SERMON RECAP AND STUDY GUIDES

Subject: Navigating Spiritual Tension: Pushed by God, Pulled by the Enemy

Citadel Family,

I hope this email finds you well and still reflecting on Sunday's powerful message.

Summary: Our sermon, "Pushed and Pulled...Spiritual Tension," explored the dynamic struggle every believer faces between God's calling and the enemy's opposition. We delved into Romans 7:14-25, examining how God is constantly pushing us closer to Him, seeking to move us from complacency to a place of greater faith and purpose. Simultaneously, we acknowledged the reality of the enemy's pull, trying to drag us away from God's plan. This spiritual tension is not a sign of failure, but evidence that we're engaged in the spiritual battle described in Scripture.

Takeaways:

• God is actively pushing us closer to Him, often through discomfort and challenges, to fulfill His greater purpose in our lives.
• The enemy is constantly pulling us away through temptation, distraction, and discouragement, making spiritual discernment crucial.
• Our response to this tension determines our spiritual growth; we must lean into God's push and resist the enemy's pull through prayer, Scripture, and community.

As we navigate this push and pull in our daily lives, remember that you're not alone in this struggle. God has already secured the victory through Jesus Christ, and He's given us the tools we need to stand firm. Let's encourage one another to recognize these spiritual forces at work and to consistently choose to move closer to God, even when it's uncomfortable.
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May we all be like trees planted by streams of water, unmoved by the enemy's tactics and ever-growing in our faith and purpose.

HERE IS YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL:

Day 1: Embracing God's Push Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Devotional: God is constantly pushing us closer to Him, calling us out of our comfort zones and into a deeper relationship. Just as He called Abram to leave his homeland, God is calling you to step out in faith. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you may have settled for "good enough." Are there places where God is nudging you to move forward? Remember, God's push is always rooted in love and aimed at your spiritual growth. Ask Him for the courage to respond to His call and move beyond your "Here" into His "There."

Day 2: Resisting the Enemy's Pull Reading: 1 Peter 5:8-11

Devotional: While God pushes us forward, the enemy seeks to pull us back. Today's reading reminds us to be alert and of sober mind. The spiritual tension we experience is real, but it's also evidence that we're alive in Christ. Consider the areas in your life where you feel most vulnerable to the enemy's tactics. How can you strengthen your resistance? Remember, you have the power to choose which direction you'll move. Lean into God's strength, put on the full armor of God, and stand firm in your faith.

Day 3: Finding Victory in Spiritual Tension Reading: Romans 7:14-25

Devotional: Paul's honest struggle in today's passage reflects the push and pull we all experience. We desire to do what is right, yet find ourselves pulled towards what we know is wrong. This tension can be frustrating, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Today, instead of becoming discouraged by your struggles, view them as opportunities to lean more fully into God's grace. Thank God for His mercies that are new every morning and for the ultimate victory we have in Christ Jesus.

Day 4: Drawing Near to God Reading: James 4:7-10

Devotional: In the midst of spiritual tension, we have a powerful promise: when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Today's passage gives us practical steps for resisting the enemy and moving closer to God. Reflect on what it means to submit yourself to God fully. How can you humble yourself before Him today? Remember, every step towards God is a step away from the enemy's influence. Choose to cleanse your hands, purify your heart, and let your mourning over sin turn into the joy of God's presence.

Day 5: Standing Firm in God's Love Reading: Romans 8:31-39

Devotional: As we conclude this week's devotional, let's focus on the unshakeable foundation of God's love. No matter how strong the push or pull in our lives, nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. Today, meditate on the depth and breadth of this love. How does knowing you are inseparably loved by God impact your daily life? Let this truth empower you to stand firm in faith, resist the enemy's pull, and continually move towards God's push into greater purpose and intimacy with Him.

In His strength,

Pastor B

"If you don't do anything else today...YOU B BLESSED!

Principal Scripture: John 20:24–29

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

SUMMARY: In this powerful message, Pastor B reminds the church: faith is not about what you see—it’s about what you know. God is preparing you for what’s ahead, not just what’s in front of you. But many of us, like Thomas, have let disappointment, absence, or limited understanding keep us from believing God for more.

God knows us and will show up in a closed situation and give your the proof your need to believe. If you want to know if God is a healer...I'M THE PROOF!

Thomas missed a move of God, and his frustration gave birth to unbelief. Yet Jesus still showed up—for him, for us—to deal with our doubt and restore our expectation. The word of the Lord is: GREATER is coming… and when it does, Don’t Blink.

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Key Moments:

• Thomas wasn’t present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples (v.24).

• He doubted their testimony: “Unless I see… I will not believe.” (v.25)

• Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds (v.26–27).

• Thomas declares: “My Lord and my God!” (v.28)

• Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing (v.29).

• The purpose of these signs is to build belief (v.30).

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🧠 Study Outline for Members: “Don’t Blink”

I. When You Miss the Moment (vv. 24–25)

• Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus first showed up.

• His absence opened the door for doubt, disbelief, and frustration.

• His famous quote wasn’t just doubt—it was pain, anger, and disconnection.

Key Point: Your missed moments can cloud your faith—don’t let what you missed keep you from what’s coming.

Discussion Questions:

• Have you ever felt like you missed God’s move?

• How do you respond when others testify of what you didn’t experience?

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II. Jesus Shows Up Again (vv. 26–27)

• 8 days later, Jesus enters a locked room and comes just for Thomas.

• Jesus directly addresses Thomas’ need: “Put your finger here…”

• God will meet you where your faith is weak—but He won’t leave you there.

Key Point: God is not intimidated by your doubts—He shows up to elevate your faith and keeps showing up!

Supporting Scriptures:

• John 14:29 – “I told you this before it happens, so you will believe.”

• Mark 16:14 – Jesus rebuked their unbelief.

Discussion Questions:

• What would it look like for Jesus to “show up” in your current situation?

• What is Jesus asking you to touch so you’ll believe again?

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III. The Shift from Doubt to Declaration (v. 28)

• Thomas’ response was immediate: “My Lord and My God!”

• One encounter erased all uncertainty.

Key Point: One authentic experience with Jesus will turn doubt into worship.

Supporting Quote:

🎵 “He’s preparing me for something that I can’t handle right now…”

Reflection: Sometimes God allows you to miss it so you will recognize it when He shows up again.

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IV. Believe Before the Breakthrough (v. 29)

• Jesus says those who believe without seeing are blessed.

• This word is for the next level of faith—not just to believe for what is, but for what’s not yet.

Key Point: Don’t blink—this next move will be so unexpected, so undeniable, that you must believe ahead of it.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work…”

• Jeremiah 29:11 – “Plans to prosper you, give you hope…”

• John 5:20 – “Greater works… so you will marvel.”

Discussion Questions:

• Where are you still waiting to see before you believe?

• What does it mean to believe God even when you don’t see movement?

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V. Marvel at the Miracle (vv. 30–31)

• Jesus did many signs—not to impress, but to inspire belief.

• Every miracle is a faith training moment.

Key Point: The goal is not just belief—it’s preparation for GREATER.

Closing Challenge:

“When it happens, don’t blink. Don’t flinch. Don’t doubt. Just BELIEVE.”

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🔥 Declarations: Speak This Over Your Life

• GREATER is coming, and I won’t miss it!

• I believe even when I can’t see.

• Jesus is more than I imagined—He’s my Lord and my God!

• I will not blink when my miracle shows up.

• God is training my faith for what’s next—not just what’s now.

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Worship Reflection:

“He’s Preparing Me” – Remind your spirit that the current season is preparation for what you can’t even handle yet.

Prayer Point:

“Lord, deal with the Thomas in me. Help my unbelief. Train my faith for the greater. Don’t let me miss the moment when You show up. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that will BELIEVE.”

Use this summary and study guide to learn more and apply it to your everyday life. Amazing Things Are Happening Here!

Pastor B

"If you don't do anything else today...YOU B BLESSED!