THE LINC COLLECTIVE

GET IN, WE’RE GOING FOR A RIDE – JARROD EDDER

Scriptures:
Matthew 6:25-33 NIV
John 14:26 NIV
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Psalm 34:4 NIV
Proverbs 29:18
Acts 2:17 NIV

Points:
1. Maturity is learning to be still in His presence (So you can hear Him clearly)
2. Maturity is learning to be secure in His will (Because it’s better than our will)
3. Maturity is learning to go by His Word (And not get distracted by our circumstances)
4. Maturity is learning to see things the same way God sees things (So we can see a victory)

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Are we truly seeking God first in our lives? This powerful message challenges us to examine our priorities and mature in our faith. Drawing from Matthew 6:25-34, we’re reminded not to worry about our basic needs, but to trust in God’s provision. The analogy of life as a car ride with God as the driver beautifully illustrates the need to surrender control and allow Him to guide our journey. We’re encouraged to be still in His presence, secure in His will, and go by His Word. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, we’re called to step out in faith, even when it seems impossible. By seeking God first and trusting Him completely, we open ourselves to His vision for our lives and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

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Seeking God First: A Journey of Faith and Maturity

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, forgetting to pause and reflect on what truly matters. But what if we were to shift our perspective and prioritize seeking God above all else? This simple yet profound concept has the power to transform our lives and deepen our faith in ways we never thought possible.

The journey of faith is often likened to a car ride, with God as the driver and us as the passengers. However, many of us struggle to relinquish control, attempting to grab the wheel or backseat drive our own lives. We may find ourselves treating God like a questionable Uber driver, doubting His direction and second-guessing His choices. But what if we were to truly let go and allow God to take the wheel of our lives?

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses this very issue, encouraging us not to worry about our basic needs. He reminds us that if God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more will He care for us, His beloved children? This passage serves as a powerful reminder that when we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, everything else will fall into place.

But what does it mean to seek God first, and how can we cultivate this practice in our lives? Here are four marks of maturity when seeking God that can guide us on this journey:

1. Learning to Be Still in His Presence
   In our noisy, busy world, finding moments of stillness can be challenging. Yet, it’s in these quiet moments that we can truly hear God’s voice and discern His will for our lives. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” When we take the time to quiet our hearts and minds, we create space for God to speak and move in our lives.
2. Learning to Be Secure in His Will
   God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Trusting in His will requires a level of maturity and faith that goes beyond our human understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we learn to be secure in God’s will, we can find peace even in the midst of uncertainty.
3. Going by His Word
   The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who stepped out in faith when God called them. From Jonah’s reluctant journey to Nineveh to Peter’s bold step onto the water, these stories remind us of the importance of obedience to God’s call. When we hear God speak, whether through His Word or the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit, we must have the courage to act on what we hear.
4. Learning to See Things the Way God Sees Them
   Developing spiritual vision is crucial for our growth as believers. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” When we align our perspective with God’s, we begin to see the world and our circumstances through His eyes. This shift in vision can dramatically impact how we live our lives and interact with those around us.

As we grow in these areas, we’ll find that our faith becomes more robust and our relationship with God deepens. We’ll begin to experience the truth of Psalm 34:4, which says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

This journey of seeking God first is not about having great faith, but rather having faith in a great God. N.T. Wright says: “It’s not great faith you need; it’s faith in a great God.”

So how can we practically apply these principles in our daily lives? Here are a few ways:

1. Set aside dedicated time each day for stillness and prayer.
2. Meditate on Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape your thoughts and actions.
3. Practice obedience in small things, building your faith muscle for bigger challenges.
4. Cultivate a vision for your life that aligns with God’s purposes.
5. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and support you on this journey.

The call to seek God first is not just a nice suggestion, but a vital key to living a life of purpose and fulfillment. It requires maturity, trust, and a willingness to let go of our own plans and agendas. But the rewards are immeasurable – a deeper relationship with our Father, a life filled with purpose and vision, and the joy of participating in God’s grand plan for the world.

When we seek Him first, we find that He is more than enough, and that in His presence, we have everything we need.

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Discussion Questions

1. How often do we truly seek God first in our lives, and what practical steps can we take to prioritize our relationship with Him?
2. How can we cultivate the maturity to be still in God’s presence, especially in a world full of distractions and noise?
3. What does it mean to be secure in God’s will, and how can we develop this security even when His plans don’t align with our own?
4. How can we discern between our own desires and God’s calling, especially when faced with challenging or uncomfortable situations like Jonah’s call to Nineveh?
5. In what areas of your life do you need to ‘get out of the boat’ like Peter and trust God’s call to step out in faith?
6. How can we develop a vision for our lives that aligns with God’s purposes, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?
7. What are some practical ways we can surrender control to God and allow Him to ‘take the wheel’ in our daily lives?
8. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in our lives?

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You, surrendering our lives to Your perfect will. Teach us to be still in Your presence, to trust in Your plans, and to walk by faith and not by sight. Help us seek You first in all that we do, knowing that You are faithful to provide for every need. Open our eyes to see things as You do, and give us the courage to follow where You lead, even when it seems impossible.

Lord, we relinquish control and place our trust in You, the true driver of our lives. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, guiding us in every step of our journey. Let us rest in Your promises, knowing that You will never leave us or forsake us. We give You all the praise, honor, and glory for what You are doing and will continue to do in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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