Wise Up: Embracing Our God-Given Potential
Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and seek God's presence, asking for His anointing to destroy yokes and set captives free. We prayed for God to move mightily, change lives, and pour out His Spirit to destroy strongholds. As we stood in unity, we turned to the book of Judges, chapter 6, beginning at verse 11, to explore the story of Gideon. This marked the start of our new sermon series, "Wise Up."
In Judges 6, we find Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appears to him, calling him a "mighty man of valor" and assuring him that the Lord is with him. Gideon, however, questions this declaration, asking why all these calamities have befallen them if the Lord is truly with them. The angel responds by commissioning Gideon to save Israel, promising that God will be with him and that he will defeat the Midianites as one man.
I shared a personal anecdote about my sabbatical, where I rediscovered my love for walking by the water. Observing a gaggle of geese trying to cross the road, I noted their stubbornness and reluctance to fly, despite their God-given ability to do so. This scene served as a metaphor for us, as God has given us the ability to soar, yet we often choose to walk, putting ourselves in unnecessary peril. God is calling us to "wise up" and use the gifts He has given us to fulfill our destinies.
We then delved deeper into Gideon's story. Despite the angel's declaration, Gideon initially rejects the notion of being a mighty man of valor, focusing instead on his perceived inadequacies and the hardships his people face. This reaction is not uncommon; we often question God's promises and our own worthiness when faced with challenges. However, God sees beyond our current circumstances and speaks to our potential and future.
I emphasized the importance of keeping the same energy we use in our worldly pursuits for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. We often invest significant time and effort into our careers, relationships, and personal interests, but God is calling us to channel that same energy into seeking Him, serving in ministry, and worshiping wholeheartedly. This is not about doing something new, but about redirecting our existing drive and enthusiasm towards God's purposes.
As we continued, I encouraged everyone to be honest about their spiritual status. We can't fool God or the devil, and it's crucial to be truthful about where we stand in our faith. I invited those who needed to be saved or find a church home to step forward, assuring them that they don't have to walk alone. The church is a community, and we are here to support each other in our spiritual journeys.
We concluded with a powerful call to action: to use our wings, to keep that same energy, and to trust that God will be with us as we step into our destinies. We prayed for revival, renewal, and a renewed commitment to God, believing that as we align our priorities with His, we will experience breakthroughs and divine order in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Sees Beyond Our Circumstances: Just as the angel called Gideon a "mighty man of valor" despite his current state of fear and hiding, God sees our potential and speaks to our future. We must trust His vision for our lives, even when we feel inadequate or overwhelmed by our circumstances. [01:17:01]
2. Use Your God-Given Abilities: Like the geese that chose to walk instead of fly, we often underutilize the gifts God has given us. It's time to "wise up" and use our abilities to fulfill our God-given destinies, rather than settling for less and putting ourselves in unnecessary peril. [01:12:15]
3. Keep That Same Energy: The enthusiasm and effort we put into our worldly pursuits should be redirected towards our spiritual growth and relationship with God. This means investing time in prayer, worship, and ministry with the same vigor we use in other areas of our lives. [01:25:58]
4. Be Honest About Your Spiritual Status: We can't fool God or the devil about where we stand in our faith. It's crucial to be truthful and seek support from our church community. This honesty allows us to grow and receive the help we need to strengthen our relationship with God. [01:48:45]
5. Trust in God's Promises: Despite our doubts and questions, we must hold on to God's promises. Gideon's story reminds us that God is with us and will equip us to overcome our challenges. As we align our priorities with His, we will experience breakthroughs and divine order in our lives. [01:45:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06:43] - Opening Prayer
[01:07:16] - Introduction to Judges 6
[01:09:55] - Personal Anecdote: Walking by the Water
[01:12:15] - The Geese Metaphor
[01:17:01] - Gideon's Initial Reaction
[01:25:58] - Keep That Same Energy
[01:45:19] - Call to Action: Be Honest About Your Spiritual Status
[01:48:45] - Invitation to Salvation and Church Membership
[01:53:34] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Judges 6:11-16 (NKJV)
### Observation Questions
1. Where was Gideon when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and why was he there? ([01:07:43])
2. How did Gideon initially respond to the angel's greeting and declaration? ([01:08:28])
3. What metaphor did the pastor use to illustrate the concept of underutilizing God-given abilities? ([01:12:15])
4. What was the pastor's personal anecdote about during his sabbatical, and how did it relate to the sermon? ([01:09:55])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the angel called Gideon a "mighty man of valor" despite his current state of fear and hiding? ([01:17:01])
2. How does the story of Gideon challenge our perceptions of our own abilities and potential in God's eyes? ([01:17:49])
3. What does the pastor mean by "keeping that same energy" in our spiritual pursuits, and how does this concept apply to our daily lives? ([01:25:58])
4. How does being honest about our spiritual status help us grow in our faith and relationship with God? ([01:48:45])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or overwhelmed by your circumstances. How can Gideon's story encourage you to trust in God's vision for your life? ([01:17:01])
2. Identify a God-given ability or gift that you have been underutilizing. What steps can you take this week to "wise up" and use this gift more effectively? ([01:12:15])
3. Think about the energy and effort you put into your career, hobbies, or relationships. How can you redirect some of that energy towards your spiritual growth and relationship with God? ([01:25:58])
4. Are there areas in your life where you have been making excuses for not pursuing God's calling? How can you overcome these excuses and take action? ([01:30:09])
5. How can you be more honest about your spiritual status with yourself and your church community? What steps can you take to seek support and accountability? ([01:48:45])
6. Reflect on the pastor's call to action to use our wings and trust in God's promises. What is one specific area in your life where you need to step out in faith and trust God more? ([01:45:19])
7. How can you encourage someone in your small group or church community to "keep that same energy" in their spiritual journey? What practical steps can you take to support them? ([01:25:58])
Devotional
Day 1: God Sees Beyond Our Circumstances
God often sees potential in us that we may not recognize in ourselves. In Judges 6, Gideon is found hiding from the Midianites, feeling inadequate and overwhelmed by his circumstances. Despite this, the angel of the Lord calls him a "mighty man of valor," indicating that God sees beyond Gideon's current state and speaks to his future potential. This teaches us that God’s vision for our lives is not limited by our present fears or inadequacies. We must trust in His perspective and believe that He can use us in mighty ways, even when we feel unworthy or incapable. [01:17:01]
Judges 6:11-12 (ESV): "Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt inadequate or overwhelmed. How can you begin to see yourself through God's eyes and trust in His vision for your life?
Day 2: Use Your God-Given Abilities
God has endowed each of us with unique gifts and abilities, yet we often underutilize them, much like the geese that chose to walk instead of fly. This metaphor reminds us that we are called to "wise up" and use our God-given talents to fulfill our destinies. By settling for less, we put ourselves in unnecessary peril and miss out on the fullness of life that God intends for us. It’s time to recognize and embrace the abilities God has given us, using them to their fullest potential for His glory. [01:12:15]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify one God-given ability you have been underutilizing. How can you start using this gift more effectively in your daily life and for God's purposes?
Day 3: Keep That Same Energy
We often invest significant time and effort into our careers, relationships, and personal interests. However, God calls us to channel that same energy into our spiritual growth and relationship with Him. This means dedicating time to prayer, worship, and ministry with the same enthusiasm we use in other areas of our lives. By redirecting our existing drive and enthusiasm towards God's purposes, we can experience a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life. [01:25:58]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on how much time and energy you invest in your worldly pursuits. How can you begin to redirect some of that energy towards your spiritual growth and relationship with God?
Day 4: Be Honest About Your Spiritual Status
Honesty about our spiritual status is crucial for growth. We cannot fool God or the devil about where we stand in our faith. Being truthful about our spiritual condition allows us to seek the support we need from our church community and grow in our relationship with God. This honesty is the first step towards receiving the help and guidance necessary to strengthen our faith and walk with God. [01:48:45]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Take a moment to honestly assess your spiritual status. What areas of your faith need growth, and how can you seek support from your church community to address these areas?
Day 5: Trust in God's Promises
Despite our doubts and questions, we must hold on to God's promises. Gideon's story reminds us that God is with us and will equip us to overcome our challenges. As we align our priorities with His, we will experience breakthroughs and divine order in our lives. Trusting in God's promises means believing that He will fulfill His word and guide us through every situation, no matter how daunting it may seem. [01:45:19]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to believe in your current circumstances? How can you begin to trust in that promise and align your priorities with His today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We celebrate people who go all out. Michael Joy. Kobe Bryant Serena Williams Simone Biles that they their names have risen to prominence because they have distinguished themselves as people who've gone after their sport with everything in their bit in their ability to Tim Cook. The CEO of Apple still is known to be the first person in the office and the last person out the first black billionaire Reginald F. Lewis was known to have a work ethic that was beyond everything else. And God is saying since you can't clearly have wings. Since you clearly have ability use that same energy that you're using to go after what you want to pursue me to pursue the things that I have prepared for your life." [01:28:52]
2. "Brothers and sisters, one of the joys of my sabbatical was being able to renew my love for walking. And I really like walking by the water. And apparently I'm not the only one. Because one day I was making my way down the road and I saw a gaggle of geese out there trying to cross the road. It was an interesting scene because one, the lead goose would get out there and they would follow along but invariably a car would come down the street. And they'd have to turn around, go back to the edge and start all over again. I was interested in this, Sister Douglas, so I watched it as time and time again they would get out a little while, a car would come, and then they'd have to go back. In fact, at one point, there was a standoff. Because if you know anything about it, about geese, geese can be stubborn as mules. In fact, geese can really be gangsters. If you don't believe me, walk around here sometime. They will come for you." [01:09:55]
3. "Isn't it amazing how folks switch up as soon as the situation shifts? Isn't it amazing how young men who said they were thugs and out here in the street all of a sudden when they get arrested and they time for sentencing and all of a sudden they want they mama and they crying to the judge for mercy. Ain't that something? Ain't that something? How your child going to stand up on your face and tell you how they are grown blank man and they are grown blank woman and they can do what they want to do. And you ain't the boss of them until everything you warned them about happens. Just like you said and it blows up in their face. And now mama daddy. Can I come? No, no, no, no. You were grown blank woman. You were grown blank. Where's that energy now in this?" [01:30:09]
4. "You got time to find out what's going on and will and Jada's relationship, but you gonna read all the articles and read all the comments, but you ain't got time to read one verse of scripture. Oh, you got time. Isn't it funny how you ain't got no money for your child's scholarship, but you got money for cars and cigars and well, you know, wherever I would go to church, but you don't Sunday is really my only day to rest. It's the day God gave you and if it wasn't for his mercy, you would have been consumed." [01:33:17]
5. "You already know what to do You just need to do it in the right direction And so I'm believing God For a breakthrough today Cause faith come by hearing And hearing by the word of God That while I was speaking to you God was speaking into you And he was declaring as soon as you Get your priorities straight What you thought you were waiting on It will stop waiting for you And it will come Because now it's in divine order." [01:43:19]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God says to the people of God, it's time to wise up. It's time to stop walking in places where God has made you to fly. I know you've grown and you can do whatever you want to do. You have the right to use your feet, but that's not the best way to go where you're trying to go. I know you're smart and you've got some degrees behind your name, but you ought not limit yourself to your intelligence and your training because the Bible says that God gives faith to you. And favor is better than a degree. And favor is better than money. I need somebody to talk to me." [01:12:15]
2. "God is looking at you and God is looking at me saying I wish you would keep that same energy to complain about what I haven't done to believe me for what I can do and to do for yourself. Preach pastor. I'm doing the best I can God is looking for the same energy that we invest in getting money and getting the honey and getting the latest drip and getting a new whip and getting lashes and nails and new pair of golf clubs. God is saying use that same energy to seek my face and to sew in the ministry and worship me with your whole heart and give me some real quality prayer time versus that drive by stuff. You do on the way to sleep. I can't get no help in here." [01:25:58]
3. "The angel is talking to get who you've been talking to. Come on, you've been communicating all week and talking to your coworkers and your classmates and your friends and your family members. I want to know what cosmic conversation have you had because until your dialogue reaches the divine, it really don't matter what you're talking about. In other words, when I'm going through, I want to talk to somebody who can do something about what I'm going through." [01:23:06]
4. "The Lord is with you. And, and that sounds good in church. But when you catch in hell, when your enemies seem to be gaining ground, when your demand and your resource don't line up, it's hard to hear. And it sounds like church colloquialism. When somebody tells you mighty man of valor, mighty woman of valor, the Lord is with you. And so, and so Gideon, he gave back that same energy. He said, if the Lord is with us, then why has all this happened to us?" [01:16:35]
5. "God says You already know what to do You just doing it in the wrong direction Did you hear me You already know how to pursue How to seek after just seeking after the wrong stuff After the wrong people You already know what to do You just need to do it in the right direction And so I'm believing God For a breakthrough today Cause faith come by hearing And hearing by the word of God That while I was speaking to you God was speaking into you And he was declaring as soon as you Get your priorities straight What you thought you were waiting on It will stop waiting for you And it will come Because now it's in divine order." [01:42:42]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?