Walking with God: Embracing Faith Amidst Trials
Summary
In his sermon titled "Walking with God," Pastor Rob delves into the profound relationship between humanity and the divine, emphasizing the necessity of aligning our lives with Jesus' direction and following His lead. He begins by addressing the incompatibility of sin with God's presence, underscoring the need for forgiveness through Jesus to reconcile us with God. Pastor Rob reassures us that God can use our suffering for redemption and His glory, referencing Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 1:11 to affirm that God works all things together for good according to His plan.
Pastor Rob then explores the concept of walking in the spirit, acknowledging that while this does not shield us from life's hardships, it is in these "pressure cookers" that our true relationship with God is revealed. He shares a personal anecdote about experiencing an earthquake in college, using it as a metaphor for the unexpected trials we face and the importance of relying on God rather than our own strength. The pastor also discusses the theological case for suffering, explaining that it is a byproduct of sin and free will, but God offers a reversal through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
The sermon takes a poignant turn as Pastor Rob addresses those walking in darkness, encouraging them to turn on the lights by walking with Jesus, thereby expanding their view and capacity to navigate life. He uses the story of Lazarus to illustrate Jesus' power over death and the significance of His resurrection. The pastor also shares his personal experiences of feeling God's presence in times of distress and the importance of inviting Jesus into our hardships.
In conclusion, Pastor Rob emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence rather than just chasing after answers. He reflects on the transformative power of walking with Jesus, which increases our capacity for wisdom, happiness, and patience. The pastor encourages trust in Jesus' unique timing, even when His response to our prayers is not immediate, and reminds us that there is something greater at work.
Key Takeaways:
- Walking with God requires a conscious effort to align our lives with Jesus' direction, understanding that our own paths may lead us astray. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are choosing a path that may not always be easy, but it is one that leads to true fulfillment and purpose. This alignment is not a one-time decision but a continual process of seeking His will over our own. [49:33]
- Sin creates a barrier between us and God, but through Jesus' sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and reconciliation. This transformative power of Jesus is not limited to our personal lives but extends to all creation. The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead is a testament to Jesus' authority over life and death, providing hope and assurance of His ability to redeem even the most broken situations. [49:33]
- The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives empowers us to walk in the spirit, even amidst life's challenges. This divine guidance is crucial as it shapes our character and responses to the "pressure cookers" of life. Our reliance on the Holy Spirit during these times reveals the depth of our walk with God and our trust in His sovereignty. [49:33]
- Suffering is an inevitable consequence of the fallen world we live in, but it is not without purpose. God's holiness and justice demand that sin be addressed, yet His love provided a solution through the atonement of Jesus Christ. This profound truth underscores the depth of God's love for us and His desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him. [49:33]
- Inviting Jesus into our hardships illuminates our path and provides clarity in the midst of darkness. This act of surrender allows us to experience the peace and safety found in His presence. As we walk with Jesus, we gain a greater capacity to see beyond our immediate circumstances and embrace the virtues and capacities that come from a life transformed by Him. [49:33]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking with God
#### Bible Reading
- John 11:1-44 (The story of Lazarus)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' initial reaction when He heard that Lazarus was sick? How long did He wait before going to Lazarus? ([15:16])
2. How did Martha and Mary react when Jesus finally arrived after Lazarus had died? ([31:39])
3. What did Jesus do when He saw Mary and the others weeping? ([34:04])
4. What was the reaction of the crowd when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead? ([42:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus waited two days before going to see Lazarus, even though He loved him? ([17:36])
2. How does Jesus' statement, "I am the resurrection and the life," change the way we understand life and death? ([32:14])
3. What does Jesus' weeping tell us about His character and His relationship with humanity? ([34:37])
4. How does the story of Lazarus illustrate the concept of Jesus offering a greater life and expanding our capacity? ([24:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like God was silent in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([20:01])
2. Pastor Rob mentioned the importance of inviting Jesus into our hardships to illuminate our path. What is one specific hardship you are currently facing, and how can you invite Jesus into that situation? ([29:18])
3. How can you practice walking in the Spirit during your daily life, especially when faced with unexpected trials? ([02:52])
4. Think about a recent "pressure cooker" moment in your life. How did you handle it, and what does it reveal about your walk with God? ([04:08])
5. Pastor Rob emphasized the importance of seeking God's presence rather than just answers. What are some practical ways you can cultivate an atmosphere where you can feel God's presence? ([21:05])
6. How can you align your life more closely with Jesus' direction, especially in areas where you might be tempted to rely on your own strength? ([02:19])
7. Reflect on the story of Lazarus. How does Jesus' power over death provide hope and assurance in your own life? ([32:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Paths with Divine Direction
True fulfillment is found in the continual realignment of our lives with the path Jesus sets before us. It is a journey of choosing His will over our own, understanding that our own ways may lead us astray. This alignment is a daily decision to walk in the footsteps of Christ, embracing the challenges and joys that come with discipleship. [49:33]
Isaiah 30:21 - "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
Reflection: What is one decision you're facing where you need to seek God's guidance over your own understanding?
Day 2: Embracing Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Sin separates us from God, but Jesus' sacrifice bridges that gap, offering us a path to forgiveness and reconciliation. The story of Lazarus is a powerful reminder of Jesus' victory over sin and death, providing hope that He can redeem even the most broken parts of our lives. This gift of grace is available to all who believe and seek to be transformed by His love. [49:33]
Colossians 1:13-14 - "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How can you live out the reality of being forgiven and reconciled to God in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Walking in the Spirit Amidst Life's Pressures
The Holy Spirit empowers us to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Walking in the spirit shapes our character and responses to adversity, revealing the depth of our trust in God's sovereignty. It is in these "pressure cookers" of life that our true relationship with God is tested and strengthened. [49:33]
Galatians 5:25 - "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What is a current "pressure cooker" situation in your life, and how can you respond by walking in the Spirit?
Day 4: Finding Purpose in Suffering
Suffering is an inescapable part of this fallen world, yet it is not without purpose. God's love and justice intersect at the cross, where Jesus' atonement addresses the problem of sin and opens the way for redemption. This profound truth invites us to view our trials through the lens of God's redemptive plan. [49:33]
1 Peter 4:12-13 - "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: How can your current struggles be viewed as an opportunity to participate in Christ's sufferings and to grow closer to Him?
Day 5: Inviting Jesus into Our Darkness
Turning to Jesus in our darkest moments allows His light to guide and comfort us. Inviting Him into our hardships transforms our perspective, enabling us to see beyond our immediate circumstances. This act of surrender leads to a life marked by peace, wisdom, and the virtues that come from walking with Christ. [49:33]
Psalm 139:11-12 - "If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."
Reflection: What hardship are you hesitant to invite Jesus into, and what steps can you take today to open that area of your life to His light?
Quotes
"Some of us in times of pain and hardship are trying to get through it without walking with Jesus. We're saying where are you God and we stay in it looking for resolution. You're not going to find answers and resolution without any light in your life." [30:23]
"Jesus brings that capacity church. He brings a better view, he lights up the path while Martha is relying on her world views in this moment. See, she was stuck here on this planet. Our God is not from here, he created this planet, all right? He's greater than that, we are finite and he is infinite." [32:14]
"When you start to follow him [Jesus], you start to see all those virtues that you never thought you'd ever have. He brings capacity in your life, it's greater, he offers a greater life, he increases your capacity. You can handle more hardship, you can handle somebody insulting you, you're not easily offended." [25:48]
"The presence of sin renders us helpless... we need Jesus to help us with the sin that is the only thing that can free you from sin." [39:04]
"God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God... even the worst things he works out for his good." [40:21]
"We need to not just walk with Jesus but that we need to walk in the spirit... it's the Holy Spirit that is pushing us forward... that is walking in the spirit." [02:52]
"Suffering is a byproduct of sin on this earth... because of that, suffering takes place." [35:47]
"The second thing God does with suffering is he reverses suffering by suffering in our place... God came as a substitute for our problems... Jesus Christ's death made peace with God possible." [37:41]
"Jesus kind of left Mary Martha and Lazarus he left them unread though he loved all of them he didn't respond in the in like an efficient manner right because he understands that there's something greater at work amen." ([17:00])
"It's surprising that he doesn't go to Lazarus right away and it's probably even a little bit disturbing right... Jesus timing is unique... it takes a day and then but I'm thinking when I started to do the math and the geography they were only 2 miles away in Bethany... I picture Jesus doing that." ([18:12])
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