individual is not their flat tire or their unpleasant relative. That is not the cross. The cross is self-denial. The cross is joining Christ on the cross of self-denial. I will do the will of God. That's the cross." [23:22:56]
"The cross revealed a God whose righteousness is his love, and that comes grace." [28:46:32]
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