Jeremy Utley - Perplexed? Don't Despair!

Jeremy UtleyApril 24, 202320mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Perplexed? Don't Despair! Date: 04/23/2023 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that Christians should not despair when perplexed, as perplexity is a normal part of the Christian life. Instead of focusing on knowing the future, believers should focus on receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to be God's witnesses in every circumstance. God allows perplexing situations so that we learn to lean on Him and walk by faith, not by sight.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Power over future knowledgeWhen the disciples asked Jesus if he was restoring the kingdom at that time, Jesus told them it was not for them to know the future, but promised they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses.

Embracing the fog of uncertaintyJust because we see God does not mean our path is crystal clear, and being perplexed is a normal part of the Christian life designed to make us lean on Him.

The Apostle Paul was perplexedThe Apostle Paul experienced affliction and perplexity in earthen vessels so that the surpassing power would belong to God and not to human strength.2 Corinthians 4:7

Where should we expend our energy?Instead of wasting mental energy trying to predict the future, we should focus on growing in our reverence and fear of the Lord.

Smiling at the future as a test of fearing GodA simple test of whether we fear God is whether our inward posture smiles at the future and the present, trusting the One who holds it all.

Joy in His presence todayWhile God holds the future path of life, His presence offers us fullness of joy and pleasures in His hand right now in the present.Psalm 16:11

I know not, but God knowsAnnie Johnson Flint's poem reminds us that we may not know or see the way ahead, but God knows, God can act, and we can rest in His care.

Conclusion: God is with us in every circumstancePerplexity simply means we are human, but God has promised to give us His Spirit and enable us to see Him in every confusing circumstance.

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Jeremy Utley - Perplexed? Don't Despair!

Jeremy Utley · April 24, 2023 · 20m

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