Being Tenacious And Standing Firm In Our Service To God

Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Introduction:

-Today we gather to explore a vital aspect of our Christian walk

—being tenacious and standing firm in our service to God.

-In a world filled with distractions, challenges, and uncertainties,

-it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our faith.

-The Scriptures remind us that our journey is not without trials,

-but through faith and tenacity, we can overcome.

-As we delve into God’s Word,

-let us focus on how we can embody these qualities in our daily lives.

1: The Call to Stand Firm in Faith

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore,…

-We are called to be strong

-and to stand firm against the challenges that come our way.

-This requires us to actively engage in our faith, (There are No Passivist In Christ)

-putting on the armor of God daily.

-In Philippians 1:27 Paul encourages us to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Philippians 1:27 (KJV) Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

-Standing firm means living out our faith boldly and confidently,

-regardless of the circumstances.

2: The Power of Tenacity in Trials

James 1:2-4 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

-Tenacity is not just about holding on;

-it’s about thriving in adversity.

-When we face challenges,

-we must remember that they are opportunities for growth.

Romans 5:3-5 (KJV) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

SUFFERING FOR CHRIST Mike Barres

A Sudanese Christian boy has his knees and feet nailed to a board and he is left to die. When rescued he says he forgives the man who did this because Jesus was also nailed and forgave him.

A Vietnamese pastor is sentenced to two years in prison. When he is offered an early release, he declines stating that he has a group of new Believers in the prison he has to disciple.

A Colombian missionary is kidnapped and told she only has two hours to live. She tells her captors that if she only has two hours to live, she wants to spend it telling them about Jesus.

When I compare myself to these people, I don’t really know much about perseverance.

-suffering produces perseverance;

-perseverance, character;

-and character, hope.

-We should embrace our trials with joy,

-knowing that they refine us and strengthen our resolve to serve God.

THEY WERE FROZEN FOR THE FAITH

Believed to have occurred on March 9, 320 - Roman soldiers left Christian soldiers naked on the ice of a frozen pond in Sebaste, Armenia. They placed baths of hot water around them to tempt them to renounce their faith. When one did so, a pagan guard—inspired by the fortitude of the remaining Christians—converted and joined the freezing Christians.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,