Sermon On “Seek God, Not Just His Gifts” By Sister Anne On 18th January, 2024

Scripture: Psalm 14:2 (NIV)
“The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”
Millions of Christians spend their time seeking something from God and not God Himself.
When you’re praying for healing and restoration, it’s okay to want a miracle.
But ultimately, it should be God you seek-not a sign, prosperity, or a thousand other gifts of God.
Your prayer should be, “God, I want you. I want to know you.”
When you seek God, you get everything else.
God gives many promises in the Bible about those who seek Him:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face . . . then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).
“I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me” (Proverbs 8:17 NIV).
“Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
“If from there you seek the LORD your God, you will findHim if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul . . . For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you” (Deuteronomy 4:29, 31 NIV).
Seek God, not just His blessing.
That means, whether or not you get the answer you want, you’ll find joy in knowing God better.
Even if you don’t get what you think is best for you, you’ll be satisfied with what God thinks is best for you.
When you’re going through a divorce or a miscarriage or a layoff, seek God-even more than you seek deliverance from your pain.
This is not a casual pastime.
Don’t seek God in your spare moments, after you’re done with work or after scrolling social media.
Make getting to know God the primary focus of your life.
“The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” (Psalm 14:2 NIV).
It’s rare to find someone who’s earnest about seeking God.
Most of us want just enough of God to bless us, but not to change us.
You don’t become an Olympic athlete in your spare time.
In the same way, you don’t become a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ by giving Him your leftovers.
Give him your first and best, and He will keep every promise.
Jabez had great ambition.
While many people are content with being average, Jabez wanted God to do something significant through him.
Jabez was ambitious, but, just as importantly, he was motivated by the right things.
How do we know Jabez’s motives were not selfish?
Because we read, “And God granted his request.”
God will never honor an unworthy request.
If you want to live above average, then dream big!
You’re not meant to go through life wondering;
“What am I doing? Where am I going?”
God wants you to have a great ambition, fueled by the desire to serve Him.
Jabez had a growing faith.
Jabez had a deep trust and belief in God.
There’s no mention of him having any special ability or talent.
He was just a common man with an uncommon faith.
There is something in life that is more important than ability and talent: faith.
I know a lot of very talented people who are sitting on the sidelines while people who have faith are scoring the goals.
Faith is believing God will work through you and telling Him you want im to use you.
How do you break out of mediocrity?
Like Jabez, you get a great ambition and a growing faith-and depend on God to do what seems impossible.
Questions to ponder on:
In what ways have you been giving God your leftovers when it comes to taking steps to spiritual growth?
What does it mean practically to seek God?
What are the things you can do every day to show God that, more than anything, you want to know him better?
How can you start your prayers so that you thank God first for who he is and not just what he has given you?
Why is that important?
What great dream or goal do you want to ask God to make a reality?
Why do your motives behind reaching a goal or dream matter so much?
Do you rely more on your abilities and talents or on God to reach your goals?
What step can you take today to show greater dependence on God?
Have you asked Jesus to come into your life?
If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.
“I’m grateful for your unconditional love. I want to use the rest of my life to love and serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus. Bible verses that discuss seeking God, not just His gifts: Psalm 16:11 says: You will fill me with joy in your presence. In other words, joy is found in God's presence--not His presents! Therefore, evaluate your life to ensure you seek God, not just His gifts James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Psalm 16:11: "You will fill me with joy in your presence" 1 Chronicles 16:11: "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always" Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.