In the Beginning, God...
This sermon emphasizes the importance of putting God first in every aspect of life, trusting in His intervention and guidance, and aligning one's plans with His will.
E.A. Adeboye preaches on the importance of putting God first in every aspect of our lives, drawing from Genesis 1:1-5 to illustrate how God brings order to chaos. He emphasizes the need to be transparent before God, exposing our faults and weaknesses to Him, and trusting His plan even when we don't understand it. By seeking God's counsel and allowing Him to direct our paths, we can experience His transformative power and see obstacles disappear in His presence.
Text
MEMORISE: 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.' (Gen 1:1)
READ: Genesis 1:1-5
Today's text reveals certain things I believe will be a blessing to you. After introducing God at the very beginning, it talks about the problems of the earth - formless, empty and dark. Then the spirit of God swings into action and begins to bring order into a chaotic situation. This new year, learn to put God first in everything you do. Before leaving home for work, school or church, spend time with God. As you enter each week, commit it into his hands. Before you take any decision, major or minor, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:6).
The earth stood before God just as it was. It did not hide its many problems. Do not try to hide anything from Him. Whether you tell Him or not, He already knows anyway. So expose all your secret faults, fears and weaknesses to Him. The earth yielded to the Spirit and it had good tales to tell thereafter. Yield yourself to Him and let Him work out His plan in your life. The Spirit of God will work in you only with your consent. You may not understand what He is doing or how He is doing it. Yet trust Him for the best. In the end, you will appreciate it.
When God is first, that means every situation, problem or challenge that comes your way will first confront Him instead of you. Any problem or mountain that comes in contact with God will disappear into nothingness. Besides, when you put God first in your life this year, all your godly desires will flow to you.
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall stand' (Prov 19:21). Not all the plans you have should be carried out. It is only when they are presented to God for proper vetting, not just approval, that His searchlight will refashion them into what they should be, revealing which ones you should execute, and when and how. A major handicap for Christians is their inability to understand the workings of the spirit and where He is leading in every circumstance, pleasant or otherwise. But as long as He is with you, He is working out something good for you in the New Year.
ACTION POINT
Ask God to help you to start each day with him
and to order your steps throughout 2004
Sermon Outline
- The State of the Earth
- Formless, empty, and dark
- The need for God's intervention
Key Quotes
“When God is first, that means every situation, problem or challenge that comes your way will first confront Him instead of you.” — E.A. Adeboye
“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall stand' (Prov 19:21).” — E.A. Adeboye
“Ask God to help you to start each day with him and to order your steps throughout 2004.” — E.A. Adeboye
Application Points
- Spend time with God before leaving home for work, school, or church, and commit each day into His hands.
- Expose your weaknesses to God and trust Him to work out His plan in your life.
- Present your plans to God for proper vetting and refashioning.