God Can Solve It

Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 55:6-9 (KJV) 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 8:5-13 (KJV) 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

10 When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Rubrik Cube History

The Rubik's Cube was invented in 1974 by Hungarian architecture professor and sculptor Ernő Rubik. Release in stores 1980

Actor:

Will Smith: Chris Gardner

Brain Howe: Jay Twistle

Doubt (Scene Before)

“You can’t do it no one can”

This problem just came out. I have never seen anyone solve it before. Just because you haven’t seen it done before, does not mean it can’t be done.

“You really mess it up”

Can you do this life on your own? Do you know what you are doing?

“It looks like it works around a swivel”

Here is the Holy Spirit trying to show you how it works.

You have nothing to say, because you don’t know what he is saying. You pretend to know what he is saying

“I don’t believe you can do this”

Doubt is still on your mind, even while your miracle is being performed right before you.

“See that’s all I ever do”

We are comparing the work of God to what we do. Just because you can’t do it, does not mean it can’t be done

“You almost have this side”

Know that God has your attention. Praise is given based on God’s progress, rather than his ability to solve the whole thing.

“You almost had that one”

A sound of doubt trying to come back in. “I’m gonna get it” God has to still remind us that he has it

Action: God has to point at what he has already done to stir your faith “Look at that”

“You are almost there”

your mind is now in amazement that it’s even done.

Demonstrate Solve

When Faith Meets Power: The Solutions God Provides

Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:20, Isaiah 55:6–9, Matthew 8:5–13

Summary: This theme centers on the dynamic intersection of faith and divine capability. Ephesians illustrates that God's power exceeds human comprehension, while Isaiah invites us to turn to God, transcending our limitations. The healing of the centurion's servant in Matthew serves as a practical example of how faith empowers our relationship with God, prompting divine action in our lives.

Application: This sermon serves to encourage believers to cultivate a strong faith that actively seeks God's intervention in their lives. It reminds them that trusting in God's ability is essential when faced with life's challenges, motivating them to approach God with boldness, believing that He can and will respond.

Teaching: The teaching encourages deepening one's faith as an active force in accessing God's solutions. By examining scriptural examples, the congregation learns that true faith is aligned with a trust in God's superior wisdom and might, which leads to tangible results in their lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In exploring how Jesus exemplified God's authority and compassion, the sermon connects individual faith to Christ's actions. His miracles, including the healing in Matthew 8, reflect God’s nature as one who desires to heal, restore, and resolve our struggles, showing that faith in Him invites divine solutions.

Big Idea: Faith in God's limitless power unlocks the solutions He provides for our deepest struggles, encouraging us to boldly seek His help in all areas of our lives.

Recommended Study: While preparing this sermon, consider diving into the historical context surrounding the centurion’s faith in Matthew using Logos to understand Roman attitudes towards Jewish beliefs. Delve into the theological implications of divine sovereignty in Ephesians and its connection to human faith. Exploring commentaries on Isaiah may also reveal how seeking the Lord leads to genuine encounters with His character and provision.

1. Exceeding Our Expectations

Ephesians 3:20

Perhaps you could begin by highlighting Ephesians 3:20, where Paul affirms God's ability to exceed our expectations and prayers. This point should emphasize relying on God's vast, incomprehensible power. An invitation is issued to trust in His sovereignty, stirring confidence in His capacity to handle our deepest needs. Discussion may include how understanding God's might encourages a lifestyle of active faith and perseverance.

2. Embracing His Mercy

Isaiah 55:6-7

You could explore Isaiah 55:6-7 where the prophet implores us to seek God and abandon wickedness, focusing on repentance as a gateway to divine solutions. This point might emphasize turning towards God's ways and confessing our limitations. It invigorates believers with hope that God's mercy and redemption are accessible when we wholeheartedly seek Him, making faith a guiding principle in difficult times.

3. Elevating Our Perspective

Isaiah 55:8-9

Maybe you can delve into Isaiah 55:8-9's assertion of God's higher thoughts and ways, challenging congregants to trust His wisdom over their own. This point suggests that embracing God's superior understanding can help us submit our struggles to Him, knowing He orchestrates solutions far beyond human planning. Faith is reinforced as a means of aligning with His greater purposes, especially when our understanding falters.

4. Acknowledging His Authority

Matthew 8:5-9

Consider examining the scenario of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-9, where his humility and recognition of Jesus’ authority unlock healing. This point demonstrates how acknowledging Jesus’ power, coupled with humility, can evoke divine intervention. It might inspire a faith that recognizes both our limitations and God's ultimate authority, cultivating genuine reverence and reliance on Christ's ability to transform situations.

5. Anticipating His Response

Matthew 8:10-13

You could conclude with Matthew 8:10-13, where Jesus praises the centurion's faith, which resulted in healing. This suggests that extraordinary faith, beyond cultural or religious confines, invites miraculous response. The lesson could center on emulating a pure, unwavering trust in Christ, motivating believers to approach Him with bold requests, confident in His desire to provide and solve life's complexities.