Trusting God: From Inadequacy to Abundance
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to worship and reflect on the profound truth that God is our Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and Light in the Darkness. We sang songs of praise, declaring our trust in Him and acknowledging His worthiness. We also took time to pray for our nation, asking God to heal our land and bring unity amidst division.
The core of today's message was drawn from 2 Kings 4, where the widow's faith and obedience led to a miraculous provision. Despite her initial feeling of having nothing, she trusted the prophet Elisha's instruction to gather empty vessels and pour out the little oil she had. Her obedience resulted in an overflow that met her needs and more. This story teaches us that God can multiply the little we have when we trust and obey Him.
We were reminded that God often uses those who feel inadequate or lacking to accomplish great things. The story of Young-Gae Cho, who grew his church from 10 to 850,000 members by simply obeying God's voice, illustrates this truth. God doesn't require us to be impressive; He requires us to be obedient and faithful with what we have.
We also discussed the importance of pouring out love and encouragement to others, especially in times of personal discouragement. When we invest in others, God multiplies our efforts and blesses us in return. This principle is crucial in a world filled with negativity and division. By pouring out love, we keep our hearts warm and aligned with God's purposes.
Finally, we were encouraged to recognize the value of what God has already given us and to use it to bless others. Whether it's a small act of kindness or a word of encouragement, God can use our seemingly insignificant contributions to make a significant impact.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Multiplies Our Obedience: The story of the widow in 2 Kings 4 teaches us that when we obey God with the little we have, He can multiply it to meet our needs and more. Our initial feeling of inadequacy should not deter us from trusting God's instructions. [44:31]
2. God Uses the Inadequate: God often chooses those who feel they have nothing to offer to accomplish great things. The story of Young-Gae Cho illustrates that God values obedience over talent. When we trust Him, He can do extraordinary things through us. [48:07]
3. Pouring Out Love Keeps Our Hearts Warm: In a world filled with negativity, pouring out love and encouragement to others helps keep our hearts aligned with God's purposes. When we invest in others, God blesses us in return, preventing our love from growing cold. [59:51]
4. Recognize and Use What You Have: God has given each of us something valuable, no matter how small it may seem. By recognizing and using these gifts to bless others, we allow God to multiply our efforts and make a significant impact. [54:17]
5. God Sees and Values Our Efforts: Whether it's a mundane task or a significant act of service, God sees and values everything we do in His name. Our efforts, no matter how small, are precious to Him and contribute to His greater plan. [58:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:11] - Worship and Praise
[17:55] - Building on God's Love
[19:36] - Prayer for the Nation
[25:17] - Healing and Unity
[28:59] - Trusting in God's Provision
[31:57] - Encounter with God
[33:04] - Announcements and Events
[37:03] - Introduction to the Message
[42:08] - Let Love Increase
[44:31] - The Widow's Faith and Obedience
[48:07] - God Uses the Inadequate
[52:48] - Trusting God's Strength
[54:17] - Recognize and Use What You Have
[58:15] - God Sees and Values Our Efforts
[01:01:24] - Pouring Out Love
[01:04:04] - Serving Others as Serving God
[01:06:58] - Encouragement to Pour Out
[01:08:27] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV)
> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
2. Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)
> I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
3. Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV)
> For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
### Observation Questions
1. What did the widow in 2 Kings 4 initially think she had in her house? How did her perspective change after Elisha's instructions? ([42:42])
2. According to Philippians 4:10-13, what has Paul learned to be content with, and what is the secret he shares?
3. In Matthew 25:35-40, what actions are commended by Jesus, and how do they relate to serving Him?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the widow in 2 Kings 4 illustrate the principle that God can multiply our small offerings when we trust and obey Him? ([44:31])
2. What does Paul mean when he says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me," in the context of contentment and facing various life circumstances?
3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:35-40 challenge our understanding of serving others and recognizing the value of our actions?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or lacking. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now in light of the widow's story in 2 Kings 4? ([45:19])
2. Paul speaks about being content in all circumstances. What is one area of your life where you struggle with contentment, and how can you apply Paul's secret of contentment to that area? ([53:37])
3. Jesus emphasizes serving "the least of these" in Matthew 25. Identify one person or group in your community who might be considered "the least of these." What specific action can you take this week to serve them? ([01:02:45])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of pouring out love and encouragement to others. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement. What is one practical way you can pour out love to them this week? ([59:51])
5. The widow had to recognize and use what she had, even if it seemed insignificant. What is one gift or resource you have that you might be underestimating? How can you use it to bless others? ([54:17])
6. The story of Young-Gae Cho illustrates that God values obedience over talent. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to step out in obedience, even if you feel inadequate? ([48:07])
7. The sermon emphasized that God sees and values our efforts, no matter how small. How can this truth change the way you approach your daily tasks and interactions with others? ([58:15])
Devotional
Day 1: God Multiplies Our Obedience
When we obey God with the little we have, He can multiply it to meet our needs and more. The story of the widow in 2 Kings 4 is a powerful reminder of this truth. Despite her initial feeling of inadequacy, she trusted the prophet Elisha's instruction to gather empty vessels and pour out the little oil she had. Her obedience resulted in an overflow that met her needs and more. This teaches us that our initial feeling of inadequacy should not deter us from trusting God's instructions. God can take our small acts of obedience and turn them into something extraordinary. [44:31]
2 Kings 4:3-4 (ESV): "Then he said, 'Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.'"
Reflection: What is one small act of obedience you can take today, trusting that God will multiply it for His glory?
Day 2: God Uses the Inadequate
God often chooses those who feel they have nothing to offer to accomplish great things. The story of Young-Gae Cho, who grew his church from 10 to 850,000 members by simply obeying God's voice, illustrates that God values obedience over talent. When we trust Him, He can do extraordinary things through us. This principle is a reminder that God doesn't require us to be impressive; He requires us to be obedient and faithful with what we have. [48:07]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel inadequate? How can you trust God to use you in that area despite your feelings of inadequacy?
Day 3: Pouring Out Love Keeps Our Hearts Warm
In a world filled with negativity, pouring out love and encouragement to others helps keep our hearts aligned with God's purposes. When we invest in others, God blesses us in return, preventing our love from growing cold. This principle is crucial in maintaining a warm and compassionate heart amidst a world that often feels cold and divided. By pouring out love, we keep our hearts warm and aligned with God's purposes. [59:51]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement today? How can you pour out love to them in a tangible way?
Day 4: Recognize and Use What You Have
God has given each of us something valuable, no matter how small it may seem. By recognizing and using these gifts to bless others, we allow God to multiply our efforts and make a significant impact. Whether it's a small act of kindness or a word of encouragement, God can use our seemingly insignificant contributions to make a significant impact. [54:17]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What is one gift or resource you have that you can use to bless someone else today?
Day 5: God Sees and Values Our Efforts
Whether it's a mundane task or a significant act of service, God sees and values everything we do in His name. Our efforts, no matter how small, are precious to Him and contribute to His greater plan. This truth encourages us to continue serving faithfully, knowing that our labor is not in vain. [58:15]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one task or responsibility you have today that you can approach with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that God values your efforts?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our heart at Bless the City is that we would see people come into an encounter with God. God's not an idea. God is a person. And he wants to know us. And we would want to. Yeah, amen. And we want to step into a place of leading people from an encounter with God and into knowing him. And into their purpose with him. So that's kind of what we're here for." [33:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we obey God with what we have, he really does take care of us. He really does take care of the rest. I think it was really interesting. Her first response in this story was, hey, what do you have? And her response was, nothing. And then she's like, well, wait, there is this, like, little bit of oil." [45:19] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If God placed you somewhere to do something, that means he's going to work it out for your good. That means he is going to do something worthwhile in that place. What is the secret? You can trust if God leads you, he will provide. You can trust that he'll be with you regardless of what's going on. He's that good." [53:37] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we get discouraged, we can be really tempted to turn inward. Stop encouraging others. Stop sharing our faith. Stop giving. The little bit that you have, why? Because we're now devaluing it and saying, it's just a little bit of oil. It's not worth anything. But God is, I think the encouragement I feel like God wants to share with all of us today is, don't you stop pouring out that little bit of oil that you have." [54:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The more you pour, the more it flows. And now, for example, my wife loves to cook and loves to bake. She's really good at it. What's better, love, cooking or baking? Baking's better? Baking's because you get to eat tasty things. Yeah. But she has, I think I can count on one hand, maybe two or three dishes of things that she's made that I didn't like. Because it was like too dry or too whatever." [55:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we obey God with what we have, he really does take care of us. He really does take care of the rest. I think it was really interesting. Her first response in this story was, hey, what do you have? And her response was, nothing. And then she's like, well, wait, there is this, like, little bit of oil." [45:19] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If God placed you somewhere to do something, that means he's going to work it out for your good. That means he is going to do something worthwhile in that place. What is the secret? You can trust if God leads you, he will provide. You can trust that he'll be with you regardless of what's going on. He's that good." [53:37] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we get discouraged, we can be really tempted to turn inward. Stop encouraging others. Stop sharing our faith. Stop giving. The little bit that you have, why? Because we're now devaluing it and saying, it's just a little bit of oil. It's not worth anything. But God is, I think the encouragement I feel like God wants to share with all of us today is, don't you stop pouring out that little bit of oil that you have." [54:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The more you pour, the more it flows. And now, for example, my wife loves to cook and loves to bake. She's really good at it. What's better, love, cooking or baking? Baking's better? Baking's because you get to eat tasty things. Yeah. But she has, I think I can count on one hand, maybe two or three dishes of things that she's made that I didn't like. Because it was like too dry or too whatever." [55:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The oil stopped flowing when there wasn't another need. And I, I actually was, it was interesting. I was at this, um, one, um, meeting with a bunch of people. We were making food. There was a bunch of, I think, sandwiches or something we were making. And, and there was like, we had prepared food for like 50 people and about 80 people showed up. We're like, okay. And we're just like, well, we'll just kind of give food until we're done. And it was amazing because those sandwiches, we actually ended up having leftover sandwiches at the end of the meeting. Like God multiplied the food." [01:04:04] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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