Unlocking God's Benefits: Faith, Rest, and Peace
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the concept of God's Benefits Package, emphasizing that these divine benefits are not just future promises but are available to us right now. We explored the idea of "kairos," a Greek term meaning the right or opportune moment, to highlight that God's promises are accessible in the present. The key to unlocking these benefits lies in our faith. Hebrews 4 illustrates that while two groups received the same promise, only those who mixed it with faith benefited from it. This underscores the importance of faith in receiving God's promises.
We discussed the profound concept of "rest" as a spiritual state where all of God's benefits converge. Rest is not merely physical relaxation but a deep spiritual peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven, our diseases are healed, and our needs are met. This rest is disturbed by the enemy, who tries to sow doubt and fear. However, by standing firm in faith, we can claim and experience this rest.
We also touched on the levels of God's provision: not enough, just enough, and more than enough. While "just enough" meets our needs, "more than enough" allows us to bless others. Prosperity, often misunderstood, is a mindset and a part of God's provision. It is not about materialism but about having the resources to fulfill God's purposes and bless others.
Finally, we explored the concept of perfect peace from Isaiah 26:3, which is a peace that transcends circumstances and is rooted in trust and a mind fixed on God. This peace is a divine gift that guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to live undisturbed by external chaos. We concluded with a call to make peace with God, emphasizing that the peace of God is a benefit for those who have peace with Him through Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as the Key to God's Promises: The difference between those who benefit from God's promises and those who don't lies in their faith. Hebrews 4 teaches us that faith is essential to receive God's promises. Without faith, even the most powerful message will not impact our lives. Therefore, we must continually ask God to increase our faith to fully experience His benefits. [03:17]
2. Understanding Spiritual Rest: Rest is a profound spiritual state where we experience the fullness of God's benefits. It is not just physical relaxation but a deep peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven, our diseases are healed, and our needs are met. This rest is available now, and we must stand firm in faith to claim it. [04:40]
3. Levels of God's Provision: God's provision comes in levels: not enough, just enough, and more than enough. While "just enough" meets our needs, "more than enough" allows us to bless others. Prosperity is not about materialism but about having the resources to fulfill God's purposes and bless others. We must align our mindset with God's provision to experience His abundance. [12:25]
4. Perfect Peace Through Trust and Focus: Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to those who trust in God and keep their minds fixed on Him. This peace transcends circumstances and is not dependent on external conditions. It is a divine gift that guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to live undisturbed by external chaos. We must cultivate trust and focus on God to experience this perfect peace. [26:18]
5. Making Peace with God: The peace of God is a benefit for those who have peace with Him through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 explains that we have peace with God because of what Jesus has done for us. This peace transforms us from being enemies of God to being in a right relationship with Him. It is essential to make peace with God to experience His perfect peace and all His benefits. [37:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:54] - God's Benefits Are Available Now
[03:17] - Faith Unlocks God's Promises
[04:40] - Understanding Spiritual Rest
[06:05] - The Role of Faith in Receiving God's Word
[07:12] - Standing on God's Promises
[08:30] - Fighting for God's Promises
[09:48] - Perfect Peace Through Trust
[11:03] - Levels of God's Provision
[12:25] - Moving from Not Enough to More Than Enough
[15:05] - Surplus and Generosity
[17:41] - The Process of Provision
[19:08] - Prosperity as a Mindset
[20:26] - God's Power to Make Us Wealthy
[21:40] - Generational Blessings
[23:10] - Overcoming Poverty Mindset
[24:45] - The Importance of Faith
[26:18] - Perfect Peace Explained
[28:45] - Protecting Your Peace
[30:06] - The Battle for Your Mind
[33:04] - Fighting Lies with Truth
[35:39] - Walking in Peace with God
[37:08] - Making Peace with God
[39:58] - Invitation to Make Peace with God
[42:52] - Online Viewers: Making Peace with God
[44:30] - Breaking Mental Attacks
[46:20] - Prayer for Mental Peace
[49:25] - Prayer for Salvation
[50:40] - Marking the Date of Salvation
[51:29] - Closing and Baby Dedication
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 4:1-3 (NIV)
> "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, 'So I declared on oath in my anger, "They shall never enter my rest."' And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world."
2. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
> "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
3. Romans 5:1 (NIV)
> "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 4:1-3, what is the key difference between those who benefit from God's promises and those who do not? [03:17]
2. In Isaiah 26:3-4, what are the two conditions mentioned for receiving perfect peace from God? [09:48]
3. What does Romans 5:1 say is the result of being justified through faith? [37:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "rest" in relation to God's benefits? [04:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Hebrews 4:1-3 emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving God's promises. How does this passage challenge or affirm your current understanding of faith? [03:17]
2. Isaiah 26:3-4 speaks about perfect peace. How does trusting in God and keeping your mind steadfast on Him contribute to experiencing this peace in your daily life? [09:48]
3. Romans 5:1 discusses having peace with God through Jesus Christ. How does this peace with God influence your relationship with others and your overall sense of well-being? [37:08]
4. The sermon mentions different levels of God's provision: not enough, just enough, and more than enough. How do these levels of provision reflect your current experience, and what steps can you take to move towards "more than enough"? [12:25]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Hebrews 4:1-3, what are some practical ways you can increase your faith to fully experience God's promises in your life? [03:17]
2. Isaiah 26:3-4 talks about perfect peace through trust and a steadfast mind. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to trust God. What specific actions can you take this week to focus your mind on Him and cultivate trust? [09:48]
3. The sermon describes "rest" as a deep spiritual peace. What are some practical steps you can take to enter into this spiritual rest, especially when faced with doubt and fear? [04:40]
4. Considering the levels of God's provision discussed in the sermon, how can you shift your mindset from "just enough" to "more than enough" to bless others? What specific actions can you take to practice generosity this week? [12:25]
5. Romans 5:1 highlights the peace we have with God through Jesus Christ. How can you share this peace with someone in your life who is struggling with anxiety or fear? [37:08]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making peace with God. Have you fully embraced this peace in your life? If not, what steps can you take to reconcile with God and experience His perfect peace? [37:08]
7. The concept of perfect peace involves protecting your mind from negative influences. What are some specific negative influences in your life that you need to eliminate or reduce to maintain your peace? How will you go about doing this? [28:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Key to God's Promises
Faith is the essential element that unlocks God's promises in our lives. Hebrews 4 teaches us that two groups received the same promise, but only those who mixed it with faith benefited from it. This highlights the critical role of faith in experiencing God's promises. Without faith, even the most powerful message will not impact our lives. Therefore, we must continually ask God to increase our faith to fully experience His benefits. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's word and His character. It involves stepping out in obedience, even when circumstances seem contrary to His promises.
Faith also requires perseverance. The enemy will try to sow doubt and fear, but we must stand firm, holding onto God's promises. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of what God has for us. Remember, faith is the currency of the kingdom; it is how we transact with God and access His divine benefits. [03:17]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are struggling to believe? How can you actively trust God for this promise today?
Day 2: Understanding Spiritual Rest
Rest is a profound spiritual state where we experience the fullness of God's benefits. It is not just physical relaxation but a deep peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven, our diseases are healed, and our needs are met. This rest is available now, and we must stand firm in faith to claim it. Spiritual rest is about trusting in God's finished work and ceasing from our own efforts to earn His favor. It is a state of being where we are fully confident in God's provision and care.
The enemy often tries to disturb this rest by sowing doubt and fear. However, by standing firm in faith and focusing on God's promises, we can maintain this rest. It is a place of security and peace, where we are not swayed by external circumstances. This rest is a gift from God, and it is available to all who believe. [04:40]
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to cease striving and enter into God's rest? How can you practically do this today?
Day 3: Levels of God's Provision
God's provision comes in levels: not enough, just enough, and more than enough. While "just enough" meets our needs, "more than enough" allows us to bless others. Prosperity is not about materialism but about having the resources to fulfill God's purposes and bless others. We must align our mindset with God's provision to experience His abundance. Prosperity is a mindset that recognizes God's ability to provide abundantly for every good work.
This mindset shift is crucial because it changes how we view resources and generosity. When we understand that God is our source, we can freely give and bless others, knowing that He will continue to supply our needs. This level of provision is about stewardship and using what God has given us to advance His kingdom. [12:25]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance? What is one way you can use your resources to bless someone else today?
Day 4: Perfect Peace Through Trust and Focus
Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to those who trust in God and keep their minds fixed on Him. This peace transcends circumstances and is not dependent on external conditions. It is a divine gift that guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to live undisturbed by external chaos. Perfect peace is a state of inner tranquility that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness.
To experience this peace, we must cultivate trust and focus on God. This involves daily practices such as prayer, meditation on God's word, and worship. By keeping our minds fixed on God, we can remain calm and composed, even in the midst of life's storms. This peace is a powerful testimony to the world of God's presence and power in our lives. [26:18]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can keep your mind fixed on God throughout the day? How can you cultivate trust in Him in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Making Peace with God
The peace of God is a benefit for those who have peace with Him through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 explains that we have peace with God because of what Jesus has done for us. This peace transforms us from being enemies of God to being in a right relationship with Him. It is essential to make peace with God to experience His perfect peace and all His benefits.
Making peace with God involves acknowledging our need for Him and accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. It is a decision to turn away from sin and turn towards God. This peace is not just a feeling but a state of being that affects every area of our lives. It brings reconciliation, healing, and wholeness. [37:08]
Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Reflection: Have you made peace with God through Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this peace with others today?
Quotes
1. "The presence of God and the power of God is here and it's available now. Do you understand that? And the difference between those who will benefit from this series and those who will just go by you and something you hear, but never apply to your life is all based on your faith. Your faith gives you the capacity to receive or not receive biblical truth." [01:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Rest is deep, y'all. It's not just taking a nap. It is a spiritual pocket you can get in. A place that every benefit impacts. So when God gives you the benefit of having all your sins forgiven, that's rest. That's rest from the shame and guilt that I keep messing up. And I don't deserve God's goodness because I'm this and I'm that. You're not what you did. You're who God says you are." [03:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If God told me to do this, then I have it. I don't have to chase money. I chase God. I chase his purpose and the money will come. If I'm in his plan, if this is God's plan for my life, then you got something for me. You got something for me. Everything I need is in the plan." [04:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You could be sitting right next to somebody who's getting everything that's coming from the word and their whole life is being filled and transformed by it. And you're sitting there and you're looking at your watch saying, when is it over? So the problem is not with the message, it's with the heart of the person who's receiving it. Do you have the faith?" [06:05] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You can't be no punk Christian and get some of this stuff. You have to stand up for what you, I stand on this. If God said I'm healed, I'm healed. If God said I'm forgiven, I'm forgiven. If God said he going to provide all my needs, if he going, watch this, God says this, God, there was a man that accidentally let people out of jail one time and actually after 16, forgive me, I'm all over the place, but I'm ministering to somebody." [08:30] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you get more than enough, God says, now I bless you to be a blessing. It ain't just for you. I'll prove it to you. I'll prove it to you. Give me second Corinthians chapter nine, verse eight, second Corinthians chapter nine, verse eight says, since God loves you, so this is God loves you. He is able to give you more than you need. Watch this now. This is, this is ability. It, listen, he is able to give us more than we need." [15:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You can have access to poverty, but can't get it if you don't think you're supposed to have it. And it comes from God. Let me give me Deuteronomy 8. Deuteronomy 8 says this. So then you must never think that you have made yourself wealthy by your own power and by your own strength. Look at this. Watch this in verse 18. Watch this. Remember that it is the Lord, your God, who gives you the power to become rich. God did it. You didn't do it in your own strength." [19:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Perfect peace is an undisturbed mind. It is not consequential, situational. It is not even environmental. It's perfect. Anything that requires an environment for peace is imperfect. Because if you got to go to the spa to get peace, that's an imperfect peace. Because you have peace while you're at the spa, but on the way back to your house where there's chaos, you lose the peace on the way home." [26:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Fear is a spirit. And God has not given us, it didn't come from him. If it didn't come from God, where it came from? A spirit of fear. He did not give us, but this is what he gave us. Power. That's authority. Love. Cast out fear. And a mind is sound. I know better. You a liar, devil. This ain't what I'm thinking it is. And he'll have you so tormented. You'll have you so tormented. You'll have you so tormented in fear that you can't even rest and you can't do basic things." [31:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The way that you get the peace of God that is perfect, it starts with having peace with God. The peace of God is the benefit of those who have peace with God. What am I saying? There was a time in our life because we were separated from God, by our sins, that the Bible says we were enemies with God. But Jesus Christ has brought us to the Father, and now we have peace with God." [37:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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