Sunday Morning’s Message: 14/7/24
Nick Jenkins
Objective:
To understand the vastness and creativity of God and how limiting Him to our expectations can hinder His work in and through our lives.
Leaders Note:
Pick and choose what part of this study fits your group.
Key verses
Psalm 19:1 (NIV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Genesis 1:25 (NIV) "God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."
Isaiah 55:9 (NIV) “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Matthew 9:17 (NIV) “Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
2 Kings 5:1-14 (NIV)- The story of Naaman's healing
Key Thoughts:
God’s Vastness and Creativity:
Psalm19:1- The universe declares God's glory.
Example of the Pillars of Creation - 7000 light years away, first photographed in 1995.
James Webb Space Telescope - Reveals the vastness of the universe in detail.
James Webb's Deep Field image.
God’sCreativity in Creation:
Genesis 1:25- God's creativity in making diverse creatures.
Examples of unique creatures:
Red-eyed tree frog, Axolotl, Pangolin, Mandarin duck, Peacock.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you perceive the vastness of God when considering the universe and creation?
2. In what ways might we be limiting God by putting Him in a "box"?
3. How can we be more flexible and open to God’s unexpected ways of moving in our lives?
4. Discuss a time when God moved in a way you didn’t expect. How did you respond?
5. Have there been times where we have been challenged or even offended by God’s ways?
6. How could our expectations act as an ‘old wineskin’ and limit a fresh move of God?
Reflection
Think about an image of the vast universe (Webbs first deep field image is a good one!) or a unique creature God has created. Reflect on how this image speaks to God's creativity and vastness. How does this change your perspective on your own life and expectations of God?
God’s Actions Can Be Challenging and Offensive
Unexpected Methods:
Jesus spitting and making mud to heal the blind man (John 9:6-7).
Elisha’s instructions to Naaman to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:1-14).
Offensive to Our Ego:
Sometimes God’s ways can challenge our pride and require humility.
Naaman initially refused the prophet's instructions out of pride, but his obedience led to healing.
Practical Applications:
1. Obey because He is Lord. He is friend but also King. If we call him Lord then we need to accept his Lordship.
2. Accept we might not understand: But we can trust we have a good God.
3. Engage Actively: Don't spectate from the sidelines; get involved in God’s work.
4. Step Out in Faith: Take practical steps to let God out of the box in your daily life.
Conclusion
God is vast, creative, and beyond our comprehension. He will often act in ways we can't predict or understand. To experience the fullness of life with God, we must expect the unexpected and be willing to step out in humility and faith, allowing God to move freely in our lives.
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