Unhindered: Healing Hearts and Embracing God's Strength
Summary
### Summary
Hello, friends. Pastor Brian here. Today, I want to introduce you to our series called "Unhindered," which we originally presented after COVID to help people deal with the emotional and spiritual weight they were carrying. This series is about shedding the unnecessary burdens in our lives, much like Dan did with his rocks. I have three hopes for you during this series: First, give yourself fully to it. Second, get the "Unhindered" workbook and make it part of your daily quiet time. Third, don't go through this alone; engage with friends, family, or your life group.
Our key scripture for this series is Hebrews 12:1-2, which encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us. We also looked at John 10:10, where Jesus promises us a full and abundant life. This optimal life is characterized by peace, joy, strength, and alignment with God. However, to achieve this, we must invite God into our pain and disappointments.
Today, we focused on "heart shapers" and "sore spots." Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it. Our hearts are shaped by our God-given DNA and life experiences. Unfortunately, our hearts are often wounded by the latter. These wounds, or sore spots, can hinder us long after the events that caused them have passed. They create a confirmation bias, making us see the world through the lens of our pain.
But there's hope. God wants to heal these sore spots. He offers us the chance to trade our shame for righteousness, our fear for safety, our insecurity for peace, our rejection for significance, our feeling of being unvalued for being cherished, and our pride for humility. This process requires waiting on God, which can be difficult. However, waiting is not passive; it's a time for God to work in us, building qualities like perseverance, character, and hope.
Isaiah 40:30-31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Sometimes we soar, sometimes we run, and sometimes we can only walk. But even walking is enough for God. Jesus set the ultimate example by carrying His cross, showing us that even in our hardest times, we can keep moving forward.
### Key Takeaways
1. Commit Fully to the Journey: Engaging fully in the "Unhindered" series can make a significant difference in your life. Just as you get out of something what you put into it, investing your time and energy into this series will yield spiritual growth and healing. Make it a priority to participate actively and consistently. [03:02]
2. Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding your heart because it influences every aspect of your life. Your heart is shaped by both your God-given DNA and your life experiences. Recognizing the impact of these influences can help you understand why you react the way you do and guide you toward healing. [07:19]
3. Healing Sore Spots: Sore spots are emotional wounds that continue to affect us long after the initial hurt. These sore spots can create a confirmation bias, making us see the world through the lens of our pain. God offers healing for these sore spots, allowing us to trade our shame, fear, and insecurity for righteousness, safety, and peace. [13:18]
4. The Power of Waiting: Waiting on God is not just a passive activity; it's a time for God to work in us, building qualities like perseverance, character, and hope. Isaiah 40:30-31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Whether we are soaring, running, or just walking, God is with us, and our waiting is part of His plan for our growth. [26:31]
5. Jesus' Example of Perseverance: Jesus set the ultimate example by carrying His cross, showing us that even in our hardest times, we can keep moving forward. His journey to the cross was not about soaring or running but about walking and not fainting. This teaches us that even when we feel weak, our perseverance is valuable to God. [38:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Introduction to "Unhindered" Series
[03:02] - Three Hopes for the Series
[04:23] - Community and Support
[07:19] - Key Verses: Hebrews 12:1-2
[13:18] - Understanding Sore Spots
[19:31] - The Impact of Sore Spots
[26:31] - The Importance of Waiting
[32:14] - Different Methods of Flight
[38:42] - Jesus' Example of Perseverance
[41:48] - Communion
[43:09] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Unhindered"
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
2. Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
3. Isaiah 40:30-31: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:1-2 encourage believers to do with the weights and sins in their lives?
2. According to Proverbs 4:23, why is it important to guard our hearts?
3. What are the three different ways Isaiah 40:30-31 describes how those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "throwing off everything that hinders" in Hebrews 12:1-2 relate to the idea of shedding unnecessary burdens in our lives? [04:23]
2. In what ways can life experiences shape our hearts, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this align with Proverbs 4:23? [07:19]
3. What does it mean to "wait on the Lord" according to Isaiah 40:30-31, and how does this waiting build qualities like perseverance, character, and hope? [26:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Commit Fully to the Journey: How can you ensure that you are fully engaging in the "Unhindered" series? What steps will you take to make this a priority in your daily life? [03:02]
2. Guard Your Heart: Reflect on your own life experiences. How have they shaped your heart, and what steps can you take to guard your heart more effectively? [07:19]
3. Healing Sore Spots: Identify a sore spot in your life that continues to affect you. How can you invite God into this area for healing? What practical steps can you take to address this wound? [13:18]
4. The Power of Waiting: Think about a time when you had to wait on God. How did this waiting period build qualities like perseverance, character, and hope in you? How can you apply this understanding to your current situation? [26:31]
5. Jesus' Example of Perseverance: Jesus carried His cross and kept moving forward even in the hardest times. How can you apply His example of perseverance to a current challenge in your life? [38:42]
6. Community and Support: How can you engage with friends, family, or your life group to support each other in this "Unhindered" journey? What specific actions can you take to foster a supportive community? [04:23]
7. Practical Steps for Healing: The sermon mentioned trading shame for righteousness, fear for safety, and insecurity for peace. Choose one of these trades and discuss a practical step you can take this week to make this trade in your life. [22:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Commit Fully to the Journey
Engaging fully in the "Unhindered" series can make a significant difference in your life. Just as you get out of something what you put into it, investing your time and energy into this series will yield spiritual growth and healing. Make it a priority to participate actively and consistently. This journey is not just about attending sessions or reading the workbook; it’s about opening your heart to God’s transformative work. When you commit fully, you allow God to work deeply within you, addressing areas that need healing and growth.
The "Unhindered" series is designed to help you shed unnecessary burdens and live a life characterized by peace, joy, and alignment with God. By dedicating yourself to this process, you are taking a significant step towards spiritual freedom. Remember, the more you invest in this journey, the more you will experience God’s healing and transformative power. [03:02]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to fully commit to the "Unhindered" series? How can you prioritize this journey in your daily life?
Day 2: Guard Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding your heart because it influences every aspect of your life. Your heart is shaped by both your God-given DNA and your life experiences. Recognizing the impact of these influences can help you understand why you react the way you do and guide you toward healing. Your heart is the wellspring of your life, and everything you do flows from it. Therefore, it is crucial to protect it from negative influences and allow God to shape it according to His will.
Guarding your heart involves being mindful of what you allow into your mind and spirit. It means being selective about the media you consume, the conversations you engage in, and the thoughts you entertain. By doing so, you create a healthy environment for your heart to thrive and be shaped by God’s truth and love. [07:19]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can guard your heart today? Are there any influences you need to remove or limit to protect your heart?
Day 3: Healing Sore Spots
Sore spots are emotional wounds that continue to affect us long after the initial hurt. These sore spots can create a confirmation bias, making us see the world through the lens of our pain. God offers healing for these sore spots, allowing us to trade our shame, fear, and insecurity for righteousness, safety, and peace. Healing these wounds requires inviting God into our pain and allowing Him to transform our hearts.
God’s desire is to heal your sore spots and replace them with His truth. This process involves acknowledging your pain, bringing it before God, and allowing Him to work in your heart. As you do this, you will begin to see the world through the lens of God’s love and truth, rather than through the lens of your pain. [13:18]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: Identify a sore spot in your life that needs healing. How can you invite God into this area and allow Him to bring His healing and transformation?
Day 4: The Power of Waiting
Waiting on God is not just a passive activity; it's a time for God to work in us, building qualities like perseverance, character, and hope. Isaiah 40:30-31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Whether we are soaring, running, or just walking, God is with us, and our waiting is part of His plan for our growth. Waiting on God involves trusting His timing and believing that He is working for our good, even when we cannot see it.
During times of waiting, God is developing qualities in us that are essential for our spiritual growth. He is teaching us to rely on Him, to trust His promises, and to develop a deeper relationship with Him. Embrace the waiting period as a time of growth and transformation, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. [26:31]
Isaiah 40:30-31 (ESV): "Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: How can you embrace the waiting period in your life as a time for growth and transformation? What qualities is God developing in you during this time?
Day 5: Jesus' Example of Perseverance
Jesus set the ultimate example by carrying His cross, showing us that even in our hardest times, we can keep moving forward. His journey to the cross was not about soaring or running but about walking and not fainting. This teaches us that even when we feel weak, our perseverance is valuable to God. Jesus’ perseverance in the face of immense suffering demonstrates the strength and resilience that comes from trusting in God.
As you face challenges and difficulties, remember that Jesus understands your struggles and walks with you. His example of perseverance encourages you to keep moving forward, even when the journey is tough. Trust that God is with you, providing the strength and grace you need to persevere. [38:42]
Hebrews 12:3 (ESV): "Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to persevere? How can Jesus’ example of perseverance inspire and strengthen you to keep moving forward?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We learned in week one that there are things in our lives that hinder our hearts and therefore hinder our lives. And we also learned that God loves us. That God's not up in heaven somewhere pointing his finger, trying to point out all your mistakes. And he's trying to, you know, judge you every moment. God does judge evil in the world, but God is for us. God loves us. And he's actually for your good. And we asked people in week one to believe that that was true and lean in." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, when there is an unhealed sore spot reigning in your heart, it will be your interpretive guide or your filter through which you see everything. It'll tell you how to see things. It'll tell you what to believe. It'll even tell you what to do. But instead of freeing you up and unleashing you, it will hinder you. Friends, your sore spots create a confirmation bias in your life so that you only see what you're looking for and not what's really there." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God offers his people more than a Kleenex to wipe their tears, okay? God wants. Oh, he longs to heal the sore spots in your heart, fresh or dulled, big or small. So here's my challenge to you today. Stop pretending that the pain isn't there so that you can let God show your heart what life couldn't, his grace, his love, his truth. Because listen, here's what happens. As God touches your pain, your sore spot begins to lose its influence. It begins to lose its power in your life." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends, we live in a shaky world, but not with God. He also wants you to trade your insecurity and your inadequacy for God-given peace. You know what that means, friends? You don't have to try to be good enough. You ever ask that question? How good is good enough to work my way into heaven? And how do we know if we've ever done enough? You want me to answer that for you? We can't do enough. We will never do enough. You could never do enough good works to outweigh the bad in your life. It just doesn't happen that way. But here's the good news. You don't have to try to be good enough to earn something. God has already earned it for you." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. So sometimes, Isaiah the prophet says, when you wait on the Lord, you will mount up. And you will soar on wings like eagles. And this is an awesome picture, isn't it?" (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I told you when we started that I had three hopes for you. I had three hopes for this series. And so I just want to remind you, because some of you are brand new, you're like, oh no, week two, did I miss out? No, no, you're good. But let me tell you what we're hoping for. Three hopes in this series. First of all, whether you're new to our church or new to the faith or whether you've been around both for a long time, first, I'm asking you to please consider giving yourself fully to this entire series, right? And for those of you who heard me say that last week and you came back, thank you. Thank you. It's going to make a difference in your life. And I'm so glad but give yourself fully to this series. Don't miss a single week. You get out of something, what you put into it. So I want to encourage you to invest fully." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We would love to think as Christians that only God can shape our hearts. I mean, like, that's the good Christian thing. It almost sounds like we're saying the right thing. Only God can shape my heart. And God is in the heart-shaping business. Aren't you glad? Amen for that? Yeah? So he does shape our hearts in some ways. But unfortunately, friends, we live in a broken and fallen world. And your heart has also been powerfully shaped by what you've encountered and experienced in your life. Author Reggie McNeil said, while God is in the heart-shaping business, so much more than God. Has shaped your heart. And friends, not a single one of us has gone unscathed in this world of trouble and pain and suffering." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, when real healing comes and we address the real roots and the real issues of our pain, all those symptoms that we're dealing with every day fall away. We stop feeling the need to self medicate, to pleasure seek, to numb out. So I want you to look at what the Bible actually says you can swap all six of those sore spots for. In fact, it's listed in the workbook if you're studying this week. Write these things down in your notes. I've left you a blank for each one of these. God wants you to trade these sore spots for different things. God wants you to trade these different things." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Waiting is the hardest work of hope. There's this strange thing for those of us who are Christians, when we turn to the Bible, God himself, God, who's all powerful and all wise and all loving, we are assured over and over and over in scripture, God himself keeps saying to his people, this word that we hate, the word wait. In fact, Psalm 37, 7 says, be still before the Lord, wait patiently for him. And so we wait as we're asking God for healing in our lives, as we're praying for other people and we're waiting and we're waiting 43 times in the Old Testament alone, people are commanded, wait, wait on the Lord." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think maybe, just maybe, it's in those times of life that God prizes our walking even more than our soaring and our running. Because what we wait for is not more than our running. It's more important than what God is doing in us while we're waiting. And because the one we're waiting for is worth the wait. He'll be worth the wait. He will. Even youths will faint and be weary and the young will fall exhausted. There's a limit to the strength of the strongest human being on their own. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles. They shall run. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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