What's God Really Like? Wrestling with God | Greg Ford
MESSAGE NOTES
Wrestling with God
"In many cases, incompetence does not leave people disoriented, perplexed, or cautious. Instead, the incompetent are often blessed with an inappropriate confidence, buoyed by something that feels to them like knowledge.” - David Dunning
[I Corinthians 4:1]
…you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.
[Colossians 2:2-3]
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
[Ephesians 1:9]
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.
[Ephesians 3:4]
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
[Ephesians 3:9]
I was chosen to explain to everyone[a] this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
[Ephesians 6:19-20]
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
[Matthew 7:7-8]
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
[Matthew 7:7]
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
[Matthew 14:30-33]
When he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
[Matthew 21:21-22]
Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.
[Matthew 28:16-17]
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
[James 1:5-8]
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
[Jude 1:22]
And have mercy on those who doubt;
[Mark 9:22-24]
“…Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” 23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
-What was your biggest takeaway from this weekend’s message?
-Where do you need to explore mysteries, questions and doubt in your faith journey?
-How does one truly receive God’s Grace?
-As you think about action steps, how can we practically apply this message content in our lives this week?