NEVER FORGET WHERE GOD BROUGHT YOU OUT FROM (Part 1)

Title: NEVER FORGET WHERE GOD BROUGHT YOU OUT FROM (Part 1)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Chronicles 16:1-10
"At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, ‘Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand... The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.’"

Supporting Texts:
Deuteronomy 8:2
Psalm 103:2
Isaiah 51:1
1 Peter 2:9-10
Romans 5:8

INTRODUCTION:
God calls us to remember His acts of deliverance and mercy. Forgetting His past interventions can lead to spiritual decline, as seen in the life of King Asa. Asa began his reign by trusting in God, who granted him victory over great armies. But later, he relied on human strength instead of seeking God's help, leading to his downfall. This study focuses on the importance of remembering where God has brought us from and how it strengthens our faith, obedience, and relationship with Him.

1. REMEMBERING PREVENTS SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY

Reflecting on God’s past help keeps us alert and dependent on Him rather than on our strength or earthly resources.

a) Avoiding Self-Reliance
Like Asa, we can be tempted to depend on human power instead of God's help (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

b) Continual Dependence on God
Remembering our past reliance on God keeps us focused on Him, not on human solutions (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Staying Committed in Faith
Remembering God's deliverance helps us trust Him in future trials (Psalm 40:1-3).

d) Remaining Vigilant
We guard against pride and drifting away when we recall God's work (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites were continually reminded to recall their deliverance from Egypt as a means to remain faithful (Deuteronomy 8:2).

2. REMEMBERING ENCOURAGES GRATITUDE

A heart that remembers God’s blessings is a heart filled with gratitude, which fosters a stronger connection with Him.

a) Gratitude for God’s Deliverance
Reflect on the times God has saved us from difficult situations (Psalm 103:2).

b) Thankfulness in All Seasons
Recalling God’s faithfulness helps us stay thankful, even in trials (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

c) Humble Heart
Gratitude keeps us humble, acknowledging all we have is from God (James 1:17).

d) Strengthened Worship
Our worship becomes genuine as we remember and give thanks for His mercy (Psalm 92:1-2).

Biblical Example:
David’s psalms are filled with thanksgiving, constantly remembering God’s acts (Psalm 103:1-5).

3. REMEMBERING STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH

Recalling God’s past works increases our faith for the future, encouraging us to trust Him in all circumstances.

a) Faith in Future Battles
Reflecting on past victories with God helps us trust Him in new challenges (Hebrews 13:8).

b) Confidence in His Promises
Remembering God’s promises reassures us of His unchanging faithfulness (Psalm 105:8-10).

c) Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Knowing God was with us before strengthens us to face the unknown (Isaiah 46:9-10).

d) Protection against Fear of Man
Asa’s reliance on men instead of God led to failure; remembering God’s power helps us rely solely on Him (Psalm 118:6).

Biblical Example:
David trusted God’s past deliverance to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

4. REMEMBERING INSPIRES OBEDIENCE AND DEVOTION

When we recall God’s mercy and deliverance, it moves us to deeper obedience and a desire to walk closely with Him.

a) Motivated by Love
Remembering God’s love and mercy motivates us to live obediently (Romans 5:8).

b) Encouraged in Commitment
Reflecting on His acts inspires us to commit ourselves to Him fully (1 Peter 2:9-10).

c) Staying Away from Sin
Remembering His grace reminds us of the cost of sin and draws us to purity (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

d) Living for His Glory
Our lives become testimonies of His greatness when we walk in obedience (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Biblical Example:
Israel’s memory of God’s acts was intended to inspire obedience to His commandments (Exodus 13:3).

5. REMEMBERING ENABLES US TO TESTIFY AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Our testimony of God’s deliverance encourages others and points them to His saving power.

a) Sharing Our Testimonies
Recalling our story helps us witness and build up others (1 Peter 3:15).

b) Bringing Glory to God
When we share what God has done, He is glorified, and others are drawn to Him (Psalm 105:1-2).

c) Encouraging Fellow Believers
Remembering our own journey can strengthen the faith of others facing similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

d) Encouraging the Lost
Sharing God’s work in our lives can lead others to seek Him (Matthew 5:16).

Biblical Example:
The Samaritan woman shared her story, and many believed in Jesus (John 4:28-30, 39-42).

CONCLUSION:
King Asa’s story reminds us of the dangers of forgetting God’s deliverance. He started with a heart for God but later turned to human strength, leading to failure. We must never forget where God brought us from, as it keeps us humble, grateful, faithful, and committed to Him. As we remember His mercy and power in our lives, let us continually walk in faith and obedience, sharing our testimonies to encourage others and glorify God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to always remember Your acts of deliverance in my life.

2. Father, guard my heart from relying on human strength instead of You.

3. Lord, let my heart overflow with gratitude for all You have done.

4. Father, strengthen my faith through remembrance of Your mighty acts.

5. Lord, keep me committed and devoted to You daily.

6. Holy Spirit, help me encourage others with my testimony.

7. Lord, use my life as a testimony of Your greatness and mercy.

8. Father, protect me from spiritual pride and self-reliance.

9. Lord, let my faith be a beacon of hope to others.

10. Thank You, Lord, for Your unchanging love and faithfulness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will walk in continuous gratitude and remembrance of God’s goodness.

2. May you never lose sight of God’s deliverance and mercy in your life.

3. I declare your faith will be strengthened by recalling God’s past deeds.

4. You will stay committed to God, relying on His strength alone.

5. Your testimony will bring glory to God and inspire others.

6. I declare you will remain humble, recognising God’s hand in all things.

7. May you be a witness of God’s faithfulness to those around you.

8. I declare that you will not rely on mortal men but trust fully in God.

9. May your life reflect God’s power and draw many to Him.

10. You will continually testify of God’s mercy, bringing glory to His name.