Part 01: Let Go & Lay Hold
Sermon Summary
This message launches a three-week series on Abraham's life, focusing specifically on God's call to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and how that connects to His calling on our lives today.
Pastor Jimmy shared how his family's story became intertwined with God's purposes through Baylor University and Waco, illustrating that none of us are here by chance but by God's divine hand. The central theme of the message emphasizes that God has a specific story and purpose for each of our lives, just as He did for Abraham.
To enter into God's story for our lives, we must follow Abraham's example of letting go to lay hold. God called Abraham to leave three specific things: his country (representing worldliness and sin), his relatives (unhealthy relationships that don't support spiritual growth), and his father's house (dependency on others' faith rather than owning personal faith).
The sermon powerfully demonstrates that we cannot have our cake and eat it too - entering God's kingdom requires releasing our grip on the world's values and finding our identity, purpose, and relationships in Him.
The message concludes with the beautiful truth that today is "all about grace" - God's unmerited favor that opens the door to His promises. Whether someone needs to respond to Jesus for the first time, return after wandering, or simply take the next step in their spiritual journey, God's grace makes it possible to enter into the abundant life He has planned.
Key Scriptures
Genesis 11:31 - "Now Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there."
Genesis 12:1-3 - "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.'"
Galatians 3.13-14 - “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
John 10:27 - "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."
John 16:7 - "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."
John 16:13 - "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."
Discussion Questions
Instructions for groups: Choose a few of these questions from the various categories to go deeper in the sermon and put the truths of Scripture into practice.
Scripture Study & Deeper Understanding
The Geography of Faith: Looking at Abraham's journey from Ur, a place of worliness, to Haran, a place of fleshly license to Canaan (meaning "humility and fruitfulness"), what does this geographical progression teach us about the spiritual journey from worldliness and fleshly passion into God's purposes?
Hearing God's Voice: Jesus promised in John 10:27 that "My sheep hear My voice." Based on the sermon and John 16:7-13, what are the different ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us today, and how can we grow in our ability to recognize and respond to God's voice?
Encouragement
Divine Appointments: Pastor Jimmy shared how none of us are in Waco or at this stage of life by chance, but by God's "divine hand." How does this truth encourage you when you think about your current circumstances or the path that brought you here?
Grace Stories: The sermon ended with a powerful story about how "today is all about grace." Share about a time when you experienced God's grace in an unexpected or perfectly timed way that reminded you He sees and cares for you personally.
Challenge
Leaving Your "Country": Abraham had to leave behind the worldliness of Ur. What aspects of "the world" - whether entertainment, ambitions, values, or lifestyle choices - might God be calling you to leave behind to make room for His kingdom in your life?
Relationship Inventory: The message challenged us that we may need to "let go of somebody, not just something" to enter into God's promises. How do you balance being "friends of sinners" while also surrounding yourself with relationships that strengthen your walk with God?
Personal Testimony
Hearing God Speak: Pastor Jimmy shared about hearing God's voice when deciding between UT and Baylor. Can you share about a time when you sensed God's guidance or direction in your life, whether in a major decision or daily situation?
Owning Your Faith: The sermon emphasized that everyone must eventually "own their own faith" rather than living off their parents' or friends' faith. Share about a season when you had to make your faith personally yours - what did that process look like for you?
Putting it into Practice
Practical Surrender: Abraham had to "let go to lay hold" of God's promises. What is one specific area where the Holy Spirit might be calling you to surrender or let go in order to make space for God's purposes in your life?
Stepping into God's Story: Genesis 12:2-3 promises that God wants to make you "a blessing" and use your life to bless "all the families of the earth." How might God want to use your unique gifts, experiences, or story to bless others in this season of your life?