Trusting God's Provision Over Self-Preservation
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded that God has given me everything I need and is ready to give me even more, but I must first move out of self-preservation and allow Him to work in my life. I was challenged to examine my life and identify the areas where I am trying to preserve myself, rather than trusting in God's provision. The sermon referenced Matthew 6:24, reminding me that I cannot serve both God and money, and that God has set things up for me to be preserved so that I don't fall into the trap of serving money and doing things just for financial gain.
The sermon also emphasized the importance of partnership with God. I was reminded that God has chosen me to be a carrier of His glory and to be trusted with His faith. He has chosen to partner with me, rather than doing things apart from me. This partnership requires me to surrender my life to Him and to be willing to serve Him. I was also reminded that God is a good father who wants to serve me and reveal His faithfulness to me in every area of my life.
Key Takeaways:
- God has given me everything I need and is ready to give me even more, but I must first move out of self-preservation and allow Him to work in my life. #!!01:19:00!!#
- I cannot serve both God and money. God has set things up for me to be preserved so that I don't fall into the trap of serving money and doing things just for financial gain. #!!01:20:03!!#
- God has chosen me to be a carrier of His glory and to be trusted with His faith. He has chosen to partner with me, rather than doing things apart from me. #!!16:37!!#
- God is a good father who wants to serve me and reveal His faithfulness to me in every area of my life. #!!20:36!!#
- I must be willing to release the things that God is calling me to give up for His kingdom and for His namesake. #!!01:29:52!!#
Study Guide
Bible Passages:
1. 1 Samuel 15:23
2. Luke 5:37-39
3. Matthew 25:14-30
Key Points from the sermon:
1. Self-preservation can lead to disobedience and rebellion against God's will.
2. We have the responsibility and the ability to say yes or no, and we must take accountability for our actions.
3. God entrusts us with resources according to our ability to handle them, and we are expected to steward them well.
4. Holding onto our resources out of fear or selfishness can lead to loss, while releasing them can lead to multiplication.
Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Samuel 15:23 say about rebellion and stubbornness?
2. In Luke 5:37-39, what does Jesus say about new wine and old wineskins?
3. What happened to the servants in Matthew 25:14-30 who were given different amounts of money?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does 1 Samuel 15:23 relate to the concept of self-preservation?
2. What does the metaphor of new wine and old wineskins in Luke 5:37-39 teach us about change and growth?
3. What lessons can we learn from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30?
Application Questions:
1. How can we resist the temptation to preserve ourselves when it goes against God's will?
2. How can we ensure that we are new wineskins, ready to receive the new wine that God wants to pour into us?
3. How can we be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us?
Devotional
Day 1: Rededication to God is a Path to Righteousness
In our spiritual journey, there may be times when we feel distant from God. This could be due to various reasons such as sin, distractions, or life's challenges. However, God is always ready to welcome us back into His loving arms. Rededicating ourselves to God is a path to righteousness, a way to renew our commitment and deepen our relationship with Him.
Luke 15:20 - "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to rededicate yourself to Him? If you haven't taken any steps yet, what is one thing you can do today to start your journey back to Him?
Day 2: The Necessity of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a significant event in a believer's life. It empowers us to live a victorious Christian life, equips us for service, and helps us to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit in your life? If so, how has it empowered you in your Christian walk? If not, what steps can you take to seek this baptism?
Day 3: The Power of Faith in Overcoming Life's Storms
Life's storms can be overwhelming, but our faith in God gives us the strength to overcome. It is through faith that we can find peace amidst the storm and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Matthew 8:26 - "He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."
Reflection: Can you recall a storm in your life where your faith was tested? How did you respond? If faced with a similar storm today, how would your faith guide your response?
Day 4: The Danger of Self-Preservation and the Need for Total Reliance on God
In our human nature, we often rely on our own strength and wisdom for self-preservation. However, this can lead us away from God's perfect plan for our lives. Total reliance on God is the key to living a life of peace and fulfillment.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on self-preservation rather than trusting in God's provision? What steps can you take to shift your reliance from yourself to God?
Day 5: The Privilege of Being Chosen and Trusted by God
Being chosen and trusted by God is a great privilege. It gives us a sense of purpose and identity. Knowing that we are chosen by God should inspire us to live a life worthy of His calling.
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are chosen and trusted by God impact your daily life? Are there areas in your life where you struggle to believe this truth? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ?
Quotes
1. "Self-preservation will cause you to walk in an uncare in a characteristic of unworthiness. I'm not worthy to be taken care of as they and why take ye thought for your Reign and consider the lilies of the field how they grow they toil not neither do they spin and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - 01:22:12
2. "Looking at the man Jesus felt genuine love for him and I believe this is how he looks amongst each of us he says there is still one thing that you haven't done go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and then come follow me." - 01:24:54
3. "We thank you for calling us your chosen people God that you've chosen us for such a time as this to be carriers of your glory Curry is of your awake God and to be trusted with your faith IA to allow us to experience on Earth as it is in heaven." - 16:37
4. "You love this so much you trust in us so much You Believe in Us in such a degree that you want us to do it with you that you trust us to carry the mantles that you placed on our lives." - 17:28
5. "I hear the spirit of the Lord saying that you've served well that I'm so pleased with your service and Your Surrender is over to me now I want to Serve Yourself the Lord those intricate details about your life that you think are forgotten about I'm gonna reveal myself to you saying God I'm gonna show you my faithfulness in those areas in the areas that you've said don't lie to me God in the areas that you stop believing or you stop releasing Faith because you never thought it could happen." - 20:36