Unstoppable Faith Series

What do you think of when you hear the word, UNSTOPPABLE?

A couple of years ago, a popular business magazine came out with an article called 30 Behaviors of Unstoppable People.

Is that even possible?

Are there any truly unstoppable people in the world?

I have known some people who thought they were unstoppable,

at least on some level.

But when the word “cancer” entered their vocabulary,

or their wife left,

or the bottom fell out financially,

or their illegal behavior finally caught up with them and they were on their way to prison…

Suddenly, those who thought they were unstoppable, got stopped in their tracks.

But still, we hear about those who are supposedly unstoppable.

In the world of sports, it could be a winning team, or a winning player, or even a winning coach.

In the world of music and entertainment, it might be a popular person who has demonstrated a high level of success and they seem to be virtually unstoppable when it comes to making hit songs, packing out stadiums, or achieving some other level of success.

In the business world, we have all seen companies that seem to keep winning.

They seem to be unstoppable when it comes to technology, innovation, or profits.

But here is the truth –

• every sports dynasty,

• every successful business,

• every legendary icon,

• every diva,

• every athlete,

• and every entertainer will eventually fade.

The only truly unstoppable force in this world comes from God.

God’s creation, God’s Church, God’s purpose, and God’s people.

The SPIRIT OF GOD is what makes us unstoppable.

Today, we are going to learn from a man who had every reason to give up.

We are headed to 2 Corinthians 4, as we look behind the scenes at an amazing Christian.

The Apostle Paul faced all kinds of opposition in his life.

Even though he faced opposition on every side,

Paul remained unstoppable.

Paul had people who were saying that his teaching was weak.

They accused him of being dishonest and of corrupting God's Word.

People were hurtful and unappreciative saying he lacked integrity.

They beat him with sticks, threw rocks at him, and even left him for dead.

Nobody would have blamed Paul for choosing a different career path.

• But he didn’t quit.

• He never gave up.

• He kept pressing on.

Paul possessed certain qualities that we all need to help us keep going when the going gets tough.

Qualities the Apostle Paul possessed:

1. Unstoppable Determination

Paul had an unstoppable Heart for God.

“Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.” - 2 Corinthians 4:1 (NLT2)

Apart from the mercy of God, Paul saw himself as undeserving.

He is saying, "I am unworthy to do what God has called me to do!

When a person begins to think that they deserve a position, or status, or a ministry,

that always leads to conflict and the temptation to say, "I quit!

I quit because I deserve to be treated better than this.

I quit because I am unappreciated.

I quit because I'm not getting the credit I deserve or the pay I deserve.

Paul knows he deserves nothing.

Why does he feel this way?

I think His letter to Timothy provides insight…

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” - 1 Timothy 1:12-13 (NIV)

Paul knew who he was.

He remembered where he came from.

When he says, "We never give up" he is saying, we don't quit because we know that we don’t even deserve to be part of God's ministry in the first place.

It is the exact opposite of the entitlement mindset that so many possess today.

Paul says, "I cannot help but serve God, and love God, and do whatever He wants me to do… including going through tough challenges where people oppose, and criticize, and attack."

Paul had a humble, unstoppable heart for God.

God gave him his ministry and he was going to do it, no matter what.

This is NOT the result of sheer grit and determination.

He was empowered by the Spirit of God.

He was a man on a mission.

Unstoppable determination.

A second trait, that I absolutely love…

2. Unstoppable Integrity

“We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.” - 2 Corinthians 4:2 (NLT2)

Paul performed his job God's way!

He carried out his ministry with integrity.