Knocked Down, Not Knocked Out
Key Scripture: “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16
“they rise again”. - Though God permit the hand of violence sometimes to spoil his tent, temptations to assail his mind, and afflictions to press down his body, he constantly emerges; and every time he passes through the furnace, he comes out brighter and more refined.
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Introduction
• I was the clumsiest child my parents had. I couldn’t walk across the floor without falling. So, I learned at an early age, if I wanted to get anywhere, I had to get back up and try again. I remember the first time I went to ride a cafe. I was probably 6 years old, and our friends had a young cafe, and he talked me into getting on that crazy animal. I remember him telling me that whatever happened “Do not let go of the rope” that was around him, and to my regret, I didn’t. He started bucking and jumping and running under an electric fence, but I didn’t let go, until the electric fence hit me in the chin, then I let go, because it shook my whole body. But that didn’t stop me from getting on him again, this time in an open field.
• I remember another time. We had pulled up to our friend’s house, mom needed something Aunt May, that’s what we called her, and it was raining cats and dogs, and I was selected to run and get it. I got to the front door fine, I was feeling pretty good about that, but now that I had retrieved what Mom needed, it was time to make the dash back to the car, remember it was raining. I took off running as fast as I possibly could and I was just about to make it into the car, but I fell, nothing uncommon for me, but this time I hit the running board with my head, just above my eye. It took 6 stitches to close me up. I still have the scar to prove it. But that didn’t stop me from running. I loved to run.
• Transition: Life has a way of knocking us down. The question isn’t whether we’ll fall but whether we’ll get back up.
• Main idea: In our spiritual journey, we may face setbacks, failures, and discouragement, but God calls us to rise up and continue fighting the good fight of faith.
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Point 1: Falling is Not the End
Scripture: Proverbs 24:16 – “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
• Falling is part of the journey; it doesn’t define you. Even the most faithful stumble.
• Examples:
o David’s sin with Bathsheba: David, a man after God’s own heart, fell into grievous sin. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be killed in battle (2 Samuel 11). When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn’t stay down in guilt or denial. Instead, he repented deeply, writing Psalm 51 as a heartfelt plea for forgiveness. His fall was severe, but his repentance and faith in God’s mercy restored him.
o Peter’s denial of Christ: On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denied knowing Him three times (Luke 22:54-62). After realizing what he had done, Peter wept bitterly. Yet, he didn’t let this failure define him. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was restored by Christ’s love and commissioned to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Peter went on to be a bold leader in the early church, proving that a moment of failure doesn’t disqualify us from God’s purposes.
• Application: When you fall, don’t let shame or guilt keep you down. Remember, God’s grace lifts us up.
Illustration: Share a story of a famous figure (e.g., Thomas Edison or a biblical figure) who failed repeatedly but eventually succeeded.
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Point 2: God Gives the Strength to Rise
Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
• We don’t get back up in our own strength; it’s God who renews and empowers us.
• God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does expect perseverance.
• Examples:
o Paul’s thorn in the flesh: In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul describes a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent struggle or weakness that he asked God to remove three times. God’s response was not to take it away but to remind Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul learned to rely on God’s grace rather than his own strength. This thorn, though painful, kept Paul humble and dependent on God, showing that even in weakness, God’s power can shine through.
Application: Trust God’s promise to strengthen you. When you feel like you can’t go on, remember He is your source of power.
Object Lesson:
• Materials: A punching bag or inflatable clown toy that pops back up when hit.
• Lesson: Show how, no matter how hard the bag is hit, it always bounces back. Say, “This is what God’s strength does for us. When life knocks us down, His power helps us rise again.” Psalm 18:39 39 You armed me with strength for battle;
you humbled my adversaries before me.
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Point 3: Every Knockdown is an Opportunity for Growth
Scripture: James 1:2-4 – “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
• Trials are not pointless; they shape us into who God wants us to be.
• Examples:
o Job’s story: Job is the ultimate example of being knocked down but not knocked out. In one day, Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health (Job 1-2). Despite his immense suffering, Job refused to curse God. Instead, he questioned, wrestled with his pain, and ultimately declared, "…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21). Job’s faith was tested, but through his perseverance, he experienced a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty. In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes and blessed him with more than he had before (Job 42:10-1710 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver[a] and a gold ring.
12 The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah (meaning to be HOT or the DAY), the second Keziah (cassia, a bark resembling cinnamon) and the third Keren-Happuch ("horn of stibium"). 15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.
16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so Job died, an old man and full of years.)
o Job’s story reminds us that trials can lead to greater blessings and stronger faith.
Application: Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What can I learn?” Trust that God is working for your good even in the hardest moments (Romans 8:28).
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Point 4: Victory Belongs to Those Who Persevere
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
• The Christian life is a fight and a race. Victory isn’t about never falling but about never giving up.
• Perseverance leads to eternal reward. Romans 5:3-4 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
These verses teach us that Perseverance is often accompanied by suffering and trials. This verse teaches us to rejoice even during hardships, because they lead to endurance. Endurance develops our character, and when our character is strengthened, it produces hope. This verse reminds us that perseverance is a process, and through it, we can find hope in the face of adversity.
• Example: The story of the tortoise and the hare—it’s not speed but perseverance that wins the race.
Application: Stay faithful in prayer, worship, and service, even when it feels hard. Victory is guaranteed for those who don’t give up.
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Conclusion
• Summary: Falling is inevitable, but with God’s strength, we can rise again. Every knockdown is an opportunity for growth, and perseverance leads to ultimate victory in Christ.
Psalm 34:19-22 19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked: the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
• Challenge: Identify areas where you’ve felt knocked down—spiritually, emotionally, or physically—and commit to rising again with God’s help.
• Encouragement: Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get back up.
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Invitation
Scripture: Matthew 11:28 – 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
As we close today, I want to extend a heartfelt invitation. Perhaps you’ve felt like life has knocked you down one too many times. Maybe you’re tired of trying to get up in your own strength. Let me remind you that Jesus is calling you to Himself today. He doesn’t require you to be perfect or have it all together. He simply asks you to come.
If you’ve never made the decision to follow Christ or if you’ve drifted away, this is your moment. God’s grace is sufficient for you, and His love is greater than any failure or fall. He stands ready to lift you up, to forgive you, and to give you new strength to continue the fight.
Would you say yes to Him today? Whether it’s a first-time commitment or a rededication, Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are. Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. He’s calling you by name, and He’s never stopped loving you.
Let’s pray together. If you’re ready to make that decision come to Him.
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, I admit that I’ve fallen and I need You. I ask for Your forgiveness and invite You to be the Lord of my life. Help me to rise again in Your strength and to walk in faith. Thank You for Your love and grace. I trust You, Lord, and I give my life to You. Amen."
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• Summary: Falling is inevitable, but with God’s strength, we can rise again. Every knockdown is an opportunity for growth, and perseverance leads to ultimate victory in Christ.
• Challenge: Identify areas where you’ve felt knocked down—spiritually, emotionally, or physically—and commit to rising again with God’s help.
• Encouragement: Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get back up.
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Closing Object Lesson: Bring out the punching bag or inflatable toy one more time. Say, “This week, when life hits you hard, remember this: You might be knocked down, but in Christ, you’re never knocked out.”
