Embracing God's Faithfulness Through Past Victories

 

Summary

In this sermon, I emphasized the unchanging nature of God and His constant presence in our lives. I highlighted how God uses our past experiences to guide our future, reminding us of His power and grace in previous trials to assure us of His ability to bring us through future challenges. I also stressed the importance of not dwelling on past mistakes but rather focusing on past victories as a testament to God's faithfulness. I further discussed the significance of spiritual warfare, encouraging listeners to stand firm in the face of adversity and trust in God's ability to bring victory. I concluded by urging listeners to be disciples, not just followers, of God, fully participating in their relationship with Him and seeking His face in all circumstances.

Key Takeaways:
- God uses our past to guide our future, reminding us of His power and grace in previous trials to assure us of His ability to bring us through future challenges ([08:42]).
- We should focus on past victories, not past mistakes, as a testament to God's faithfulness ([09:42]).
- Spiritual warfare is a crucial part of our walk with God, and we must stand firm in the face of adversity, trusting in God's ability to bring victory ([11:13]).
- God is looking for disciples, not just followers. Disciples fully participate in their relationship with God, seeking His face in all circumstances ([12:39]).
- Regardless of the nature of our battles, we are victorious in Christ. Whether we fight for something or it is surrendered to us, we win because we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus ([14:02]).

Study Guide

Bible Passages:
1. Ephesians 6:12 - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
2. Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
3. 2 Corinthians 2:11 - "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

Key Points from the sermon:
1. The importance of having the Word of God in our hearts to combat spiritual warfare.
2. The need to be aware of the devil's tactics and not be ignorant of his devices.
3. The significance of surrounding ourselves with the right people who can encourage us in our faith.

Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:12 tell us about our spiritual battles?
2. According to Psalm 119:11, why is it important to hide God's word in our hearts?
3. What does 2 Corinthians 2:11 warn us about the devil's tactics?

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 6:12 help us understand the nature of our spiritual battles?
2. What does it mean to hide God's word in our hearts as stated in Psalm 119:11?
3. How can we apply the warning in 2 Corinthians 2:11 in our daily lives?

Application Questions:
1. How can we ensure that we are equipping ourselves with God's word to fight our spiritual battles?
2. In what ways can we hide God's word in our hearts?
3. How can we stay vigilant and not be ignorant of the devil's tactics?

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Faith in Times of Crisis

In times of crisis, our faith can be our greatest source of strength and comfort. It is through faith that we can find the courage to face our fears, the strength to endure our trials, and the hope to believe in a better tomorrow.

James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent crisis you faced. How did your faith help you navigate through it? If you felt your faith was lacking, how can you strengthen it for future crises?

Day 2: The Importance of Being a Disciple, Not Just a Follower

Being a follower of Christ means accepting Him as our Savior. But being a disciple means going a step further - it means learning from Him, living like Him, and making Him the center of our lives.

Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"

Reflection: Consider your relationship with God. Do you see yourself more as a follower or a disciple? If you identify more as a follower, what steps can you take to become a disciple, fully committed to Christ?

Day 3: Spiritual Warfare as a Prophetic Destiny

As believers, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. It's not a battle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. But we are not alone in this battle. God has given us His Spirit and His Word to guide us.

Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Reflection: How aware are you of the spiritual warfare happening around you? Can you recall a situation where you felt you were in a spiritual battle? How did you respond and what could you have done differently?

Day 4: The Power of Community in Spiritual Warfare

In spiritual warfare, we are stronger together. When we stand together as a community of believers, we can support each other, pray for each other, and stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 - "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you can rely on during spiritual warfare? If you can't think of anyone, how can you start building a community that will stand with you?

Day 5: The Importance of Understanding the Enemy's Tactics

The enemy is cunning and deceptive. He uses lies, fear, and doubt to try to lead us away from God. But when we understand his tactics, we can stand firm in our faith and resist his attacks.

1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Reflection: Can you identify a time when you felt the enemy was trying to attack you? How did you respond? In hindsight, were there signs of the enemy's tactics that you missed?

Quotes

1. "Because I know God's going to hear me, I know God's going to bring me through. I know God's going to provide what I need. He's my idol, my old egg at the beginning of the year." [33:35]

2. "God wants to use it as a perfect way to be alive to somebody else. Let me tell you what God won't do. He won't open up the Bible for you, He won't read it to you. He won't open up your heart and stick it in there, you gotta go after it." [34:54]

3. "When you are the guy that home you, when you are the guy that home you inside of you. And you don't know what you're going to say, you don't know what happened you're going to have. And all of a sudden the attack begins to come home. That weapon comes out so quick and so ready." [36:19]

4. "God always stands in our presence. So have us, move back in our past. To show us how He's going to move in the future. You think you're not saying? God's going to stand in your presence. He's going to appoint you your past to show you how He's going to move in your future." [08:42]

5. "Reminds the devil of God. And when you be closer to God. The more you throw at not a hill. And he draws not a view. The more you start looking like God." [24:25]