Trusting God's Sovereignty in Our Fleeting Lives
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we reflected on the profound truth that our lives are fleeting and ultimately in God's hands. We began by praising God for His steadfast love and mercy, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation. Our first reading from Ephesians 6 reminded us to put on the full armor of God, emphasizing the spiritual battle we face and the need for divine strength and protection. The second reading from James 4 highlighted the dangers of pride and self-reliance, urging us to submit to God and resist the devil.
We explored the folly of boasting about our future plans without considering God's will. Through an illustration of a sightseeing bus tour in Washington D.C., we saw how human arrogance can lead to presumptuous boasting. James warns us against this, reminding us that our lives are like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. We discussed the importance of having confidence not in ourselves or our plans, but in the Lord, who alone holds our future.
We also touched on the mercy of God, who allows us another day to seek Him and make something meaningful of our lives. The sermon concluded with a call to trust in God's sovereignty, make plans with humility, and live each day as an opportunity to serve Him and others. We were reminded that while it is not wrong to plan for the future, it is essential to do so with a heart submitted to God's will, recognizing our total dependence on Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Armor of God: Ephesians 6 teaches us to equip ourselves with the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual battles. This includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. These elements are crucial for spiritual resilience and victory. [09:07]
2. The Folly of Boasting: James 4 warns against the arrogance of making future plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty. Our lives are like a vapor, and it is foolish to assume we control our destiny. True wisdom lies in submitting our plans to God's will and recognizing our dependence on Him. [33:20]
3. God's Mercy in Our Lives: Every day we wake up is a testament to God's mercy. He grants us another day to seek Him, serve others, and make a meaningful impact. This perspective should fill us with gratitude and a sense of purpose, knowing that each day is a gift from God. [43:42]
4. Confidence in the Lord: Our confidence should not be in our abilities, health, or plans, but in the Lord who holds our lives in His hands. Trusting in God's sovereignty means recognizing that He alone determines our days and that His plans for us are ultimately for our good. [46:25]
5. Living with Eternity in Mind: Life is short, but eternity is long. We should focus on preparing for eternity by living in a way that honors God and leaves a lasting testimony. This involves sharing the gospel, serving others, and making the most of the time we have been given. [01:04:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:07] - The Armor of God
[10:11] - Praying in the Spirit
[14:02] - Warnings from James 4
[14:56] - Humility and Submission to God
[15:44] - The Uncertainty of Life
[17:29] - The Cleansing Power of Christ
[18:34] - Approaching God's Throne
[20:22] - God's Work in Our Lives
[22:19] - Praying for Revival
[23:18] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[24:12] - God's Mercy and Sovereignty
[25:16] - Witnessing the Supernatural
[30:46] - The Vapor of Life
[31:21] - The Folly of Boasting
[33:20] - Confidence in Self vs. Confidence in God
[35:12] - The Arrogance of Self-Reliance
[39:47] - Planning with Humility
[41:06] - Confidence in Tomorrow
[46:25] - God's Sovereignty Over Our Lives
[52:25] - Making Plans with God in Mind
[54:40] - The Mercy of God in Life and Death
[57:32] - The Fleeting Nature of Life
[01:00:37] - Confidence in the Lord
[01:04:55] - Preparing for Eternity
[01:06:19] - Living a Testimony
[01:07:28] - Final Hymn and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-18
2. James 4:1-17
3. Psalm 39:4-5
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different components of the "armor of God" mentioned in Ephesians 6, and what is their purpose? ([09:07])
2. According to James 4, what are the consequences of boasting about future plans without considering God's will? ([15:44])
3. How does Psalm 39 describe the fleeting nature of human life? ([45:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for the "armor of God" in Ephesians 6? How does this relate to the spiritual battles we face today? ([09:07])
2. In James 4, what does it mean to "submit to God and resist the devil"? How can this be practically applied in our daily lives? ([14:56])
3. How does the illustration of the sightseeing bus tour in Washington D.C. help us understand the folly of human arrogance and boasting? ([31:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the different components of the "armor of God" from Ephesians 6. Which piece do you feel you need to focus on more in your spiritual life, and why? ([09:07])
2. Have you ever made plans without considering God's will? How did that turn out? What steps can you take to ensure your future plans are aligned with God's will? ([15:44])
3. James 4:14 compares our lives to a vapor. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily activities and long-term goals? ([15:44])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of living each day as an opportunity to serve God and others. Can you identify one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week? ([44:37])
5. How can you cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you struggle with pride or self-reliance? ([14:56])
6. The sermon mentioned the mercy of God in granting us another day to seek Him. How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine to remind yourself of this mercy? ([43:42])
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your confidence is in the Lord rather than in your own abilities or plans? ([46:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Equipping Ourselves with the Armor of God
The spiritual battles we face daily require us to be fully equipped with the armor of God. Ephesians 6 outlines the essential elements of this armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. These components are not just symbolic but are vital for our spiritual resilience and victory. By putting on the full armor of God, we are better prepared to stand firm against the schemes of the devil and the challenges that come our way. This armor empowers us to live a life that reflects God's truth and righteousness, bringing peace and salvation to those around us. [09:07]
Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Reflection: What specific piece of the armor of God do you feel you need to focus on strengthening in your life today? How can you practically incorporate this into your daily routine?
Day 2: The Folly of Boasting About the Future
James 4 warns us about the arrogance of making future plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty. Our lives are like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow, and it is foolish to assume we control our destiny. True wisdom lies in submitting our plans to God's will and recognizing our dependence on Him. This humility allows us to live with a sense of purpose and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives. By acknowledging that our future is in God's hands, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance. [33:20]
James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: Think about a plan or goal you have for the future. Have you submitted this plan to God and sought His will for it? What steps can you take today to ensure your plans align with God's purpose for your life?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Mercy in Our Daily Lives
Every day we wake up is a testament to God's mercy. He grants us another day to seek Him, serve others, and make a meaningful impact. This perspective should fill us with gratitude and a sense of purpose, knowing that each day is a gift from God. By recognizing God's mercy in our lives, we can approach each day with a heart of thankfulness and a desire to make the most of the opportunities He provides. This mindset helps us to live intentionally and to prioritize what truly matters in light of eternity. [43:42]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you express gratitude to God for His mercy today? What is one way you can use this day to serve others and make a meaningful impact in your community?
Day 4: Placing Our Confidence in the Lord
Our confidence should not be in our abilities, health, or plans, but in the Lord who holds our lives in His hands. Trusting in God's sovereignty means recognizing that He alone determines our days and that His plans for us are ultimately for our good. This trust allows us to live with peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control. By placing our confidence in the Lord, we can navigate life's uncertainties with faith and hope, relying on His wisdom and guidance. [46:25]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God fully? What practical steps can you take today to place your confidence in the Lord and rely on His guidance?
Day 5: Living with Eternity in Mind
Life is short, but eternity is long. We should focus on preparing for eternity by living in a way that honors God and leaves a lasting testimony. This involves sharing the gospel, serving others, and making the most of the time we have been given. By living with eternity in mind, we can prioritize what truly matters and invest in things that have eternal significance. This perspective helps us to live purposefully and to make choices that reflect our commitment to God's kingdom. [01:04:55]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal priorities today? What is one specific action you can take to share the gospel or serve others in a way that honors God and prepares for eternity?
Quotes
1. "There is no sin that can condemn us in Christ Jesus. There is no past event, failure, His blood has erased our account, has erased those past misdeeds, That many would be able to do that. Many would be cleansed tonight. From all over this world. From all walks of life. pray the cleansing power of the blood would be effectual tonight for many." [17:29] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Without your blood, Lord Jesus, we cannot approach that throne. We thank you. That you've made a way where there was once no way. That you've opened a door that was securely bolted and locked shut. This fearful thing to ask you to take over our lives completely and totally and utterly. we pray that we might do that which pleases you. we might be in such a position, Lord God, as to have you move in our lives." [18:34] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are but few in number. We know there are many joined right across this world in worship and praise. Your spirit indeed would go forth. Call in sinners to yourself. Beckon into them. To come and hear of your word. that we might see revival here? Would you do all that needs to be done? Lord God, we pray for those that are absent from us tonight. Not well and ill and away and pray that you would bless them." [22:19] (92 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It is not worth us signing petitions and going on demonstrations and marches. It is nothing without you. And we pray for you to break through in this place. To break through in this village. To break through in this nation. To move again that the people of this day, of the children of this day, might know there is a God in heaven who is at work in this world." [24:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Boasting about doing this, that or the other as if there is some sort of self-determination that can override one's life. And this boasting is addressed I want to start with this illustration and I will read this because I might miss out some of the important details. A sightseeing bus was going through Washington D.C. and the driver was pointing out spots of interest." [31:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You see them in the gyms, you see them on their bikes you see them believing that they can control their destiny as it were that as long as they look after their health as long as they look after their fitness they will live to 110 years of age. When It May Not Come boasting of tomorrow when it may not come three things on this three things connected to confidence firstly confidence in self." [34:23] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The fool saith in his heart there is no God how foolish you disregard God in the scheme of things you disregard God with regards to your years in this world and James is practically saying what complete arrogance it is to say that you may be strong and healthy now you may be in good health right now but you could be gone tomorrow you may not wake up tomorrow and so it is arrogant to think that you can wake up tomorrow." [36:14] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God hasn't promised you tomorrow but he has promised to save those who trust him today for today is the day of salvation so you don't need to come to the end of your life whenever that might be worrying about meeting your maker you can put it right now today don't put off coming to Christ because life is so uncertain and you may not get another opportunity." [59:09] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "God is in control so we trust in his purposes and not our plans necessarily we make plans we say oh why don't we do this why don't we go on a church trip to Wales for several days go around these places we can do that we can make those plans might not be a part of those plans when the time comes we still make those plans recognize our total reliance upon him and him alone because we cannot add one single day hour or minute to our lives." [01:02:53] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We ought to prepare for eternity not to be so consumed with preparing our little space in this world for preparing God's kingdom in this world as this will be over soon enough will your funeral song be my way or oh happy day will you boast that you didn't need God in this life will you boast that one day you will die and be no more pointed to man to die once after this the judgment but you say ah I don't believe in God." [01:05:29] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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