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,
We are being observed by a “So Great a cloud of Witnesses!”
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-This verse emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus
-You see, we are called to see Jesus as we walk in this wicked world,
-There is a story in Mark 10, about a blind man
Mark 10:46-52 (KJV) And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
-We are called to see Jesus
-We are called to listen to Jesus,
-to consider Jesus,
-to fix our eyes on Jesus.
-This is the key to the Christian life:
-It’s not about doing hard work for Jesus,
-It’s not about doing labor for Jesus,
-Walking a successful Christian life in this world is all about looking at Jesus
-It’s True— look at Him!
-Look at Jesus!
-Look at Him over and over and over again until your vision is clear.
-Your vision is clear of salvation
-Your vision is clear of your forgiveness
-Your vision is clear of your understanding of your protection in the spirit
-Your vision is so clear that you know that “No weapon formed against you shall prosper”
-You know that Jesus is on your side
-And that he will Keep your mind safe, stable and secure.
-And when you see him,
-He will do for you what he did for that blind man,
-He will open your eyes.
-And when Jesus opens your eyes, You can’t leave him!
1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
-Resist the devil!
-Be firm in your faith!
-knowing that the same kinds of suffering you are going through
-are being experienced by the brotherhood throughout the world.
3: Guarding Our Minds and Finding Encouragement
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
-Guarding our minds is essential in maintaining our tenacity and sanity in this world.
-We must fill our thoughts with positivity and truth from God’s Word.
-Additionally,
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
-In doing this, we cultivate an attitude of gratitude that fuels our perseverance.
-We should encourage one another as we stand firm together in our service to God.
Luke 18:1 (KJV) “…that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
-Praying keeps our mind sharp with the awareness of the presence of God
-It keeps us from being “faint” or double minded due to a lack of faith.
YOUNG BOY IGNORES HIS FATHER'S VOICE —Lee Eclov, Vernon Hills, Illinois
Lee Eclov shares the following true story about a conversation between Max, a first grader in Lee's congregation, and Max's dad, Todd.
Dad: Max! Why didn't you answer me when I called you?
Max: I didn't hear you, Dad.
Dad: What do you mean you didn't hear me?
Max does not respond.
Dad: How many times didn't you hear me?
Max: I don't know, maybe three or four times.
OBEY OR BE SACRIFICED —Luella Bredin, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Our 6-year-old daughter, Lori, was studying 1 Samuel 15:22—"To obey is better than sacrifice"—for her Bible memory course. One day as she observed her 3-year-old sister, Kristi, being disobedient, she immediately applied the verse in her interpretation. "Kristi," she admonished sternly, "if you don't obey, you will be sacrificed!"
Conclusion:
-It would be beneficial for us to reflect on the importance of being tenacious and standing firm in our service to God,
-let us remember that our faith is a powerful tool.
-We are called to be strong,
-to embrace trials with joy,
-and to guard our minds against negativity.
-In doing so,
-we not only grow closer to God but also become beacons of hope and encouragement to those around us.
-Let us commit ourselves to this journey of faith with tenacity and strength.
James 1:12 (KJV) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
