Introduction
In the opening movement of this sermon, I shared about God's initiating nature in our relationship with Him. I emphasized that simply engaging in religious activities or having a belief in God, whether through attending church or having family members who are believers, is insufficient for a meaningful connection with God. The core message centers on the transformative realization that it is God who calls us, empowers us, and supports us. Just as He called Abraham from his homeland and promised him a future, He calls each of us into a deeper relationship with Him, inviting us to trust in His promises and plans for our lives.
Main Points
The Concept Of Divine Initiation Is
The concept of divine initiation is central to understanding our journey of faith. Like Abraham, who was called out from his familiar surroundings, we too are invited to step into the unknown by God's prompting.
- It is crucial to recognize that our journey begins not from our own strength or capability, but from God's grace.
- Many of us may find ourselves at a crossroads where we have to confront our tendency to rely on ourselves instead of leaning into God's calling.
- All it takes is an initial spark of faith to set us on the path God has designed for us, reminding us that our efforts cannot earn our way to Him.
- Having responded to God's call, we may find ourselves in a season of waiting for His promises to be fulfilled.
Abraham Exemplified This When He Was
Abraham exemplified this when he was promised the land and descendants, despite initially facing barrenness. God’s plans often require patience, inviting us into a dialogue of trust amid uncertainty.
- In our lives too, when we face delay, we must learn to remain steadfast in faith even when outcomes are not immediately visible.
- God’s assurance is that He is at work behind the scenes, crafting the unfolding story of our personal journeys.
- Every believer faces the tension between divine calling and human desire.
- Just as Abraham faltered in waiting on God's promise, opting for an alternative route with Hagar, we too must guard against the urge to take matters into our own hands.
This Conflict Illustrates The Struggle We
This conflict illustrates the struggle we face between the spirit and the flesh. Recognizing this battle is essential for spiritual growth, as we are called to walk by the Spirit, thus resisting the urge to direct our lives according to our desires rather than God's will. Resisting God is a dangerous pattern I observed throughout biblical history. The Israelites rejected Moses, just as people today often resist the Spirit's leading in their lives. We can easily become content with our limitations, holding onto our sinful patterns instead of embracing the freedom and life that God offers through His Spirit. Dismissing moments of divine initiation stifles growth and burdens us with unnecessary weight.
Our Challenge Is To Remain Open
Our challenge is to remain open to the Spirit’s promptings, even when they conflict with our preferences. Having witnessed the dangers of resisting the Spirit, we are called to surrender our desires and plans to God’s will. Each week, as followers of Christ, we must be attentive to the small nudges of the Holy Spirit, guiding us toward acts of service, prayer, and outreach. Whether it's reaching out to a neighbor or participating in church initiatives, we must recognize that these are opportunities for God to work through us. In cultivating an openness to God's will, we begin to align our lives with His purpose. The cumulative narrative of waiting, resisting, and surrendering reaches its climax in understanding Jesus as our ultimate deliverer.
Just As Moses Led Israel Out
Just as Moses led Israel out of bondage, Jesus offers liberation from the bondage of sin and death. We must confront our own resistance to Jesus, who alone fulfills our deepest needs. Accepting His grace opens us to the abundant life He promises, liberating us to follow His leading beyond the confines of religion into a dynamic relationship.
Conclusion
As we reflect on our individual walks with God, let us remember that our faith journey begins with a decisive call from Him. God's initiation is powerful and ongoing, asking us to put our trust in Him daily. The challenge presented through biblical narratives reminds us to avoid resisting the Spirit’s promptings, leading us to a transformative encounter with the divine. May we embrace our identity as children of God, relying on His strength to fulfill our purposes and reflecting Christ's love in a world desperate for His deliverance.