Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

My Times Are In His Hand | Pastor Daniel Batarseh | New Year’s Eve

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, January 1, 2023

Scripture References

Psalms 31:11-15John 10:28-29Revelation 2:9-10Acts 3:1-10Romans 4:19Romans 5:3-4John 21:20-23Philippians 1:21-22

Sermon Summary

In this New Year's Eve message, Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Psalm 31:15, encouraging believers that God controls the timing of trials, promotions, and deliverance. He challenges the church to dedicate the coming year to 'fruitful labor' for Christ's glory.

Key Takeaways

1Your life is not subject to blind fate or the whims of enemies; it is held securely by the sovereign hand of God.
2Every trial has a predetermined expiration date set by God for your testing and His glory.
3God often delays deliverance or promotion to build character (endurance) and to make the eventual testimony more powerful.
4The primary reason God preserves our lives on earth is for 'fruitful labor'—serving Him in ways that are only possible in a fallen world.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1In Psalm 31, David moves from describing his terror to declaring trust. How can we practically make that shift when we feel overwhelmed?
2Why is it significant that David said 'times' (plural) rather than just 'this time' is in God's hand?
3Consider the lame man in Acts 3. How does knowing that Jesus likely walked past him many times before his healing change your perspective on 'unanswered' prayer?
4Pastor Daniel noted that Saul and Solomon were given the kingdom on a 'silver platter' while David was ground in the fire. How have you seen 'the wilderness' produce character in your own life?
5What are some ways we can glorify God on earth that will be impossible to do once we are in heaven?
6When you think about the New Year, what does 'fruitful labor' look like specifically for you in your current season?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify a current trial and consciously release the 'timing' of its end to God, trusting His '10-day' limit.
Audit your goals for the New Year to ensure 'fruitful labor' for the Kingdom is a higher priority than personal vacations or home updates.
Refrain from comparing your 'promotion' or life stage to others, remembering Jesus' words: 'What is that to you? You follow Me.'
Write down a specific prayer or vow for the New Year regarding how you want to serve God, and keep it as a reminder of His faithfulness.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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