Trusting God's Promises for a Hopeful Future
Summary
God's promises about our future are a source of profound hope and assurance. The future is unknown and uncontrollable, yet God, in His omniscience, knows every detail of our lives from beginning to end. This divine perspective is akin to viewing a parade from above, where the entire procession is visible at once, unlike our limited view from the ground. God's plans for us are inherently good, as He is a good God with no bad intentions for His children. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that His plans are to prosper us and give us hope. However, to align with His plans, we must choose to trust and obey Him daily, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 30:19, where God presents us with the choice between life and death, blessings and curses.
God's presence is a constant in our lives, even when we don't feel it. His faithfulness ensures that we are never alone, and His promises are unwavering. This understanding dispels fear and anxiety about the future, as knowing God's true nature and promises eliminates the need for worry. Temptation is a lifelong challenge, but it is not a sin to be tempted; rather, it is an opportunity for growth. God provides a way out of temptation, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13, and strengthens us to withstand it.
Trouble, unlike temptation, is external and inevitable in a broken world. Yet, God promises to support us through it, as seen in Isaiah 43:2-3, where He assures us that we will not drown in deep waters or be burned in fires of oppression. God's strength is sufficient for all circumstances, and He provides it as needed, not in advance. He also promises justice for those who have wronged us, urging us to let go of resentment and trust Him to settle the score.
Finally, God's promise of eternal security is a profound comfort. Once we are saved, He keeps us saved, as illustrated in John 10:28. Our salvation is secure in His hands, and nothing can snatch us away. Even if we falter, God's faithfulness remains, as He cannot disown Himself. Philippians 1:6 assures us that He will complete the good work He began in us, ensuring we reach the finish line of our faith journey.
Key Takeaways:
- God's omniscience provides a perspective on our lives that is beyond our understanding. He sees the beginning and the end, and His plans for us are inherently good, offering hope and a future. Trusting in His perspective can alleviate our fears about the unknown. [00:49]
- Choosing to trust and obey God is a daily decision that aligns us with His good plans. This choice is a testament to our free will and God's desire for us to love Him willingly, not out of compulsion. [03:31]
- God's presence is a constant, even when we don't feel it. His faithfulness ensures that we are never alone, providing comfort and confidence as we face the future. [05:04]
- Temptation is a lifelong challenge, but it is not a sin to be tempted. It is an opportunity for growth, and God provides a way out, strengthening us to withstand it. [09:44]
- God's promise of eternal security assures us that once we are saved, He keeps us saved. His faithfulness remains even if we falter, and He will complete the good work He began in us. [21:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - The Uncertainty of the Future
- [00:49] - God's Omniscience
- [02:19] - God's Good Plans
- [03:31] - Choosing Trust and Obedience
- [04:30] - God's Constant Presence
- [06:14] - Understanding Fear and Anxiety
- [07:25] - The Reality of Temptation
- [09:44] - God's Provision in Temptation
- [11:26] - Distinguishing Temptation and Trouble
- [12:31] - God's Support in Trouble
- [15:13] - God's Justice and Our Response
- [20:48] - Eternal Security in Salvation
- [23:27] - Confidence in God's Faithfulness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 29:11
2. Deuteronomy 30:19
3. 1 Corinthians 10:13
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what are the characteristics of God's plans for us? How does this verse provide hope for the future? [02:39]
2. In Deuteronomy 30:19, what choices does God present to us, and what are the consequences of these choices? [03:46]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 10:13 describe God's role in helping us deal with temptation? What assurance does this verse give us? [09:44]
4. The sermon compares God's perspective to viewing a parade from above. How does this analogy help us understand God's omniscience? [01:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding God's omniscience, as described in the sermon, change the way one might approach uncertainty in life? [01:49]
2. What does it mean to choose life and blessings according to Deuteronomy 30:19, and how does this choice reflect one's relationship with God? [04:01]
3. How can the promise of God's constant presence, even when not felt, impact a person's daily life and decisions? [05:04]
4. In what ways can temptation be seen as an opportunity for growth, and how does this perspective align with the message in 1 Corinthians 10:13? [09:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty about the future. How can the understanding of God's omniscience and good plans for you change your perspective on that situation? [02:19]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to choose life and blessings daily, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 30:19? How can this choice influence your relationship with God and others? [04:01]
3. Identify a situation where you felt alone or abandoned. How can the promise of God's constant presence provide comfort and assurance in similar situations in the future? [05:04]
4. Think of a recent temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to see it as an opportunity for growth? How can 1 Corinthians 10:13 guide you in this? [09:44]
5. Consider someone who has wronged you. How can you apply the sermon’s teaching on letting go of resentment and trusting God to settle the score? What steps can you take to release bitterness and move forward? [19:09]
6. How does the assurance of eternal security in John 10:28 influence your confidence in your faith journey? What actions can you take to strengthen your trust in this promise? [21:45]
7. Reflect on a current challenge or trouble you are facing. How can the promise of God's support in Isaiah 43:2-3 encourage you to rely on His strength rather than your own? [12:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Omniscient Perspective
God's omniscience offers a perspective on our lives that transcends our limited understanding. He sees the entirety of our journey, from beginning to end, much like viewing a parade from above. This divine perspective assures us that His plans for us are inherently good, as He is a good God with no ill intentions for His children. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that His plans are to prosper us and give us hope. Trusting in His perspective can alleviate our fears about the unknown, as we are reminded that God is in control and His plans are for our ultimate good. [00:49]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's perspective? How can you actively choose to trust Him in this area today?
Day 2: Choosing Daily Trust and Obedience
Choosing to trust and obey God is a daily decision that aligns us with His good plans. This choice is a testament to our free will and God's desire for us to love Him willingly, not out of compulsion. Deuteronomy 30:19 emphasizes the importance of choosing life and blessings by trusting and obeying God. Each day presents us with opportunities to make choices that reflect our trust in God's goodness and His plans for our lives. By choosing to trust and obey Him, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of His blessings. [03:31]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that reflects your trust and obedience to God? How can this choice impact your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Experiencing God's Constant Presence
God's presence is a constant in our lives, even when we don't feel it. His faithfulness ensures that we are never alone, providing comfort and confidence as we face the future. This understanding dispels fear and anxiety about the future, as knowing God's true nature and promises eliminates the need for worry. His presence is a source of strength and assurance, reminding us that we are never abandoned, even in our darkest moments. [05:04]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: When have you felt distant from God, and how can you remind yourself of His constant presence today? What practical steps can you take to cultivate an awareness of His presence?
Day 4: Overcoming Temptation with God's Strength
Temptation is a lifelong challenge, but it is not a sin to be tempted. It is an opportunity for growth, and God provides a way out, strengthening us to withstand it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and will provide a way out. By relying on His strength, we can overcome temptation and grow in our faith. This perspective transforms temptation from a source of guilt to an opportunity for spiritual growth and reliance on God's power. [09:44]
James 1:12-14 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."
Reflection: What is a recurring temptation you face, and how can you seek God's strength to overcome it today? What practical steps can you take to avoid situations that lead to this temptation?
Day 5: Resting in God's Promise of Eternal Security
God's promise of eternal security assures us that once we are saved, He keeps us saved. His faithfulness remains even if we falter, and He will complete the good work He began in us. John 10:28 illustrates that our salvation is secure in His hands, and nothing can snatch us away. This promise provides profound comfort and assurance, reminding us that our relationship with God is not dependent on our performance but on His unchanging faithfulness. [21:45]
2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV): "Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me."
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal security impact your daily life and relationship with God? In what ways can you rest in His promise today, especially when you feel inadequate or unworthy?
Quotes
"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God has long range plans for your life. He has a purpose for your life. He has a plan for your life. God has thought far more about your life than you ever have. He's thought about every detail, every thought, every part of it, and he has a plan for your life, and his plan is good for you." [00:02:47]
"God will be with me every step of the way in my future. I don't know what it's going to be like, and I know I can't control it, but I do know this: God will be with me every step of the way. How do I know that? Because in the Bible, one of the most repeated Promises of God is this: you're not going to be alone. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you. I will never abandon you." [00:04:21]
"God is so high, he can see everything in history. He can see the beginning and the middle and the end all at the same time. It doesn't bother him because he has a different perspective. Now, because God knows everything will happen and not limited by time, we know these verses: Hebrews 11:13, nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. He can see it all. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before his eyes, so there are no secrets with God." [00:01:45]
"God promises to support me in trouble. He's going to guide me when I'm confused. He's going to help me when I'm tempted, and he's going to support me when I'm in trouble. Now, what's the difference between Temptation and trouble? Trouble, oh, big difference. Temptation is inside me. Trouble is outside me. Temptation is internal. Trouble is external. Temptation has to do with my character. Trouble has to do with my circumstances." [00:11:18]
"God promises to repay those who hurt me. He doesn't want you seeking retaliation. He says, let me handle this. Have you noticed that the world seems to be getting meaner, more hateful, more rude, more uncivil, more unfair? God never said that life is fair. In fact, it's unfair because of the sin in the world. Jesus came to make things right, and one day they will be made right, but life is not fair right now." [00:15:08]
"God promises for my future to keep me saved until Heaven. He's going to keep me saved until I get to heaven. I don't have to keep myself saved, thank God, because if it were up to me to keep myself saved, I'm in deep, deep weeds. That's like there's no way I can save myself. God says it's not up to you. Once you put your hand in the hand of the man who still the waters, you may want to let go, but he's not going to let go." [00:20:39]
"God's plan for my future is good. God's plan for my future is good. It's not a bad plan. In fact, God has no bad plans for people. God is a good God, and because God is a good God, all of his plans are good. He doesn't have any bad plans for you. All of his plans for you are good." [00:02:19]
"Temptation is just a choice. That's all it is, so don't get intimidated about like, how am I being tempted by this? Well, because you're human, that's why. It's just a choice, and every time you choose to do the right thing, you grow. Every time you choose to do the wrong thing, you stumble, you fail, and you go back, but temptation is just an opportunity to grow, so don't be intimidated by it and don't be ashamed of it." [00:09:03]
"God promises to provide a way out of Temptation. The Bible says this in 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 13: Remember that the Temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. Now, I know Satan tells you nobody else feels this like you do, nobody's tempted this way, and he wants to isolate you. The Bible says no, we all have the exact same Temptations." [00:09:44]
"God's presence is a constant, even when we don't feel it. His faithfulness ensures that we are never alone, providing comfort and confidence as we face the future. You may not always feel God's presence, but God is not a feeling, so something doesn't have to be felt for it to be real. You don't have to feel something for it to be real." [00:05:04]
"God's promise of eternal security assures us that once we are saved, He keeps us saved. His faithfulness remains even if we falter, and He will complete the good work He began in us. What God started in your life, he is going to finish. God never leaves anything half finished, so you can be confident of this, that God who started something in you is going to finish it in you, and you're going to make it to the finish line." [00:24:46]
"Choosing to trust and obey God is a daily decision that aligns us with His good plans. This choice is a testament to our free will and God's desire for us to love Him willingly, not out of compulsion. God says today I'm giving you the choice, and this is it's your choice. He's not going to force you. God's a gentleman. I'm going to give you the choice between life and death." [00:03:31]
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