In the Midst of Much Conflict
Have Courage in Suffering: March 2023 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 42:42
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1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
Central Idea:
We know that there are many trials and tribulations in this world, but we must not give up on our Christian faith no matter what comes our way.
Introduction:
It is popularly reported that our society is being torn apart and that it surely means the end of all things good and decent.
Mankind has found something that perhaps sells as good as sex. That something is divisiveness.
You and I are it’s unwitting participants. This is not to say that crazy and unthinkable things are not happening in our time. However I would like to submit to you these things are the tools of the Father of Lies. His effort is to get you to abandon your Faith, take your eyes off of Jesus and focus in on the world and your current believed status in it.
Take heart and take courage always remember...
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Finding courage can be a difficult task, particularly in the midst of conflict but there are several things we can do to help ourselves: Here are 5 suggestions to help us live courageously in the midst of conflict and even more to live in reality and not in the Father of Lies schemes.
Study Questions
What can we do to maintain our faith and courage in the midst of conflict? Answer to #1: We can maintain our faith and courage in the midst of conflict by relying on scripture. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, reminding us that with God's strength no trial is too difficult to overcome. In addition, we should remember Jesus' words in John 16:33.
What is it that sells just as good as sex, which is being leveraged in our world today, and how are we unwitting participants? Answer to #2: The Father of Lies is leveraging divisiveness in our world today, which sells just as good as sex. We are unwitting participants because it is easy to get caught up in the chaos that is social media and political opinion sites. Unwitting participation happens when everyone is right in their own eyes. Judges 17:6 teaches us things go wrong when everybody does what is right in their own eyes.
What is the contrasting condition presented in John 16:33 reminding us that Jesus has overcome the world? Answer to #3: Jesus speaks of a contrasting condition between having peace in Him and tribulation in the world, but He reminds us that He has already overcome the world. As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 ESV, the boldness that Paul and his companions had was a direct result of their faith in Jesus Christ, who has already overcome all the world's tribulations. Therefore, even when we face considerable obstacles, difficulties, and trials, we can be sure that our hope lies in the fact that Jesus has overcome the world. We can find courage and strength in Him to press on despite all of life's conflicts.
1. Recognize Your Fears:
1. Recognize Your Fears:
Take some time to acknowledge your fears and what might be the cause of your conflict. Knowing and understanding your fears is the first step towards overcoming them.
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
What are really afraid of?
That the world might come to an end
That sin will continue to get worst and worst
That there will be wars and famines in our day
That are enemies may gain some worldly power
That things will be different than Bible teaching
Recognize those fears and take them captive for Christ
Let me read for you something that might be scary now but faith should tame it in our hearts...
5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
Study Questions
1. What are some of the fears that Christians might have today?
2. How can we use our faith to overcome these fears according to Revelation 13:5-10?
[Recognize your fears and get out ahead of them…]
2. Set Spiritual Goals:
2. Set Spiritual Goals:
Start with achievable goals and work your way up. Accomplishing smaller tasks can help give you the confidence to tackle larger ones.
I am extremely grateful for Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace. I learned through his program not to fear my debtors. The fear of my debtors went away when I was prepared for their calls and I knew my financial destination.
FPU helped me set goals that actually took the sting out of my financial fears. As I achieved those goals (debt snow ball) I grew in confidence and courage even in the midst of financial conflict.
Consider the Prophet Isaiah’s revelation...
8 But he who is noble plans noble things,
and on noble things he stands.
Take courage from your spiritual goals...
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Study Questions
1. What are some practical goals you can set to help overcome your fears?
2. How can the words of Isaiah 32:8, Philippians 3:14, and Romans 8:37-39 give you the courage to reach your spiritual goals?
[Recognize your fears then Set Spiritual Goals, these steps will allow you to have courage in the midst of conflict, next we should…]
3. Surround yourself with supportive people:
3. Surround yourself with supportive people:
Seek out people who are encouraging and positive in the faith. Having friends, family, or colleagues who support you can make a big difference in finding the courage to face your fears in the midst of conflict.
Dan has arranged for us in the past two months lessons about the importance of the assembly. It is here, in this fellowship where you can find supportive people of faith.
There is a saying that says: Looking at a persons five closest friends and the person will be the average of those five.
Some of you are cowards in the face of purity and Godly excellence. You only associate with people of your perceived station. There is no one to challenge your thinking, and your thinking is worldly inspired.
We have not learned the lesson of 1 Cor 15:33
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
How does your 5 influence you?
Girl you better sleep with that man before you lose him
Don’t pay your bills, you need to be having fun, just ignore them
I wouldn’t be around those church folk, all they want to do is judge you, can’t nobody tell you how to live your life
Why are you following that Bible? That was for those people back then, the Bible didn’t know what was going to happen today
I wouldn’t hang out with people who voted that way, how could they be christians?
We unwittingly use worldly standards, we need to remember Jude’s word from the Spirit...
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Study Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 15:33 mean, and how can this be applied to the lives of believers?
2. How does Jude's word from the Spirit challenge our ideals?
4. Practice Self-Examination, not Self-Care:
4. Practice Self-Examination, not Self-Care:
Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Regular exercise, eating well, and getting enough rest can help you feel more confident and capable.
We need to be careful here but the world has taken this to an extreme of selfishness that works against Godliness.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
40 Let us test and examine our ways,
and return to the Lord!
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
Study Questions
1. According to Psalm 139:23-24, what is God's purpose in searching us?
2. In 2 Corinthians 13:5-6, why does Paul encourage believers to examine their faith, why is this important?
[1. What do you fear; 2. Set Goals; 3. Assemble with supportive people; 4. Self-Examination; lastly…]
5. Take action:
5. Take action:
Once you've identified your fears and set achievable goals, take action. Start by taking small steps, even if they feel uncomfortable at first. God will not let you down.
Walk with the Lord and trust in His Word, you can take action in the midst of conflict and suffering
4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
The Lord will never leave you...
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
You have a purpose and power in God, do not let fear take it away...
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Study Questions
1. What is the key message of Revelation 3:4, and how does it apply to taking action?
2. How can we access God's power and purpose to overcome fear as described in 2 Timothy 1:6-7?
Conclusion:
Remember that finding courage is an ongoing process. It may take time and effort, but eventually, as you face your fears, you'll find that you're capable of more than you ever thought possible.