Trusting God's Timing Amidst Trials and Persecution

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Community

Community is essential for spiritual growth and support. Being part of a community, such as small groups, helps us grow in our faith and provides support during challenging times. God places the lonely in families, and the church is a family where we can find love and acceptance. This sense of belonging is crucial, especially when we face trials and tribulations. In a community, we can share our burdens, celebrate our victories, and encourage one another in our walk with Christ.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of community in many passages. For instance, in Hebrews 10:24-25, we are encouraged to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." This highlights the necessity of gathering together and supporting each other in our faith journey. [48:50]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt supported by your church community. How can you extend that same support to someone else in your community this week?

Day 2: Jesus Understands Our Struggles

Jesus experienced loneliness, disbelief from His family, and persecution. He knows what it feels like to be misunderstood and rejected. This understanding should comfort us, knowing that He empathizes with our struggles and stands with us in our trials. When we face difficulties, we can take solace in the fact that Jesus has walked a similar path and is with us every step of the way.

In John 7, we see Jesus' brothers sarcastically urging Him to go to Judea to show His works, despite their disbelief in Him. Jesus' response highlights His awareness of God's timing and His commitment to His mission, even in the face of opposition. This passage reminds us that Jesus is not distant or detached from our struggles; He is intimately acquainted with them and offers us His presence and support. [47:56]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: Reflect on a current struggle you are facing. How does knowing that Jesus understands and empathizes with your struggles change your perspective on this situation?

Day 3: Persecution is Part of the Christian Journey

Christians have faced persecution throughout history and continue to do so today. This opposition is spiritual, rooted in the world's hatred of Jesus and the values He represents. We must remain steadfast, knowing that our faith and values often conflict with the world's systems. Persecution can take many forms, from social ostracism to physical harm, but it is a reality that we must be prepared to face as followers of Christ.

In John 7, we see the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities who sought to kill Him. Despite the danger, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, illustrating the challenges and loneliness He endured. This passage serves as a reminder that persecution is not a sign of failure but a testament to our commitment to Christ and His teachings. [57:43]

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Reflection: Think about a time when you faced opposition because of your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to help you remain steadfast in future challenges?

Day 4: God's Will vs. God's Timing

Understanding God's will is essential, but aligning with His timing is equally important. Biblical figures like Joseph and Paul had to wait years before God's promises were fulfilled. This waiting period is often a time of preparation and character building. Trusting in God's timing ensures that we are ready for His plans. While we may know God's will, it is crucial to be patient and wait for His perfect timing.

In John 7, Jesus emphasizes that His time had not yet come, highlighting the importance of God's timing in our lives. This passage reminds us that even when we know God's will, we must be patient and trust in His timing. Waiting on God can be challenging, but it is during these times that our faith is strengthened, and our character is refined. [56:08]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Reflection: Reflect on a promise or calling you believe God has given you. How can you practice patience and trust in His timing as you wait for its fulfillment?

Day 5: Seek God's Guidance in Decision-Making

In moments of uncertainty, we must seek God's guidance and wait for His peace before making decisions. Rushing ahead without His direction can lead to unnecessary struggles. By waiting on God, we align ourselves with His perfect plan and avoid the pitfalls of premature actions. Seeking God's guidance involves prayer, reading Scripture, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading.

In John 7, Jesus' response to His brothers' urging to go to Judea highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and aligning with His timing. Jesus knew that His time had not yet come and chose to wait for God's direction. This passage encourages us to seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes and to wait for His peace before taking action. [01:24:35]

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: Think about a decision you are currently facing. Have you sought God's guidance and waited for His peace? What steps can you take to ensure you are aligning with His perfect plan?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into John 7, exploring the dynamics of Jesus' relationship with His family and the broader implications of His ministry. We began by praying for our students and teachers as they embark on a new school year, asking for God's protection and guidance. We then transitioned into the scripture, where Jesus' brothers, who did not believe in Him, sarcastically urged Him to go to Judea to show His works. Jesus, however, emphasized that His time had not yet come, highlighting the importance of God's timing in our lives.

We discussed the Feast of Booths, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness. This context set the stage for understanding the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities who sought to kill Him. Despite His brothers' disbelief and the danger He faced, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, illustrating the loneliness and challenges He endured.

We also touched on the broader theme of persecution, noting that Christians have historically faced and continue to face significant opposition. This opposition stems from the world's hatred of Jesus and the values He represents. We are called to stand firm in our faith, understanding that our convictions often put us at odds with the world's systems.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of God's timing. While we may know God's will, aligning with His timing is crucial. We explored biblical examples like Joseph and Paul, who had to wait years before God's promises were fulfilled. This waiting period is often a time of preparation and character building. We encouraged everyone to seek God's timing in their lives, to be patient, and to trust in His perfect plan.

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Key Takeaways

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2. Jesus Understands Our Struggles: Jesus experienced loneliness, disbelief from His family, and persecution. He knows what it feels like to be misunderstood and rejected. This understanding should comfort us, knowing that He empathizes with our struggles and stands with us in our trials.

3. Persecution is Part of the Christian Journey: Christians have faced persecution throughout history and continue to do so today. This opposition is spiritual, rooted in the world's hatred of Jesus. We must remain steadfast, knowing that our faith and values often conflict with the world's systems.

4. God's Will vs. God's Timing: Understanding God's will is essential, but aligning with His timing is equally important. Biblical figures like Joseph and Paul had to wait years before God's promises were fulfilled. This waiting period is a time of preparation and character building. Trusting in God's timing ensures that we are ready for His plans.

5. Seek God's Guidance in Decision-Making: In moments of uncertainty, we must seek God's guidance and wait for His peace before making decisions. Rushing ahead without His direction can lead to unnecessary struggles. By waiting on God, we align ourselves with His perfect plan and avoid the pitfalls of premature actions.

### [48:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:24] - Prayer for Students and Teachers
[37:59] - Introduction to John 7
[38:46] - Jesus' Brothers and Their Disbelief
[39:38] - Jesus' Response and Timing
[40:54] - Context of the Feast of Booths
[41:44] - Jewish Authorities and Jesus
[42:29] - Significance of the Feast of Booths
[44:05] - Jesus' Family Dynamics
[45:02] - Jesus' Loneliness and Ministry
[47:56] - Jesus Understands Our Struggles
[48:50] - Importance of Community
[56:08] - God's Will vs. God's Timing
[57:43] - Persecution of Christians
[84:35] - Seek God's Guidance in Decision-Making
[87:52] - Closing Prayer and Small Group Information

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the reaction of Jesus' brothers to His ministry, and how did Jesus respond to them? ([38:46])
What is the significance of the Feast of Booths mentioned in John 7, and how does it relate to Jesus' actions? ([41:44])
According to the sermon, what are some historical examples of Christian persecution? ([57:43])
How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's will and God's timing? ([56:08])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to go to the Feast of Booths in private rather than publicly, despite His brothers' urging? ([39:38])
How does understanding the historical context of the Feast of Booths enhance our comprehension of the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities? ([41:44])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus understands our personal struggles and loneliness? ([47:56])
How does the sermon explain the importance of aligning with God's timing, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so? ([56:08])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt misunderstood or rejected by your family or close friends. How can Jesus' experience with His brothers provide comfort and guidance in such situations? ([47:56])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of community. How can you actively seek and contribute to a supportive community within your church or small group? ([48:50])
Have you ever faced opposition or persecution because of your faith? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from the sermon about standing firm in your convictions? ([57:43])
Think about a situation where you felt impatient waiting for God's timing. How can you apply the examples of Joseph and Paul to your current circumstances? ([56:08])
The sermon encourages seeking God's guidance in decision-making. What steps can you take to ensure you are aligning with God's will and timing in your daily decisions? ([01:24:35])
How can you support someone in your community who is currently in a waiting period, helping them to trust in God's perfect plan? ([01:33:10])
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to wait for God's timing. What practical steps can you take to remain patient and trust in His plan? ([01:18:28])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Part of the way we love God and get discipled and live whole is being in community with one another. We are not made to do this on our own. We're not. And we're going to talk about that today." [37:59] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God puts the lonely in families. You know, the church is called the family of God. I know we have a lot of warts. I know we're not perfect, but let me just say, all of us in here are trying our best to live for Jesus and to love people." [48:50] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Be an encourager. Bring wisdom to your child, your grandchild, when they want to follow God's dream. But here, you've got to get in tune with the spirit of what he's saying to that child. Don't be an obstacle. Be a guardrail to help them get to where they're supposed to go." [53:55] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The harvest is coming guys. Yeah. Yeah, it's on YouTube. People are waking up and going, something doesn't feel right. Something just doesn't make sense. Like he just said, and both of them shared that they've had like these encounters with God." [01:07:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Get used to it. Jesus says if they hate me, they hate you. Yet we'll continue to love them. We'll continue to pray for them. We'll continue to forgive. And we'll continue to lead them to the one who can save their soul." [01:09:22] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Jesus knows what you're going through. He does. He's acquainted with our grief and sorrows. And let me just say this. This is one of the reasons why he came, to establish the church. That's why we're doing small groups. We're talking about small groups today. This is one of the reasons we do small groups." [47:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God's will and God's timing are two different things. The second thing we'll talk about is the world. I'll change it. I'm going to do this first. The world hates you because it hates Jesus. Okay. The world hates the Jesus in us." [56:08] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The world hates Jesus. Because the world has the anti-Christ spirit that's going around. Hates Jesus. Therefore, hates the Jesus in us. Because the world is run by the God of this world, Satan. Which we already said. He wants Christians dead and eradicated." [01:00:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God's will and God's timing are two very different things. Now they're interrelated, but they're two different, very different things. Jesus is saying, look, it is my time to die is coming. It will happen. This is God's will, but it's not time right now." [01:11:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When you know his timing, you actually enjoy what's in front of you. You're like, you know what? I'm not supposed to do anything until then. So you know what? I'm going to enjoy all this time. And when it gets to that time, I'll figure out what to do." [01:21:54] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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