Triumphing Over Darkness: Our Divine Assignment
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the theme of "Devastating Darkness" and how, as believers, we are called to triumph over it. We began by affirming that our victory in Christ is not something we strive for but something we already possess. This victory is rooted in the renewal of our inner man, even as our outer man decays. We are reminded that God has already given us victory through Jesus Christ, and we are called to live a life of dominion over darkness.
The sermon then shifted to a poignant illustration of the recent fires in Lahaina, Maui, which devastated the entire area. Despite having one of the most sophisticated alert systems, no alarm was sounded, leading to tragic loss. This serves as a metaphor for our role as believers: we are God's alert system, tasked with warning others of the spiritual devastation that awaits those who do not know Christ.
In Luke 10, we see that God has given us an assignment to sound the alarm and spread the message of salvation. This assignment is not about accumulating material wealth or personal achievements but about fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. We are called to go out and be the church, not just wait for people to come to us. Our personal fulfillment is directly tied to fulfilling this divine assignment.
The sermon emphasized that our assignment is prepared, promising, precarious, protected, pretension-less, prioritized, procedural, and proclaiming. Each of these aspects underscores the importance of relying on God, staying focused on our mission, and being authentic in our walk with Christ. We are reminded that our greatest ability is our availability to God, and we must be willing to step out in faith, even in the face of danger, trusting in God's protection and provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. Victory in Christ: As believers, we operate from a place of victory, not for it. Our inner man is renewed daily, even as our outer man decays. This renewal is a testament to the victory we already have in Christ, who has declared us victorious from the beginning. Understanding this helps us live a life of dominion over darkness. [01:06]
2. Role as God's Alert System: Just as the sophisticated alert system in Lahaina failed to warn people of the impending fire, we as believers must not fail in our role as God's alert system. We are called to warn others of the spiritual devastation that awaits those who do not know Christ. This is our divine assignment, and it is crucial for the salvation of souls. [05:10]
3. Prepared and Promising Assignment: Our assignment from God is prepared and promising. It is custom-made for each of us, designed to bring us fulfillment as we fulfill God's purpose. This assignment is not about material gains but about spiritual impact and leading others to Christ. [11:33]
4. Dependence on God: Our assignment is also precarious and protected. We are sent out as lambs among wolves, which means we must rely entirely on God's protection and provision. This dependence on God ensures that we remain humble and focused on our mission, knowing that we are invincible when fulfilling our divine assignment. [30:01]
5. Authenticity and Focus: God calls us to be authentic and focused in our walk with Him. Pretension and distractions can hinder our effectiveness in fulfilling our assignment. We must prioritize our Kingdom responsibilities over earthly concerns to experience the righteousness, peace, and joy that come from living for the King. [37:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Victory in Christ
[01:59] - Living a Triumphant Life
[02:56] - Fires in Lahaina: A Metaphor
[05:10] - Role as God's Alert System
[06:24] - Assignment in Luke 10
[07:22] - Fulfilling God's Assignment
[08:10] - Going Out to Be the Church
[09:32] - Personal Fulfillment and God's Assignment
[11:33] - Prepared and Promising Assignment
[13:00] - Priority of the Kingdom
[17:00] - Understanding the Harvest
[21:39] - Precarious Assignment
[30:01] - Protected Assignment
[37:28] - Authenticity and Focus
[41:39] - Procedural and Proclaiming Assignment
[45:26] - Call to Prayer and Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 10:1-3 (ESV)
> "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.'"
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
> "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)
> "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Luke 10:1-3 say about the nature of the assignment given to the seventy-two disciples? How does Jesus describe the harvest and the laborers? [06:24]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 4:16, what is happening to our inner and outer selves? How does this relate to the concept of victory in Christ mentioned in the sermon? [01:06]
3. In 1 Corinthians 15:57, what is the source of our victory? How does this verse reinforce the idea that we operate from a place of victory rather than striving for it? [01:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the need to pray earnestly for laborers in Luke 10:2? What does this suggest about the importance of prayer in fulfilling our divine assignment? [23:14]
2. How does the renewal of our inner self in 2 Corinthians 4:16 provide encouragement for believers facing external decay or challenges? How does this renewal relate to living a life of dominion over darkness? [01:06]
3. What does it mean to have victory through our Lord Jesus Christ as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:57? How should this understanding impact our daily lives and our approach to spiritual battles? [01:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your role as part of God's alert system. How can you actively warn others of spiritual devastation in your daily interactions? What specific steps can you take this week to sound the alarm for someone who does not know Christ? [05:10]
2. The sermon mentioned that our greatest ability is our availability to God. Are there areas in your life where you are not fully available to God? What changes can you make to increase your availability for His purposes? [44:39]
3. Jesus sends us out as lambs among wolves, indicating a precarious assignment. How can you rely more on God's protection and provision when facing dangerous or challenging situations? Share a recent experience where you had to trust in God's protection. [30:01]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of authenticity and focus in our walk with Christ. Are there any pretensions or distractions in your life that hinder your effectiveness in fulfilling your assignment? How can you address these issues to stay focused on your Kingdom responsibilities? [37:28]
5. Personal fulfillment is tied to fulfilling God's assignment. Identify one aspect of your divine assignment that you feel called to but have not yet pursued. What practical steps can you take this week to begin fulfilling that part of your assignment? [09:32]
6. The sermon highlighted the need for earnest prayer for laborers. How can you incorporate more earnest and specific prayers for laborers into your daily prayer routine? Consider setting a specific time each day to pray for this need. [23:14]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of the fires in Lahaina and the failure of the alert system. How does this story challenge you to be more vigilant and proactive in your spiritual life? What practical actions can you take to ensure you are fulfilling your role as God's alert system? [05:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Living from Victory, Not for Victory
As believers, we are called to operate from a place of victory, not strive for it. This victory is rooted in the renewal of our inner man, even as our outer man decays. Understanding that we are already victorious in Christ helps us live a life of dominion over darkness. This renewal is a testament to the victory we already have in Christ, who has declared us victorious from the beginning. By embracing this truth, we can confidently face the challenges of life, knowing that our victory is assured.
[01:06]
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to remind yourself that you are already victorious in Christ? How can this perspective change the way you approach these challenges today?
Day 2: Being God's Alert System
Just as the sophisticated alert system in Lahaina failed to warn people of the impending fire, we as believers must not fail in our role as God's alert system. We are called to warn others of the spiritual devastation that awaits those who do not know Christ. This is our divine assignment, and it is crucial for the salvation of souls. Our role is to be vigilant and proactive in sharing the message of salvation, ensuring that no one is left unaware of the eternal consequences of their choices.
[05:10]
Ezekiel 33:6 (ESV): "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of salvation? How can you be more intentional in sharing the gospel with them this week?
Day 3: Embracing Our Prepared and Promising Assignment
Our assignment from God is prepared and promising. It is custom-made for each of us, designed to bring us fulfillment as we fulfill God's purpose. This assignment is not about material gains but about spiritual impact and leading others to Christ. By focusing on our divine assignment, we find true fulfillment and joy, knowing that we are contributing to God's eternal plan. This perspective shifts our priorities from earthly concerns to Kingdom responsibilities.
[11:33]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What specific assignment do you believe God has prepared for you? How can you take steps to fulfill this assignment in your daily life?
Day 4: Relying on God's Protection and Provision
Our assignment is also precarious and protected. We are sent out as lambs among wolves, which means we must rely entirely on God's protection and provision. This dependence on God ensures that we remain humble and focused on our mission, knowing that we are invincible when fulfilling our divine assignment. Trusting in God's protection allows us to step out in faith, even in the face of danger, and accomplish the tasks He has set before us.
[30:01]
Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's protection and provision? How can you demonstrate this trust in your actions today?
Day 5: Authenticity and Focus in Our Walk with Christ
God calls us to be authentic and focused in our walk with Him. Pretension and distractions can hinder our effectiveness in fulfilling our assignment. We must prioritize our Kingdom responsibilities over earthly concerns to experience the righteousness, peace, and joy that come from living for the King. By being genuine in our faith and staying focused on our mission, we can effectively lead others to Christ and fulfill our divine purpose.
[37:28]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What distractions or pretensions are hindering your walk with Christ? How can you refocus your priorities to align more closely with God's Kingdom today?
Quotes
1. "You know, God has called us to be triumphant in our Christian lives. God has called us to be victorious in our Christian lives. We don't work for victory as believers in Christ. We work from victory as believers in Jesus Christ. When we read the word of God and we take God's word serious, we see that we are not being devastated, but we are devastating. We are, as 2 Corinthians says, we are perplexed on every side, but yet we are not being devastated. We are not, but yet not distressed. Persecuted, but not forsaken. Cast down, but not destroyed." [01:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In life, God has called us to live a dominant life, but the challenge is we end up back on our heels, not recognizing who we are in Christ. That's why God says, let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus. He wants us to have the mind of Christ. And when you have the mind of Christ, you understand that God has called you to have dominion over darkness, and God has called you to devastate darkness rather than being devastated by darkness. Amen?" [01:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "May I suggest that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are God's alert system. God has placed us here to be the alert system, letting people know that there's a fire that's coming. It's not a temporary fire. It's not a fire that just destroys your physical life. It's a fire that destroys your spiritual life. And then if you do not trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior, there's a hurricane devastation that's coming your way." [05:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How many of you all know that being here on earth, that God didn't just leave you here to have a nice house? God didn't leave you here for just having a nice job. God didn't leave you just for a nice portfolio. There's nothing wrong with a nice job. There's nothing wrong with a nice house. There's nothing wrong with a nice portfolio. It's just not your assignment. God has left us here on assignment." [07:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your inner and your personal fulfillment will be directly correlated to you fulfilling God's assignment for your life. Your individual and personal fulfillment will be exactly correlated to you fulfilling God's assignment for your life and John 17, three, he says, he says that boy, Father in heaven, I have glorified the on the earth. I have finished the work you have called me to do. So the floor on the question is, are you completing the assignment that God has called you to do?" [09:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Part of your assignment is to invite people in the God's kingdom and to prepare heaven bound people for heaven. Now watch this. Now you qualify for heaven by getting saved. You get ready for heaven by being sanctified. You get a chance to get the ticket to go to heaven because you trust. His death, his burial and his resurrection, you are equipped and boy, you get rewards in heaven to the degree you do your assignment and your activity and your schoolwork while you're down here on earth. Amen." [10:32] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you are the creator of the earth, you're not dependent upon the creation. So the question becomes, why has God left us here? God has left us here because what God wants to do is for us to be on assignment and sound the alarm for people who are left behind. We started a mini series last week says it's time to go. So often we're waiting on people to come. Come to the church, but guys, at this time for you to go and be the church, we so often waiting on people to come and check us out. Guys, I want to see you go check on people." [08:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you understand the assignment, you're more likely to unleash the assignment. When you understand the assignment, you're more likely to be obedient to the assignment. And he said to them, the harvest is plentiful. Well, that sounds encouraging. That sounds inspirational. That sounds visionary. That's not like boy. It's something worth investing. My life in somebody once said that boy, when you wrapped up into yourself, you wrapped up into a pretty small package." [17:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you walk in your assignment, you walk in authority. When you walk in your assignment, you walk in righteousness. When you walk in your assignment, you walk in peace. When you walk in your assignment, you've got hope for other people. So I text my childhood pastor's daughter. She's my Sunday school teacher and I heard from her lately. So I texted yesterday and I didn't hear back. She don't respond right back. So on the way to church, I called she answered the phone. Hey pastor, how you doing? So I'm fine. I say y'all. All right. So yeah, we just fine." [43:35] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Your greatest ability as a follower of Christ is your availability. Your greatest ability is not your mind. It's not your hands. It's not your boys. It's not your intellect. It's not how strong you are. It's not your greatest ability is your availability. How available are you today to God? Are you fulfilling your kingdom assignment? So I want us to pray at the end of this message today. It's important for us to church. To get going. It's important for us to recognize. It's time to go." [45:26] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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