God’s Path to Our Potential

GOD’S PATH TO OUR POTENTIAL

Matthew 4:18-20

Matthew 4:18-20, ¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.

How Jesus Helped His Disciples Win the Battle of Becoming

1. He taught them to see and to seize their God-given significance.
2. He taught them God’s plan for being heart helpers to each other.
3. He taught them God’s pathway into fulfilled potential.

God’s Road Signs on the Pathway into Our Potential

1. It should feel enjoyable.
2. It will require endurance.
3. It must fully equip.

James 1:2-4, ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 8:14-15 (NLT), ¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:19 (NLT), For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.

Resisting Potential Robbers (Genesis 12:1-3)

Genesis 12:1-3, ¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. ² “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  ³ I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

1. Cultural Norms

Genesis 12:1, The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from  your country . . .

Ephesians 2:3, All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

1 John 3:10, This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

1. Peer Pressure

Genesis 12:1, . . . Go from your country, your people . . .

1. Our Father’s Failings

Genesis 12:1, The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from . . . your father’s household . . .

Matthew 16:17, Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

Overcoming Potential Robbers:

• Prayer (Ephesians 1:17-19)
• Planning (Habakkuk 2:2)
• Confessing God’s Word (Romans 4:17)
• Coaching From Spiritual Fathers (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Embracing Potential Empowerers (Hebrews 4:16)

Genesis 22:15-17 (MSG), The angel of God spoke from Heaven a second time to Abraham: “I swear—God’s sure word!—because you have gone through with this, and have not refused to give me your son, your dear, dear son, I’ll bless you—oh, how I’ll bless you! And I’ll make sure that your children flourish—like stars in the sky! like sand on the beaches! And your descendants will defeat their enemies. All nations on Earth will find themselves blessed through your descendants because you obeyed me.”

2 Kings 2:12, Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more . . .

2 Kings 2:9- When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹² encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

1. Empathy
2. Ability

Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.