Category: Steadfastness
Subject: Steadfastness
From the Preacher’s Pen: Shortsighted
I am typing this short article while away from home, and handicapped by having left my reading glasses behind. As such, my near-sightedness is making it difficult to complete the task.
Naturally, I am reminded of Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:9, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” The things to which Peter refers are: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
Consider that when Peter wrote these words there was no relief for a short sighted person. While I can pick up my glasses, they had no remedy. Such words would be especially poignant to one who suffered from near-sightedness, but would be a vivid picture to all. The Christian without his virtues is severely handicapped. It is difficult for him to accomplish his life’s purpose to serve God, and receive the reward.
In contrast, Peter writes, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 8). Peter promises the clear-sighted Christian an entrance “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (vs. 11). This requires diligence on our part (cf. vs. 10), and it certainly takes work to mature through the process of adding to our faith. What about it? How hard are you working to for such spiritual focus?
Mining the Scriptures: Hebrews 3:12-15
The writer here sounds a warning concerning a possibility that many religious people today deny. It is possible for a Christian to sufficiently lose his faith in God as to be described as departing from Him. This warning (and the very need for it) denies the Calvinists view that a child of God cannot sin as to be lost. The Hebrew writer says he can, and the warning indicates that some do!
So, how do we avoid losing our faith? “Beware!” The first step is to acknowledge the possibility. “Exhort one another daily.” This phrase points out the important responsibility each Christian has to edify and encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ. (See also Hebrews 10:24-25 to note the importance of our assemblies in delivering such exhortations). “While it is called ‘Today’” indicates an urgency the writer wishes to impart to his exhortation.
Steadfastness is necessary to enjoy the fruits of being “partakers of Christ.” Only those who continue their faithful service to God “to the end” will enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Invitation: Making Your Call and Election Sure
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The text of 2 Peter 1 shows that we can impact (either by diligence or neglect) our standing with God.
“Be Strong and of Good Courage”
When Moses was 120 years old he called Israel together, and told them that their sojourn in the wilderness was coming to an end. Because of his sin at Kadesh (cf. Numbers 20), Moses would not be allowed to lead the people into the promised land. After promising the people that God was with them, he anointed Joshua as the new leader of the fledgling nation. He told Joshua in the presence of the people, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
Invitation: Paul’s Concern
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul expressed concern regarding the Thessalonians, who were suffering persecution. Interestingly, his concern was not for their safety, but for their faith. It was his hope that they would be established “blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)
In the News: “We Don’t Condone Heroics”
I read this past week of a student in Calgary who was punished with in-school suspension for coming to the aid of a classmate who was being threatened with a knife.
According to the article, Briar MacLean stepped between a bully and his victim, pushed the knife brandishing boy away, and shortly after the aggressor was subdued. Briar was thanked by the victim, and went about his school day until being called into the office where he was required to remain until the end of the day, and was questioned by school officials and police. His locker was also searched.
Invitation: The Need to be Steadfast
Invitation delivered by: Ben Schmidt
Ben points out that it is not enough to start serving God. We must continue steadfastly, loving him with all our hearts, souls and minds. cf. Mark 12:30.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Be Strong in the Lord
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
The call to “be strong” is one that can be appreciated by all Christians. We all want to be strong. No one wants to be weak. However, spiritual strength is a challenge. Our adversary, the devil “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The fortunate truth revealed in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is that our strength is “in the Lord,” our power is “of His might.” He equips us in our battle with the devil.
While it is true that our redemption is accomplished through the sacrifice of our Lord, the emphasis of Paul in this text is the tools or “armor of God” that is supplied for our use. The list is given in verses 14-17:
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
When we equip ourselves with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer, we will be blessed with God’s strength and might. Thus prepared, we will be able to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (11).
Sermon: This is a Faithful Saying…
Sermon by Jeremiah Cox (Note: His first time preaching a full sermon, Age 19).
The scriptures are profitable to complete a man, and equip him for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jeremiah identifies and applies the truths found in four verses designated by the Holy Spirit as “faithful sayings.”
Sermon: Now that the Meeting is Over, What Next?
Sermon 9 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
In this lesson, brother Foster brought the meeting to a close with an encouraging and uplifting exhortation to zeal and steadfastness in applying the preaching we hear to our daily lives.
Sermon: Hosea’s Seven
Sermon 3 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The sermon uses the text of Hosea to look at the state of Israel during the time of the prophet, and makes seven applications. Today we can be guilty of the same sins of Hosea’s time: 1) Lack of Knowledge; 2) Pride; 3) Instability; 4) Mixing with the World; 5) Corruption; 6) Backsliding; and 7) Idolatry.
Invitation: We Need to be Diligent
Invitation delivered by: Joshua Jackson
Joshua exorts us regarding the need for continual diligence and attention as we live each day as Christians.
Mining the Scriptures: Revelation 2:1-7
This letter the Lord wrote to the church at Ephesus was the first of seven written to churches in Asia. At the time of this writing, Ephesus was a large city — the most important seaport in Asia Minor.
Each of these letters follow the same pattern, and are found in chapters 2 and 3.
The Lord first commended the church at Ephesus for its work. The church was apparently diligent, steadfast, fruitful, and contended earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). They “hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans” as did the Lord.
However, something was missing. He admonished them for having “left your first love.” Though there was still the form of faithfulness in Ephesus, some zeal or vigor was missing. That lack of passion for Jesus was the reason for this censure.
The Lord called them to repentance, and here as elsewhere indicated that their salvation hung in the balance. This clearly indicates the fallacy of those who hold the doctrine of “once saved always saved.”
Here, those who “overcome” and receive the tree of life are the faithful and zealous. This is a wonderful lesson for us today!
Sermon: Choices Local Churches Must Make
Each local congregation must decide to be steadfast in the face of opposition and false doctrine; Zealous in the Lord’s work; and, work for Unity and Peace.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
