SERMON SERIES | YEAR OF SABBATH-REST
RENEW
13/14 FEBRUARY 2021 | TRADITIONAL AND PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICES
Rev Raymond Fong
Scripture Passage:Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Today’s message is about finding the new, and being spiritually renewed and rested in God. We need daily spiritual strength to do what is right, walk and delight in God’s ways, make the right choices, love others and glorify God. How are we renewed with daily spiritual strength? Three key thoughts:
Turn to the right source – The source is more important than the expression of strength. There is the divine versus human source of strength. Divine strength has four qualities. First, the source is an everlasting God who is unchanging and not bound by time. He is always ahead of us and working out His wonderful purposes in His own time. We can trust and rest in His faithfulness. Second, God is the creator of everything and the giver of life. Third, God will not grow tired or weary, which means He is an inexhaustible source and always at work. Fourth, no one can fathom God’s understanding which means God has such a depth of wisdom which He promises us if we humbly seek and trust Him. (v28) We often cannot figure out life by reason; instead we submit to God by faith. God gives us His strength when we are weary. (v29) In contrast, the human source of strength will grow tired, stumble and fall. Even the vigour and strength of the young will fail (v 30). Do we find our strength in human ways or turn to God? We must turn to and remain in the right source for our spiritual strength.
Wait in hope – To renew our strength, we have to wait in hope and trust in God to act in His perfect timing. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. (v31) Waiting is what faith does before God shows up. (Ps 33:20; Isa 8:17) The right spiritual posture is one of actively waiting and trusting in God. This is the key to spiritual renewal. Trusting in God’s heart is the secret to true renewal.
Strength for every season – God promises a renewal which puts on afresh new strength every day. God gives us three types of strength. First, the strength to rise above the insurmountable and to soar on wings like eagles. (Ex. 19:4) The eagle can fly above the turbulent storm clouds and glide and rest its wings. Second, God gives us the strength to persevere through the exceptional - a strength to run and not grow weary, so that we can face the exceptional and challenging seasons of our lives. Third, the strength to remain faithful in the ordinary. This is a spiritual strength for our daily journey of faith. Ordinary everyday life can be draining and not easy at all. God gives us that strength to carry on, to walk and not faint.
What type of strength do you need today? The strength to rise above the insurmountable, to face the exceptional challenge or to be faithful in everyday life? God grants us that strength. May we be known as a people renewed and strong in the Lord.
(Sermon Notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Contrast the divine source of strength in God (v 28) and the human source (v 30). What are some notable differences?
2. Is it easy to wait in hope? If not, share the reasons.
3. If the posture of trust and hope in God is essential to renewal, how can one develop that daily posture?
4. How have you experienced God’s strength for every season? How did God see you through that season?
5. What is one area of your life where God’s renewing strength is needed? It may be a burden you are carrying, a concern you have, a relationship to mend. Share with and pray for each other to turn to God, rest, reflect and be renewed with His strength.