In today's message, I explored the theme of risk and the call to radical Christian discipleship. Living as a Christian in America often feels like a dream world, free from the persecution faced by believers in other parts of the world. However, this comfort may not last forever, and we must be prepared to take risks for our faith. I shared stories of believers who faced life-threatening situations and had to make difficult decisions, such as whether to flee or stand firm in their faith. These decisions are not always clear-cut, and the Bible does not provide explicit instructions for every situation. Instead, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us through our groanings and prayers, ensuring that our actions exalt Christ.

I emphasized the importance of understanding that we are not expected to know God's will in every situation. This realization can lift a heavy burden from our hearts, as we trust the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. In our moments of perplexity and groaning, God is not watching us with judgment but understanding us deeply. The Holy Spirit interprets our groans and presents them to the Father, who always hears and answers these prayers. This assurance should encourage us, knowing that God's work for us is not limited by our understanding or ability to articulate our needs.

Furthermore, I encouraged everyone to remember that in our weakness, sickness, and hardship, the Spirit of God is praying for us, not against us. This divine intercession is a testament to God's unwavering support and love for us. The Holy Spirit's prayers are always answered with a "yes" by God the Father, reinforcing the promise of Romans 8:28 that all things work together for the good of those who love Him. As we navigate the uncertainties and risks of life, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is for us, and His Spirit is actively working on our behalf.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Embrace the reality that as Christians, we may face increasing risks for our faith. The comfort we experience now may not last, and we must be prepared to make difficult decisions that exalt Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us through our groanings. [09:07]
• 2. We are not expected to know God's will in every situation, which can be a liberating realization. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, ensuring that our prayers align with God's will, even when we are uncertain. [14:46]
• 3. In moments of perplexity and groaning, God understands us deeply and is not watching us with judgment. The Holy Spirit interprets our groans and presents them to the Father, who always hears and answers these prayers. [16:35]
• 4. God's work for us is not limited by our understanding or ability to articulate our needs. The Holy Spirit is not constrained by our limitations and can interpret our groans, ensuring that our prayers are heard and acted upon. [17:30]
• 5. In our weakness and hardship, the Spirit of God is praying for us, not against us. This divine intercession is a testament to God's unwavering support and love, reinforcing the promise that all things work together for our good. [18:30]
  ** [18:30]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:56] - The Cost of Being a Christian
• [07:29] - The Call to Suffering and Risk
• [08:20] - Making Difficult Choices
• [09:07] - Christ-Exalting Groanings
• [10:01] - Balancing Prudence and Risk
• [11:37] - Advice to Sufferers
• [12:31] - Biblical Examples of Fleeing and Standing
• [13:53] - Facing Ambiguity and Risk
• [14:29] - Encouragement in Uncertainty
• [15:46] - Understanding God's Perspective
• [17:30] - God's Work Beyond Our Understanding
• [18:30] - The Spirit's Intercession
• [19:19] - Assurance of God's Yes
• [20:17] - Conclusion and Assurance

1. In Romans 8:26-28, how does the Holy Spirit assist us in our weaknesses and prayers? What assurance does this passage provide about God's response to our prayers?
2. The sermon mentioned several biblical figures who faced decisions about fleeing or standing firm. What examples were given, and how do they illustrate the complexity of making such decisions? [12:31]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play when we are uncertain about God's will in our lives? [14:46]
4. How does the sermon describe God's perspective when we are in moments of perplexity and groaning? What is the significance of this understanding? [16:35]

1. Romans 8:26-28 speaks about the Holy Spirit interceding for us. How does this intercession change the way believers might approach prayer, especially in times of uncertainty or risk?
2. The sermon highlighted the idea that believers are not expected to know God's will in every situation. How might this understanding impact a believer's decision-making process in challenging circumstances? [14:46]
3. Reflecting on the examples of biblical figures who fled or stood firm, what factors might influence a believer's decision to either flee or stand in the face of danger or persecution? [12:31]
4. The sermon suggests that God is not watching us with judgment but understanding. How does this perspective affect a believer's relationship with God during times of hardship or decision-making? [16:35]

1. The sermon discussed the increasing risks of being a Christian. What are some specific risks you might face in your own context, and how can you prepare to respond to them in a way that exalts Christ? [07:11]
2. In moments of uncertainty, how can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than your own understanding? Can you think of a recent situation where you struggled with this? [14:46]
3. Consider a time when you faced a difficult decision without clear guidance from the Bible. How did you seek the Holy Spirit's direction, and what was the outcome? [08:36]
4. The sermon emphasized that God understands our groanings and is not judging us. How can this assurance change the way you approach God in prayer during times of distress? [16:35]
5. Reflect on a current situation where you feel weak or uncertain. How can you remind yourself that the Spirit of God is praying for you and not against you? What practical steps can you take to lean into this truth? [18:30]
6. Romans 8:28 promises that all things work together for the good of those who love God. How can you hold onto this promise in a specific area of your life where you are experiencing hardship or uncertainty?
7. Think of a decision you are currently facing that involves risk. How can you discern whether to "flee" or "stand" in this situation, and what role does prayer play in your decision-making process? [12:31]