Yielding to God's Will: Faithful Witnesses of Hope
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound call to abandon ourselves to God, just as Jesus did when He came to earth, stripped of His glory, and obediently followed the will of the Father unto death. We acknowledged that no good work can earn us the grace and mercy God extends to us. Our response should be to yield our desires to Him, echoing Jesus' words, "Not my will, but Your will be done." We invited the Holy Spirit to move among us, praying that our time together would lead to transformation, encouragement, and challenge through God's Word.
We celebrated the generosity of our church community, highlighting our back-to-school backpack drive and our support for families affected by the tragedy in Ruidoso, New Mexico. These acts of kindness exemplify our mission to be a blessing to others, reflecting the heart of Jesus.
We then delved into the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 11, which is known for its complex symbolism and challenging interpretation. We discussed the vision given to John, focusing on the two witnesses who prophesy for 1,260 days, their subsequent death, and miraculous resurrection. This chapter emphasizes the ultimate victory of God over evil and the importance of being faithful witnesses, even in the face of persecution and mockery.
The overarching message is clear: God wins over evil, and Jesus is coming back. Our task is to remain steadfast in our witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, until that glorious day when we will live in the presence of God forever.
### Key Takeaways
1. Abandonment to God's Will: Just as Jesus abandoned Himself to the will of the Father, we are called to yield our desires and plans to God. This act of surrender is not about losing ourselves but finding our true purpose in Him. It is a daily decision to say, "Not my will, but Your will be done," trusting that His plans are far greater than ours. [30:11]
2. Generosity Reflects God's Heart: Our acts of generosity, whether through local outreach or supporting those in crisis, are tangible expressions of God's love. When we give extravagantly, we mirror the heart of Jesus, who gave everything for us. This generosity not only meets physical needs but also brings hope and encouragement to those who receive it. [32:13]
3. Understanding Revelation: The book of Revelation, particularly chapter 11, is filled with symbolism that can be challenging to interpret. It is crucial to understand what the text meant to the first-century believers before applying it to our lives today. The central themes are God's ultimate victory over evil and the second coming of Jesus, which should inspire us to remain faithful and hopeful. [49:08]
4. Being Faithful Witnesses: The two witnesses in Revelation 11 symbolize the call to be bold and faithful witnesses for Jesus, even in the face of persecution and mockery. Our witness is not dependent on the world's acceptance but on our obedience to God's call. We are to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Him. [01:26:45]
5. Living in God's Presence: The vision of the temple and the Ark of the Covenant in Revelation points to a future where we will live in the presence of God forever. This hope should fuel our perseverance and faithfulness. We look forward to the day when God will dwell among His people, and we will experience His presence in its fullness. [01:25:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:11] - Abandonment to God's Will
[31:05] - Prayer for Tithes and Offerings
[32:13] - Generosity Reflects God's Heart
[33:24] - Call to Support Local Schools
[34:47] - Helping Families in Ruidoso
[36:10] - Testimony of Generosity
[37:12] - Prayer for Offering
[38:41] - Summer T-Shirt Contest Winners
[46:44] - Introduction to Revelation Series
[47:51] - Overview of Revelation
[49:08] - Understanding Revelation
[50:15] - God Wins Over Evil
[51:37] - The Two Witnesses
[52:26] - The Hardest Chapter to Interpret
[56:30] - Symbolism of the Temple
[57:34] - The Two Witnesses' Ministry
[01:00:15] - Who Are the Two Witnesses?
[01:06:52] - Avoiding Division Over Interpretation
[01:08:54] - The Beast and the Witnesses' Death
[01:12:08] - The Witnesses' Resurrection
[01:15:40] - Encouragement to Be Faithful Witnesses
[01:21:50] - The Coming Judgment and Reward
[01:25:35] - Living in God's Presence
[01:26:45] - Be My Witness
[01:29:05] - Prayer and Invitation to Receive Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 11:1-19 - The vision of the two witnesses, their ministry, death, and resurrection.
2. Ephesians 2:19-22 - The concept of the spiritual temple and the unity of believers in Christ.
3. Luke 22:42 - Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Revelation 11:1-2 describe John being instructed to do, and what might the temple symbolize? [53:38]
2. How long do the two witnesses prophesy, and what happens to them after their ministry? [57:34]
3. According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what is the foundation of the spiritual temple, and who is the chief cornerstone?
4. In Luke 22:42, what does Jesus express in His prayer, and how does this reflect the theme of abandonment to God's will?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might be the significance of the temple in Revelation 11 being measured, and how does this relate to the idea of a spiritual temple in Ephesians 2:19-22? [53:38]
2. How does the ministry and resurrection of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 encourage believers to remain faithful in the face of persecution? [01:12:08]
3. What does Jesus' prayer in Luke 22:42 teach us about surrendering our desires to God's will, and how can this be applied to our daily lives? [30:11]
4. How do the acts of generosity described in the sermon reflect the heart of Jesus, and why is this important for the church community? [32:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to surrender your own desires to God's will. How did you feel, and what was the outcome? How can you practice this surrender more consistently? [30:11]
2. The sermon highlighted the church's acts of generosity, such as the backpack drive and support for families in Ruidoso. How can you personally contribute to similar acts of kindness in your community? [32:13]
3. Revelation 11 emphasizes the importance of being faithful witnesses even in the face of persecution. Have you ever faced mockery or opposition for your faith? How did you respond, and what can you learn from the two witnesses' example? [01:08:54]
4. The vision of living in God's presence forever is a powerful motivator for perseverance. How does this hope influence your daily life and decisions? What specific steps can you take to keep this vision at the forefront of your mind? [01:25:35]
5. Jesus' prayer, "Not my will, but Yours be done," is a model for us. Identify an area of your life where you struggle to let go of control. What practical steps can you take to trust God's plan over your own? [30:11]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of understanding the original context of Revelation before applying it to our lives. How can you improve your approach to studying the Bible to ensure you are interpreting it correctly? [49:08]
7. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement or support. How can you be a faithful witness to them this week, showing the love and truth of Jesus through your actions and words? [01:26:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering to God's Will
Description: Just as Jesus abandoned Himself to the will of the Father, we are called to yield our desires and plans to God. This act of surrender is not about losing ourselves but finding our true purpose in Him. It is a daily decision to say, "Not my will, but Your will be done," trusting that His plans are far greater than ours. This surrender requires humility and faith, recognizing that God's wisdom surpasses our understanding. By yielding to His will, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and experience the fullness of life He intends for us. [30:11]
Matthew 26:39 (ESV): "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Generosity as an Expression of God's Love
Description: Our acts of generosity, whether through local outreach or supporting those in crisis, are tangible expressions of God's love. When we give extravagantly, we mirror the heart of Jesus, who gave everything for us. This generosity not only meets physical needs but also brings hope and encouragement to those who receive it. By being generous, we participate in God's mission to bless others and reflect His character to the world. Our giving should be motivated by love and compassion, recognizing that we are stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. [32:13]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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: Think of a recent opportunity you had to be generous. How did it reflect God's love, and how can you continue to cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life?
Day 3: Interpreting Revelation with Faith and Hope
Description: The book of Revelation, particularly chapter 11, is filled with symbolism that can be challenging to interpret. It is crucial to understand what the text meant to the first-century believers before applying it to our lives today. The central themes are God's ultimate victory over evil and the second coming of Jesus, which should inspire us to remain faithful and hopeful. By studying Revelation, we gain a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan and are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that Jesus will return to establish His kingdom. [49:08]
Revelation 11:3-4 (ESV): "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth."
Reflection: How does understanding the ultimate victory of God over evil influence your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live with a greater sense of hope and faithfulness?
Day 4: Bold and Faithful Witnesses
Description: The two witnesses in Revelation 11 symbolize the call to be bold and faithful witnesses for Jesus, even in the face of persecution and mockery. Our witness is not dependent on the world's acceptance but on our obedience to God's call. We are to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Him. Being a faithful witness involves living out our faith authentically and sharing the gospel message with others, regardless of the challenges we may face. [01:26:45]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you boldness and courage to be a faithful witness in that situation?
Day 5: Anticipating Life in God's Presence
Description: The vision of the temple and the Ark of the Covenant in Revelation points to a future where we will live in the presence of God forever. This hope should fuel our perseverance and faithfulness. We look forward to the day when God will dwell among His people, and we will experience His presence in its fullness. This anticipation of eternal life with God encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and to live in a way that honors Him. It reminds us that our ultimate home is with God, where we will experience His love and glory eternally. [01:25:35]
Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"
Reflection: How does the promise of living in God's presence forever impact your daily life and choices? What can you do today to cultivate a deeper sense of anticipation and readiness for that glorious day?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The church is not a building. The church is the gathering of the body of Christ, and you all have embraced our fifth core value, which is hope gives extravagantly." [31:05] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "No matter how bad things look now, no matter how bad things are going to get in the future, ultimately, God wins over evil. God triumphs over evil." [50:15] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Today, we are to be a witness for Jesus Christ. Tomorrow, that's symbolism. That doesn't mean tomorrow. Today, we're supposed to be a witness for Jesus Christ. Tomorrow, I don't know when the second coming of Jesus is. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week. It could be next month. It could be years from now. All I know is today, you and I are to be a bold witness, spirit-empowered witness for Jesus Christ." [01:27:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If I'm the only one in my school, I'm still going to be a witness for Jesus Christ. If I'm the only one in my workplace, I'm still going to be a witness for Jesus Christ. If I'm the only one in my unit, I'm still going to be a witness for Jesus Christ. If I'm the only one in my neighborhood, in my community, in my city, in my state, in my nation, if I'm the only one, I'm still going to be a witness for Jesus Christ because I know a day is coming where I will witness the fulfillment of the kingdom of God." [01:28:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A day is coming where you and I will live in the presence of God forever. That's all I know for sure. And so as I prayed, Lord, what's the takeaway from Revelations chapter 11? What are we supposed to do with this? And again, I felt the emphasis was be my witness. Just be my witness. Today, be my witness." [01:26:45] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The book of Revelation was not written to Hope City in the 21st century. The book of Revelation was written in the 1st century between 90 and 96 A.D. And it was written to the seven churches in the province of Asia. And so what we need to do is do the hard theological work of what did it mean to the 1st century believers? What did it mean to the seven churches living in the province of Asia? And once we understand what it meant to them, then we can build the bridge to see how we can apply that to us in the 21st century." [49:08] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The overarching theme that's kind of throughout the book of Revelation is this, that God wins over evil. No matter how bad things look now, no matter how bad things are going to get in the future, ultimately, God wins over evil. God triumphs over evil. That's the main thing. The other main thread throughout the book of Revelation, or what I would call the essential doctrine of the book of Revelation, is this. It's the personal, literal, and visible second coming of Jesus." [50:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "For three and a half years, these two guys, pick one, I don't know, these two guys, Moses and Elijah, Enoch and Elijah, Joshua and Zerubbabel, or Israel and the church, for three and a half years, right, they prophesied, and they're witnesses to Jesus Christ. And then all of a sudden, Revelation 11, as we continue to read on in verse seven, it says that this beast is released from the abyss." [01:08:54] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The nations were angry of course they are your wrath has come the time has come the time has come for judging the dead and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name both small and great and for destroying those who destroyed the earth a time is coming hopesters a time of judging a time of rewarding and a time of destroying and who is it coming to both small and great that's a play on words small and great from the least to the greatest that means everyone i don't care who you are i don't care who you think you are a day is coming for everyone a day of judging a day of rewarding and a day of destroying it's coming for everyone small and great and your prayer and my prayer is that we are on the side of rewarding that when this day comes we're on the side not of judging and destroying but we're on the side of rewarding" [01:21:50] (102 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so as I was reading through this passage and trying to understand what did it mean to those first century believers living in these seven churches who were also under immense persecution these seven churches were also not only persecuted but they were being wooed to compromise their faith by the cities and the nations around them and this message gets to them about these two witnesses who for three and a half years boldly proclaimed the testimony and the witness of Jesus Christ and then they die and then after three and a half days God breathes life back into them and they ascend into heaven and they're alive again and they're living in the clouds you know what that did to those seven churches man it encouraged them continue to be a witness continue to remain faithful even in the face of persecution" [01:13:49] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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