Francis Chan: New Canaan Society 2013

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message challenges believers to re-examine their approach to spiritual decisions, particularly in regards to obedience to God's commands. The speaker emphasizes the importance of assuming action and obeying God's instructions without waiting for a direct word from Him. This requires a shift in mindset, moving from a place of doubt and skepticism to one of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

Key Scripture References

• Haggai 1:4-9 - The prophet Haggi confronts the people for building their own homes while neglecting to rebuild the Temple. This passage highlights the double standard often applied when it comes to spiritual decisions, where we require direct instruction from God for matters of faith but not for personal desires.
• Haggai 1:4-9 - The speaker notes that Haggi's words are a call to obedience and action, rather than seeking direct guidance. This passage serves as a model for believers to follow in their own lives, assuming responsibility for spiritual decisions and actions.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - This passage emphasizes the importance of Scripture as a guide for life and faith. The speaker notes that while we may not always understand God's ways, obedience to His commands is essential for growth in Christ.
• Matthew 6:33 - Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather than being consumed by earthly desires. This passage serves as a reminder that our priorities should be centered on spiritual pursuits, not material wealth or status.
• Philippians 3:7-10 - Paul's words on counting everything as loss for the sake of Christ serve as a powerful example of what it means to prioritize eternal things over temporal ones. The speaker notes that this mindset is essential for living a life that is truly pleasing to God.
• Matthew 13:44-46 - Jesus teaches about the value of finding the kingdom of heaven, which is likened to discovering a treasure in a field. This passage serves as a reminder that our pursuit of spiritual things should be driven by a desire for intimacy with Christ and a willingness to surrender all else.

Key Takeaways

• Believers are called to assume responsibility for spiritual decisions, rather than waiting for direct guidance from God.
• Obedience to God's commands is essential for growth in Christ and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
• The pursuit of eternal things should be our primary focus, with material wealth and status taking a secondary role.
• True intimacy with Christ requires surrendering all else, including earthly desires and possessions.

Application

This message challenges believers to re-examine their approach to spiritual decisions and prioritize obedience to God's commands. It encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather than being consumed by earthly desires. As we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, we must be willing to surrender all else, including material wealth and status, in pursuit of eternal things.