Trusting God's Plan: The Gift of Obedience
Summary
Summary:
Merry Christmas! Today, we explore the profound theme of obedience to God and the unfolding of His divine plans. Obedience to God is not about immediate rewards but about trusting His greater purpose. This Christmas season, we reflect on the Christ of Christmas, looking back to His divine nature and forward to His eternal reign. Last week, we delved into Philippians 2, understanding Christ's humility and sacrifice. This week, we look forward to the perfect government Christ will establish, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, where He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
The prophecy in Isaiah speaks of a time when gloom and anguish will be replaced by joy and light. This transformation is not immediate but unfolds over generations, teaching us patience and trust in God's timing. The story of Solomon reminds us of the dangers of relying on our wisdom rather than God's. Solomon's initial humility and dependence on God brought prosperity, but his later reliance on worldly wisdom led to spiritual decline. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to continually seek God's guidance.
The prophecy also points to a future where Christ's perfect government will reign. This government is not about earthly politics but about the divine governance of Christ, who is the ultimate ruler. His titles in Isaiah 9:6 reveal His nature: as a Wonderful Counselor, He provides divine wisdom; as Mighty God, He holds all power; as Everlasting Father, He is the source of eternal life; and as Prince of Peace, He brings true peace.
In this Christmas season, let us embrace the wonder of God's plan, trusting in His perfect timing and governance. May we seek His counsel, rely on His might, and find peace in His eternal promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Obedience and Divine Purpose: Obedience to God is not about immediate gratification but about trusting His greater purpose. Like the unfolding of a Christmas gift, the true joy comes in discovering God's plan over time. Trusting in His timing and purpose brings peace and fulfillment. [29:31]
2. The Dangers of Self-Reliance: Solomon's story warns us against relying on our wisdom. Initially humble, Solomon's dependence on God brought prosperity, but his later reliance on worldly wisdom led to spiritual decline. This reminds us to continually seek God's guidance and avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance. [33:19]
3. The Promise of a Perfect Government: Isaiah 9:6 prophesies a future where Christ's perfect government will reign. This government is not about earthly politics but about divine governance. Christ, as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, embodies the perfect ruler we long for. [46:49]
4. Patience in God's Timing: God's timeline is not ours. The prophecy in Isaiah teaches us patience, as the transformation from gloom to joy unfolds over generations. Trusting in God's timing, even when it seems delayed, is crucial for spiritual growth and peace. [49:14]
5. Embracing the Wonder of God's Plan: This Christmas, let us embrace the wonder of God's plan. By seeking His counsel, relying on His might, and finding peace in His promises, we can experience the fullness of His divine purpose. Let us be filled with awe and gratitude for the Christ of Christmas. [01:16:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:00] - The Joy of Obedience
- [10:30] - Reflecting on Christ's Humility
- [15:45] - Looking Forward to Christ's Reign
- [20:00] - The Prophecy of Isaiah 9:6
- [25:30] - The Dangers of Self-Reliance
- [30:00] - Solomon's Story as a Cautionary Tale
- [35:00] - The Promise of a Perfect Government
- [40:00] - Patience in God's Timing
- [45:00] - Embracing the Wonder of God's Plan
- [50:00] - Christ as Wonderful Counselor
- [55:00] - Christ as Mighty God
- [01:00:00] - Christ as Everlasting Father
- [01:05:00] - Christ as Prince of Peace
- [01:10:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 9:6
- Philippians 2:5-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four titles given to Christ in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His nature and role? [01:16:03]
2. How does the story of Solomon illustrate the dangers of self-reliance, and what was the outcome of his reliance on worldly wisdom? [33:19]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ's humility as described in Philippians 2, and how does it relate to His divine nature? [29:31]
4. What does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 reveal about the future government that Christ will establish? [46:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of obedience to God, as discussed in the sermon, challenge the common expectation of immediate rewards? [29:31]
2. In what ways does the story of Solomon serve as a cautionary tale for believers today regarding the reliance on personal wisdom versus divine guidance? [33:19]
3. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 about Christ's government differ from earthly governments, and what implications does this have for believers' understanding of divine governance? [46:49]
4. What lessons can be drawn from the sermon about the importance of patience in God's timing, especially in the context of the prophecy in Isaiah? [49:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with obedience to God due to a lack of immediate rewards. How can you shift your focus to trust in His greater purpose? [29:31]
2. Consider an area in your life where you might be relying on your wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance. What steps can you take to realign with His counsel? [33:19]
3. How can you actively embrace the wonder of God's plan in your daily life, especially during this Christmas season? What specific actions can you take to seek His counsel and rely on His might? [01:21:04]
4. Identify a situation where you are impatient with God's timing. How can you cultivate patience and trust in His perfect timeline? [49:14]
5. In what ways can you contribute to the establishment of Christ's peace in your community, reflecting His role as the Prince of Peace? [01:30:28]
6. Think of a person in your life who might be struggling with self-reliance. How can you encourage them to seek God's wisdom and guidance?
7. How can you incorporate the lessons from Christ's humility in Philippians 2 into your interactions with others this week? [29:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Greater Purpose
Obedience to God is not about immediate gratification but about trusting His greater purpose. Like the unfolding of a Christmas gift, the true joy comes in discovering God's plan over time. Trusting in His timing and purpose brings peace and fulfillment. In our lives, we often seek quick results and immediate answers, but God's plans are far more profound and intricate than we can imagine. His timeline is perfect, and His purposes are always for our ultimate good. As we learn to trust in His divine orchestration, we find a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment that transcends our understanding. [29:31]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Day 2: The Pitfalls of Self-Reliance
Solomon's story warns us against relying on our wisdom. Initially humble, Solomon's dependence on God brought prosperity, but his later reliance on worldly wisdom led to spiritual decline. This reminds us to continually seek God's guidance and avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance. In our pursuit of success and understanding, we may be tempted to lean on our own understanding and abilities. However, true wisdom comes from acknowledging our limitations and seeking God's guidance in all things. Solomon's life serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to remain humble and dependent on God's wisdom rather than our own. [33:19]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own wisdom instead of seeking God's guidance? How can you shift your focus to depend more on Him?
Day 3: The Hope of Christ's Perfect Government
Isaiah 9:6 prophesies a future where Christ's perfect government will reign. This government is not about earthly politics but about divine governance. Christ, as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, embodies the perfect ruler we long for. In a world filled with imperfect systems and flawed leadership, the promise of Christ's perfect reign offers hope and assurance. His governance is characterized by wisdom, power, eternal care, and peace, providing a stark contrast to the transient and often tumultuous nature of earthly governments. [46:49]
"And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's perfect government influence your perspective on current world events and leadership? What steps can you take to align your life with His divine governance?
Day 4: Patience in God's Timing
God's timeline is not ours. The prophecy in Isaiah teaches us patience, as the transformation from gloom to joy unfolds over generations. Trusting in God's timing, even when it seems delayed, is crucial for spiritual growth and peace. In our fast-paced world, waiting can be challenging, yet God's plans often require patience and perseverance. The unfolding of His promises may take time, but they are always worth the wait. As we learn to trust in His perfect timing, we grow in faith and experience the peace that comes from knowing He is in control. [49:14]
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled? How can you cultivate patience and trust in His timing during this waiting period?
Day 5: Embracing the Wonder of God's Plan
This Christmas, let us embrace the wonder of God's plan. By seeking His counsel, relying on His might, and finding peace in His promises, we can experience the fullness of His divine purpose. Let us be filled with awe and gratitude for the Christ of Christmas. The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the miraculous and awe-inspiring nature of God's plan for humanity. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of His eternal promises and the hope He brings. Embracing His plan means living with a sense of wonder and gratitude, trusting that His purposes are far greater than we can comprehend. [01:16:03]
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for God's plan in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to seek His counsel and rely on His might?
Quotes
"Solomon trusted God as a little kid. God said, hey, what do you want, Solomon? You're getting ready to be king, what do you want? Anybody remember what he asked for? Wisdom, we say, but he said, I'm a little kid with a big job." [00:33:22] (13 seconds)
"How many of y 'all get ticked off at God because he doesn't work on your timeline? How many of y 'all are like, okay, God, I'm sorry, fix everything. And you're like, what time is it? You didn't fix it yet." [00:46:57] (10 seconds)
"So understand, a thousand years is like a day. That's what Peter said. And a day is like a thousand years. God's not on the same timeline as us. But one thing we know is that if you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, what?" [00:47:21] (16 seconds)
"That's why he said, seek first, seek only, seek always the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything you need will be added. So the people walked in darkness, but now when Christ came, he went and stayed up in that area and they saw a great light." [00:53:45] (14 seconds)
"That's what they had done. And, man, I pray no one here is allowing themselves to get into deep darkness because you are living by your rules or the world's rules. Instead, you live by God's rules. You seek." [00:54:05] (13 seconds)
"Wonderful Counselor. So Counselor is somebody giving advice, you know, somebody helping you see things straight, seeing it from God's perspective, but wonderful. Austin, what does wonderful mean? does wonderful mean?" [01:16:03] (16 seconds)
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