Unleashing the Treasure Within: Faith and Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor our Heavenly Father and reflect on the significance of Father's Day. We began by acknowledging the presence of God and expressing our gratitude for His unwavering love and guidance. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, I shared a personal anecdote about my wife’s humorous yet humbling compliment, which reminded me of the balance between wisdom and humility in our roles as fathers.
We then transitioned to discussing the importance of recognizing the treasure within us, which is the ministry God has placed in our hearts. This treasure is not about our personal abilities or charisma but about the anointing of God's Word within us. We explored several scriptures, including 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 4:7, which emphasize that the excellence of the power is of God and not of us. This treasure, when anointed by God, enables us to minister effectively and bring healing and deliverance to those in need.
We also examined the story from Mark 9:14-24, where Jesus' disciples struggled to cast out a demon from a boy. This passage highlights the necessity of faith and reliance on God's power rather than our own abilities. Jesus' response to the boy's father, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes," serves as a powerful reminder that our faith in God can overcome any obstacle.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of stepping out in faith and not allowing our lack of experience or negative circumstances to hinder us. God desires to use each of us, and He has given us the power and authority to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. We must recognize the treasure within us and allow God's anointing to flow through us to impact the world around us.
In conclusion, we are called to come out of the closet with our faith, to go public with the treasure God has placed within us. We must expect God to move toward us, encounter us, and put His hand upon us for good. By doing so, we can fulfill our prophetic assignments and bring the Kingdom of God to those in need.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Treasure Within Us: The ministry God has placed in our hearts is a treasure that He anoints, not us. This treasure is the Word of God, and it is through this anointing that we can minister effectively. Our personal abilities or charisma are secondary to the power of God's Word within us. [09:49]
2. Faith and Reliance on God: The story of Jesus' disciples struggling to cast out a demon in Mark 9:14-24 teaches us the importance of faith and reliance on God's power. Jesus' statement, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes," reminds us that our faith in God can overcome any obstacle. [23:23]
3. Stepping Out in Faith: We must not let our lack of experience or negative circumstances hinder us from stepping out in faith. God desires to use each of us, and He has given us the power and authority to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. Our faith in God's Word is crucial for seeing His power manifest in our lives. [38:22]
4. Expecting God to Move: We should expect God to move toward us, encounter us, and put His hand upon us for good. This expectation involves a strong desire and confidence in obtaining what is hoped for. God's hand upon us brings promotion, fruitfulness, provision, and protection. [47:32]
5. Fulfilling Our Prophetic Assignments: In this new season, we must seek God for our prophetic assignments and be willing to act on them. The prophetic and apostolic movements are crucial for the church today, and understanding our role in these movements will enable us to fulfill God's will and bring life to the body of Christ. [50:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:09] - Honoring Our Heavenly Father
[03:30] - Personal Anecdote on Fatherhood
[06:48] - The Treasure Within Us
[09:49] - Importance of God's Anointing
[12:08] - Scriptures on Ministry and Anointing
[16:03] - Power and Authority in the Kingdom
[18:40] - Faith and Reliance on God
[23:23] - Story of Jesus' Disciples and the Demon-Possessed Boy
[26:55] - Stepping Out in Faith
[29:52] - Going Public with Our Faith
[34:57] - Addressing Suicidal Situations
[38:22] - Expecting God to Move
[42:47] - The Principle of Faith
[47:32] - Expecting God to Encounter Us
[50:47] - Fulfilling Our Prophetic Assignments
[54:54] - Moving from a Hard Heart to a Believing Heart
[56:32] - Closing Prayer and Altar Call
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 - "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."
2. 2 Corinthians 4:7 - "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
3. Mark 9:14-24 - The story of Jesus' disciples struggling to cast out a demon from a boy and Jesus' response, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 4:7 mean when it says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels"? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about the treasure within us? [09:49]
2. In Mark 9:14-24, why were the disciples unable to cast out the demon from the boy? What was Jesus' response to the boy's father? [23:23]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of recognizing the treasure within us? How does this impact our ability to minister effectively? [13:53]
4. What does the pastor mean by "coming out of the closet with our faith"? How does this concept challenge us in our daily lives? [29:52]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the "treasure in earthen vessels" change our understanding of personal abilities and charisma in ministry? [09:49]
2. What does Jesus' statement, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes," teach us about the relationship between faith and God's power? [23:23]
3. How can stepping out in faith, despite our lack of experience or negative circumstances, demonstrate our reliance on God's power rather than our own? [38:22]
4. What does it mean to expect God to move toward us and encounter us? How does this expectation shape our faith and actions? [47:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own abilities rather than the anointing of God's Word. How can you shift your focus to the treasure within you? [09:49]
2. Jesus emphasized the importance of faith in Mark 9:23. How can you cultivate a stronger faith in God's power in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [23:23]
3. Think of a situation where you felt unqualified to step out in faith. How can you overcome these feelings and trust in the authority God has given you? [38:22]
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of going public with our faith. What are some specific ways you can share your faith more openly in your community or workplace? [29:52]
5. How can you develop a habit of expecting God to move in your life? What are some practical ways to build this expectation into your daily routine? [47:32]
6. Identify a prophetic assignment you feel God is calling you to fulfill. How can you seek clarity and take actionable steps toward this assignment? [50:47]
7. Reflect on the pastor's story about addressing suicidal situations. How can you be more attentive to the needs of those around you and offer the hope and healing of God's Word? [34:57]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key points and apply them practically in their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading as you explore these questions together.
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Treasure Within Us
The ministry that God has placed in our hearts is a treasure that He anoints, not us. This treasure is the Word of God, and it is through this anointing that we can minister effectively. Our personal abilities or charisma are secondary to the power of God's Word within us. The excellence of the power is of God and not of us, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 4:7. This treasure, when anointed by God, enables us to minister effectively and bring healing and deliverance to those in need. [09:49]
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
Reflection: What specific gifts or talents has God placed within you that you can use to minister to others? How can you rely more on God's anointing rather than your own abilities?
Day 2: Faith and Reliance on God
The story of Jesus' disciples struggling to cast out a demon in Mark 9:14-24 teaches us the importance of faith and reliance on God's power. Jesus' statement, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes," reminds us that our faith in God can overcome any obstacle. This passage highlights the necessity of faith and reliance on God's power rather than our own abilities. When we place our trust in God, we can see His power manifest in our lives and overcome any challenges we face. [23:23]
Mark 9:23-24 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully trust God? How can you actively choose to rely on His power rather than your own?
Day 3: Stepping Out in Faith
We must not let our lack of experience or negative circumstances hinder us from stepping out in faith. God desires to use each of us, and He has given us the power and authority to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. Our faith in God's Word is crucial for seeing His power manifest in our lives. By stepping out in faith, we allow God's anointing to flow through us and impact the world around us. It is essential to recognize the treasure within us and be bold in our faith, trusting that God will work through us. [38:22]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: What is one specific step of faith you feel God is calling you to take? How can you overcome any fears or doubts that may be holding you back?
Day 4: Expecting God to Move
We should expect God to move toward us, encounter us, and put His hand upon us for good. This expectation involves a strong desire and confidence in obtaining what is hoped for. God's hand upon us brings promotion, fruitfulness, provision, and protection. By having a heart of expectation, we open ourselves to experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. It is important to cultivate a mindset of anticipation, believing that God will move in our circumstances and bring about His purposes. [47:32]
Psalm 5:3 (ESV): "O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of expectation in your daily life? What specific areas do you need to trust God to move in?
Day 5: Fulfilling Our Prophetic Assignments
In this new season, we must seek God for our prophetic assignments and be willing to act on them. The prophetic and apostolic movements are crucial for the church today, and understanding our role in these movements will enable us to fulfill God's will and bring life to the body of Christ. By seeking God and being obedient to His call, we can fulfill our prophetic assignments and bring the Kingdom of God to those in need. It is essential to be attentive to God's voice and be ready to step into the roles He has prepared for us. [50:47]
1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV): "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."
Reflection: What prophetic assignments do you feel God is calling you to in this season? How can you prepare yourself to act on these assignments and bring life to the body of Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus said to him, if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. He said, Jesus, if you're able to, you can help us. Jesus, I love Jesus because he's great. He's fantastic. He says, well, if you, if, right back at you. If you can believe, it's possible. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You should not need elevating. You should know who you are already. And if God's Word, this book, is in you, there's a treasure that's in you. And that treasure is the only thing that God will anoint. He's not interested in making your flesh feel good. He could care less about how you feel. He's not into that. God's not into making you feel better. Or... Or... Feel more accomplished in life. Or... And I hate to say this, but live in your best life. None of that stuff is gospel. The gospel is, I die daily. I put myself down that He may elevate me." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You may not be up here, but you can certainly be effective. I was more effective in the world when I was out there working a job and raising a family. I was more effective when I went out and ministered there than when I started pastoring. So He still believes. He believes today in the delivering power that He offers His kids today, all right? So at times, it may appear that we have a power shortage. I know that. I've had the same experiences. And sometimes, we may experience a faith crisis. You ever been there? Where your faith, you wonder, is my faith working? Am I really doing what I should be doing? But He never does. He never does." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The supernatural realm is a realm of God's grace. We heard so much about grace, but grace is always tied to supernatural. People say, well, I'm under grace. Are you operating in supernatural? If something happened in your life, you're not under grace. Oh, my God, that went right over your head. I'm going to let that just resonate there for a minute. What is our job then? Well, it's to develop supernatural revelation and expectation. You've got to learn to expect things from God. The Bible says an expectation. It means to have a strong desire and to be filled with anticipation and confidence. Confidence in obtaining what is hoped for." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are God's focus. You are the focus of God. Most Christians walk around with condemned so bad, they don't understand the focus of God. I found a scripture. A couple of them. I'm going to share this with you right now. In Isaiah 41, 9 and 10, it says, you whom I have taken from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest regions and said to you, you are my servant. I have chosen you and have not cast you away. Fear not. I am with you. Don't be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you by my righteous right hand. You don't think God cares about you? Oh, yeah. You're special." (57 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The ministry is the treasure. Hear that. The ministry is the treasure. And what God does with his treasure is he anoints it. Not you. He anoints his treasure. This is the problem with a lot of people today. We think, that guy's really anointed. There is nobody that is anointed. It is his word that is anointed. What you see in a flesh. A flesh, or a human being, or a preacher is maybe charisma, or maybe he is good with people, or eloquent speaker, or whatever the case may be. But that is not anointing. The anointing, God is anointing the treasure that is in the man's heart if the word is in there." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So many Christians. And I got a burden for this as I was putting this together. I said, God, there's so many believers. I mean, hundreds of millions of believers that just don't even know who they are. They don't even know what they're... They're going to some places sometimes, some churches sometimes, and they're hearing messages that aren't really, you know, even affecting them spiritually. How-to messages or feel-good messages. Or let's give a great talk so we can lift, elevate the people. You should not need elevating. You should know who you are already. And if God's Word, this book, is in you, there's a treasure that's in you. And that treasure is the only thing that God will anoint." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The disciples virtually were coming out of the closet. They were coming out of the closet. They had been with Jesus. God only knows how long. Learning what he had to offer. The word of God himself. And yet when they were loosed on the public. And confronted with Jesus. With negativity. They could not do it. Why? Because they began to rely upon themselves instead of the treasure that is in them. They were going public with their faith. It's about time the church goes public with their faith. Nowhere to hide. No more excuses. They had to produce results. But they fell short." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have to move from a hard heart to a believing heart. If you have to make that transition, make it. If you're not a victim, you're victorious. Get rid of the heart of indifference. Just who cares? That's deadness. No life in that. We need a supernatural expectation of a divine encounter with God in the church today. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is a treasure in you, and that treasure is connected to the ministry, what God has for you. Ministry is the treasure. When you understand that, he will anoint it so it will not be of you, but it will be of him. And after he anoints it, he will teach you. And once he teaches you, he'll release you to go to teach the kingdom of God and heal the sick." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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