Russell Evans • 08 December 2024

God Always Has Greater

As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025, it's essential to remember that God desires us to go from glory to glory and continue living in abundance, not scarcity. This message reminds us that no matter the challenges or trials we’ve faced, there is always greater ahead. Drawing inspiration from Romans 12 and the prophetic words of Haggai, here are key lessons that encourage us to embrace the abundant life God has prepared for us.

Sermon Notes
Transformation Begins with Our Mindset

Romans 12 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To step into a life of abundance, we must start by shifting our mindset. Too often, we allow our circumstances to dictate our outlook on life but true transformation begins in how we think. As we renew our minds in Christ, we align our thoughts with His promises, unlocking the abundant life He intends for us.

God’s Glory Always Increases

Haggai 2:9 declares, “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house.” This promise wasn’t just for the Israelites rebuilding their temple—it applies to us today. God is in the business of increasing glory and taking us from one level of abundance to the next. While we might experience setbacks, losses, or delays, God’s promise is that our future will outshine our past. The abundant life isn't stagnant; it continually grows as we walk with Him.

Pursue God’s Presence Relentlessly

Like Obed-Edom, who pursued the presence of God after it left his house, we are reminded not to settle for a past encounter with God. Let us not live in past blessings but seek fresh encounters with God today. The abundant life is found in continuously pursuing God’s presence, knowing that He always has more to offer. This mindset helps us push beyond valleys and shadows, moving into His greater purpose for our lives.

The Journey to Abundance Requires Obedience

Abundance is tied to obedience. In our church we have seen this first hand. Planetshakers has grown simply because we obeyed God’s call to start something new. Likewise, living an abundant life requires us to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, even when it seems difficult. When we follow God’s direction, we open the door for Him to move powerfully in our lives.

Don’t Let Disappointments Become Lids

Disappointments, insecurities, and past hurts can cap the flow of God’s blessings - not because his blessings cease but because when we live in hurt the soil of our hearts hardens. Many of us have allowed the lids of fear or failure to limit what God wants to pour out in our lives. To live in abundance, we must take the lid off—allowing the refreshing, life-giving power of the Holy Spirit to fill and flow through us.

God’s New Thing is Already Beginning

Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” As we step into 2025, we are reminded that God is always working—creating new opportunities, making a way in the wilderness, and bringing rivers into the desert. Even when we don’t see it immediately, God’s abundance is already at work. Our job is to perceive it and position ourselves to receive His new blessing.

Step into 2025 with Bold Faith

Just as Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water, we are challenged to move forward in faith, trusting that God is calling us into greater things. We may face storms or waves, but Jesus is always there, leading us into the abundant life He promised. As we transition into the new year, let us not settle for comfort or familiarity but instead, step out with bold faith, knowing that God is with us.

An abundant life isn’t just a promise for the future—it’s something we can live out today. By renewing our minds, pursuing God’s presence, obeying His call, and removing the lids that limit us, we can step into 2025 with confidence and expectation. “The glory of the latter house will be greater than the former,” and God’s promises are always true. Let’s believe for greater, knowing that God is faithful to complete the good work He has started in us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of abundance in our lives. Help us to take the lids off any areas where disappointment, fear, or insecurity have held us back. We declare that the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former, and we step into Your abundant life with confidence.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.