Trusting God's Sovereignty Through Communion and Adversity
Summary
In today's gathering at Crosspoint, we embarked on a new tradition of focusing on fellowship with Christ through communion on the first Sundays. This practice is not just about the ritual but about examining our hearts and restoring our fellowship with God. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His blood. This is a time to reflect on our lives, confess our sins, and seek God's cleansing and guidance.
We also began our journey through the book of Daniel, a book that promises to teach us about faithfulness in adversity and the sovereignty of God. The story of Daniel begins with the besieging of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, a moment that seems like a defeat but is part of God's greater plan. This narrative reminds us that God's purposes often extend beyond our understanding, and His faithfulness is not dependent on ours. Even in times of chaos and uncertainty, God remains in control, and His plans are for His glory and our good.
The sermon also touched on the recent wildfires in California, drawing parallels between the devastation and the trials faced by God's people throughout history. Just as God had a plan for Abraham and his descendants, He has a plan for us, even when we cannot see it. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is working all things for good, even when life seems to be falling apart.
As we continue to explore the book of Daniel, we are encouraged to deepen our trust in God's sovereignty, to seek His purposes, and to find peace in His unchanging nature. This journey will transform us, helping us grow in faith and understanding as we navigate the challenges of life.
Key Takeaways:
1. Communion as a Reflection of Fellowship with Christ: Communion is a sacred ordinance that calls us to examine our hearts and restore our fellowship with Christ. It is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant in His blood, urging us to confess our sins and seek God's cleansing. This practice helps us focus on our relationship with God and His transformative power in our lives. [35:52]
2. Trusting God's Sovereignty in Uncertainty: The story of Daniel begins with a seemingly devastating event, yet it is part of God's greater plan. This teaches us that God's purposes often extend beyond our understanding, and His faithfulness is not dependent on ours. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is in control, even in chaos. [41:54]
3. God's Faithfulness Through History: Throughout history, God has demonstrated His faithfulness, guiding His people through trials and fulfilling His promises. This historical perspective encourages us to trust in God's unchanging nature and His ability to work all things for good, even when we face challenges. [44:43]
4. The Role of Prophecy in Understanding God's Plan: Prophecies, like those given to Abraham and through Jeremiah, reveal God's long-term plans and purposes. These prophecies remind us that God is in control and that His plans are for His glory and our good. Understanding prophecy helps us trust in God's sovereignty and find peace in His perfect plan. [48:03]
5. Finding Peace in God's Sovereignty: In the midst of life's storms, we can find peace by anchoring our faith in God's sovereignty. His purposes are for His glory, and He works all things together for good. By trusting in His word and His character, we can navigate uncertainties with confidence and hope. [51:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [35:52] - Introduction to Daniel
- [37:31] - Trusting God's Plan
- [38:32] - Faithfulness in Adversity
- [40:03] - God's Faithfulness Through History
- [41:54] - Trusting in Chaos
- [42:41] - Vision and Hardship
- [43:46] - Deepening Trust in God
- [44:43] - Prophecy and God's Plan
- [45:58] - Seeking God First
- [47:00] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
- [48:03] - God's Control and Prophecy
- [49:08] - Trusting God's Word
- [50:07] - Faith in God's Vision
- [51:44] - Peace in God's Sovereignty
- [52:56] - God's Sovereignty and Glory
- [53:52] - Spiritual and Physical Defeat
- [55:20] - God's Orchestration
- [56:37] - God's Mysterious Ways
- [59:07] - God's Unchanging Nature
- [01:00:13] - God's Glory and Love
- [01:01:46] - God's Sovereignty and Glory
- [01:02:37] - Participating in God's Plan
- [01:03:13] - Glorifying God's Name
- [01:04:05] - God's Goodness in Trials
- [01:06:05] - Seasons of Life
- [01:06:35] - God's Purpose in Life
- [01:07:17] - Joseph's Story
- [01:08:13] - Embracing God's Sovereignty
- [01:09:11] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-27
2. Daniel 1:1-2
3. Genesis 15:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Corinthians 11:23-27 teach us about the significance of communion and how we should approach it? [35:52]
2. In Daniel 1:1-2, what events are described, and how do they set the stage for the themes of the book of Daniel? [38:32]
3. How does Genesis 15:13-14 illustrate God's long-term plans and promises to Abraham, even when they include hardship? [37:31]
4. What parallels can be drawn between the historical events in Daniel 1 and the recent wildfires in California as discussed in the sermon? [41:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the practice of communion help believers reflect on their relationship with Christ and the new covenant? [35:52]
2. What does the story of Daniel teach us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when His people face adversity? [38:32]
3. How can understanding God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 15 help us trust in His plans for our lives today? [37:31]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's purposes are often beyond our immediate understanding, and how should this influence our faith? [41:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience with communion. How can you approach it with a heart ready for self-examination and restoration with God? [35:52]
2. When facing uncertainty or chaos in your life, how can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and control, as demonstrated in the book of Daniel? [41:54]
3. Think of a time when you faced a trial that seemed insurmountable. How did you see God's faithfulness through that situation, and how can that experience strengthen your faith now? [44:43]
4. How can you apply the lessons from Abraham's story in Genesis 15 to trust in God's long-term plans for your life, even when they include challenges? [37:31]
5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him and find peace in His control? [51:44]
6. How can you use the story of Joseph, who saw God's purpose in his trials, to encourage someone else going through a difficult time? [01:04:05]
7. In what ways can you actively seek God's guidance and purpose in your daily life, ensuring that your actions align with His glory rather than personal gain? [01:02:37]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Communion as a Heart Examination
Communion is a sacred practice that invites believers to examine their hearts and restore their fellowship with Christ. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His blood. This practice is not merely a ritual but a profound opportunity to confess sins and seek God's cleansing and guidance. As believers partake in communion, they are reminded of the transformative power of their relationship with God, urging them to focus on spiritual renewal and growth. [35:52]
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing today? How can you use this time of communion to restore your fellowship with Christ?
Day 2: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Uncertainty
The story of Daniel begins with the besieging of Jerusalem, a moment that appears to be a defeat but is part of God's greater plan. This narrative teaches that God's purposes often extend beyond human understanding, and His faithfulness is not dependent on human actions. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is in control, even in times of chaos and uncertainty. This trust allows believers to find peace and assurance, knowing that God's plans are for His glory and their good. [41:54]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's sovereignty? How can you remind yourself today that God's plans are higher than your own?
Day 3: God's Faithfulness Through History
Throughout history, God has demonstrated His faithfulness by guiding His people through trials and fulfilling His promises. This historical perspective encourages believers to trust in God's unchanging nature and His ability to work all things for good. Even when facing challenges, believers can find comfort in knowing that God's faithfulness is steadfast and His purposes are always for their benefit and His glory. [44:43]
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: Reflect on a time in your life when you experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him in your current circumstances?
Day 4: The Role of Prophecy in Understanding God's Plan
Prophecies, like those given to Abraham and through Jeremiah, reveal God's long-term plans and purposes. These prophecies remind believers that God is in control and that His plans are for His glory and their good. Understanding prophecy helps believers trust in God's sovereignty and find peace in His perfect plan, even when the future seems uncertain or challenging. [48:03]
Amos 3:7 (ESV): "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."
Reflection: How does understanding God's prophetic word give you confidence in His plans for your life? What specific prophecy or promise from Scripture can you hold onto today?
Day 5: Finding Peace in God's Sovereignty
In the midst of life's storms, believers can find peace by anchoring their faith in God's sovereignty. His purposes are for His glory, and He works all things together for good. By trusting in His word and His character, believers can navigate uncertainties with confidence and hope, knowing that God's unchanging nature provides a firm foundation for their faith. [51:44]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be still and trust in God's sovereignty? How can you practice being still and knowing that He is God today?
Quotes
"Lord you say if we confess our sins that you're faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness so Lord we pray to you today we pray to you at this time to cleanse our hearts create in us a new heart and create a new righteous spirit within us help us to be the people that you want us to be Lord show us the areas of our lives that we that we need support in that we need help in that we need cleansing in Lord we know that we can't do it on our own we can only be cleansed by your blood by trusting you by faith in you so Lord we stand before you today humble before the cross knowing that we cannot do this on our own Lord we are so thankful that you continue to walk before us and guide us through this world and through this life Lord that you have given us a promise for our future so Lord as we stand before you and take communion we want to be reminded as you said of what you have done for us the fellowship that you have given us through the body of bread through the blood symbolized by the cup and the wine so Lord as we take this cup and this bread today may it be an honor and a blessing to you in Jesus name Amen" [00:20:07]
"Now, in a world full of uncertainty and challenges, trusting God's plan is increasingly vital. Like God showing Abraham the future of his descendants in Genesis 15. It's something that I just recently read. Did you realize that before Abraham even had children, God made this prophecy? He told him about how he was going to have all of these children, and how he was going to make Abraham into this great nation. And that sounds fantastic, right? We all want to hear good news, right? It sounds awesome, right? But do you also realize in Genesis 15 that he tells Abraham that his descendants will be enslaved by some people for 400 years?" [00:37:13]
"As we navigate life's trials, we must anchor our faith in the truth that God is always in control, regardless of our circumstances. Our commitment to believe in his promises allows us to endure hardships with resilience and hope. We can't do this on our own. So today, as we begin to pray, we're going to pray for the Lord. We're going to pray for the Lord. And as we begin examining the book of Daniel, which serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness in the face of adversity can lead to extraordinary outcomes, I'm excited, and I hope you are too." [00:38:23]
"Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that you give us this opportunity just day after day, week after week, breath after breath, to honor and glorify and magnify you. We're thankful that you continue to guide us in our journey, in our walk, that you continue to grow us in your likeness, even though we fall, even though we sin, even though we take these huge steps backwards in our spiritual maturity, you stay faithful. And we see this throughout the history of your people. We see this through reading your word. We see this through praying to you, through understanding, through walking with you. In our own lives, we see how faithful you have always been, Lord, and in that we can trust in you. So Lord, we're so thankful that you continue to be a part of our lives, that you continue to let us be a part of your mission." [00:40:03]
"Trusting in God's sovereignty gives us strength and stability when life's challenges threaten to uproot us. Reminding us that he is always in control amidst the chaos. So how can we deepen our trust in God's sovereignty to help us find peace and direction during turbulent times in our lives? Well, I think we can get some of those answers from today's passage in Daniel 1 and verse 2. Then in verse 1, it says, In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem and besieged it." [00:43:46]
"God has given people to you to tell you, focus on God. Stop focusing on the wealth of the nation. Stop focusing on all of these things around you. Focus on God. Seek him first. And allow all these things to come unto you. The people of Israel had gone into this turbulent time. After Solomon, the kingdom splits between his sons. And we have a northern and a southern region of the kingdoms. They have completely split. What happened to all of this unity in God? Now they're fighting against each other. Hmm. Hmm." [00:45:58]
"Because God has demonstrated his sovereignty throughout history. You don't have to make it up. It's right here. It's right here. It doesn't change. The same words are here. But God reveals something to you when you read it. You got to open it up. You got to read it. You got to take it in. Because as you read it and you take it in, guess where he writes it? On your heart. So that when you don't have it, when you are facing trial, when you're sitting over here and the people are coming at you and you're like, man, I don't know what to do with this. God is throwing scriptures at you if you sit down and shut up and listen." [00:49:08]
"Are we a people? This is a question that I had to process. Are we a people so faithful that we trust and believe in God who has cast the vision for our lives and for generations to come? Are we so faithful to believe in that vision? Because I believe Jesus has already said that he has a place for us. He has already gone ahead of us. And yeah, I may not be able to see that place right now, but do I trust in him that it is there? Do I trust in him that something better is out there for me than what's sitting here in front of me?" [00:51:44]
"God has this moment and every moment throughout history under control. He has the future under control and we can have peace in a storm by trusting his word. Because we've already seen his character. We already can get to know who he is by reading his word. And I'm not saying read his word one time because when you read his word when you're eight years old, it's going to look a lot different when you're 15. It's going to look even more different when you're 25. It's going to look a whole lot different when you're 60. And you know what? When you're 80, you're going to read his word again and you're going to say, wow, thank you, Lord, for showing me something new today." [00:53:52]
"His word does not change, but what he reveals to us does. Our ability to take in and understand what he is saying, our faithfulness in following him helps us to continue on. That consistency like Julio talked about in building up in godliness, taking in his word, praying to the Holy Spirit, staying consistent in our faith helps us to grow. Why? Because God's sovereignty is on display even when life changes in seemingly negative ways." [00:56:37]
"Joseph endured many significant trials, but stood firm in faith throughout the years. God placed him in a position to use the wisdom that he had over those years, that he grew over those years, and the skills that he grew over those years to serve the people. And we're all entering a new season. For some of us, it's a time of recovery and rest after a long period of trials. For others, it's a time of transition and change. For others, it's a time of challenges, because life is never really stagnant. You either grow through what you experience or risk repeating the trial. Yet in the midst of all this, God remains sovereign." [01:06:05]
"Throughout history, we see clear demonstrations of God's sign. Clear demonstrations of God's. Clear demonstrations of God's sovereignty. Consider the story of Joseph. His brothers betrayed him. They were going to kill him and decide to throw him in a pit. Then they went and sold him to some people. Man, I have an older brother, and we've been through some fights. But man, I could not imagine my brother, like, took me and sold me. And he probably is going to watch this video. So we're going to talk about that. But even though he went through that hardship, God used his trials for a greater purpose. Ultimate saving many lives during a famine." [01:07:17]
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