Trusting God Through Life's Challenges and Community Support
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Metropolitan family. Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the faithfulness of God, as we were reminded by the prophet to keep God at the center of all that we do. Our scripture lesson from 1 Timothy 4:11-16 encouraged us to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, and to be diligent in our spiritual practices. We also lifted up several prayer requests, including the family of Linda Osborne Green and a grieving family from ASU, reminding us of the importance of community and prayer in times of loss and hardship.
Our sermon focused on Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." We explored the theme of trusting God in difficult times. Difficulties are a part of life, whether they come from financial struggles, health issues, or societal challenges. David's example in Psalm 56 teaches us to turn to God in our moments of fear and uncertainty. Trusting God means relying on His faithfulness and allowing His promises to guide us through our trials.
We also discussed the importance of practical steps in trusting God, such as being present in prayer and modeling a relationship with God for others to see. In a world where violence and harsh words are becoming more common, the church must stand as a beacon of hope and peace. We are called to be active in our faith, not just through prayer walks but through tangible actions that reflect God's love and justice.
As we move forward, we are excited about the upcoming Vacation Bible School and the various ministries that continue to serve our community. We celebrate the generosity of our congregation and partners, which enables us to transform lives through our food pantry, counseling services, and workforce development programs. Let us continue to trust in God and be His hands and feet in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trusting God in Difficult Times: Life is filled with challenges, but Psalm 56:3 reminds us to place our trust in God when we are afraid. David's example teaches us that our foundation should be rooted in God, not in the temporary things of this world. Trusting God allows us to find peace and strength amidst our trials. [42:42]
2. The Power of Community and Prayer: In times of loss and hardship, the support of a faith community is invaluable. We lifted up several prayer requests today, highlighting the importance of intercessory prayer and communal support. Being part of a church family provides a network of care and encouragement. [10:52]
3. Active Faith and Practical Steps: Trusting God involves more than just prayer; it requires action. We must be present in prayer and model a relationship with God for others. The church is called to be a beacon of hope and peace in a world filled with violence and harsh words. Our actions should reflect God's love and justice. [53:52]
4. Generosity and Service: The generosity of our congregation and partners enables us to transform lives through various ministries. From our food pantry to counseling services and workforce development programs, our collective efforts make a significant impact. Let us continue to give generously and serve faithfully. [32:46]
5. Hope and Expectation: Sometimes, we need to act in faith, expecting God to move. Just as we set up an extra chair in faith for a new associate pastor, we should live with the expectation that God will fulfill His promises. Our faith should be active and forward-looking, trusting that God will provide and guide us. [25:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:54] - Scripture Lesson: 1 Timothy 4:11-16
[09:59] - Prayer Requests and Community Concerns
[16:59] - Altar Prayer
[20:28] - Announcements and Updates
[42:42] - Sermon: Trusting God in Difficult Times
[50:09] - Examples of Modern Difficulties
[53:52] - Call to Active Faith
[57:27] - Invitation to Trust God
[01:01:33] - Invitation to Join the Church
[01:02:32] - Closing Prayer
[01:05:32] - Upcoming Events and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 56:3: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
- 1 Timothy 4:11-16: "Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 56:3 suggest we should do when we are afraid?
2. According to 1 Timothy 4:11-16, what are the qualities that believers should exemplify?
3. In the sermon, what were some of the modern difficulties mentioned that people face today? [44:07]
4. How did the pastor describe the role of the church in a world filled with violence and harsh words? [53:52]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does David choose to trust in God during his difficult times, as described in Psalm 56:3? How does this apply to our lives today?
2. How can the qualities listed in 1 Timothy 4:11-16 help believers navigate through difficult times?
3. The pastor mentioned that trusting God involves more than just prayer; it requires action. What are some practical steps mentioned in the sermon that believers can take to demonstrate their trust in God? [53:52]
4. How does the support of a faith community, as highlighted in the sermon, help individuals during times of loss and hardship? [10:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt afraid. How did you respond, and how might you have responded differently by putting your trust in God as David did in Psalm 56:3?
2. In what ways can you set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity in your daily life, as instructed in 1 Timothy 4:11-16?
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of being present in prayer and modeling a relationship with God for others. What specific actions can you take this week to be more present in prayer and to model your faith to those around you? [53:52]
4. Think about a time when you received support from your faith community during a difficult period. How did it impact you, and how can you offer similar support to others in your community now?
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of practical steps in trusting God, such as participating in church activities and community service. What is one specific way you can get involved in your church or community to reflect God's love and justice?
6. The pastor talked about the generosity of the congregation enabling various ministries. How can you contribute to your church's mission, whether through time, resources, or talents, to help transform lives?
7. The sermon encouraged living with hope and expectation, trusting that God will fulfill His promises. What is one area of your life where you need to act in faith, expecting God to move? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [25:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God Amidst Fear
When life presents us with challenges, it is natural to feel fear and uncertainty. Psalm 56:3 reminds us to place our trust in God during these times. David's example in this Psalm shows us that our foundation should be rooted in God, not in the temporary things of this world. Trusting God allows us to find peace and strength amidst our trials. Whether we face financial struggles, health issues, or societal challenges, turning to God in our moments of fear and uncertainty is crucial. Trusting God means relying on His faithfulness and allowing His promises to guide us through our trials. [42:42]
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific fears or uncertainties are you facing today? How can you actively place your trust in God in these areas?
Day 2: The Power of Community and Prayer
In times of loss and hardship, the support of a faith community is invaluable. Being part of a church family provides a network of care and encouragement. Today, we lifted up several prayer requests, including the family of Linda Osborne Green and a grieving family from ASU, highlighting the importance of intercessory prayer and communal support. When we come together in prayer, we not only support each other but also strengthen our collective faith. The power of community and prayer cannot be underestimated, as it provides comfort and hope in difficult times. [10:52]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community is currently going through a difficult time? How can you support them through prayer and tangible acts of kindness today?
Day 3: Active Faith and Practical Steps
Trusting God involves more than just prayer; it requires action. We must be present in prayer and model a relationship with God for others to see. In a world filled with violence and harsh words, the church is called to be a beacon of hope and peace. Our actions should reflect God's love and justice. This means engaging in practical steps such as prayer walks, community service, and advocating for justice. By actively living out our faith, we can make a positive impact on the world around us and demonstrate the love of Christ to others. [53:52]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to actively live out your faith and reflect God's love and justice in your community?
Day 4: Generosity and Service
The generosity of our congregation and partners enables us to transform lives through various ministries. From our food pantry to counseling services and workforce development programs, our collective efforts make a significant impact. Generosity and service are essential aspects of our faith, as they allow us to be God's hands and feet in the world. By giving generously and serving faithfully, we can help meet the needs of those around us and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. Let us continue to give generously and serve faithfully, knowing that our efforts make a difference. [32:46]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the needs of your community through generosity and service this week? What specific actions can you take to make a difference?
Day 5: Hope and Expectation
Sometimes, we need to act in faith, expecting God to move. Just as we set up an extra chair in faith for a new associate pastor, we should live with the expectation that God will fulfill His promises. Our faith should be active and forward-looking, trusting that God will provide and guide us. Living with hope and expectation means believing that God is at work in our lives and that He has good plans for us. By maintaining a hopeful and expectant attitude, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and trust in God's faithfulness. [25:15]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to act in faith and expect God to move? How can you demonstrate hope and expectation in your daily actions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "For if you can imagine, the young lady was expecting to graduate this upcoming May. has now a family that is preparing a funeral service for their child. And so in spite of all of those things, we know God to be one who answers prayer." [11:55] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to be a church and a community that is praying and seeking God. We need to be in God's presence every single day. Even during Sunday school over this month. Reverend Slaughter has been leading us through different moments that we can be present through prayer." [53:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're dealing with some situations where you can't find your way. I want you to be bold in your work. And to say that you may not have all of the answers during this time. But I promise you. If you put your trust in God. You will find peace. You will find strength. Because God is concerned about you." [57:27] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are just a call away. For all of our phones are connected to email. And voicemail. And it pings our staff phones. Even if our offices are closed. And so if there's any way that we can walk alongside with you. And that's those who are inside the sanctuary. And those who are in our online community. It would be our pleasure to walk alongside with you. For that is the work that we are called to do." [01:06:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "My brothers and my sisters, I want you to know that we've reached a space in society where you can say you're having some difficult times. It doesn't matter if it's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or even Sunday. There would be some that would say, Pastor, this is a difficult time for me." [44:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "David gives us a beautiful example that we should trust God in the midst of our circumstances and that we can't live this life by ourselves. I love what's in the text. What's in the text is David makes a conscious account that he's not going to turn to God. He's not going to turn to those who are around him, but he's going to turn to God." [48:36] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are in a midst of society where we must take practical steps to be able to trust God. We need to be a church and a community that is praying and seeking God. We need to be in God's presence every single day." [53:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are entering into a space in society where I believe the body of believers must be fortified. To do the work God has called us to do. Because I believe. That God has called us for this season." [53:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are living. Some others can fill, they can do that work of filling pews. But we do the work of filling lives. And so we want to say thank you on behalf of the leadership for your generosity." [33:51] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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