Trusting God's Unchanging Promises and the Power of Giving
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of trusting in God's promises and the certainty of His word. I highlighted that God's promises are not dependent on our perfection, but rather they are designed to perfect us. I stressed that God's word is settled just because He said it, not because we believe it. I also pointed out that God never has to consider the statement "if I only knew" or "if I only had" because He is the only one who can make a promise upfront with all information about every word.
In the second part of the sermon, I focused on the concept of God's decision being a done deal once He speaks. I explained that God never waivers or second guesses Himself and that there's no amount of sin, length of struggle, or depth of doubt that can cause God to change His mind about a promise. I concluded by encouraging the congregation to trust in God's promises and to remember that His word is always settled.
Key Takeaways:
- God's promises are not dependent on our perfection, but they are designed to perfect us (#!!45:00!!#)
- God's word is settled just because He said it, not because we believe it (#!!37:02!!#)
- God never has to consider the statement "if I only knew" or "if I only had" because He is the only one who can make a promise upfront with all information about every word (#!!39:55!!#)
- God's decision is a done deal once He speaks and He never waivers or second guesses Himself (#!!48:55!!#)
- There's no amount of sin, length of struggle, or depth of doubt that can cause God to change His mind about a promise (#!!45:00!!#)
Study Guide
Bible Passages:
1. Numbers 23:16-20
2. Luke 22:31-32
3. Romans 3:4
Key Points from the sermon:
1. God's promises are not dependent on our perfection, but rather they perfect us.
2. God's word is an extension of who He is, and His words are true because He is truth.
3. God's decisions are settled and completed once He speaks.
Observation Questions:
1. In Numbers 23:16-20, what does God communicate through Balaam
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Hearing Truth Over Messages
In a world filled with noise and distractions, it's easy to get caught up in the messages that are constantly being thrown at us. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to seek the truth over the messages. This means that we need to be discerning and intentional about what we listen to and how we interpret it.
John 8:32 - "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Reflection: Reflect on the last sermon you heard. Did you focus more on the message or the truth it was trying to convey? How can you train yourself to seek truth over messages in future sermons?
Day 2: God's Word is Settled Because He Said It
God's word is not like human words that can be changed or manipulated. When God speaks, His word is settled. It is firm, unchanging, and reliable. We can trust in His word because He is faithful and true.
Numbers 23:19 - "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you doubted God's word because you didn't see immediate results? How can you remind yourself that God's word is settled, regardless of your belief or understanding?
Day 3: God's Decision is Settled
God's decisions are not like ours, subject to change or uncertainty. His decisions are perfect, just, and unchanging. We can trust in His decisions because they are always for our good and His glory.
Psalm 33:11 - "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
Reflection: Have you ever questioned God's decisions or promises in your life? How can you cultivate trust in God's unchanging decisions and promises?
Day 4: God's Promise is Not Based on Our Perfection
God's promises are not dependent on our perfection. They are based on His grace and mercy. We are not perfect, but God's promises are perfect. They are meant to perfect us, not based on our perfection.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Reflection: Have you ever felt unworthy of God's promises because of your imperfections? How can you shift your perspective to see that God's promises are meant to perfect you, not based on your perfection?
Day 5: God's Favor Rests Upon Us
God's favor is not something we earn or deserve. It is a gift from God, freely given to us because of His love for us. His favor rests upon us, not because of what we do, but because of who He is.
Psalm 5:12 - "For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield."
Reflection: Do you feel God's favor resting upon you in your daily life? How can you actively seek God's favor and express your gratitude for it?
Quotes
1. "God's promises aren't a consideration for my life, but a conclusion. Either you're going to walk with God and live with God in such a way that he only gives you things to consider or he gives you conclusions. The Bible, when you and I wise up to it, the Bible ain't nothing but a spoiler. It's already telling you the fight is fixed. You win." - 01:21:15
2. "God doesn't give promises to justify my worthiness, but to testify of his faithfulness. God will always talk about his promises when you don't feel like you can perform. Why so that you will know on the other end is me, not you." - 01:04:45
3. "Whenever you get a promise from God, whenever you have a word from God, just read in the Bible. The five most powerful words that can settle you if you get the revelation and get these embedded in your heart. You ready? Five most. There's nothing but a statement. Here it is. And it came to pass." - 01:07:45
4. "If you are here today, you came here because you recognize someone is for you. And that person is Jesus Christ. And his favor rests upon you. When we seek him with all of our heart, when we seek him even with our being to say, Father, I'm coming to meet with you today. Guess what? He is for us. Totally for us." - 20:45
5. "And peace don't come until you and I decide God's your word is the final authority. See, as long as I'm double minded, see, this is what. See, I'm about to go look pinocosal. And you got to get dogmatic about the preservation of your soul