This Is How You Speak to Your Mountain and Tell It to Move | Tony Evans Sermon

Summary

The transcript discusses faith in God and the concept of 'moving mountains,' based on biblical teachings. It explains how mountains in the Bible symbolize large obstacles or challenges that require divine intervention. Jesus' cursing of the fig tree is used as an example of having faith in God to transform situations. The message emphasizes the importance of genuine faith, prayer, and forgiveness in overcoming life's difficulties. The speaker also distinguishes between God's unconditional and conditional will, urging believers to trust in God's power to move their personal 'mountains.'

Takeaways

• 🌄 Mountains in the Bible symbolize not just physical obstacles but also kingdoms and overwhelming challenges in life.
• 🌿 The fig tree symbolizes false appearances – it had leaves but no fruit, representing deception or religion without substance.
• 🙏 Jesus emphasizes faith in God as the key to moving mountains, urging believers to rely on God's word, will, and character.
• 💡 The fig tree incident serves as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness: outward appearances of faith without inner reality and life.
• 💬 Jesus encourages believers to speak to their mountains (problems) and trust that God can move them.
• ⚡ Like electricity, we have access to God's power, but we need to 'flip the switch' through faith and action to see results.
• 💭 Believers are urged to have faith not in their own strength but in God's ability to transform situations.
• 📖 Faith and prayer, according to God’s will, are key to seeing miracles and overcoming obstacles.
• 💔 Forgiveness is crucial in mountain-moving faith – harboring unforgiveness blocks God’s work in our lives.
• 🔑 Jesus teaches that conditions must often be met for God’s will to be fulfilled, distinguishing between His unconditional and conditional will.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon in the script?

The main theme of the sermon is about having faith in God to move the 'mountains' in our lives, which represent challenges or obstacles that are too big for us to handle on our own.

What are the three ways the Bible uses the term 'mountain'?

The Bible uses 'mountain' in three ways: 1) as a physical mountain, 2) as a symbol for kingdoms (e.g., God's kingdom, Satan's kingdom, the kingdom of men), and 3) as a metaphor for insurmountable obstacles or challenges in life.

What does the fig tree represent in the sermon?

The fig tree represents deception and false appearances. Though it had leaves suggesting it would bear fruit, it had none. This symbolizes external appearances without internal substance or reality, much like false religion.

How does Jesus link the withering of the fig tree to the temple cleansing?

Jesus links the withering of the fig tree to the temple cleansing by showing that just as the fig tree appeared fruitful but was barren, the temple appeared to be a place of worship but was filled with corruption and lacking spiritual substance.

What does Jesus mean by 'having faith in God' when discussing moving mountains?

Having faith in God means trusting in His word, will, and character. It involves relying on God to move the obstacles in life, rather than depending on our own strength or faith in ourselves.

What is the difference between God's unconditional will and conditional will?

God's unconditional will refers to things He decides to do regardless of human actions. His conditional will depends on human actions such as faith, obedience, and prayer. Prayers and actions align us with His conditional will.

What role does forgiveness play in moving mountains according to the sermon?

Forgiveness is a condition for moving mountains. Jesus teaches that we must forgive others if we want God to move the mountains in our lives. Holding on to unforgiveness can block God's work in our lives.

What does Jesus mean by 'speaking to your mountain'?

Speaking to your mountain refers to addressing the problems or obstacles in your life with faith in God. It involves confidently declaring that the obstacle will be removed, based on your trust in God's power.

How can believers 'flip the switch' in their relationship with God?

Believers can 'flip the switch' by activating the power of God in their lives through prayer, faith, and living in alignment with God's will. Just as electricity is available but must be turned on, God's power is available to those who live in faith.

What lesson can be learned from the closing story about the husband and wife in the script?

The lesson from the story is that sometimes the problem we perceive in others might actually be a problem within ourselves. Before we assume the issue is external, we should first examine ourselves.