It’s Time to Stand Up (Part 3) | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, August 25
Scriptures
1 Samuel 6:1-21, Numbers 17:8, 1 John 2:15, Romans 12:1.
Introduction
Let’s discuss ‘It’s Time to Stand Up part three’ preached by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. The objective of this small group session is to help us rediscover the joy and peace that comes from living in God’s presence and doing His will. This pursuit is not without its challenges, yet the Scriptures remind us that walking in obedience to God brings a profound sense of fulfillment.
The Israelites experienced this firsthand when the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence, was returned to them. Just as they rejoiced at the return of the Ark, we too are called to rejoice when we walk in the direction God leads us, knowing that His presence brings unparalleled peace and joy into our lives.
Icebreaker
Out of the three options below, which one excites you most to talk about? All three are mentioned in this guide.
1. Explore how God’s presence, like the Ark of the Covenant, brings blessing, provision, and supernatural power when we live in obedience and sacrifice.
2. Reflect on how lukewarmness or negativity may have affected your life, and how choosing the path of sacrifice can restore your convictions and joy.
3. Discuss the importance of being a testimony to the world, showing the freedom and joy that comes from living in God's presence.
The Contents of the Ark of the Covenant
Hebrews 9:4 states that the Ark contained "the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant." The Ark of the covenant, the symbol of the covenant of God with the people contained the three things:
1. Tablets of the Ten Commandments
In a day and an age of ‘relative truth’, we frequently find ourselves living in confusion which can lead to fear and instability, because of a lack clear moral direction. The Bible warns in Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” We are living in these times.
The Ten Commandments give us an immutable directive that does not change.
The presence of the Tablets in the Ark is a reminder that God’s Character is present in our lives and our standard for living.
Hebrews 8:10b says “… I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
- What are areas, in our culture, that society calls ‘good’ when it is evil, and calls ‘evil’ good?
- How can we stand on God’s Word in the face of this culture? What is the danger of ‘tolerance’?
2. Aaron’s Rod
The Rod of Aaron, though dead, had blossomed and bore fruit (Numbers 17:8). This represents the Holy Spirit - the supernatural power that comes upon something dead and raises it to life. This power that God has placed in us, helps us to accomplish His purposes.
Additionally, the Holy Spirit gives us the power of deliverance, to set us free from the things that entrap us and to heal things that are broken, i.e., marriages, addictions, disease, finances, etc.
'…the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.' - Romans 4:17
- In what areas of your life have you experienced, or do you need to experience the power of the Holy Spirit bringing life, healing, or deliverance?
- How does the promise of Romans 4:17 change your outlook?
3. The Golden Pot of Manna
Manna is a symbol of God’s provision. As He provided manna for the children of Israel in the wilderness – so He provides all we need.
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” - Psalm 37:25
His provision is not only for our lives but He equips us where He calls us.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” - 2 Corinthians 9:8
He has provided the Bread of Heaven, which is Christ. He is all we need.
- How has God provided for you this year?
- What would you do for the Kingdom if you trusted God to provide all that you need?
Choosing the Straight Path and Embracing Sacrifice
Let’s explore the theme of sacrifice and walking the straight path in obedience to God.
In 1 Samuel 6, we see a miraculous event where two cows, without guidance, went straight toward Israel, bringing back the presence of God in the Ark of the Covenant. This story illustrates how God can defy the natural order when His purpose is at work. As the Israelites rejoiced at the return of the Ark, they also sacrificed the cows, showing the importance of giving to God what is precious to us.
- Share a time when you had to give something up for the sake of your faith.
In the New Testament, we are reminded not to love the world but to love God wholeheartedly:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” - 1 John 2:15
Loving God wholeheartedly requires sacrifice, as Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
- How does negativity or pickiness distract from the joy of His presence?
As the Israelites saw God’s presence return, so can we when we choose the straight path of obedience and sacrifice.
- What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice" in your daily life? How do you see God’s presence working in your life when you choose to obey Him over worldly desires?
Rediscovered Joy
Have you found yourself wondering where your joy has gone? Life’s challenges can sometimes strip us of our happiness, leaving us feeling drained and empty. But the truth of Psalm 144:15 challenges us to reconsider where our joy comes from:
"Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord." - Psalm 144:15 (NIV)
It’s not our circumstances, possessions, or accomplishments that define our joy, but our blessing and joy flow from one source—God Himself. When our identity and security are rooted in Him, we are blessed beyond what the world can offer.
If you’ve lost your joy, it’s time to do a heart check. Are you truly living under the lordship of God? Or have other priorities taken His place in your life?
Sometimes, along with our joy, we can lose sight of our convictions. We let go of the strong, guiding beliefs that once anchored our lives, and in the process, we drift away from our true purpose in Christ.
We often lose our joy and our convictions when we shift our focus to things that cannot sustain them—whether it’s success, relationships, or comfort. But when God is the center of our lives, both our joy and our convictions remain unshaken, even during trials.
Today, let’s take a step back and evaluate what truly holds our hearts. Have you let go of the convictions that once shaped your faith? If so, it’s time to rediscover them. God is inviting you not only to reclaim your joy but to stand firm in your convictions once again.
1. Is God your ultimate source of joy, or have you been looking elsewhere?
2. Are you spending regular, intentional time in God’s presence? How does your commitment to prayer, worship, and Scripture impact your daily joy?
3. When faced with difficulties, do you find yourself turning away from God or drawing closer to Him? What convictions have you lost that need to be regained?
We must also remember that, like the Philistines who watched the return of the Ark, the world is watching our lives and the level of joy we carry. Our obedience and joy serve as a testimony to those around us.
Conclusion
When we choose to live in obedience to God’s will, we invite His presence into our lives in a powerful way. Just as the Israelites rejoiced when the Ark of the Covenant was restored to them, we experience true joy and peace when we align our hearts with God’s direction. By resisting the temptations of the world, as 1 John 2:15 warns, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices, as Romans 12:1 urges, we position ourselves to live in the fullness of God’s will.
Let us continue to seek His presence, knowing that in doing so, we are heading in the right direction—towards the joy and peace that only He can provide.
Application
This week, identify one area where you can realign your priorities to make God’s presence your focus.
Resources
YouTube
Audio Podcast
Find Your Fit Online – August 26, 7pm ET