Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Man

Opening Scripture

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.’”
Jeremiah 17:5,7 (NKJV)

The Danger of Trusting in Man

Trusting in people or in our own abilities can lead to disappointment, failure, and even spiritual ruin. The Bible warns that when we rely on human strength alone, we place ourselves in a cursed position. People are flawed, limited, and prone to making mistakes. Even our own wisdom and confidence can mislead us if they are not rooted in God’s truth.

The Blessing of Trusting in God

On the other hand, those who trust in the Lord are blessed. God is unchanging, all-powerful, and always faithful. He sees the full picture of our lives and guides us according to His perfect plan. When we depend on Him, we receive security, peace, and strength that no human effort can provide.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Seeking God’s Presence for Guidance

God desires to lead us, but we must make the effort to seek Him. Prayer and time in His Word allow us to hear His voice clearly. The enemy will try to keep us distracted and distant from God because he knows that when we are close to the Lord, we gain strength and discernment to overcome temptation and hardship.

God’s Plan Requires Cooperation

God has a purpose for each of us, but we must be willing to follow His process. Sometimes, His guidance requires patience, faith, and endurance. The enemy tries to fight our prayer life because he knows that through prayer, we receive wisdom, direction, and power to resist his attacks.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Stillness before God allows us to hear His voice and understand His plan. If we rush ahead without waiting on Him, we risk stepping outside of His will.

The Power of Obedience and Faith

True success comes from walking in obedience to God. Those who yield to His Spirit experience divine blessings and provision. The Bible shows countless examples of people who trusted God, obeyed His direction, and saw miraculous breakthroughs.

When we prioritize God over material things and personal ambition, He provides all we need. This requires faith, but God always rewards those who diligently seek Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Final Encouragement: Trust in God’s Hands

Like clay in the hands of the potter, we must allow God to shape our lives. If we harden our hearts and resist His molding, we risk becoming useless in His plan. But if we remain humble, willing, and obedient, He will make us into vessels of honor.

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV)

Let’s make the decision today to trust in God completely, seek His presence daily, and obey His voice, knowing that His way is always best.

Live a Life Pleasing to God

Opening Scripture:

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” – Revelation 1:3

Be Transformed by Renewing Your Mind

Paul starts by urging us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is true worship. We should not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. By doing this, we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

Paul tells us not to think of ourselves more highly than we should but to think of ourselves with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of us. We are all part of one body in Christ, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
— Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)

Serving God with Our Gifts

Paul lists several gifts and encourages us to use them to serve God and others:

  • Prophesying: If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.
  • Serving: If it is serving, then serve.
  • Teaching: If it is teaching, then teach.
  • Encouraging: If it is to encourage, then give encouragement.
  • Giving: If it is giving, then give generously.
  • Leading: If it is to lead, do it diligently.
  • Showing Mercy: If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Each of us has been given unique gifts by God. Using these gifts is not only a way to serve others but also a way to honor God. By utilizing our talents and abilities, we contribute to the growth and health of the body of Christ.

Love in Action

Paul gives us practical advice on how to live out our faith:

  • Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
  • Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
  • Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
  • Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
  • Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Blessing and Living in Harmony

Paul instructs us to bless those who persecute us and not to curse them. We should rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. We should live in harmony with one another and not be proud but willing to associate with people of low position. We should not be conceited.

Overcoming Evil with Good

We are to repay no one evil for evil. Instead, we should be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on us, we should live at peace with everyone. We should not take revenge but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Instead, if our enemy is hungry, we should feed him; if he is thirsty, we should give him something to drink. By doing this, we will heap burning coals on his head. We should not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Giving Link:

https://cash.app/$Band0fBrothers

Spiritual Growth and Service

Opening Scripture

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” – 1 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV

Tonight’s Message

In our journey of faith, it’s essential to focus on growing closer to God, mirroring Jesus’ life as described in Luke 2:52,

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – Luke 2:52 NKJV

This growth involves a conscious effort to lay aside the weights of sin and earnestly seek spiritual maturity through God’s Word, prayer, and humble service to others.

Shedding the Weights That Hold Us Back

Spiritual growth starts with identifying and removing the hindrances that slow us down. Sinful habits like malice, deceit, and envy act as heavy burdens that prevent us from running our race with ease. By seeking the pure milk of the Word, we find the nourishment needed to shed these weights and grow stronger in our faith.

Walking as Jesus Did

Jesus’ life provides the perfect blueprint for growing in wisdom and favor. He dedicated Himself to serving others, teaching humility, and showing us the importance of prayer. By following His example, we learn to look beyond our desires, focusing on the needs of those around us and serving them with a pure heart.

Investing in Relationships Through Prayer

Our relationships, especially in marriage, thrive when we place God at the center. Praying for our future spouses or current partners, and seeking God’s wisdom in our interactions, paves the way for relationships rooted in mutual respect and love. By renewing our minds with biblical truths, we foster connections that reflect God’s love and grace.

Serving Others: The Key to Growth

Humility and Service

Jesus taught us the profound lesson of humility and service when He washed the disciples’ feet. This act reminds us that greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by our willingness to serve. Growing in favor with God and men involves lowering ourselves to lift others, addressing their needs with empathy and love.

Building Dependable Relationships

Being dependable and supportive in our relationships directs us towards a life of service. By prioritizing others’ well-being and guiding them with their best interests at heart, we not only grow in favor with people but also reflect Jesus’ love and compassion in our daily lives.

Conclusion: The Journey of Growth

Spiritual growth is a journey marked by continuous learning, serving, and evolving in our relationship with God and those around us. By laying aside sin, immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and embodying Jesus’ humility and service, we embark on a path that leads to wisdom, stature, and favor with both God and man. Let’s commit to this journey, one step at a time, knowing that each act of service and prayer brings us closer to the heart of God.

Giving Link:

https://cash.app/$Band0fBrothers