Blessings and Forever | Philip Anthony Mitchell | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Blessings and Forever

Philip Anthony Mitchell

2819 Church • May 24, 2021 • 58 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message on Psalm 23:5-6, Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell explores how God acts as a generous host who prepares a lavish table of provision, peace, and joy for His children right in the presence of their spiritual enemies. Even amidst spiritual warfare, weary seasons, and deep trials, believers are continuously anointed, refreshed, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. As we walk through life with eternity in view, we can rest in the unshakable assurance that our Good Shepherd goes before us while His goodness and mercy pursue us all the days of our lives.

Themes

Spiritual Warfare and AdversityGod's Abundant ProvisionThe Anointing of the Holy SpiritGoodness and MercyEternal Security

Key Points

1.
Surrendering to Christ brings genuine peace, but it also opens a believer's eyes to a real spiritual adversary who attacks the mind and heart.
2.
The Christian journey is defined by a ongoing tension between real earthly troubles and God's faithful, timely provision.
3.
In Psalm 23:5, God transitions from the imagery of an outdoor Shepherd leading sheep in fields to an indoor host preparing a banquet table.
4.
The enemy is forced to watch helplessly as God provides His children with peace, joy, strength, and comfort right in the middle of spiritual conflict.
5.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, fragrant oil poured on a traveler's head provided both physical healing from sun blisters and soothing refreshment.
6.
When our cups are filled and restored by God's anointing in difficult seasons, His grace spills over into testimonies that minister to others.
7.
God's goodness and mercy relentlessly follow believers through every high and low, constantly attending to their spiritual needs.
8.
An eternal perspective allows believers to view present earthly struggles and pain as momentary and light afflictions compared to dwelling with God forever.

Sermon Moments

“When I came into Christianity, I did not only walk into the Kingdom, but I also walked into a field of demonic attack.”

“The enemy simply attacks the things that my heart is attached to in every attempt to inflict drama on my mind and my heart.”

“As I grew as a believer, I began to realize that in all of my troubles, I always found some source of provision.”

“God shifts from the metaphor of the Lord just being a Shepherd outdoors to the Lord now being a host at an indoor banquet.”

“In the middle of our deepest trouble, it is the devil watching God's children sitting at a table and can't do anything about it.”

“When that oil comes upon us and we are healed from whatever we're going through, that oil fills up to the brim and it spills out in the lives of other people in the form of testimony.”

“That jingle you hear behind you all the time—that's goodness and mercy following you everywhere that you go.”

This Week

When feeling attacked or overwhelmed, make a deliberate choice to sit at God's prepared table rather than hiding in fear under it.

Daily partake of the spiritual delicacies on God's table—such as His peace, strength, love, and joy—in the middle of life's conflicts.

Bring your weariness, dark thoughts, and emotional wounds to God in prayer to receive the healing oil of the Holy Spirit.

Share testimonies of God's past faithfulness and supernatural care to encourage those who are weary or empty around you.

Frame current trials, doctor's reports, and setbacks through the lens of scripture as momentary and light afflictions in light of eternity.

Pause during stressful moments to recognize the subtle ways God's goodness and mercy are actively keeping and pursuing you.

If you are far from God, step out of the spiritual wasteland of sin by putting your trust in Jesus, the true door to God's pasture.

Remember This

Even in the midst of spiritual warfare and dark trials, God prepares a lavish table of provision for His children while His goodness and mercy relentlessly pursue them all the days of their lives.

A Challenge for You

No matter how weary or difficult your current season is, walk in the conviction that the Good Shepherd is in front of you, His table is prepared for you, and His goodness and mercy are following right behind you.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.