Trusting God: The Central Message of the Bible

Devotional

Day 1: Believe in God

The Bible's central message is to believe in God. This belief involves turning your heart towards Him, placing all your faith and hope in Him, and trusting that He will bring about what is right and redemptive in your life. This simple yet profound message is consistent from the first page to the last. Believing in God is not just an intellectual assent but a heartfelt trust that He is who He says He is and will do what He has promised. It means relying on His character and His word, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Belief in God also means acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness, even when our expectations are unmet. It is easy to trust God when things are going well, but true faith is tested in the trials and uncertainties of life. In these moments, we are called to lean not on our own understanding but to trust in God's wisdom and timing. This kind of faith brings peace and hope, knowing that God is in control and has a redemptive plan for our lives. [02:38]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God? How can you actively place your faith and hope in Him today?

Day 2: Trust and Obey

The combination of trust and obedience is crucial in our relationship with God. Trusting God means having faith in His promises and His plan for our lives, even when our expectations are unmet. Obedience involves living according to His word, which is a reflection of our faith. This partnership between trust and obedience is essential for a fulfilling spiritual life. Trust without obedience is incomplete, as true faith is demonstrated through our actions.

Obedience to God is not about following a set of rules but about aligning our lives with His will. It is a response to His love and grace, a way of showing our trust in His goodness and wisdom. When we obey God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and to be used by Him for His purposes. This requires humility and a willingness to surrender our own desires and plans to God's greater plan. [03:46]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What is one specific area where you need to obey God's word today? How can you take a step of obedience in that area?

Day 3: Prophecy as Declaration

Prophecy in the Bible is not merely about predicting the future but about declaring God's will and giving people the choice to respond. The prophets clearly laid out the outcomes of obedience and disobedience, emphasizing that the future is shaped by our choices in response to God's word. This understanding of prophecy calls us to actively engage with God's message. Prophecy serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His desire for His people to walk in His ways.

The messages of the prophets were often challenging and called for repentance and a return to God. They were not just foretelling events but were calling people to align their lives with God's will. This is still relevant today, as we are called to listen to God's word and respond in faith and obedience. Prophecy invites us to examine our lives and make choices that honor God and reflect His character. [06:09]

Ezekiel 33:11 (ESV): "Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?"

Reflection: How are you responding to God's declarations in your life? What changes do you need to make to align more closely with His will?

Day 4: Personal Savior

Isaiah's prophecies introduce the concept of a personal savior, Emmanuel, who will bring redemption. This shift from impersonal, mechanical interventions to a personal relationship with a savior is significant. It highlights the importance of a personal connection with God and the transformative power of Jesus' coming. The promise of Emmanuel, God with us, brings hope and assurance that God is intimately involved in our lives.

This personal savior, Jesus, came to bring redemption and restore our relationship with God. His life, death, and resurrection provide the way for us to be reconciled with God and to experience His love and grace. This personal relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. It is through knowing Him and walking with Him that we experience true transformation and fulfillment. [28:11]

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today? What steps can you take to experience His presence and love more fully?

Day 5: Historical and Personal Relevance

The historical context of Israel's exile and the messages of the prophets are paralleled with personal experiences of feeling lost or oppressed. These ancient texts are not just historical accounts but are applicable to our lives today. They urge us to believe in God and obey His word, showing that God's promises and warnings are still relevant and impactful. The experiences of the Israelites serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from Him.

In our own lives, we may face times of difficulty and uncertainty, feeling lost or oppressed. The messages of the prophets remind us that God is with us in these times and that He has a plan for our redemption. By turning to Him and trusting in His word, we can find hope and direction. The relevance of these ancient texts lies in their ability to speak to our current situations and to guide us in our walk with God. [37:31]

Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'"

Reflection: In what ways do you see the relevance of the prophets' messages in your life today? How can you apply their lessons to your current circumstances?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

The Bible can often seem overwhelming with its vast amount of information and numerous names, much like American history. However, the central theme throughout the Bible is simple: believe in God. This belief involves turning your heart towards God, placing all your faith and hope in Him, and trusting that He will bring about what is right and redemptive in your life. The challenge often lies in unmet expectations, but the call remains to trust and obey God. This combination of trust and obedience is crucial, as it reflects a partnership where God has His part, and we have ours.

The sermon delves into the major prophets of the Old Testament—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel—highlighting their messages and the historical context of Israel's exile. These prophets conveyed God's clear declarations about the outcomes of obedience and disobedience. Prophecy, in this sense, is not about predicting the future but about declaring God's will and giving people the choice to respond.

Isaiah's message is particularly emphasized, showing a transition from warnings and challenges to promises and hope. Isaiah's prophecies include the coming of a person, Emmanuel, who will bring redemption. This shift from mechanical interventions to a personal savior is significant. The sermon also touches on the structure of Isaiah, comparing it to the entire Bible, with its sections of warning and promise.

The historical context of Israel's exile is paralleled with personal experiences of feeling lost or oppressed, showing the relevance of these ancient texts to modern life. The prophets' messages are not just historical accounts but are applicable to our lives today, urging us to believe in God and obey His word.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Central Theme of the Bible: The Bible's central message is to believe in God. This belief involves turning your heart towards Him, placing all your faith and hope in Him, and trusting that He will bring about what is right and redemptive in your life. This simple yet profound message is consistent from the first page to the last. [02:38]
2. Trust and Obey: The combination of trust and obedience is crucial in our relationship with God. Trusting God means having faith in His promises and His plan for our lives, even when our expectations are unmet. Obedience involves living according to His word, which is a reflection of our faith. This partnership between trust and obedience is essential for a fulfilling spiritual life. [03:46]
3. Prophecy as Declaration: Prophecy in the Bible is not merely about predicting the future but about declaring God's will and giving people the choice to respond. The prophets clearly laid out the outcomes of obedience and disobedience, emphasizing that the future is shaped by our choices in response to God's word. This understanding of prophecy calls us to actively engage with God's message. [06:09]
4. Personal Savior: Isaiah's prophecies introduce the concept of a personal savior, Emmanuel, who will bring redemption. This shift from impersonal, mechanical interventions to a personal relationship with a savior is significant. It highlights the importance of a personal connection with God and the transformative power of Jesus' coming. [28:11]
5. Historical and Personal Relevance: The historical context of Israel's exile and the messages of the prophets are paralleled with personal experiences of feeling lost or oppressed. These ancient texts are not just historical accounts but are applicable to our lives today. They urge us to believe in God and obey His word, showing that God's promises and warnings are still relevant and impactful. [37:31]
### [37:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:38] - Central Theme of the Bible
[03:46] - Trust and Obey
[06:09] - Prophecy as Declaration
[28:11] - Personal Savior
[37:31] - Historical and Personal Relevance
[38:16] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What is the central theme of the Bible as discussed in the sermon? ([02:38])
How does the sermon describe the role of prophecy in the Bible? ([06:09])
What significant shift in Isaiah's prophecies is highlighted in the sermon? ([28:11])
How does the historical context of Israel's exile relate to personal experiences today, according to the sermon? ([37:31])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to "believe in God" as described in the sermon, and how does this belief impact one's life? ([02:38])
How does the combination of trust and obedience form a partnership with God, and why is this partnership essential? ([03:46])
In what ways does the concept of a personal savior, Emmanuel, change the nature of God's intervention in our lives? ([28:11])
How can the messages of the prophets, particularly Isaiah, be applied to modern-day situations of feeling lost or oppressed? ([37:31])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by unmet expectations. How did you respond, and how might trusting in God have changed your response? ([02:38])
Think about an area in your life where you struggle to obey God's word. What steps can you take to align your actions with your faith? ([03:46])
How do you perceive prophecy in your own life? Are there areas where you feel God is giving you a choice to respond to His will? ([06:09])
In what ways can you cultivate a more personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing Him as your savior? ([28:11])
Identify a situation where you feel lost or oppressed. How can the messages of the prophets, particularly Isaiah, provide guidance and hope in this situation? ([37:31])
How can you actively engage with the Bible's message to believe in God and obey His word in your daily life? ([02:38])
What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith and hope are fully placed in God, especially during challenging times? ([02:38])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The main theme of the Bible, no matter which page you flip open, does not matter from the very first page to the very last page, the message is believe in God. That's the big idea. Turn your heart. You have enough faith. We usually just kind of scatter it around to a whole bunch of different options instead of putting it all on one marker. And God says take all that expectation, that dream, that belief, that hope that you have and realize that God is in your corner or you're in his. And he is going to bring about what is right, what is whole, what is redemptive, what is solid in your life." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Trust in God and obey according to his word. And ultimately, that combination of trust and obey, there's an old hymn about that, that has to do with the two sides. God has his part, we have our part, which is to put our faith in God and to walk according." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Prophecy is the clear declaration of the will and heart and plan of God. And then that becomes our opportunity to respond or deny, to listen or to turn our backs. That's what's going on the prophetic message." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The old Testament history is believe in God and obey according to his word. And they go, yeah, that was the problem. That's the whole story of the old Testament. They didn't, they just didn't pull it together and actually function the way God wanted them to do." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Comfort. Comfort my people. Says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and to proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed. Her sin has been paid for. She has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling in the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The challenge often is we develop expectations that are not fulfilled and that's incredibly frustrating beyond imagination. Trust in God and obey according to his word. And ultimately, that combination of trust and obey, there's an old hymn about that, that has to do with the two sides. God has his part, we have our part, which is to put our faith in God and to walk according." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The nature of the prophets, there are two kinds of prophets in the old Testament, new Testament as well. There are those who acted out or spoke their message. And there are those that wrote their message. So we're looking at the writing prophets, but even interspersed through all of this, there are speaking prophets and acting prophets as well. So we'll be looking at the prophetic word." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Isaiah's message, his overview has to do with, I'm warning you, I'm telling you, change your life, change your culture, change the way you treat yourselves and the world. And if you do, this is what's going to happen if you don't. But even if you don't, I'm still going to act to redeem you. I am still going to bring you blessing. That's the nature of God. That's the generosity and the grace that comes through the book of Isaiah." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives, release from darkness for the prisoners, and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. And Jesus stopped abruptly right there. But the verse goes on. And the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and to provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a garment of praise, praise instead of a spirit of despair." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The perfect description of the role of Jesus, not the mechanics, not the offerings, not the temple, not the priesthood, not the kings, not all the fancy leaders, not even their history and Moses and all that stuff. He is going to do it." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?