05-09-25 part 2: Attitude, Authority, and the Keys to the Kingdom

1. Humble Responses Change Everything

Dr. Spoon begins with the story of King Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 12, where the prophet Shemaiah confronts him and the leaders of Judah with a harsh truth: “You have abandoned Me, therefore I now abandon you.” Yet instead of reacting with pride or excuses, they humble themselves and confess, “The Lord is just.” Dr. Spoon emphasizes that owning our failures without defensiveness is crucial. God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for humility. And when He sees it, He responds with mercy. The difference between destruction and deliverance is often found in a repentant heart.

2. Don’t Defend Your Sin—Surrender It

Many believers instinctively defend or justify their wrongs when God brings correction. Dr. Spoon warns against this impulse. When God confronts us, it’s never without cause—and certainly never a mistake. The best response? Own it. Be honest. Be humble. Dr. Spoon reminds us that God isn’t nitpicking out of boredom; He’s correcting out of love. He doesn’t call us out to shame us—He does it to bring us back into alignment with His best. Our posture before God in correction determines whether we experience restoration or resistance.

3. You Have the Keys—Don’t Forget Them

In a powerful tribute to Pastor Ray, Dr. Spoon shares Ray’s teaching from Matthew 16: Jesus declares, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom.” This bold promise wasn’t made in a safe place—it was declared near the gates of hell in Caesarea Philippi, a dark center of idol worship. There, Jesus announces the church will prevail. Gates aren’t offensive weapons—they’re defensive, which means the church is supposed to be on the move. Dr. Spoon challenges us to stop playing defense. God’s people have been handed authority. The question is—are we using the keys, or leaving them in our pockets?

4. Be Strong, Be Confident, and Stand in Victory

Closing with the encouragement from King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32, Dr. Spoon reminds us that when overwhelming threats surround us—be it armies, sickness, or spiritual attack—God is still greater. “With them is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles.” The power we carry isn’t our own—it’s God’s. And His presence changes everything. Dr. Spoon urges believers to stop walking by sight and start walking by faith. We don’t need to be afraid or discouraged. The battle is the Lord’s—and He fights for us.