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Exodus #5
Sermon Summary
Kristie's sermon emphasises the themes of identity and belonging in Christ, exploring how God commissions and rescues His people, inviting them to trust Him fully while highlighting the significance of the Tabernacle and the transformative power of Jesus' presence among us.
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In this sermon, Kristie explored the themes of identity, trust, and spiritual growth through the stories of Moses and the Hebrews. We began by examining the question, "Who does God say you are?" and how Moses' identity and confidence were shaped by his relationship with God. We then reflected on the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt and how their journey was a process of learning to trust and worship God.
The sermon also highlighted the significance of the tabernacle and temple as visible dwellings of God's presence, culminating in Jesus, who "tabernacled" among us. We are reminded that as believers, we are new creations in Christ, called to live in unity and maturity, equipped by the Holy Spirit for ministry. The wilderness experiences in our lives are opportunities for growth, where we learn to rely on God's strength and sufficiency. Finally, we are encouraged to reflect on our personal journey with God, asking ourselves where we need to grow and how we can trust Him more deeply.
Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Understanding who God says we are is foundational to our faith journey. Like Moses, our identity is not defined by our past or our abilities but by our relationship with God. Embracing our identity in Christ means recognizing that we are new creations, called to live out our purpose with confidence and trust in Him.
2. Trust and Reliance on God: The story of the Hebrews' deliverance from Egypt teaches us about the importance of trusting God in every aspect of our lives. True trust involves surrendering our self-sufficiency and relying on God's guidance and provision. We are invited to examine areas where God may be calling us to trust Him in new and deeper ways.
3. The Presence of God: The tabernacle and temple were physical representations of God's presence among His people. Today, through Jesus, God dwells within us, making us His living temple. This profound truth calls us to live in awareness of His presence, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us in our daily lives.
4. Growth in the Wilderness: Wilderness experiences, though challenging, are opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity. In these times, we are invited to seek God's character, listen to His voice, and embrace His promises. Growth through pain is not about celebrating the pain itself but recognizing how it draws us closer to God and reveals His character.
5. Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ: As members of God's household, we are called to live in unity and maturity, building each other up in love. The gifts of the Spirit equip us for ministry, helping us grow into the full stature of Christ. Reflecting on our personal and communal growth, we are encouraged to pursue unity and maturity, allowing God's Spirit to work through us for His glory.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Trusting God in New Ways
Scripture:
Exodus 29:42-46
For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. “So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Just as God rescued the Hebrews from Egypt, He has delivered us from sin and death through Jesus. The Israelites were called to trust God as they journeyed through the wilderness. In our own wilderness experiences, God may be inviting us to trust Him in new ways.
Take a moment to reflect on your own story of rescue. What burdens has He lifted from your shoulders? How has He transformed your life?
Remember that God desires to dwell among us, just as He did with the Israelites in the Tabernacle. He is present in our wilderness, offering us strength and comfort.
Reflection:
Are there areas in your life where you feel challenged to step out in faith? What is He asking you to let go of, and what new thing is He inviting you to embrace?
Prayer:
Lord, as I navigate my wilderness experiences, grant me the courage to trust You in new ways. Help me to see Your hand at work in my life and to embrace the growth that comes through challenges. May I find my identity and belonging in You, knowing that You are always with me. Amen.
Day 2: Trusting God in Every Season
Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The story of the Hebrews' deliverance from Egypt teaches us about the importance of trusting God in every aspect of our lives. True trust involves surrendering our self-sufficiency and relying on God's guidance and provision. The Hebrews faced numerous challenges and uncertainties as they journeyed through the wilderness, yet each step was an opportunity to learn to trust in God's faithfulness and provision. Their journey reminds us that trust is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to rely on God's strength and wisdom.
In our own lives, we are often faced with situations that test our faith and challenge our self-reliance. It is in these moments that we are invited to surrender our fears and anxieties to God, trusting that He is working all things for our good. Trusting God means acknowledging our limitations and choosing to lean on His infinite wisdom and love. As we cultivate a heart of trust, we find peace and assurance in knowing that God is with us, guiding us through every season of life.
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Reflect on past experiences where God has been faithful to you. How does that make you feel?
Prayer:
Lord, I ask you to reveal areas in my life where I am relying on my own strength rather than Yours. I pray for the willingness to surrender these areas to You. Thank You for your provision and faithfulness! I ask for increased trust in Your plans for my future. Amen
Day 3: Living as God's Dwelling Place
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
'Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The tabernacle and temple were physical representations of God's presence among His people. Today, through Jesus, God dwells within us, making us His living temple. This profound truth calls us to live in awareness of His presence, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us in our daily lives. The presence of God is not confined to a building or a specific location but is with us wherever we go, empowering us to live out our faith with boldness and grace.
As believers, we are called to be carriers of God's presence, reflecting His love and truth to the world around us. This means living with a constant awareness of His Spirit within us, allowing His presence to shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. When we recognise that we are God's dwelling place, we are inspired to live lives that honour Him, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do,
Reflection:
How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? What changes might this awareness inspire in your actions and attitudes?
Reflect on moments when you have felt distant from God.
Prayer:
God I Invite you to make me more aware of your presence in my daily life. I Pray for a heightened sensitivity to Your Spirit dwelling within me. I pray to draw closer to You Jesus, help me live in constant awareness of your presence. Amen.
Day 4: Growing Through Wilderness Experiences
Scripture:
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. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11....
Devotional:
Wilderness experiences, though challenging, are opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity. In these times, we are invited to seek God's character, listen to His voice, and embrace His promises. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness was marked by trials and testing, yet it was also a time of profound transformation and dependence on God. These experiences teach us that growth through pain is not about celebrating the pain itself but recognizing how it draws us closer to God and reveals His character.
In our own wilderness seasons, we are given the chance to deepen our faith and reliance on God. These times of testing refine our character and strengthen our trust in His promises. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us through the desert places and leading us into His promises. Embracing the wilderness as a place of growth allows us to emerge stronger and more resilient in our faith.
Reflection:
What current challenge or trial can you view as an opportunity for growth? How might God be using this experience to draw you closer to Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray for the ability to see wilderness experiences as opportunities for growth. I ask you God to reveal your character and promises to me during challenging times. As I reflect on any current struggles, I ask you to use them to draw me closer to You and deepen my faith. Amen
Day 5: Pursuing Unity and Maturity in Christ
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:11-13
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
As members of God's household, we are called to live in unity and maturity, building each other up in love. The gifts of the Spirit equip us for ministry, helping us grow into the full stature of Christ. . The early church exemplified the pursuit of unity, as believers came together to support and encourage one another in their faith journeys. As we allow God's Spirit to work through us for His glory, we will see maturity and unity in our lives and church.
In our own communities, we are invited to foster an environment of love and support, where each member is valued and encouraged to grow in their gifts and calling. Unity in the body of Christ is not about uniformity but about celebrating our diversity and working together for the common goal of glorifying God. As we pursue maturity in our faith, we are called to build each other up, encouraging one another to live out our faith with integrity and purpose.
Reflection:
How can you contribute to the unity and maturity of your faith community? What specific actions can you take to encourage and support others in their spiritual growth?
Do you know of any divisions or conflicts that need unity and reconciliation?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit I pray for a spirit of unity within our church and community. May You help me build others up in love and work towards harmony. I ask You God for the wisdom and humility to pursue reconciliation and peace where there is conflict and division. Amen
Day 6: Jesus Wilderness Experience
Scripture:
Luke 4:1-2
'Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Jesus was tempted to prove His identity through miraculous acts. Yet, He responded with Scripture, affirming that His identity was rooted in His relationship with the Father. In our own lives, we often face pressures to define ourselves by our achievements, possessions, or the opinions of others. Remember that you are His beloved child, created in His image, and called to a purpose that transcends worldly definitions.
The wilderness can feel isolating, much like the moments when we question our confidence and reliance on God. Jesus demonstrated complete trust in the Father, resisting the temptation to act independently. Are you leaning on your own understanding, or are you placing your confidence in God? Consider areas in your life where you might need to surrender self-sufficiency and embrace reliance on Him.
Reflection:
Spend a few moments in silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you. What is He revealing about your identity, your confidence, and your journey of trust? Who does God say you are? Write down any thoughts or insights that come to mind.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your presence in our lives. Help us to remember who You say I am - Your beloved child. In moments of doubt and temptation, remind me to lean on You and not my own understanding. Thank You for rescuing me from my past and for the new life I have in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Day 7: Embracing Our God-Given Identity
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Understanding who God says we are is foundational to our faith journey. Like Moses, our identity is not defined by our past or our abilities but by our relationship with God. Embracing our identity in Christ means recognizing that we are new creations, called to live out our purpose with confidence and trust in Him. When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he was reminded that his worth and mission were not based on his past failures or his perceived inadequacies but on God's calling and presence in his life. Similarly, as believers, we are invited to see ourselves through the lens of God's truth, allowing His words to shape our self-perception and purpose.
In Christ, we are not bound by the limitations of our past or the labels the world may place on us. Instead, we are called to live as new creations, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the unique purpose God has for each of us. This identity in Christ is not static but dynamic, inviting us to continually grow and mature in our understanding of who we are in Him. As we embrace this identity, we find the courage to step into the roles and responsibilities God has prepared for us, trusting that He will equip us for every good work.
Reflection:
What past labels or failures do you need to release to fully embrace your identity in Christ today?
Prayer:
Heavenly father, I ask You to reveal who You say I am. I pray for clarity and understanding of my identity as a new creation in Christ. I surrender any areas where I may have defined myself by past mistakes or limitations. I ask you God to help me see myself through Your eyes. Amen.
