Trusting God's Promises Amidst Life's Challenges
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the sovereignty and goodness of God amidst the chaos and uncertainties of our world. We began by acknowledging the turmoil in our lives and the world around us, but also the stability and peace we find in God's word and His plan of salvation. We then delved into Numbers 12 and 13, examining the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the border of Canaan. This journey was marked by God's miraculous interventions and promises, yet also by the people's struggle with faith and trust.
We illustrated the concept of faith using a rat trap demonstration, emphasizing that God's promises are sure, even when they seem risky or uncertain. The Israelites were promised the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, but their fear and lack of faith led them to doubt and disobey God. They saw the giants and strongholds in the land and concluded that it was better to return to Egypt than to trust God's promise.
We discussed the importance of simple faith and trust in God's promises, without trying to fill in the blanks or add our own conditions. The Israelites' failure to trust led to a generation missing out on God's promise, while Joshua and Caleb, who trusted God, were rewarded. We concluded by encouraging everyone to trust in God's promises, to walk in faith, and to remember that God is bigger than any reality or obstacle we face.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Stability: In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, God's sovereignty provides stability and peace. His word is a firm foundation that we can rely on, no matter the circumstances. Trusting in His plan of salvation brings us into a new life, free from the fears and anxieties of this world. [07:09]
2. The Importance of Simple Faith: The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land teaches us the importance of simple faith. Despite God's clear promises, they allowed fear and doubt to cloud their judgment. We must learn to trust God's word without adding our own conditions or trying to fill in the blanks. [39:55]
3. God's Promises Are Sure: God's promises are as sure today as they were for the Israelites. He promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, and despite the giants and strongholds, His promise remained true. We must hold on to God's promises, knowing that He is faithful and will fulfill them. [37:11]
4. Faith Overcomes Reality: The realities we face, such as giants and strongholds, do not negate God's promises. Our faith in God must be stronger than the obstacles we see. God is bigger than any challenge, and He will lead us to victory if we trust Him. [51:53]
5. God Rewards Faithfulness: Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness was rewarded because they trusted God's promise despite the apparent dangers. Similarly, God rewards our faith when we trust Him and act on His promises. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. [58:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:09] - God's Sovereignty and Stability
[16:32] - New Song and Worship
[22:28] - Prayer for Focus and Peace
[30:08] - Introduction to Numbers 12 and 13
[31:16] - Rat Trap Demonstration
[34:49] - Promises Made to Israel
[37:11] - God's Promises Are Sure
[39:55] - The Importance of Simple Faith
[45:55] - Realities Observed by the Israelites
[51:53] - Faith Overcomes Reality
[58:18] - God Rewards Faithfulness
[01:07:00] - Invitation to Trust and Communion
[01:14:26] - Prayer for Teens Going to Camp
[01:16:12] - Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:1-2 (NIV) - "The Lord said to Moses, 'Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.'"
2. Numbers 13:27-28 (NIV) - "They gave Moses this account: 'We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.'"
3. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
### Observation Questions
1. What did God promise the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan? (Numbers 13:1-2)
2. How did the spies describe the land of Canaan upon their return? (Numbers 13:27-28)
3. What is the definition of faith according to Hebrews 11:1?
4. In the sermon, what was the purpose of the rat trap demonstration? ([31:16])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did the Israelites struggle to trust God's promise about the land of Canaan despite His previous miracles? ([39:55])
2. How does the concept of simple faith, as discussed in the sermon, relate to the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1? ([59:10])
3. What can we learn from Joshua and Caleb's response to the challenges in Canaan about trusting God's promises? ([58:18])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between seeing obstacles and trusting in God's promises? ([51:53])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? ([49:36])
2. The Israelites saw the giants and fortified cities and doubted God's promise. Are there "giants" in your life that make you doubt God's promises? How can you overcome these doubts? ([49:07])
3. Joshua and Caleb trusted God's promise despite the apparent dangers. How can you cultivate a similar trust in your daily life? ([58:18])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of simple faith without adding our own conditions. Are there areas in your life where you tend to "fill in the blanks" instead of trusting God's word? ([42:15])
5. How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness to strengthen your faith in current challenges? ([59:59])
6. The sermon mentioned that God rewards faithfulness. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate faithfulness in your current circumstances? ([58:41])
7. Think of a specific promise from God that you find difficult to trust. What steps can you take this week to lean into that promise and trust God more fully? ([43:51])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty and Stability
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, God's sovereignty provides stability and peace. His word is a firm foundation that we can rely on, no matter the circumstances. Trusting in His plan of salvation brings us into a new life, free from the fears and anxieties of this world. The Israelites experienced this firsthand as they journeyed from Egypt to the border of Canaan. Despite the turmoil around them, God's miraculous interventions and promises were a constant source of stability. We, too, can find peace in knowing that God is in control and His plans for us are good. [07:09]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel the most chaos and uncertainty? How can you actively remind yourself of God's sovereignty and find peace in His stability today?
Day 2: The Importance of Simple Faith
The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land teaches us the importance of simple faith. Despite God's clear promises, they allowed fear and doubt to cloud their judgment. We must learn to trust God's word without adding our own conditions or trying to fill in the blanks. The rat trap demonstration illustrated that God's promises are sure, even when they seem risky or uncertain. Simple faith means taking God at His word and trusting that He will fulfill His promises, just as Joshua and Caleb did. [39:55]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to trust fully? How can you practice simple faith in this area today?
Day 3: God's Promises Are Sure
God's promises are as sure today as they were for the Israelites. He promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, and despite the giants and strongholds, His promise remained true. The Israelites' fear and lack of faith led them to doubt and disobey God, but Joshua and Caleb held on to God's promises, knowing that He is faithful. We must hold on to God's promises, knowing that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing. [37:11]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding on to. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and trust that He will fulfill it?
Day 4: Faith Overcomes Reality
The realities we face, such as giants and strongholds, do not negate God's promises. Our faith in God must be stronger than the obstacles we see. The Israelites saw the giants in the land and concluded that it was better to return to Egypt than to trust God's promise. However, Joshua and Caleb's faith in God was stronger than the reality they faced. God is bigger than any challenge, and He will lead us to victory if we trust Him. [51:53]
Romans 4:20-21 (ESV): "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
Reflection: What is a current challenge or obstacle you are facing? How can you strengthen your faith to trust that God is bigger than this reality?
Day 5: God Rewards Faithfulness
Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness was rewarded because they trusted God's promise despite the apparent dangers. Similarly, God rewards our faith when we trust Him and act on His promises. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. When we walk in faith, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door for His blessings and rewards. [58:18]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you acted in faith and saw God's reward. How can this experience encourage you to trust Him more in your current situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Man, I am so glad that God, uh, had a plan for us. That plan of salvation, salvation for us where death was arrested and a new life, a life outside of all of that began. Let's sing that this morning. When death was arrested and Are you glad about that? You are you glad about that this morning. In the Savior's love through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all." [07:09] (520 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Promises have been made to them. Listen to the promise. This is in Numbers chapter number 13 and verse number 2. Send thou men that they may search the land of Canaan. Which... Which I give unto the children of Israel. Ms. Crystal, come and take that $20. It is yours. Ms. Crystal, I'm not going to let you be hurt. Ms. Crystal, this $20 is your $20. Come and get it. The promise was made. That was hers." [35:31] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible says the thief comes not. But to kill and to steal and to destroy. But I've come that you might have life. And that you might have it more abundantly. Romans chapter 8 verse number 37. Nay in all things you are more than a conqueror. Have you as of yet. Wrapped your mind around that concept. In your Christian life. You are more than a conqueror." [47:24] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for they that come to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. How does salvation even come? For by grace are you saved. How? Through faith. That not of yourselves. It's a gift of God. What's a gift of God? Even the faith that you have is a gift of God." [59:10] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For whosoever is born of God overcomes the world. Can you believe that? Whosoever is born of God overcomes the world. And here's how the rest of that verse goes. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. This is the victory. He believes, overcomes the world. And how do you overcome the world? God says, listen, I have these promises for you." [01:00:52] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The apprehension came from she knows what rat traps do. Okay. And so we're like, ugh, I don't know. I'm unsure. But this rat trap has been modified by Brother Tony. Okay. I understand the apprehension. I understand nobody wants to play with a rat trap that's been set. But this rat trap, and this is the first time I've done this here, is rigged her success. So this is going to be very important. As we go through what's fixing to happen as the children of Israel on the border of Canaan." [34:05] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The problem is that people are not very good at simple faith. We're not good at simple faith. When I say Ms. Crystal. This is your $20 Ms. Crystal. I love you. Ms. Crystal I am not going to allow you to be hurt. Ms. Crystal take the $20. It's going to go something like this. At best. Now that's the over exaggeration which people do to each other. But you understand. You understand. Why? Right? Because this is what she sees. She heard the promise that I made. I will not allow you to be hurt in this. But what she sees. Causes there to be blanks that need to be filled in." [39:55] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The simple truth of who God is and what God has done is enough. And He will win the victory for you. He will win the battle. The battle is the Lord's, the Bible says. Yeah, but Brother Tony, what about this reality? What about the reality? The reality is God usurps the realities. He is bigger than your realities. They saw realities. And then what happened? Conclusions were drawn." [53:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And what did He do in His life here? Did He live this perfect life? Yeah, He did. But you know what else He did? He walked and had communion for three and a half years with 12 people. And the Bible says He took those 12 people that He might know them. And we were talking about today in church membership how that so many times those guys were like, what do you mean? I don't understand. You feel that in your own Christian life? Lord, I know this is, this is what you've said in your word." [01:02:07] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Can we just trust the Lord today? Can we walk with Him today? Can we listen to the simple truth of who He is today? Can we trust His leadership and let Him lead, take a breath, and be still and know that He's God? God didn't tell Moses right away to stretch out that staff. He told him first to be still. Can you understand that God doesn't need you to do all this stuff? He needs you to be in Him first?" [01:06:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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