Trusting God's Sovereignty: Unity and Salvation in Christ
Summary
This morning, we gathered to celebrate our International Sunday, a day of thanksgiving and unity in Christ. We are reminded of the global nature of God's kingdom, where every tribe, tongue, and nation comes together to worship the King of Kings. Our service was enriched by the participation of the Mount of Olives Missionary Church, and we are grateful for their presence and partnership in spreading the gospel in Northern Kentucky. As we reflect on the scripture from Acts 10:34-35, we are reminded that God shows no favoritism and accepts those who fear Him and do what is right from every nation.
We delved into the story of Joseph, a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Joseph's life, marked by betrayal and suffering, ultimately led to the salvation of his family and the continuation of God's covenant. This narrative reassures us that God is sovereign over evil, working all things for good, and has provided our salvation through Jesus Christ. Joseph's faith in God's plan, even in the face of adversity, is a powerful reminder that we can trust in God's control over our lives.
In our struggles, we often experience sleepless nights, worrying about things beyond our control. Yet, the sovereignty of God is the best remedy for such restlessness. Joseph's story teaches us that even when others intend harm, God can use it for good. We are encouraged to trust in God's plan, knowing that He is working for our good and His glory. Our faith is anchored in the assurance of God's faithfulness, and we are called to persevere through trials, confident in our eternal inheritance through Christ.
As we conclude our time in Genesis, we see the unfolding of God's plan to restore all things through Christ. The story of the Bible is one of redemption, from the fall in the first garden to the promise of eternal life in the new creation. We are reminded that God is a global God, saving people from every nation, and we are united as one family under the blood of Jesus. Let us live with the assurance of God's sovereignty, trusting in His plan and sharing the good news of salvation with others.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Sovereignty Over Evil: Joseph's life illustrates that God is sovereign over evil, using even the darkest moments for His purposes. Despite the betrayal and suffering Joseph faced, God worked through these events to bring about the salvation of his family. This reminds us that no matter the evil we encounter, God is in control and can use it for good. [49:33]
2. Trusting in God's Plan: We often worry about things beyond our control, leading to sleepless nights. Joseph's story teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is working for our good and His glory. By resting in this truth, we can find peace and assurance in God's plan for our lives. [50:33]
3. God's Goodness in Trials: Even in the midst of pain and suffering, God is working for our good. Joseph reassured his brothers that God was using their actions for a greater purpose. This confidence in God's goodness encourages us to trust Him, even when life is difficult, knowing that He is working all things together for our ultimate good. [54:29]
4. The Assurance of Salvation: Our faith is anchored in the assurance of God's faithfulness to save through Jesus Christ. Joseph's trust in God's promise to bring his people to the promised land mirrors our hope in the salvation provided through Christ. We can live with confidence, knowing that God is in control and has secured our eternal inheritance. [59:48]
5. Unity in Christ's Global Kingdom: Our gathering today reflects the global nature of God's kingdom, where people from every nation are united in Christ. This unity transcends cultural and linguistic differences, reminding us that we are one family under the blood of Jesus. Let us celebrate this diversity and work together to share the gospel with the world. [01:05:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - International Sunday Celebration
- [02:00] - Scripture Reading: Psalms 86:9
- [04:00] - Introduction to Mount of Olives Missionary Church
- [06:00] - Prayer for Pastor Patrick and His Church
- [10:00] - God's Global Kingdom
- [12:00] - Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-35
- [15:00] - Joseph's Story: A Testament to God's Sovereignty
- [20:00] - The Remedy for Sleepless Nights
- [25:00] - Trusting in God's Plan
- [30:00] - God's Goodness in Trials
- [35:00] - Assurance of Salvation
- [40:00] - Unity in Christ's Global Kingdom
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [50:00] - Announcements and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 10:34-35
- Genesis 50:19-21
- Romans 8:28
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 10:34-35, what does Peter declare about God's character and His acceptance of people from different nations?
2. How does Joseph respond to his brothers' fear of retribution in Genesis 50:19-21, and what does this reveal about his understanding of God's sovereignty? [42:52]
3. According to Romans 8:28, what assurance do believers have about the events in their lives, and how does this relate to Joseph's story? [54:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over evil through the life of Joseph? [49:33]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's sovereignty and our personal struggles or sleepless nights? [47:54]
3. How does the unity in Christ's global kingdom, as discussed in the sermon, challenge our understanding of cultural and linguistic differences within the church? [01:05:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How can Joseph's trust in God's plan encourage you to see God's hand in your current challenges? [50:33]
2. The sermon mentions sleepless nights caused by worry. What specific worries keep you up at night, and how can you apply the truth of God's sovereignty to find peace? [47:54]
3. In what ways can you actively participate in promoting unity within your church community, especially among people from different cultural backgrounds? [01:05:39]
4. Consider a recent trial or hardship. How can you remind yourself of God's goodness and sovereignty in the midst of it, as Joseph did? [54:29]
5. How can the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live more confidently in this truth? [59:48]
6. Identify one person from a different cultural background in your church or community. How can you reach out to them this week to foster a deeper sense of unity in Christ? [01:05:39]
7. What is one specific way you can share the good news of salvation with someone in your life this week, inspired by the global nature of God's kingdom? [01:05:39]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty Over Evil
In the story of Joseph, we see a profound illustration of God's sovereignty over evil. Joseph's life was filled with betrayal and suffering, yet God used these dark moments to fulfill His purposes. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and facing numerous hardships, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt, ultimately saving his family from famine. This narrative reassures us that God is in control, even when evil seems to prevail. It reminds us that God can use the darkest moments in our lives for good, working all things together for His purposes. As we reflect on Joseph's story, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is always at work, even in the midst of our trials. [49:33]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation in your life where you have seen or hope to see God's hand at work. How can you trust in His sovereignty today, even when circumstances seem bleak?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Plan
We often find ourselves worrying about things beyond our control, leading to sleepless nights and restless hearts. Joseph's story teaches us the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when we cannot see the outcome. Despite the uncertainty and adversity he faced, Joseph remained faithful, trusting that God was working for his good and His glory. This trust in God's sovereignty allowed Joseph to find peace and assurance in God's plan for his life. As we navigate our own struggles, we are encouraged to rest in the truth that God is in control, working all things for our good. By trusting in His plan, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is always at work in our lives. [50:33]
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: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan. What steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and find peace in His sovereignty?
Day 3: God's Goodness in Trials
Even in the midst of pain and suffering, God is working for our good. Joseph's reassurance to his brothers that God was using their actions for a greater purpose is a powerful reminder of God's goodness. Despite the trials and hardships Joseph faced, he remained confident in God's plan, knowing that God was working all things together for his ultimate good. This confidence in God's goodness encourages us to trust Him, even when life is difficult. As we face our own trials, we are reminded that God is always at work, using even the most challenging circumstances for our good and His glory. [54:29]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you see God's goodness in that situation, and how can you trust Him to use it for your growth and His glory?
Day 4: The Assurance of Salvation
Our faith is anchored in the assurance of God's faithfulness to save through Jesus Christ. Joseph's trust in God's promise to bring his people to the promised land mirrors our hope in the salvation provided through Christ. This assurance of salvation gives us confidence, knowing that God is in control and has secured our eternal inheritance. As we live our lives, we are reminded of the hope we have in Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure and that God is always faithful to His promises. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, trusting in God's plan and His faithfulness to save. [59:48]
1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation through Christ impact your daily life? What steps can you take to live more confidently in this truth today?
Day 5: Unity in Christ's Global Kingdom
Our gathering on International Sunday reflects the global nature of God's kingdom, where people from every nation are united in Christ. This unity transcends cultural and linguistic differences, reminding us that we are one family under the blood of Jesus. As we celebrate this diversity, we are called to work together to share the gospel with the world. This unity in Christ's global kingdom is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel, bringing people from all walks of life together in worship and service. As we live out this unity, we are reminded of our calling to share the good news of salvation with others, working together to advance God's kingdom on earth. [01:05:39]
Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV): "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in fostering unity within your church community and beyond? What steps can you take to celebrate diversity and work together to share the gospel with others?
Quotes
"We don't sleep well. We toss and turn. We replay the problem over and over again. We think, what should we do? How can we solve it? And all night. At night, we stay up worried about our problems. But brothers and sisters, the best medicine for a sleepless night is the sovereignty of God, is knowing that God is in control, that knowing that God is over all, no matter what problems we're going through, no matter how many things that we're wrestling with, no matter. What we're going through, there is a truth that God is over all." [00:44:50] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Joseph replies in verse 20 with the most succinct and truthful statement of faith that we can build our life on. A statement that speaks to the true sovereignty. The true sovereignty of God in verse 20, you planned evil against me. God planned it for good in result of this present time. Friends, this is a good news for us. That we can say no matter what is going on, all is well. Because God is over all." [00:46:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is sovereign over evil. God is sovereign. Verse 20 was the rehashing or the understanding of what had happened in Joseph's life. But friends, we can trust God to work through our lives despite the effects of sin of ourselves and the others to accomplish, to bring about his glory and to bring us to himself. We know this because this is the overarching story of scripture, right?" [00:48:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Friends, so let's be encouraged today. No matter if it's living in a fallen world, no matter if it's the sin of someone against you, accidents, or even the sin of someone against you, or even the sin of your own hands, the devil intends to discourage you and say this evil is your end. There's no way out of this. But friends, God uses this in his plan for you." [00:50:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Friends, no matter what you're going through, be reminded that God is sovereign over all things. We may only see the things of the back messed up, but God is working for his glory. J .I. Packer, who is a theologian and writes, he writes this, to know that nothing happens in God's world apart from God may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints. There is no accidental moment. In life, no random act in history and no purposeless trial for the child of God. All is ordered and controlled by his sovereign wisdom and love." [00:52:22] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Joseph is reassuring his brothers in verse 21 as they are worried that he's going to enact judgment. What does he say? Therefore, don't be afraid. I'm going to take care of you and your children. Here, Joseph is standing in the place. He's standing in the place of God saying that he is going to take care of them. It is a reminder that in the same way God is working all things together for the ultimate good of those who love him." [00:54:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Joseph approached the end of his life with faith. Interestingly, his father made a promise to Joseph and Joseph made instruction to go back and be buried right away in the promised land. That is what he trusted his whole life, the covenant that he would live in the land of the covenant. Joseph's instruction was different. When God brings you up, take me with you. There is a statement of faith in that." [00:59:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Well, friends, we can trust in the same way because God has provided our salvation through his son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our sins and secures our eternal inheritance, we must expect to persevere through trials knowing that God is always faithful to his promises. Of all the many goods that God has ordained for his people, there is none greater than our salvation from our sin." [01:00:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And friends we are here witnessing this morning that God is not a puny God confined to one area or one place but he is a cosmic global God saving people from every tribe tongue and nation. And that in the end in this room we have testimony of what we've seen of people reading the scriptures this morning that God is bringing about the salvation of his people that we are more united with our brothers and sisters in Christ who speak in French or Chinese or Russian or whatever that we have more alike with them even in our blood brothers because under the blood of Jesus we are family forever. Hallelujah." [01:07:20] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And those of us who have trusted in Christ those who have lived for Jesus let's be reminded of this great God who saved us if he can save us all of our life can be entrusted in his hands. Every detail the small the big everything in between there is nothing that we need to worry about we can lay our heads down at night knowing that one day we will be in heaven with him and we can know that God is in control." [01:08:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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