Study Guide: Divine Logistician | Pastor Ron Kelly

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Divine Logistician | Pastor Ron Kelly

Sermon Study Guide: The Unconscious Sermon

Main Text: Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Matthew 15:21-28; Acts of the Apostles, p. 510 (Quote on Paul's influence)

Central Theme: The most powerful witness for Christ is not a well-rehearsed argument, but the "unstudied, unconscious influence" of a life transformed by a daily walk with Jesus. This guide will help you explore what that means and how to cultivate it.

Part 1: The Foundation of Blessing

This section focuses on our covenant relationship with God, which is the source of our power and influence.

Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Reflection Questions:

  1. The sermon describes the blessings in Deuteronomy 28 as God "chasing you down to bless you." How does this perspective change your view of God's promises?

  2. The promises are conditional on obedience. The pastor compares this to a marriage. What does it look like to be "obedient" in a loving relationship with God, rather than a legalistic one?

  3. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14. The pastor states, "The land that really needs healed... is our churches." What would it look like for your church family to humble themselves, pray, and seek God’s face together?

Application:

  • Identify: Is there an area of your life where you are experiencing God's "curses" or withheld blessings as a wake-up call? What step of repentance or return is He asking you to take?

  • Pray: Pray the prayer from Deuteronomy that the pastor mentioned: "Contend with those who contend with me..." (From Psalms). How does entrusting vengeance to God free you to live a life of love?

Part 2: The Core Message – Your Unconscious Influence

This section delves into the sermon's main point: the power of a life that naturally radiates Christ.

Key Quote: "The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition. But a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 510)

Reflection Questions:

  1. In your own words, what is the difference between a "studied, conscious" influence and an "unstudied, unconscious" one?

  2. The pastor says, "Everybody carries an atmosphere with them." What kind of atmosphere do you think you typically carry (e.g., peace, anxiety, joy, criticism)? How can you become more aware of this?

  3. Think of someone in your life whose "unconscious influence" drew you to Christ. What was it about their life that was so compelling?

Application:

  • Atmosphere Check: For one day, consciously ask yourself at several points: "What atmosphere am I bringing into this room, this conversation, or my home?"

  • Beholding & Becoming: The pastor said, "by beholding we become changed." What practical step can you take this week to spend more time "beholding" Jesus in His Word and in prayer?

Part 3: Cultivating a Heavenly Atmosphere

This section provides practical steps for developing the "unstudied, unconscious influence" in our own lives.

A. Guarding Your Inputs: The "John the Baptist" Lifestyle

Reflection Questions:

  1. The pastor strongly advises a "John the Baptist lifestyle," especially regarding music and media. Why does what we listen to and watch matter so much to our spiritual influence?

  2. He says, "The happiest songs are about Jesus." Do you find this to be true in your experience? How does the content of your music affect your mood and your focus?

  3. The advice is: "If you're in doubt about something... cut it out for a little while." Is there any form of entertainment or media you feel convicted to fast from for a season? What would you replace it with?

Application:

  • Experiment: Choose one form of media (a streaming service, a music genre, social media) to take a break from for one week. Use that time for something that nourishes your spirit, like listening to hymns or nature.

  • Program for Good: If you have children or influence young people, what is one way you can "program" them with godly music and stories, as the pastor's wife does?

B. Being a "Logistical Witness"

Reflection Questions:

  1. The story of "Willie" the cyclist shows "divine appointments." How does believing that "God is the master logistician" change your approach to daily interactions?

  2. The pastor says our responsibility is not to win souls, but to be ready and willing. How does this relieve pressure and make witnessing feel more natural?

  3. What can you learn from the way the pastor built a relationship with Willie (showing interest, giving to his cause, offering prayer) before ever giving him literature?

Application:

  • Pray for Awareness: Pray each morning: "Lord, help me to see the divine appointments you have for me today."

  • Simple Act: Challenge yourself to perform one simple act of kindness for a stranger this week, being open to where the conversation might lead.

Part 4: Grace for the Journey

This section addresses our imperfections and encourages us to rely on God's transforming grace.

Key Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28 (The Canaanite Woman)

Reflection Questions:

  1. Why do you think Jesus initially ignored the woman and then seemed to insult her? What does this story reveal about the nature of persistent, faith-filled prayer?

  2. The pastor emphasizes that God "does not censure human weakness." How does the story of the Canaanite woman, or even David's failures, prove this?

  3. The pastor gives this advice: "Go back to the place where you last saw the light." Where was that place for you? What did your faith look like then?

Application:

  • First Mission Field: The pastor says your first mission field is your home and church. Choose one relationship in either sphere and ask God how you can be a source of "a new drink from the well of Bethlehem" for them this week.

  • Embrace Simplicity: What is one thing you can do to "come back to a simple life" and cut out something that is "short-circuiting the blessing and the joy" in your walk with God?

Closing Prayer Focus:

  • Thank God for His relentless, blessing-pursuing love.

  • Ask for the transforming grace of the Holy Spirit to make your life a powerful, unconscious sermon for Christ.

  • Pray for eyes to see the divine appointments He sets before you

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