TEMOR QUE TRAE FAVOR | SERIE: VIVIENDO COMO JESUS | RUAKH

Living Like Jesus: Understanding God's Will

Introduction to the Series

• The speaker introduces a series focused on living as Jesus did, emphasizing the importance of seeking a better life rather than just a successful year.

• Acknowledges the challenge posed by the Holy Spirit to pursue deeper spiritual growth instead of superficial success.

Key Biblical Passages

• Central passages for discussion are John 6:38 and Matthew 26:39, encouraging attendees to read these in context at home.

• In John 6, Jesus responds to religious leaders questioning His actions, asserting He came to do God's will, not His own. This concept of "will" is pivotal throughout the series.

The Danger of Seeking God’s Will

• The speaker describes asking God for His will as potentially dangerous; it may lead to suffering or unexpected paths like sacrifice or hardship.

• Examples include biblical figures who faced dire consequences while fulfilling God's will, such as John the Baptist and James, highlighting that following God's path can be challenging yet rewarding.

Success and Responsibility

• Emphasizes that true success requires hard work and responsibility; many desire success but few are willing to put in the effort needed to maintain it.

• Encourages reflection on whether individuals are prepared for the responsibilities that come with blessings from God, such as business success or family growth.

Contrast Between Popularity and Suffering

• Draws a contrast between Jesus' popularity in John 6 and His abandonment by followers in Matthew 26 during moments of suffering, illustrating how public support can wane under pressure.

• Highlights Jesus’ struggle in Gethsemane where He seeks an alternative path but ultimately submits to God's will, demonstrating profound obedience despite personal anguish.

Conclusion: Favor Through Fear

• Concludes with a call for engagement among attendees by sharing the message title "Fear That Brings Favor," suggesting that embracing fear can lead to divine favor and blessings in life.

Understanding the Foundation of Faith

The Quest for Clarity in Relationships

• The speaker reflects on a personal struggle with understanding relationships, seeking divine clarity and guidance while preparing to preach.

• A revelation from the Holy Spirit emphasizes the importance of fearing God, which has been lost in many churches and homes.

Jesus' Example of Purpose and Suffering

• The paradox of Jesus being both 100% human and 100% God is discussed, highlighting His actions post-baptism—choosing solitude in the desert over immediate ministry.

• The speaker questions what challenges or sufferings individuals might face this year, suggesting that these experiences are essential for understanding God's will.

The Importance of Fearing God

• Success in Jesus’ life stemmed from knowing and fearing the Father; this fear is crucial for believers today as they prepare to meet God.

• Reflecting on one's relationship with God includes asking Him about personal worthiness and how one brings glory to Him.

Accountability Before God

• Encouragement is given to regularly seek God's opinion on one's life choices, emphasizing accountability for blessings received.

• The speaker stresses that focusing solely on daily tasks can hinder spiritual growth if one neglects their relationship with God.

Cost of Favor and Blessings

• Emphasizes that while salvation is free, favor from God often comes at a cost—through suffering and persecution as seen in biblical figures like Paul.

• True favorites of God are those who endure hardships yet operate fully in spiritual gifts, contrasting modern perceptions of success among church leaders.

Living a Life Rooted in Fear of God

• A life grounded in reverence towards God leads to favor; Jesus exemplified this by growing in favor among people due to His awareness of God's authority.

• While grace covers sins, it should not be abused; true salvation requires genuine fear of God alongside repentance.

Reflection on Spiritual Stagnation

• Questions posed about personal stagnation challenge listeners to consider whether their lack of progress stems from insufficient reverence for God.

• Urges believers to reflect deeply on their lives before facing divine judgment, reinforcing the need for an authentic relationship with Christ.

Understanding the Fear of God

The Nature of the Fear of God

• The fear of God is not about being afraid; it’s about a deep awareness of His nature, leading to a refusal to live informally before Him.

• Biblical encounters with angels often invoke fear, highlighting the reverence that comes from experiencing God's glory in intimate moments.

• True fear of God involves understanding who He is and living in a way that reflects that understanding, avoiding an informal lifestyle.

Personal Testimony and Calling

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about being called to Stockton, emphasizing obedience to God's calling over personal preference for location.

• Despite challenges in Stockton, such as safety concerns, the speaker finds blessings and favor from God through obedience.

Key Insights on Prosperity and Obedience

• The essence of life isn’t found in ideal circumstances but in fearing God; this can lead to prosperity even in less desirable locations.

• Acknowledging God's presence allows for blessings beyond imagination, regardless of one’s situation or environment.

Criticism and Reputation

• Jesus exemplified unwavering integrity due to His fear of God; this led Him to fulfill God's will without fault or corruption.

• Believers should strive for good reputations among others so that their lives reflect respect for God.

Lifestyle Choices Reflecting Faith

• Living with the fear of God influences financial decisions and lifestyle choices, promoting responsible stewardship over resources.

• Emphasizing health as part of honoring one's body as a temple; personal experiences highlight the importance of maintaining physical well-being.

Conclusion: Spiritual Discipline

• The speaker encourages self-discipline regarding health and lifestyle choices as integral parts of spiritual life.

• Recognizes that some struggles may not be spiritual but rather linked to poor lifestyle habits.

Understanding the Body as a Temple

The Spiritual Connection to Physical Health

• Recognizing the body as a temple can invigorate one's spirit, especially during fasting periods, but it may challenge physical desires.

• Spiritual attacks often manifest through sleep disturbances, which are influenced by diet and daily routines.

• Personal experience shared about reducing energy drinks leading to improved sleep quality; highlights the impact of dietary choices on spiritual well-being.

Biblical Insights on Wisdom and Respect

• Reflecting on Jesus' lifestyle encourages consideration of how one treats their body; wisdom is rooted in reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10).

• Emphasizes that respect for leaders correlates with understanding divine guidance; those who fear God make wiser decisions.

Accountability and Decision-Making

• Acknowledges that poor life outcomes often stem from foolish decisions rather than external circumstances.

• Humorously critiques self-perception regarding failures, suggesting personal accountability is key to growth.

Seeking Divine Wisdom

• Encourages seeking God's wisdom for success; emphasizes that many fail due to lack of reverence for God.

• Highlights the importance of living not to impress others but to honor God, urging individuals to prioritize spiritual over material pursuits.

Jesus’ Example of Focused Purpose

• Jesus lived with intention, focusing on honoring His Father rather than seeking human approval or accolades.

• Critiques societal pressures that lead individuals into financial strain while trying to maintain appearances.

The Importance of Prioritizing Spiritual Over Material Success

• Discusses how superficial possessions do not equate to true value; warns against being misled by appearances.

• Jesus exemplified prioritizing divine purpose over popularity; He withdrew for prayer after performing miracles (Mark 1).

Responding to Disciples' Expectations

• Disciples sought Jesus for more miracles, yet He redirected focus towards spreading His message elsewhere.

• Illustrates Jesus’ commitment to fulfilling His mission over succumbing to public demand or praise.

Future Blessings and Opportunities

• Conveys belief in forthcoming blessings and opportunities from God, encouraging listeners not to let these distract them from their purpose.

Reflections on Personal Growth and Spiritual Discipline

The Role of Insecurity in Motivation

• The speaker reflects on the tendency to buy things for show, emphasizing that true victories come from silent struggles where God favors us.

• He shares his personal insecurities about fitness, admitting he rarely posts gym content due to feeling out of shape.

Exercise as a Means to Enjoy Life

• The speaker recounts exercising with friends who are physically fit, highlighting the contrast between their abilities and his own.

• He humorously describes indulging in tacos after working out, justifying it as a reward for his efforts over months of early morning workouts.

Finding Purpose in Disciplines

• The speaker clarifies that he does not enjoy going to the gym but sees it as necessary for health and spiritual growth.

• He emphasizes that some actions may not bring immediate pleasure but are essential for drawing closer to God.

Sacrifices for Spiritual Growth

• Discussing fasting, he mentions making dietary changes that may be unpleasant but are beneficial spiritually.

• He stresses the importance of doing things out of reverence for God, including social interactions and community involvement.

Engaging with Others Meaningfully

• The speaker encourages meaningful conversations within church communities rather than superficial interactions focused solely on fun.

• He challenges listeners to invite others into discussions about faith during social gatherings, reflecting Jesus' transformative influence on those around him.

Living with Intentionality

• The speaker notes that Jesus lived to honor His Father rather than seeking human approval; this should inspire how we live our lives.

• He highlights the need for Christians to be recognized by their faith even in casual settings, encouraging them to represent Christ authentically.

Embracing Challenges for Growth

• Reflecting on physical challenges like hiking, he acknowledges discomfort as part of growth while connecting it back to spiritual discipline.

• Finally, he points out that many valuable practices (like prayer or reading scripture), though sometimes tedious or boring, hold significant purpose and connection with God.

The Importance of Faith and Obedience

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Growth

• The speaker emphasizes that growth in faith communities is not merely due to events or concerts but rather the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as illustrated by a church growing to 3,000 members in one day.

Accountability Before God

• The speaker expresses a desire to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" from God on Judgment Day, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects one's best efforts in service to God.

Practical Steps for Reflecting God's Fear

• To live daily with reverence for God, priorities must shift; instead of fitting God into schedules, individuals should seek His guidance first thing each morning.

Daily Practices for Spiritual Connection

• The speaker suggests taking time each morning before daily activities to pray and express gratitude to God, ensuring that one's actions honor Him throughout the day.

Trusting God's Plan Amidst Uncertainty

• Encouragement is given to stop looking towards political leaders for hope; instead, trust in God's sovereignty over nations and circumstances is emphasized.

Obedience and Its Relationship with Fear of God

Understanding Obedience Through Parenting

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about parenting challenges with their child learning language and behavior, illustrating how children respond to authority and expectations.

Teaching Responsibility

• Emphasizes the importance of teaching children responsibility through simple tasks while recognizing their intelligence and ability to understand instructions.

Navigating Disobedience

• Discusses moments when children may ignore requests but highlights the need for patience and clear communication when guiding them toward obedience.

Parenting Approaches and Spiritual Insights

Gentle Parenting vs. Traditional Methods

• The speaker discusses the concept of gentle parenting, which suggests that children will behave well if explained to gently without yelling.

• The speaker humorously dismisses this idea, sharing personal experiences with his son and contrasting his approach with that of his wife, who is more tender in her methods.

• A specific incident is recounted where the child misbehaved, leading to a realization about the limits of gentle parenting when faced with challenging behavior.

Emotional Responses in Parenting

• The speaker expresses frustration over his child's behavior during an incident involving his pregnant wife, highlighting protective instincts as a parent.

• He emphasizes the importance of discipline and setting boundaries for children while also acknowledging emotional responses from both parents.

Spiritual Reflections on Life's Challenges

• The discussion shifts to spiritual themes, addressing how individuals can question God during difficult times but must remain obedient regardless of their emotions.

• The speaker reflects on God's plans being superior and encourages trust in divine wisdom even amidst suffering or loss.

Divine Blessings and Personal Responsibility

• Emphasizing that blessings are reserved for those who fear God, he urges listeners to focus on their relationship with God rather than comparing themselves to others who may not share their faith.

Call to Prayer and Community Engagement

• A call to action is made for prayer within the community, emphasizing reverence towards God and seeking His glory through collective worship.

• The speaker concludes by blessing the congregation and encouraging them to engage in prayer and fasting as a means of deepening their relationship with God.