Sermon Tone Analysis

Contend:To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle

Earnestly: being very sincere; putting forth genuine effort

Introduction

Most, if not all, things that are of value and importance has a cost.

The cost could be money or the cost may require a considerable amount of time, effort, or dedication.

Today we are going to look at the cost or our belief in terms of

Adversity

Selflessness

Persecution

Faithfulness

1. Adversity

The cost of belief often involves the trial of adversity (A state of hardship or affliction; misfortune)

We live in a society- especially in the western world, that seeks to avoid adversity and trials at all cost.

But James says that we should count it all joy when we encounter trials of various kinds - why And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

2. Selflessness

The cost of belief often involves sacrificing of ourselves

Need to have a servant attitude

show pic of professor

Psychology Professor Dr. Laurie Santos, whose one-time-only class ‘Psychology and the Good Life’ is the most popular course ever offered at Yale University

Our brains lie to us about what makes us happy

For adults its may mean pursuing money or success at work

For teens it may be mean focusing on the perfect grades and getting into the best college - The problem isn’t that we’re not putting work into feeling better — it’s that we’re doing the wrong things, prioritizing the wrong behaviors.”

Instead of focusing on reaching a financial milestone or perfect GPA, aim to program your brain with thoughts and behaviors that make you feel better - Regularly connecting with friends, taking care of your health and learning how to accept negative emotions all contribute more significantly to your wellbeing than having the right job, car or relationships,

“I think the biggest misconception is that our happiness is based on our circumstances,”

3. Persecution

The cost of belief often entails dealing with abuse, ridicule, and persecution

Some Christians read this and say “Never say what you won’t do..”

The cost of belief is often unknown until it’s faced

They have doubt that they would stand up to persecution, danger, the threats, etc.

The cost of belief is often unknown until it’s faced

Is your faith in God a recreational, casual, convenient kind of faith.

If so then you are right to say “never say what you won’t do”

Instead pray that when this time occurs that you have sufficient strength do endure the persecution.

4. Faithfulness

The cost of belief often requires constant spiritual diligence and faithfulness

Conclusion

The cost of belief often involves the trial of adversity

sacrificing of ourselves

Dealing with abuse, ridicule, and persecution

And requires constant spiritual diligence and faithfulness