Trusting God: The True Path to Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound impact of prayer and the necessity of seeking God's guidance in our lives. Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to focus on the Lord, asking Him to grant us the ability to see and hear His truth, which transforms us. We acknowledged that only God is worthy of our trust, and we must rely on Him rather than man-made systems. This is especially relevant in the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which has become a significant topic in our culture. While DEI aims to promote fair treatment and participation, when forced, it often results in negative outcomes like racism, injustice, and oppression.
We delved into the book of Romans, where the Apostle Paul addresses a diverse family of faith, emphasizing that man-made systems cannot produce divine outcomes. Only through the gospel can we achieve true diversity, equity, and inclusion. The gospel transforms us, making us new people who can experience peace with God, within ourselves, and with others. This transformation is not transactional but relational, rooted in faith and love for God.
We also discussed the pitfalls of trusting in man-made systems, which are inherently flawed and infected with unrighteousness. These systems often perpetuate division and conflict for the benefit of those in power. In contrast, the gospel offers a way to cleanse and reorient our systems towards righteousness. By believing in the gospel, we can experience the true diversity, equity, and inclusion that only God can provide.
In conclusion, we are called to choose between trusting in man-made systems or in God. The latter leads to a life of peace, love, and true human thriving. As we go forth, let us commit to serving the Lord and trusting in His divine power to transform our lives and our communities.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a vital practice that helps us focus on God and seek His guidance. It allows us to ask for the ability to see and hear His truth, which can transform our lives. Trusting in God through prayer can help us navigate the challenges and needs we face daily. [31:49]
2. Man-Made Systems vs. Divine Outcomes: Man-made systems, including forced DEI, are inherently flawed and cannot produce the divine outcomes we desire. These systems often result in negative consequences like racism, injustice, and oppression. Only through the gospel can we achieve true diversity, equity, and inclusion. [39:45]
3. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The gospel doesn't just make us better people; it makes us new people. This transformation allows us to experience peace with God, within ourselves, and with others. The gospel alone has the power to cleanse and reorient our systems towards righteousness. [52:31]
4. Relational, Not Transactional: Our relationship with God is not transactional but relational. We must love and trust God more than ourselves or any man-made system. This genuine faith and love lead to a transformative experience that aligns us with God's will and blessings. [01:03:59]
5. Choosing God Over Man-Made Systems: We are faced with a choice between trusting in man-made systems or in God. Trusting in God leads to a life of peace, love, and true human thriving. As believers, we are called to serve the Lord and rely on His divine power to transform our lives and communities. [01:05:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:49] - The Power of Prayer
[32:48] - Trusting in God Alone
[34:02] - Church Announcements and Baptism
[35:11] - Introduction to DEI
[36:41] - The Flaws of Forced DEI
[38:06] - DEI Frameworks Explained
[39:45] - Forced DEI vs. Gospel Outcomes
[41:24] - Authentic and Effective DEI
[43:30] - The Gospel's Transformative Power
[44:59] - Man-Made Systems and Unrighteousness
[46:34] - The Cross and God's Justice
[48:09] - Trusting in God Over Self
[49:39] - The Economic Incentive Behind DEI
[51:02] - The Gospel's Power to Reorient Systems
[52:31] - The Gospel Produces True Diversity
[55:08] - Examples of Gospel-Driven Diversity
[56:33] - The Value of Every Human Being
[58:02] - Inclusion Through the Gospel
[59:21] - The Transformative Love of God
[01:01:02] - Relational Faith Over Transactional Faith
[01:03:59] - Choosing God Over Man-Made Systems
[01:05:40] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 1:16-20
- Galatians 3:28-29
- Ephesians 2:13-14
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 1:16-20, what is the power of the gospel, and how is it revealed to both Jews and Gentiles?
2. In Galatians 3:28-29, what does Paul say about the distinctions between different groups of people in Christ?
3. How does Ephesians 2:13-14 describe the reconciliation and unity brought about by Christ's sacrifice?
4. What are some of the negative outcomes of forced DEI mentioned in the sermon? [39:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the gospel is the power of God for salvation in Romans 1:16-20? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about man-made systems versus divine outcomes?
2. How does the unity described in Galatians 3:28-29 challenge the divisions often seen in society and even within the church?
3. What does Ephesians 2:13-14 suggest about the nature of peace and inclusion in the body of Christ? How does this compare to the sermon’s critique of forced DEI? [52:31]
4. The sermon mentions that our relationship with God is relational, not transactional. How does this concept affect our understanding of faith and trust in God? [01:03:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your prayer life. How can you make prayer a more integral part of seeking God's guidance in your daily challenges? [31:49]
2. Think about a time when you relied on a man-made system rather than trusting in God. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [39:45]
3. The sermon discusses the transformative power of the gospel. In what areas of your life do you need to experience this transformation, and how can you invite God to work in those areas? [52:31]
4. How can you cultivate a relational rather than transactional faith in your walk with God? What practical steps can you take to deepen your love and trust in Him? [01:03:59]
5. The sermon calls us to choose between trusting in man-made systems or in God. What specific steps can you take this week to demonstrate your trust in God over human systems? [01:05:40]
6. Identify a person or group in your community who might feel excluded or marginalized. How can you, inspired by the gospel, reach out to them and promote true inclusion and equity? [56:33]
7. Reflect on the concept of peace as described in Ephesians 2:13-14. How can you be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or church community? What actions can you take to break down walls of hostility? [58:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a vital practice that helps us focus on God and seek His guidance. It allows us to ask for the ability to see and hear His truth, which can transform our lives. Trusting in God through prayer can help us navigate the challenges and needs we face daily. When we pray, we are not just speaking into the void; we are engaging in a profound conversation with the Creator of the universe. This act of communication aligns our hearts with God's will and opens us up to His transformative power. [31:49]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek God's guidance and transformation in this area?
Day 2: Man-Made Systems vs. Divine Outcomes
Man-made systems, including forced DEI, are inherently flawed and cannot produce the divine outcomes we desire. These systems often result in negative consequences like racism, injustice, and oppression. Only through the gospel can we achieve true diversity, equity, and inclusion. The gospel transforms us, making us new people who can experience peace with God, within ourselves, and with others. This transformation is not transactional but relational, rooted in faith and love for God. [39:45]
Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you relied on a man-made system for justice or fairness. How did it fall short, and how might trusting in God's divine outcomes have changed the situation?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel doesn't just make us better people; it makes us new people. This transformation allows us to experience peace with God, within ourselves, and with others. The gospel alone has the power to cleanse and reorient our systems towards righteousness. When we embrace the gospel, we are not merely adopting a new set of beliefs but undergoing a profound transformation that affects every aspect of our lives. [52:31]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the transformative power of the gospel? How can you invite God to make you a new creation in these areas today?
Day 4: Relational, Not Transactional
Our relationship with God is not transactional but relational. We must love and trust God more than ourselves or any man-made system. This genuine faith and love lead to a transformative experience that aligns us with God's will and blessings. Unlike transactional relationships, which are based on give-and-take, our relationship with God is based on unconditional love and trust. This kind of relationship transforms us from the inside out. [01:03:59]
John 15:15 (ESV): "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
Reflection: Consider your relationship with God. Is it more transactional or relational? What steps can you take to deepen your relational trust and love for God today?
Day 5: Choosing God Over Man-Made Systems
We are faced with a choice between trusting in man-made systems or in God. Trusting in God leads to a life of peace, love, and true human thriving. As believers, we are called to serve the Lord and rely on His divine power to transform our lives and communities. This choice is not always easy, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. [01:05:40]
Psalm 118:8-9 (ESV): "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you have been relying on man-made systems. How can you shift your trust to God in this area, and what practical steps can you take to make this shift today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whatever needs you're facing today, whatever's clouding your mind and overwhelming your heart, trust that to the Lord in prayer. You're welcome to come and kneel. You're welcome to sit. Let's all bow our heads together. Let's pray." [31:49] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Godly outcomes cannot be produced with godless means. You need God in order to gain what only God can produce. We must rely on God. Trusting ourselves, trusting in man-made systems will not produce the things of God." [39:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel doesn't make us better people. The gospel makes us new people. It makes us something we weren't before. This is the power of God. We live in a broken world. Why do we live in a broken world? Is it because God designed it wrong? No. God's design was harmony. It was diversity, equity, inclusion. Why don't we have it? Sin." [52:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are so valuable that God shed his blood for you. You're so valuable that God left heaven to live a life where he was persecuted and went through awful pain to die for your sins to set you free because you are valuable." [56:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We can experience the value that we have that God has given to us. And that can produce in us a transformation that allows us to be something we could never be on our own. Something that a man-made system cannot create." [59:21] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Because the Bible is true, we can know that all man-made cultural systems are distorted and infected with unrighteousness. All of them. All man-made cultural systems are distorted. And infected with unrighteousness. That's why they can't produce God's divine blessing. They don't have the roots. They don't have the branches. They don't have what is necessary." [44:59] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because the Bible is true, we can know that the gospel alone has the power to cleanse and reorient our systems to righteousness. It's only the gospel alone that can give us the power to cleanse and reorient our systems to righteousness. It's only in the gospel. It alone has the power." [51:02] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only way you will ever experience your value is to receive the grace of God and the love of God in Jesus Christ. Until you stop trusting in yourself and man-made systems and choose to trust in Christ alone and what he's done for you, you will be valuable, but you'll never feel it. You'll never know it by way of experience." [58:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You choose to love him more than you love yourself. You choose to trust him more than you trust yourself. You choose to love him more than you do a created world system. You choose to love him and trust him above all. And something happens in you and you're changed. You're different." [01:03:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's in Christ Jesus that there is peace and love and human thriving. We get to choose. Jesus or self. God, man-made systems. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. And I pray that you will too." [01:05:40] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
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