God's Appointments - Part 7
Joshua Daniel exhorts believers to move beyond a beggarly mindset and embrace their identity as heirs with faith, unlocking the inexhaustible treasures and conquering peace found in Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to move beyond a superficial faith and truly experience the inexhaustible treasures found in Christ. It calls for a transformation from a beggarly mindset to one of faith and sonship, seeking God's guidance to see His wonders and receive His salvation. The message encourages a prayerful approach to overcome feelings of hopelessness and embrace the conquering spirit that comes from faith in Jesus.
Full Transcript
It is just a stodgy, dreary walk. You don't know how I chastise myself. I say to myself, you have not even accomplished half your assignment.
There is no time to preen or to boast. Yes, how much more of my saviour do I need to explore? How much more of these treasures, inexhaustible treasures, I have to receive? Sometimes I feel like a beggar. An heir apparent to the throne, who walks around like a beggar.
That's how I describe many of our modern Christian products. Beggars, sick in heart and mind, jaded and drooping. But with a Bible in their hands and not in their hearts.
Don't you be like that. God has appointed beauty for ashes. That's the work of his spirit.
Nobody can annihilate it. Let us pray. Let us tell God, Oh God, ashes around me, ashes within me.
Little hope, little expectation. Forgive me Lord Jesus. I want to confer with you.
Oh Lord, my mind and heart are only at the human reasoning level. I don't see those inexhaustible treasures in Christ. Open my eyes.
Take away this beggarly nature. Give me the heart of a son and a daughter. Give me faith Lord Jesus.
What a wonderful savior. Who appoints our walls as salvation. Lord, your salvation.
No one can demolish that. Give us such faith. And the perfect peace that accompanies that faith.
Help us Lord, help us. Let us not recede or retreat into a small corner. Oh, give to us a conquering spirit.
Conquering in the name of the one who has won total victory. Oh, give us faith. Lift us, dear Lord, lift us.
We ask in Jesus' holy name. Amen. And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of God, the fellowship and power of the Holy Spirit, rest on you beloved people.
Amen.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Recognizing the superficial and beggarly nature of modern Christian faith
- The need to explore deeper spiritual treasures in Christ
- Self-examination and chastisement for spiritual complacency
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II
- God’s promise to appoint beauty for ashes through His Spirit
- Praying for transformation from human reasoning to spiritual revelation
- Asking God to remove the beggarly mindset and grant faith as sons and daughters
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III
- The assurance of salvation as a protective wall appointed by God
- The peace that accompanies faith in Jesus’ victory
- Praying for a conquering spirit and perseverance in faith
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IV
- Encouragement to not retreat but to stand firm in faith
- Invoking the grace, love, fellowship, and power of the Holy Spirit
- Closing prayer for spiritual strength and peace
Key Quotes
“Sometimes I feel like a beggar. An heir apparent to the throne, who walks around like a beggar.” — Joshua Daniel
“God has appointed beauty for ashes. That's the work of his spirit.” — Joshua Daniel
“Give me the heart of a son and a daughter. Give me faith Lord Jesus.” — Joshua Daniel
Application Points
- Examine your heart to identify any beggarly attitudes and ask God to transform them.
- Pray daily for the Spirit to open your eyes to the spiritual treasures in Christ.
- Stand firm in faith and claim the peace and victory Jesus has won for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a beggarly mindset in faith?
It refers to believers who live with little expectation and faith, acting like spiritual beggars despite being heirs to God’s promises.
How can believers move beyond superficial faith?
By seeking God’s Spirit to open their eyes to the inexhaustible treasures in Christ and embracing their identity as sons and daughters with faith.
What role does prayer play in this transformation?
Prayer is essential to confess spiritual barrenness, ask for faith, and receive the peace and conquering spirit that comes from God.
What is the significance of 'beauty for ashes'?
It symbolizes God’s power to transform despair and hopelessness into joy and victory through His Spirit.
How does faith bring peace according to the sermon?
Faith in Jesus’ victory provides perfect peace that guards the heart and mind, enabling believers to overcome fear and discouragement.