Trusting God as Our Possessor and Protector
Summary
Today, I began by celebrating Mother's Day, acknowledging the invaluable role of mothers in our lives. I read from Proverbs 31, which praises the noble character of a godly woman, highlighting her worth and the respect she commands within her family and community. This set a tone of gratitude and reverence for the day.
Following this, we transitioned into a time of worship and church business, where we approved the church budget. This moment was significant as it reflected our commitment to stewardship and our trust in God's provision for our church community.
The core of my sermon focused on the theme of God as El Elyon, the Most High, who is the possessor of heaven and earth and the protector of His people. This was illustrated through the story of Abraham and Lot, where Abraham's decision to rescue Lot despite overwhelming odds showcased his faith in God's supreme power. This narrative from Genesis 14 not only highlighted Abraham's faith but also his strategic prowess in defeating Ketelomar and his allies.
I drew parallels between the biblical account and our contemporary challenges, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's direction over human counsel. I shared a personal testimony about my decision to move to Norway, which, despite being counter to worldly wisdom, was affirmed by God's blessings and fruitful ministry.
The sermon also addressed the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency, using the example of Lucifer's fall and the contrasting behaviors of the kings of Sodom and Salem. This part of the sermon was a call to humility and dependence on God, recognizing Him as the ultimate authority and provider.
In conclusion, I encouraged the congregation to reflect on who is the possessor and protector in their lives. I stressed the importance of living under God's ownership, submitting to His will, and trusting Him in battles, whether spiritual or temporal. The service ended with a prayer for trust and submission to God as El Elyon, inviting those who have not yet trusted in Him to make a decision to do so.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of Godly Character in Women
Today's reading from Proverbs 31 reminds us of the invaluable worth of a woman who fears the Lord. Such a woman is a treasure more precious than rubies, impacting her family and community profoundly. Her strength and dignity are derived from her reverence for God, making her praiseworthy. This serves as a reminder to both honor such women in our lives and aspire to cultivate similar virtues in our own lives. [15:10]
2. Stewardship and Trust in God's Provision
The approval of our church budget is not merely a procedural act but a profound statement of our trust in God's provision and our commitment to stewardship. As we allocate resources according to His guidance, we actively participate in the kingdom work, trusting that He who has called us to manage His resources will also provide for every need. [24:53]
3. God as the Possessor and Protector
The story of Abraham rescuing Lot with only 318 trained men against formidable foes illustrates that when God is our possessor and protector, the odds do not dictate the outcome. This historical recount not only encourages us to trust in God's protection but also challenges us to recognize Him as the ultimate owner of all we have. We are merely stewards of His creation. [49:47]
4. The Perils of Pride and Self-Sufficiency
Reflecting on the fall of Lucifer and the attitude of the king of Sodom, we are reminded of the destructive nature of pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency. These examples serve as warnings to us that without submission to God, our efforts and ambitions lead to downfall. Humility and dependence on God are not signs of weakness but of wise recognition of His sovereignty. [53:49]
5. Engaging in Spiritual Warfare with God's Armor
The battles we face daily, whether seen or unseen, are not for us to fight alone. By putting on the full armor of God, we are prepared to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. This preparation is not just for our protection but is also an active engagement in spiritual warfare, where victory is assured through divine strength and not our own. [01:04:30]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [15:10] - Celebrating Godly Women
- [24:11] - Church Budget Approval
- [39:12] - Worship and Praise
- [43:33] - Introduction to God as El Elyon
- [48:14] - Abraham's Battle Strategy
- [53:49] - The Fall of Lucifer and Human Pride
- [01:00:51] - The Protection of the Lord in Battle
- [01:04:30] - Spiritual Warfare and God's Armor
- [01:06:21] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 31:10-31 - A passage celebrating the noble character of a godly woman.
2. Genesis 14:10-24 - The story of Abraham rescuing Lot and the introduction of God as El Elyon.
3. Isaiah 14:12-15 - The fall of Lucifer due to pride and self-sufficiency.
#### Observation Questions
1. What qualities of a godly woman are highlighted in Proverbs 31? How do these qualities impact her family and community? ([15:10])
2. How did Abraham demonstrate his faith in God when he decided to rescue Lot? What was the outcome of this decision? ([46:46])
3. What was the reaction of the king of Sodom after Abraham's victory, and how did it contrast with the behavior of Melchizedek, the king of Salem? ([52:11])
4. According to Isaiah 14, what led to Lucifer's downfall? How does this relate to the theme of pride and self-sufficiency discussed in the sermon? ([53:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of a godly woman in Proverbs 31 challenge contemporary views of womanhood and motherhood? ([15:10])
2. In what ways does Abraham's story in Genesis 14 illustrate the concept of God as the possessor and protector? How does this shape our understanding of God's role in our lives? ([49:47])
3. What lessons can we learn from the contrasting behaviors of the kings of Sodom and Salem regarding humility and dependence on God? ([52:11])
4. How does the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14 serve as a warning against pride and self-sufficiency in our own lives? ([53:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the qualities of a godly woman described in Proverbs 31. How can you honor and support the women in your life who embody these qualities? ([15:10])
2. Abraham trusted God and took action to rescue Lot despite overwhelming odds. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust God and take a bold step of faith? ([46:46])
3. The king of Sodom displayed pride and entitlement, while Melchizedek showed humility and reverence. In what areas of your life do you need to practice more humility and dependence on God? ([52:11])
4. The sermon emphasized the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency. Can you identify a recent instance where pride may have influenced your decisions or actions? How can you address this moving forward? ([53:49])
5. The story of Abraham's victory with 318 men against a much larger force highlights God's power and protection. How can you remind yourself to rely on God's strength rather than your own in daily challenges? ([49:47])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of listening to God's direction over human counsel. How can you cultivate a habit of seeking God's guidance in your decisions? ([44:06])
7. The fall of Lucifer serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride. What practical steps can you take to foster a spirit of humility and submission to God in your life? ([53:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Celebrating the Virtue of Godly Women
The Proverbs 31 woman sets a high standard for godly character, embodying virtues that are both praiseworthy and inspirational. Her life is marked by fear of the Lord, which manifests in her actions and decisions, impacting her family and community profoundly. This woman is not just a caretaker but a cornerstone, whose strength and dignity stem from her deep reverence for God. Her value surpasses that of rubies, reminding us that such character is not only to be celebrated but also aspired to. In a world where virtues can sometimes be undervalued, her example shines as a beacon of what it truly means to be a woman of God. [15:10]
"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does all things with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:10-25
Reflection: How can you honor and encourage the godly women in your life today to recognize their value and strength as seen in Proverbs 31?
Day 2: Trusting God Through Stewardship
The recent approval of the church budget is not merely a routine administrative act; it is a profound declaration of faith in God's provision and a commitment to wise stewardship. By aligning our church's financial decisions with God's will, we actively participate in His kingdom work, trusting that He will provide for every need. This act of faith challenges each of us to consider how we manage the resources God has entrusted to us, whether they be time, talents, or treasure. Stewardship is an act of worship that acknowledges God as the source of all blessings and our role as caretakers of His gifts. [24:53]
"Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?" - Luke 16:10-11
Reflection: What is one way you can improve your stewardship of the resources God has given you this week?
Day 3: Recognizing God as Our Protector and Possessor
The story of Abraham's daring rescue of Lot with only 318 trained men against formidable foes illustrates a profound spiritual truth: when God is our protector and possessor, the odds do not dictate the outcome. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's protection and to recognize Him as the ultimate owner of all we have. We are called to be stewards, not owners, of the life and possessions we hold. This perspective shifts how we view our resources, challenges, and our role in God's plan, urging us to rely on His strength and wisdom in all circumstances. [49:47]
"But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.'" - Genesis 14:22
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge God more fully as your protector and possessor?
Day 4: The Dangers of Pride and Self-Sufficiency
Reflecting on the fall of Lucifer and the attitude of the king of Sodom, we are reminded of the destructive nature of pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency. These biblical examples warn us that without a humble submission to God, our efforts and ambitions can lead to downfall. Humility and dependence on God are not signs of weakness but of wise recognition of His sovereignty. This understanding calls us to evaluate our attitudes and to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that every success and blessing flows from God. [53:49]
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18
Reflection: Can you identify a recent situation where pride might have influenced your decisions or actions? How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?
Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare with God's Armor
The battles we face daily, whether seen or unseen, are not for us to fight alone. By putting on the full armor of God, we are prepared to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. This preparation is not just for our protection but is also an active engagement in spiritual warfare, where victory is assured through divine strength and not our own. This call to spiritual readiness challenges us to be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual lives, constantly seeking God's wisdom and strength to overcome the adversities we face. [01:04:30]
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11
Reflection: What part of the "armor of God" do you need to focus on strengthening this week to better stand against spiritual challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "In my heart of hearts, I believe that God wanted me to go to Norway. And so against all earthly counsel, I chose to move overseas. I can't tell you how many people said, you're a fool. You're a fool for doing that. And can I tell you that looking back now, 25, 30 years ago, it was the greatest decision I ever made in my life. Because I did what God wanted me to do, not what man said I ought to do. And I think it turned out pretty good." [44:06]
2. "The Christian life is not lived by sight. It's lived by sound. It's lived by tuning your ears to the voice of God. And now it doesn't mean that we abandon human reasoning and human ability. It means that we start with listening. We listen to his word. We listen to the Holy Spirit, the rhema that comes from the Holy Spirit. And then we obey that prompting. And when we do, we do it with the best of our ability." [45:38]
3. "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. He is the possessor of creation. He is the protector of his people because he is El Eon. I don't know if you're aware of this, but you and I, we're in a battle every day. It's a spiritual battle. It's not just a physical battle. It's not just what we can see. It's also what's underfoot. unseen." [01:02:35]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our church budget has been approved. Now it's a matter for us to be faithful stewards. Amen. That wasn't as loud as the first time. Let's pray. Father, thank you so much for today and for the chance we have to worship you, for the chance we have to be thankful for all the blessings and all the gifts that you give to us." [24:53]
2. "Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted Be Thou exalted" [39:12]
3. "So in this story, Elyon means that God is the possessor of creation and the protector of His people. That is, He is the creator and the sustainer of all, and there's no one else that's like Him. He alone is the Most High, and He gives us these two descriptions, the possessor of creation, the protector of His people." [49:47]
4. "The problem in life comes when we think that we're the owners instead of the stewards. When we seek to control and possess something, instead of realizing that God is the sovereign over all, and we are stewards of what he's given to us." [50:40]
5. "We see it in the king of Sodom. The same mindset. In fact, I fear that many of us, we're more like the king of Sodom than we are like the king of Salem. We live as if we deserve something. We live as if someone owes us something. And in our pride, we are too sufficient to submit to the king of kings and the Lord of lords." [53:49]
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