Transformative Power of Praise and Service
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God inhabits the praises of His people, and in that place of praise, there is an abundance of joy. This joy is transformative, swallowing up weakness with strength and darkness with light. We are encouraged to let our praise make our hearts merry, for it is through the strength of His joy that our situations are made right. This is a call to lift our voices in praise, allowing the Spirit of grace to work within us.
We also discussed the importance of being a blessing to others, particularly those in nursing homes who are often forgotten. This is an opportunity to love those who are not our family, to show them the love of Christ through simple acts of kindness. This act of love is not just about giving material things but about being present and showing that they are valued and loved.
Furthermore, we delved into the topic of prophecy within the church. Prophecy is a gift meant to edify and build up the body of Christ, but it must be handled with care. We are reminded that the work of the ministry is not solely the responsibility of church leaders but of every believer. The church is a place to practice and grow in our spiritual gifts, but it must be done in a safe and guided manner. We must remain teachable and merciful, understanding that mistakes happen, but they are opportunities for growth.
Finally, we explored the concept of beholding and becoming. We are transformed into the image of Christ by beholding His glory with unveiled faces. The veil represents separation, whether it be unbelief, tradition, or self-righteousness. To truly behold God, we must remove these veils and come before Him as we are. This requires honesty and vulnerability, allowing God to see us fully so that we can be transformed into His likeness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Praise as a Source of Joy: Praise is not just an act of worship but a source of joy and strength. When we praise God, we invite His presence into our lives, which brings transformation and healing. In times of weakness and darkness, let your praise be the light that guides you to strength and joy. [31:18]
2. The Call to Love and Serve: We are called to love and serve those who are often forgotten, such as the elderly in nursing homes. This act of love is a reflection of Christ's love for us and is an opportunity to be His hands and feet in the world. It is not about the material gifts we give but the presence and love we show. [49:02]
3. Prophecy and Spiritual Gifts: Prophecy is a gift meant to edify the church, but it must be handled with care and guidance. The church is a place to practice and grow in our spiritual gifts, but it must be done in a safe and guided manner. We must remain teachable and merciful, understanding that mistakes happen, but they are opportunities for growth. [56:06]
4. Beholding and Becoming: We are transformed into the image of Christ by beholding His glory with unveiled faces. The veil represents separation, whether it be unbelief, tradition, or self-righteousness. To truly behold God, we must remove these veils and come before Him as we are. This requires honesty and vulnerability, allowing God to see us fully so that we can be transformed into His likeness. [01:03:51]
5. The Reflective Nature of Our Souls: Our souls have a mirror-like tendency to reflect what we behold. This is why it is crucial to set our eyes on God and His glory. By doing so, we are transformed into His image, reflecting His character, love, and holiness. This transformation is not by our efforts but by the Spirit of the Lord. [01:30:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [31:18] - The Power of Praise
- [32:20] - Joy in Praise
- [49:02] - Angel Tree Initiative
- [49:47] - Call to Serve
- [50:50] - Understanding Prophecy
- [56:06] - Safe Place for Spiritual Gifts
- [57:11] - The Risk of Prophecy
- [58:22] - Teachable and Merciful
- [59:18] - Do Not Quench the Spirit
- [01:00:31] - Testing Prophetic Words
- [01:01:23] - Behold and Become
- [01:03:51] - Unveiling the Veil
- [01:06:44] - Reflective Nature of Our Souls
- [01:30:01] - Transformation Through Beholding
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV) - "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good."
3. Psalm 34:5 (NIV) - "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between praise and joy, and how does it affect our situations? ([31:18])
2. What specific actions were suggested in the sermon to show love to those in nursing homes, and why is this important? ([49:02])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of prophecy in the church, and what precautions are suggested to ensure it is handled properly? ([56:06])
4. What does the sermon say about the concept of "beholding and becoming," and how does it relate to the removal of veils? ([01:03:51])
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of God inhabiting the praises of His people challenge or affirm your understanding of worship? ([31:18])
2. In what ways does serving those who are often forgotten, like the elderly in nursing homes, reflect the love of Christ? ([49:02])
3. What are the potential risks and benefits of practicing spiritual gifts like prophecy within the church, according to the sermon? ([56:06])
4. How does the removal of veils, as discussed in the sermon, symbolize the process of spiritual transformation? ([01:03:51])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when praise brought joy and strength into your life. How can you incorporate more praise into your daily routine? ([31:18])
2. Identify a specific way you can show love to someone who might feel forgotten or undervalued this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? ([49:02])
3. How can you create a safe environment in your small group or church for practicing spiritual gifts while ensuring guidance and accountability? ([56:06])
4. Consider any "veils" in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take to remove these barriers? ([01:03:51])
5. How can you intentionally focus on beholding God's glory in your daily life? What distractions might you need to minimize to achieve this? ([01:30:01])
6. Think of a situation where you might have worn a "mask" to hide your true self. How can you practice vulnerability and honesty in your relationship with God and others? ([01:09:49])
7. What specific action can you take this week to reflect the character and love of Christ in your interactions with others? ([01:30:01])
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Praise Invites Divine Transformation
In the act of praising God, believers find a profound source of joy and strength. Praise is not merely an expression of worship but a powerful invitation for God's presence to dwell among His people. This presence brings transformation, turning weakness into strength and darkness into light. When faced with challenges, lifting one's voice in praise can illuminate the path to joy and healing. By allowing the Spirit of grace to work within, individuals can experience a shift in their circumstances, guided by the strength of divine joy. [31:18]
Psalm 22:3-4 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them."
Reflection: In what specific situation in your life can you choose to praise God today, inviting His transformative presence into that area?
Day 2: Love Beyond Familiar Boundaries
The call to love and serve extends beyond our immediate circles, reaching those who are often forgotten, such as the elderly in nursing homes. This act of love is a reflection of Christ's love for humanity, emphasizing the importance of presence over material gifts. By being present and showing kindness, believers can demonstrate that these individuals are valued and loved. This is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, offering love and service to those who may not have family to care for them. [49:02]
James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: Who in your community or life is often overlooked or forgotten? How can you show them Christ's love through your presence and actions this week?
Day 3: Nurturing Spiritual Gifts with Care
Prophecy and other spiritual gifts are given to edify and build up the church, but they must be exercised with care and guidance. The church is a place for believers to practice and grow in their spiritual gifts, ensuring a safe and guided environment. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and they should be seen as opportunities for growth. Believers are encouraged to remain teachable and merciful, understanding that the work of the ministry is a shared responsibility among all members of the church. [56:06]
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV): "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you feel called to develop? How can you seek guidance and practice this gift in a safe and supportive environment?
Day 4: Unveiling to Behold God's Glory
Transformation into the image of Christ occurs when believers behold His glory with unveiled faces. The veil represents anything that separates individuals from God, such as unbelief, tradition, or self-righteousness. To truly behold God, one must remove these veils and come before Him with honesty and vulnerability. This openness allows God to see individuals fully, facilitating their transformation into His likeness. By removing barriers, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and reflect His character in their lives. [01:03:51]
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV): "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another."
Reflection: What "veil" might be separating you from fully experiencing God's presence? How can you begin to remove it today to behold His glory more clearly?
Day 5: Reflecting God's Image Through Beholding
The soul has a mirror-like quality, reflecting what it beholds. By setting one's eyes on God and His glory, believers are transformed into His image, reflecting His character, love, and holiness. This transformation is not achieved through human effort but by the Spirit of the Lord. As individuals focus on God, they become more like Him, embodying His attributes in their daily lives. This reflective nature of the soul underscores the importance of continually seeking God's presence and allowing His Spirit to work within. [01:30:01]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What are you currently beholding in your life that is shaping your character? How can you intentionally focus on God's glory to reflect His image more clearly?
Quotes
"For the Spirit of grace has much to say. And in my heart, I hear the Spirit of grace saying, you have read, and so you know it to be true. That I inhabit the praises of my people. But I inhabit the praises of my people because I choose to. For your praise speaks to my joy. And so in the place of abundance of praise, there shall always be. There shall always be an abundance of joy. So the Spirit of grace is saying to you in this season, indeed in every season, let your praise make your heart merry. Let your praise make your heart merry. And your weakness will be swallowed up in strength. And the darkness will be swallowed up in light. And through the strength of his joy, your situation will be made right." [00:30:29] (110 seconds)
"Something that we have done in years past, and I'm going to explain it to you. Probably you're familiar with it, but then we're going to do it a little bit different. I'm just going to ask you to go ahead and stand up and do it now. Okay. But we have the opportunity to be a blessing to people that are in what I be a miss if I called it a nursing home, rehab center, nursing home. And, you know, my wife and I have learned over the past two and a half years of our journey, how many families put their parents, their loved ones in nursing homes and never go see them again. And it's sad. It's deplorable. It's disgusting that we treat our elderly that way. And, you know, for the past two and a half years, my wife and I have heard every time in every different facility, you know, we've gotten commended because we show up." [00:47:41] (56 seconds)
"Purposeful conference earlier this year called the voice of god and the purpose of the voice of god was this to bequeath gift god's people the courage to believe that they hear the voice of god and the body can rise up and do the work of the ministry how many of you know that the entirety of the work of the ministry does not belong to the apostle prophet the evangelist the pastor or the teacher i mean i i had a guy one time he came up to me said it's not my job to build the church it's yours i said well keep believing what you want to believe um but we have to my job is to help you do your job you know and so you i want to talk about how we do prophecy because" [00:51:04] (65 seconds)
"We remain teachable. That means you've got to be teachable. I've got to be teachable. He's the teacher. OK, so we've got to remain teachable, but we also have to remain merciful. Meaning that if somebody comes to you and gives you a word in it, don't fit, don't assume they're a false prophet. Most of the time, their heart is right. They just made a mistake. Everyone say teachable. And merciful. Right. So if I came and I gave Cleve a word and it didn't fit and Cleve just tore me up and tore me down. It might take me the rest of my life to recover." [00:58:05] (55 seconds)
"The apostle said, but we all. Everyone say, that means me. We all. We all. With unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Some years ago, I preached a series of messages entitled Life Is. And in that series, one of the truths that the Holy Spirit brought. Out is that life is reflective. We all have this mirror -like tendency in our souls to reflect that which we behold. This is one of the reasons why the Bible says set no evil thing before your eyes. Because if you behold it, you become it." [01:03:48] (60 seconds)
"Because this reflective nature that we have is there by divine design. You don't outgrow it. But every parent knows it because you know that sweet little angel you gave birth to. You know the one that on the day he was born, the angels got together. And decided they'd make a dream come true. So they sprinkled stardust in his hair and gave him eyes of blue. My mama used to sing me that song. Well, your sweet little angel one day says he wants to go hang out with Bobby. And so you let him go down to Bobby's house and your sweet little angel comes home dropping F -bombs like nobody's business." [01:05:34] (47 seconds)
"The original purpose of your reflective nature was so you would behold God and reflect him. Yes. The same verse out of the contemporary English says, don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you. Now let's get into the message. The title of this morning's message is, Behold and Become. Behold and Become. I'm going to go back. The verse we started off with, 2 Corinthians 3 .18. But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of God. The glory of the Lord are being transformed, all of us, being transformed into the same image. The image of what? The glory of God." [01:07:14] (51 seconds)
"Because a lot of us don't want to be seen. We don't want people to know the struggles. We have on the inside some of the thoughts that we've had that we wished we would never have. And every time we rebuke them, they come back again. And we do things that we wish we would never have done. We don't want anyone to know that. But he already does. And so we need to go before him as we are. Not as we think we ought to be. Is this okay? As I said, the veil can also be a disguise. Not just. Not just a piece of cloth, but it can be something we wear so that no one ever sees. We hide behind a mask of happiness." [01:15:15] (45 seconds)
"When we become when we behold him, we become like him and we leave his presence. Everyone's like, what happened to you? There was a transformation. Then that took place because the veil was off and we beheld each other face to face and we became like mirrors shining his glory. So that when you've seen Jimmy, you've seen. That's the goal, so that when someone looks at you, they're like, I know Christ is real because I see you. Hmm. We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And the glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the spirit." [01:30:38] (57 seconds)
"So what does it mean then to behold? I'm trying to hurry this up to behold means in. Intentional focus, setting your eyes on him, refusing to be distracted by the cares and the concerns of the world, looking at him and we look at him through the scripture when we read the scripture. And I said this to you a couple of weeks ago, and I noticed some of the people that were here ain't come back. And I think they ain't come back because they didn't hear what I said when I said what I'm about to say to you, if you don't really listen, will sound sacrilegious. The Bible's just. The book, if you don't add faith to it." [01:31:40] (39 seconds)
"The most expansive experiences I've ever had with God have been those times when I was angry and hurt. And I went before God, and I didn't pretend to be anything but angry and hurt. I don't get a whole lot out of my prayers when they're right. You know what I mean by that? When they're... scripted and I'm praying this way because that's what I was told that's how God wants me to pray the most expansive and transformative times I've ever had with God is when I've gone before God and I was just jimmy with all of my flaws fears and concerns and disappointments and I just laid it all out not in a mat not in a spirit of complaints but just in saying God I I need help up in here and when I've been real he's been a real present help in those times of trouble we've got to if we ever want to encounter grace we've got to remove the veil of self -righteousness if we ever want to know joy we got to remove the mask of happiness because it's really a whole lot better to truly be joyful than to pretend to be happy" [01:20:41] (92 seconds)
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