Guarding Vision & Walking in Ordered Steps
Scripture References
Mark 3:23-25 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 2:11 ↗ ; Ephesians 6:11 ↗ ; James 3:13-18 ↗ ; Mark 4:13-17 ↗ ; Psalm 37:23 ↗ ; Ephesians 3:20 ↗ ; 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ↗ ; John 3:16 ↗ ; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 9:7-10 ↗
Introduction
•“Vision Sunday” launches a season of clarifying God’s plan for the church and each believer in the new year—declared “a year of new beginnings, a fresh start, an E-320 year.”
•Pastor candidly shares how sermons often shift from neat notes to Spirit-led direction.
•Lighthearted opener (the purse story) reminds the congregation not to be distracted—God has something specific to say.
Key Points / Exposition
1. Satan’s Primary Tactic—Division
•Mark 3:23-25 ↗ : Jesus states a divided kingdom or house cannot stand.
•Greek insight: “Satan” = adversary/accuser; “divided” = cut into pieces.
•Historical example: Rome fell from internal decay, not external attack.
•Application: Church, household, and nation must guard unity or become unstable targets.
2. Recognizing the Devil’s Devices
•2 Corinthians 2:11 ↗ —unforgiveness gives Satan “advantage.”
•Device (noēma): mindset, scheme.
•Ephesians 6:11 ↗ —“wiles” (methodeia) = predictable methods; believers are to wear full armor.
•Practical discernment: media rhetoric steeped in accusation and contempt often signals demonic influence.
3. Two Kinds of Wisdom (James 3:13-18)
•Bitter envying = fierce self-promotion; strife = party spirit/factionalism.
•Source: earthly, soulish, devilish—produces confusion (disorder, tumult) and “every evil work.”
•Wisdom from above: pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, sincere.
•Fruit of righteousness is sown only by peacemakers.
4. Attacks Precede Advancement
•Mark 4:13-17 ↗ : affliction (circumstantial pressure) and persecution (people-pressure) arise “for the Word’s sake.”
•Personal testimonies:
• Minivan totaled yet family spared; engine brackets gone—God’s protection.
• Pastor’s wife’s “dream car” (Jeep) totaled one month after purchase—enemy’s attempt to discourage, yet both walked away unharmed.
• Building move, plumbing failure, garage door expense—pressure surged just before ministry breakthroughs.
•Insight: pressure often signals proximity to the “end zone” of promise.
5. Ordered Steps & Daily Vision
•Psalm 37:23 ↗ —God orders (prepares) steps, yet believers must choose to walk them.
•Members challenged to:
1.Ask God what He desires for them this year.
2.Receive a confirming word/song/verse to anchor vision.
3.Set giving goals—God supplies seed to sow (2 Cor 9:7-10).
Major Lessons & Revelations
•Unity is spiritual warfare; division is Satan’s shortcut to cripple power.
•Speech reveals allegiance—heavenly wisdom edifies; soulish talk divides.
•Pressure is not proof of defeat but evidence the Word is working.
•God’s guidance is moment-by-moment; intimacy with Him averts chaos.
•Vision includes generosity—God funds what He assigns.
Practical Application
•Guard conversations: refuse labeling, name-calling, and strife-filled posts.
•Daily pray (1 Tim 2:1-2) for leaders, churches, and cities to avert chaos.
•Conduct a “Spirit-check” before reacting; ask, “Is this wisdom from above?”
•Build a vision board/faith list (car example) and keep it before your eyes.
•Set a specific 2026 giving goal; expect God to channel seed through you.
•Volunteer practical skills (reading, math, arts) at local school partnership—live out ordered steps.
Conclusion & Call to Response
•God has a victorious vision; the devil has a divisive plan—choose which to advance.
•Believers invited to salvation (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ), rededication, Spirit-baptism, and active service.
•Charge: Move forward in excellence, sow peace, and watch Ephesians 3:20 ↗ unfold.
Prayer
•Thanksgiving for ordered steps and the wisdom from above.
•Petition for heightened sensitivity, unity in the body, protection from strife, and empowerment to fulfill 2026 vision.
References & Resources
•Vision board testimony (Jeep, E-320).
•Historical note: A.D. 70 Jerusalem siege—internal strife amid external threat.
•Terry Savelle Foy’s “Vision 2026” broadcast (one-word focus exercise).
•Local outreach: Reading Elementary School volunteer/tutor initiative.