Trusting God's Sovereignty and Provision in Our Lives
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound trust and provision of God through the life of Elijah, emphasizing how God's sovereignty and care intersect with our daily lives and global events. I began by recounting the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, highlighting Elijah's bold faith in God's power, which was dramatically confirmed when fire fell from heaven. This narrative not only illustrates God's supremacy over false gods but also His responsiveness to the faith of His servants.
Following this, I discussed the global sovereignty of God, asserting His rule over all earthly powers and political events. This truth reassures us that despite the apparent chaos in world affairs, God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. I stressed that our response should not be fear but trust in His supreme authority.
I then shifted focus to the personal aspect of God's care, illustrated through the story of the widow of Zarephath. Despite her dire circumstances, God provided for her and her son through Elijah, showcasing His intimate involvement in the details of our lives, especially during times of need. This story serves as a reminder of God's promise to provide for His people and His attentiveness to our struggles and pains.
The sermon culminated with the celebration of communion, a sacred time to remember and receive the covenant of Jesus Christ symbolized through bread and wine. This act of communion is not just a ritual but a profound encounter with the divine, offering us renewal and strength for the challenges we face. It's a moment to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and His ongoing presence in our lives, empowering us to live out our faith courageously.
Throughout the sermon, I interwove personal anecdotes and broader theological implications, urging the congregation to live in the reality of God's kingdom here and now. By trusting in God's rule and embracing His care, we can navigate life's complexities with confidence and hope.
### Key Takeaways
1. Elijah's Encounter on Mount Carmel - Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal is a powerful testament to the reality of God's power over all other so-called gods. This historical event encourages us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God responds to the faithfulness of His people. It's a call to expect God's mighty acts in our day as we remain faithful to Him. [01:03:56]
2. God's Sovereignty in Global Affairs - The sovereignty of God over global politics is an essential truth that offers peace in turbulent times. Understanding that presidents and kings are under God's ultimate authority frees us from anxiety and motivates us to pray more earnestly for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. [01:06:03]
3. The Widow of Zarephath's Story - The narrative of the widow of Zarephath reminds us that God is intimately involved in our daily needs. Even in scarcity, God's provision is abundant and often comes in ways we least expect. This story challenges us to look beyond our resources and trust in God's provision. [51:29]
4. The Power of Communion - Communion is a time of intimate fellowship with Christ, reminding us of His sacrifice and His victory over sin and death. As we partake in the bread and wine, we are invited to renew our commitment to Him and receive His grace afresh for the challenges we face. [01:11:26]
5. Living Under God's Care - Recognizing that God cares deeply about our struggles and pains should comfort and motivate us to live confidently under His watchful eye. Like the widow and Elijah, our trials are not unnoticed by God, and He is actively working to bring about His good purposes in our lives. [01:01:57]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:02:24] - Elijah's Bold Faith
- [01:04:26] - God's Rule Over Nations
- [51:29] - Story of the Widow of Zarephath
- [01:10:23] - Communion Introduction
- [01:11:26] - Reflections on Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 18:20-39 - Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
2. 1 Kings 17:8-24 - The story of the widow of Zarephath.
3. John 11:32-36 - Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazarus.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the outcome of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel? How did God demonstrate His power? ([01:03:56])
2. How did God provide for the widow of Zarephath and her son during their time of need? ([51:29])
3. What was Jesus' reaction when He saw Mary and the others weeping at Lazarus' tomb? ([54:49])
4. During the sermon, what was emphasized about God's sovereignty over global politics? ([01:06:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Elijah's bold faith on Mount Carmel challenge our own faith in God's power and responsiveness today? ([01:03:56])
2. In what ways does the story of the widow of Zarephath illustrate God's intimate care and provision in our personal lives? ([51:29])
3. What does Jesus' weeping at Lazarus' tomb reveal about His empathy and care for our suffering? How does this impact our understanding of God's character? ([54:49])
4. How can understanding God's sovereignty over global affairs provide peace and motivate us to pray for His will to be done? ([01:06:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to stand firm in your faith like Elijah. How did you see God's power at work in that situation? ([01:03:56])
2. The widow of Zarephath trusted God's promise despite her dire circumstances. Is there a current situation in your life where you need to trust in God's provision? How can you take a step of faith this week? ([51:29])
3. Jesus wept with those who were mourning. How can you show empathy and care to someone in your life who is currently suffering? ([54:49])
4. Considering God's sovereignty over global events, how can you shift from a mindset of fear to one of trust and prayer? What specific global or political issue will you commit to pray about this week? ([01:06:03])
5. During communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice and His ongoing presence in our lives. How can you make your next communion experience more meaningful and reflective of your relationship with Christ? ([01:11:26])
6. The sermon mentioned that God cares deeply about our struggles and pains. How can this truth change the way you approach your daily challenges and interactions with others? ([01:01:57])
7. How can you live out the reality of God's kingdom in your daily life, trusting in His rule and embracing His care? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate this trust and care to those around you? ([01:01:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Elijah's Bold Faith in Action
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal is a vivid demonstration of unwavering faith in God's power. On Mount Carmel, Elijah stood alone against the multitude, confident that God would manifest His supremacy. This historical event is not just a story of ancient times; it serves as a compelling call to us today to stand firm in our faith amidst a world of spiritual indifference and opposition. As Elijah called down fire from heaven, we too are invited to expect and rely on God's mighty acts in our lives, especially when the odds are against us. This narrative encourages us to be bold in our convictions and proactive in our spiritual commitments. [01:03:56]
1 Kings 18:36-38 - "And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.' Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to demonstrate bolder faith? How can you actively trust God's power in this situation today?
Day 2: God's Sovereignty Over Global Chaos
The sovereignty of God over global politics reassures us that no earthly power can thwart His divine plan. Understanding that leaders and nations operate under God's ultimate authority offers peace in turbulent times. This truth should not lead us to passivity but rather motivate us to engage more deeply in prayer for our leaders and the global community, trusting that God's will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. As we face uncertainties in world affairs, this perspective shifts our focus from fear to faith, encouraging us to rest in the assurance of His omnipotent governance. [01:06:03]
Daniel 2:21 - "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's sovereignty by praying for a current global or national issue?
Day 3: Trusting God's Provision in Scarcity
The story of the widow of Zarephath illustrates that God's provision does not depend on our circumstances but on His limitless resources. Faced with the end of her means, the widow experienced God's miraculous provision through the prophet Elijah. This narrative invites us to look beyond our limitations and trust in God's ability to provide abundantly even in times of scarcity. It challenges us to remain faithful and expectant, knowing that God cares deeply about our needs and is actively working to meet them in ways we might not anticipate. [51:29]
1 Kings 17:14-16 - "For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.' And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent instance where you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way? How can this experience strengthen your trust in Him during future challenges?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Communion
Communion is a profound encounter with Christ, reminding us of His sacrifice and victory over sin and death. As we partake in the bread and wine, we are not only remembering Christ's physical sacrifice but are also invited to renew our commitment to Him. This sacred act offers us grace and strength, empowering us to face our daily challenges with renewed faith and courage. It is a moment to reflect deeply on the cost of our redemption and the ongoing presence of Jesus in our lives, encouraging us to live out our faith with boldness and conviction. [01:11:26]
Luke 22:19-20 - "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'"
Reflection: How does participating in communion impact your understanding of Jesus' presence in your life? How can this understanding influence your actions this week?
Day 5: Living Confidently Under God's Care
Recognizing that God cares deeply about our personal struggles and pains should inspire confidence and hope. Like the widow and Elijah, we are reminded that our trials are not unnoticed by God. He is actively working to bring about His good purposes in our lives, even when we are unaware. This assurance allows us to face life's complexities with a bold and confident heart, knowing that we are under His watchful eye and loving care. This realization should motivate us to live courageously, trusting that God is with us in every circumstance. [01:01:57]
Psalm 34:17-19 - "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's care during a difficult period. How can this memory help you trust in His ongoing presence and provision in your current challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I know we're concerned. We should be. We ought to be. Let's not live in fear. Let's not live like it's dark. It's not. Our King Jesus is on the throne. The God of God, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. He rules in global politics. He'll decide how this all ends and when it ends. Hallelujah." [01:07:05]
2. "How far would we run to get away from poverty and sickness and prostitution and drug-infested neighborhoods? How long is it going to be before the church of our Lord Jesus Christ plants a flagpole in the middle of suffering and poverty and says, we'll not run anymore. We're here. We're going to be the light. We're going to be the light of Christ to a dark part of the world." [01:00:03]
3. "God's not in the mood to do something on that day. But Elijah was pretty close to the Father and he knew. God rules in global politics. How many amens there? I don't think we believe that anymore. God rules in global politics. Glory, hallelujah." [01:04:26]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And it was called Broadway Church of the Nazarene. Now, where would you think Broadway Church of the Nazarene would be? Downtown. Wouldn't you? Broadway. I hardly ever see Broadway in the suburbs. Downtown. And they were in their second new location. And I was young. I didn't have, I didn't have, had less sense than I've got now." [59:22]
2. "God cares about broken people. He cares about you. He cares about me. When I cry, when I weep, I believe that the heart of God weeps with me. When I feel alone and deserted, I think God feels alone and deserted. I think he enters into our suffering and our heartache and our brokenness. And someday he's going to bring healing to all of our suffering, all of our brokenness and all of our sadness." [01:01:57]
3. "This morning, as we come to the table, I'd like for us to come. I'm asking God, expecting God to renew our hearts for the God we serve. And if you're going through a dark time, ask him to turn a little light on. If you're broken about something, asking to bring healing and wholeness, if you're threatened by something in your life, ask him to help you put your trust and confidence in him. And God is trustworthy. God is good. He will take care of us. And he is in charge. He is in charge." [01:11:26]
4. "Mount Carmel, you've heard this story. Elijah goes to Ahab. Ahab had kind of insinuated that if he ever saw him again, he'd kill him. And so Elijah goes anyway. And Ahab had kind of gotten where he was afraid of Elijah to a degree. And God told him to go to Ahab and tell him when it would rain. And Elijah, like all of us, said, I don't think that's a good idea." [01:02:24]
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