Tensions: The Present & The Promise

Scripture References: Exodus 7-10; Genesis 11-12; Jonah 2; Ephesians 5; Isaiah 51:1-3

Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Don't Settle: Faith Beyond Compromise)

• Analogy: New family members highlight existing family norms. Radiant Church values authenticity ("real"), but honesty isn't enough.
• Today's Tension: Holding our present reality (struggles, weaknesses) alongside God's promises (freedom, restoration). Authenticity without resignation.

Key Points:

1. Hold the Tension: Present Reality & Future Promise:
   • We must be honest about where we are, including sin and shortcomings.
   • But authenticity doesn't mean settling there. We must also contend for God's promises for freedom, transformation, and fullness.
   • Examples: Church name "Radiant" points to future hope (Eph 5); David's Psalms often move from distress to trust; Jonah prayed from inside the fish, acknowledging distress but affirming God's salvation.
2. Faith Refuses to Settle in Disappointment (Abraham):
   • Abraham's father, Terah, stopped short of the Promised Land in Haran ("dry place," "small fruit"), likely due to grief and disappointment (Gen 11).
   • God called Abraham out of that place. Abraham refused to settle, demonstrating faith's forward movement toward God's promise (Gen 12, Isa 51). Faith won't stay stuck.
3. Faith Resists Compromise (Moses vs. Pharaoh - Exodus 7-10):
   • The Christian life is a fight against an adversary who tempts us to settle.
   • Pharaoh, realizing he couldn't stop Israel entirely, offered compromises: 
     1. Worship in the land (compromise with bondage).
     2. Go, but not too far (compromise commitment/passion).
     3. Go, but only the men (compromise community/mission).
     4. Go, but leave flocks/herds (compromise worship/sacrifice).
   • Moses refused every compromise, demanding full obedience to God's call: "Let my people go!"
4. Apply Today: Recognize & Refuse Satan's Tactics:
   • The enemy uses similar strategies to make us settle today: accept ongoing sin ("chains"), limit dedication ("don't go too far"), isolate faith ("keep it personal"), neglect worship/sacrifice.
   • We must identify these lies and refuse to settle for a small, compromised, ineffective faith.

Conclusion:

• Faith is an active refusal to settle for less than God's full promise, whether due to disappointment or the enemy's temptations.
• It means pursuing freedom, going "all-in" with God, bringing others along, and living a full life of worship. Refuse smallness!

Call to Action:

• Identify areas in your life where you have settled for less than God's best – accepting bondage, limiting commitment, isolating faith, or neglecting worship.
• Choose today to refuse those compromises.
• Stand (physically or in your heart) and declare your commitment: "I will go as far as God calls me to go. I will go chain-free. I will go with as many people as possible. I will live a life of worship. I refuse a small life. I accept all God has for me."

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