True Prosperity: Seeking Spiritual Riches in God's Kingdom
Summary
Today, I began by welcoming everyone and setting the stage for a unique sermon, emphasizing the importance of engaging with our ongoing Bible studies, particularly the "Dear Church" series based on Max Lucado's studies of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John and Jude. I highlighted the availability of these resources and encouraged the congregation to delve deeper into their faith through these studies.
I transitioned into a special segment for our Family Sunday, continuing the "Growing in God's Kingdom" series. I introduced an interactive game for the children, using a metaphorical lake filled with treasures to teach about the value and cost of seeking spiritual riches. This playful yet profound setup served as a vivid illustration of the challenges and rewards of pursuing God's kingdom.
In the main body of the sermon, I focused on the concept of true prosperity in God's terms, which diverges significantly from the worldly 'prosperity gospel.' I explained that biblical prosperity isn't about wealth or comfort but about spiritual breakthrough and fruitfulness. I referenced Psalm 1 to underline the importance of delighting in God's law and the blessings that follow when we plant ourselves beside the streams of His wisdom.
I delved deeper into the implications of seeking God earnestly and the barriers that can hinder our spiritual growth. I identified four main barriers: superficial faith, failure to prioritize God, valuing information over intimacy, and unconfessed sin. Each barrier was discussed in detail, providing practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles and deepen our relationship with God.
I concluded by inviting the congregation to reflect on their personal barriers and encouraged them to seek breakthroughs by engaging more deeply with God's word, prioritizing their spiritual life, and embracing true fellowship with Him and with each other. I offered prayers for those feeling particularly challenged and encouraged everyone to persist in their pursuit of God's kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Prosperity in God's Kingdom
True prosperity is not about accumulating wealth or living comfortably; it's about spiritual breakthrough and fruitfulness. We prosper when we align our desires with God's will and commit to growing in His kingdom, regardless of physical or material outcomes. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary gains to eternal riches. [13:25]
2. The Cost of Seeking Spiritual Riches
The interactive game with the children about the treasure in the lake served as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. It highlighted that seeking God's kingdom might require effort and sacrifice but promises eternal rewards. This playful illustration helps us understand the serious commitment needed to pursue spiritual growth. [05:04]
3. Overcoming Barriers to Spiritual Growth
Identifying and addressing barriers such as superficial faith, misplaced priorities, and unconfessed sin are crucial for deepening our relationship with God. Each barrier requires specific actions, such as engaging more deeply with scripture, reordering our life's priorities, and confessing our sins to experience true fellowship with God. [28:28]
4. The Importance of Scriptural Engagement
Engaging deeply with scripture is essential for breaking through spiritual superficiality. It's not enough to know about God; we must seek to know God personally and intimately. This involves more than just reading the Bible; it requires meditation, prayer, and application of God's word in our daily lives. [24:36]
5. Persistence in Seeking God
The act of seeking God is compared to a treasure hunt, where persistence is key. We are encouraged to keep asking, seeking, knocking, and finding, as these actions lead to spiritual breakthroughs and deeper understanding of God's kingdom. This persistent pursuit is vital for growing in faith and experiencing God's true prosperity. [18:54]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:31 - Introduction to Bible Studies and Resources
03:14 - Interactive Game Setup
05:04 - Treasure Hunt Game Explanation
06:41 - Game Execution and Conclusion
09:45 - Discussion on Prosperity and Spiritual Growth
11:44 - Critique of Prosperity Gospel
13:25 - Biblical Definition of Prosperity
15:21 - Call to Spiritual Breakthrough
17:07 - Tools for Spiritual Growth
18:54 - Encouragement to Persist in Seeking God
20:43 - Parables of the Kingdom
22:37 - Barriers to Spiritual Growth
24:36 - Overcoming Superficial Faith
26:43 - Prioritizing God Over Information
28:28 - Confronting Sin for Spiritual Breakthrough
30:25 - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-3
"How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers. Instead, his delight is in the Lord's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
2. Matthew 7:7-8
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."
3. Matthew 13:44-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure buried in a field that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy, he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1:1-3, what are the characteristics of a person who prospers in God's terms?
2. In Matthew 7:7-8, what actions are believers encouraged to take in their pursuit of God?
3. How does the parable in Matthew 13:44-46 illustrate the value of the kingdom of heaven?
4. What were the four main barriers to spiritual growth identified in the sermon? ([22:37])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of prosperity in Psalm 1:1-3 differ from the worldly understanding of prosperity? ([13:25])
2. What does it mean to "ask, seek, and knock" in the context of Matthew 7:7-8, and how does this relate to spiritual growth? ([18:54])
3. Why is the kingdom of heaven compared to a treasure and a priceless pearl in Matthew 13:44-46? What does this imply about the effort required to attain it? ([20:43])
4. How do the barriers of superficial faith, misplaced priorities, valuing information over intimacy, and unconfessed sin hinder one's relationship with God? ([22:37])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 1:1-3, what practical steps can you take to delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night? How can you ensure you are like a tree planted by streams of water? ([09:45])
2. In your personal life, how can you actively "ask, seek, and knock" to deepen your relationship with God? What specific actions will you take this week to pursue God more earnestly? ([18:54])
3. Considering the parable of the treasure and the pearl in Matthew 13:44-46, what sacrifices might you need to make to prioritize the kingdom of heaven in your life? Are there specific areas where you need to invest more effort? ([20:43])
4. Identify one of the four barriers to spiritual growth that you struggle with the most. What steps can you take to overcome this barrier and grow closer to God? ([22:37])
5. How can you shift your focus from seeking material prosperity to seeking spiritual breakthrough and fruitfulness? What changes in mindset or behavior are necessary for this shift? ([13:25])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. Which of the barriers discussed in the sermon might have been at play, and how can you address it now to restore your fellowship with Him? ([22:37])
7. How can you encourage and support others in your small group to persist in seeking God, especially when they face challenges or feel discouraged? What role can you play in fostering a community that prioritizes spiritual growth? ([30:25])
Devotional
Day 1: True Prosperity Redefined
True prosperity is not measured by material wealth but by spiritual fruitfulness and alignment with God's will. In a world where success is often quantified by wealth and comfort, it's vital to understand that true prosperity in God's kingdom is vastly different. It involves a deep spiritual breakthrough and fruitfulness that comes from aligning our desires with God's will. This form of prosperity shifts our focus from temporary gains to eternal riches, encouraging us to seek not what the world offers but what God promises to those who live according to His ways. [13:25]
"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." - Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV
Reflection: How does your current view of prosperity align with the biblical perspective discussed today? What steps can you take to shift your focus towards spiritual fruitfulness?
Day 2: The Cost of Spiritual Riches
Seeking God's kingdom requires effort and sacrifice but promises eternal rewards. The metaphor of a treasure hunt, as illustrated through an interactive game with children, vividly shows that the pursuit of spiritual growth is not always easy but is immensely rewarding. This playful yet profound illustration serves as a reminder that true commitment to God's kingdom involves overcoming challenges and making sacrifices. The eternal rewards far outweigh the temporal efforts, guiding us to invest in our spiritual journey with enthusiasm and dedication. [05:04]
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:20 ESV
Reflection: What are some sacrifices you might need to make to seek spiritual riches more earnestly? How can you practically invest in your spiritual growth this week?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Spiritual Growth
Identifying and addressing barriers such as superficial faith, misplaced priorities, and unconfessed sin are crucial for deepening our relationship with God. Each barrier requires specific actions, such as engaging more deeply with scripture, reordering our life's priorities, and confessing our sins to experience true fellowship with God. This process is essential for breaking through spiritual superficiality and fostering a genuine, intimate relationship with the Divine. [28:28]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" - Psalm 139:23-24 ESV
Reflection: What barriers do you currently face in your spiritual growth? Identify one and consider a practical step you can take this week to begin overcoming it.
Day 4: The Importance of Scriptural Engagement
Engaging deeply with scripture is not just about reading the Bible; it involves meditation, prayer, and application. This deeper engagement is crucial for moving beyond mere knowledge of God to a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It's about allowing God's word to transform us from the inside out, influencing our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. [24:36]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." - Colossians 3:16 ESV
Reflection: How can you enhance your engagement with scripture to ensure it's not just informative but transformative? Consider a specific time and place to deepen your scriptural engagement this week.
Day 5: Persistence in Seeking God
The journey of seeking God is likened to a treasure hunt, where persistence is key. This pursuit requires continuous effort—asking, seeking, knocking, and finding. These actions lead to spiritual breakthroughs and a deeper understanding of God's kingdom. It's a reminder that our spiritual journey is ongoing and that consistent effort is necessary to grow in faith and experience God's true prosperity. [18:54]
"And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." - Luke 11:9 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate persistence in your spiritual journey this week? What does 'asking, seeking, and knocking' look like in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Before you is a flowing lake. Over many ages, treasure has been lost beneath these gentle waves. Those treasures are readily available to anybody who is brave enough, bold enough, and dare I say, bright enough to seek them out. You three adventurers have come upon this lake, but you immediately notice the water has shifted and become solid, not like ice, but more like bubbles that turned into rock." [05:04]
2. "God isn't going to give us our heart's desire unless our heart's desire is for more of him in our lives. Be honest. My heart's desire might be very different than your heart's desire. We often sit in a place of accusing God of saying, well, God, you haven't given me this yet, so you must not love me. But if God only existed to give us a life free from pain, then whose heart will he pursue?" [11:44]
3. "Thank God that the true prosperity gospel is more than wealth, more than health, more than happiness. It's more than a caddy in every driveway and parties with wine every single night. That's all air. It's vanity. It's a fluttering of the wind. Saleach means to break through for the good. It means to succeed." [13:25]
4. "Seek God. He's more valuable than all of that. Seek God. And he's given you all that you need to find him. You don't have to stand before the place of treasure without the tools and even if you don't feel like you have it all already, he's still giving you the rudimentary basics to ask, to seek, to find, to knock." [18:54]
5. "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it. This man wasn't passively expecting the pearls to come to him. He knew exactly what he wanted, fine pearls, and he actively sought them out." [22:37]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Those who drink deep from a close relationship with God will produce spiritual fruit. Whatever he does prospers. Previously, I briefly touched on the word prospers. I want to go into that a little deeper today. See, in the Western church, many preachers teach what has become known as the prosperity gospel." [09:45]
2. "Jesus can break through. He can break through with you, for you, and whatever holds you back from fellowship with him. He wants you to prosper, to break through the shackles of sin, the shackles of shame and doubt, and to grow eternally. Eternally rooted in his kingdom by his love." [15:21]
3. "Referencing Matthew 7, he tells us to ask, to seek, to find, to knock, and the door will be opened. And then in Matthew 16, he says this, to deny yourself, to take up your cross, to follow Jesus. Or as I've recently stated during the Dear Church series in 1 John chapter 1, he tells us to have fellowship with God." [17:07]
4. "Pick up your Bible and study it. Pray and ask God to show you how and where to dig. Take advantage of the opportunities and the time that you have on this side of heaven to seek his heart. Go deeper. The second is a failure to prioritize. Prioritize. Be like the merchant who is seeking fine pearls." [24:36]
5. "If you want to break through for the good, if you want to prosper in the kingdom of heaven, you have to confront the barriers. And that includes the barriers that you've set in your own way through sin. Through it all, worship God. Read your Bible. Worship is more than just the songs that we sing." [28:28]
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