Standing Firm in Faith

Introduction: The Challenge of True Discipleship

The introduction addresses the issue of declining church attendance and the temptation for churches to adapt the Gospel to be more appealing to younger generations. It sets the stage for a discussion on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Gospel and the true essence of discipleship, despite societal pressures.

How does my personal journey with Christ reflect a steadfast commitment to His teachings, even when they counter cultural norms?

In what ways can I contribute to a church culture that values the depth of discipleship over the appeal of conforming to societal expectations?

The Test of True Discipleship (John 6:60-66)

This section dives into the biblical account of Jesus' teaching in John 6:60-66, where many disciples turned away from Him after He presented them with difficult teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and convictions, even when faced with teachings that demand much from us.

John 6:60–66 NKJV

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

What aspects of my faith have I found most challenging to accept or follow, and how have I responded to these challenges?

How can I prepare my heart to remain committed to Jesus when faced with teachings or situations that test my faith?

Setting the Scene

Describes the context leading up to the pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, focusing on His miraculous deeds and the introduction of challenging spiritual truths that tested His followers' commitment.

Reflecting on my own spiritual journey, how have the 'miraculous feedings' and 'walking on water' moments strengthened my faith, and how do I react when faced with the 'hard teachings'?

In what ways can I better seek to understand and embrace the deeper spiritual truths presented in the Gospel, even when they are difficult to grasp?

Leadership and Integrity: Beyond Attendance Numbers

Discusses the essence of true leadership within the church, arguing that success should not be measured by attendance alone but by the depth and quality of discipleship among its members.

Consider the leaders who have impacted my faith journey. What qualities of their leadership have been most influential, and how can I embody these qualities in my own spheres of influence?

How can I support my church's leadership in prioritizing spiritual depth and integrity over numerical growth?

Biblical Essence of Integrity

Highlights Jesus' ministry as an example of prioritizing truth and integrity over popularity, and the importance of genuine seeking of the kingdom of God as opposed to amassing large followings.

Reflect on a time when standing firm in my beliefs resulted in a personal cost. What did I learn from this experience, and how has it shaped my understanding of spiritual integrity?

How does the example of Jesus' unwavering commitment to truth inspire me to live out my faith more authentically?

The Cost of Integrity in Leadership

Explores the challenges and consequences of leading with integrity, including the potential for smaller congregations but deeper, more meaningful spiritual engagement.

What are some practical steps I can take to foster a deeper, more meaningful engagement with my faith and my church community?

How can I contribute to a church environment that values challenging teachings and convictions over comfort and conformity?

Seeking Eternal Truth over Temporary Comfort

Addresses the conflict between a comforting, conformist version of Christianity and the confrontational, transformative nature of the Gospel, urging believers to seek eternal truths over temporary comfort.

How do I balance the desire for comfort with the call to embrace the transformative and sometimes uncomfortable truths of the Gospel?

In what areas of my life am I tempted to choose temporary comfort over eternal truth, and what steps can I take to shift my focus?

Christianity: A Call to Transformation

Emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel, calling believers out of darkness into a journey of growth, renewal, and radical reorientation around the teachings of Jesus.

What does transformation in Christ look like in my daily life, and how am I actively pursuing growth and renewal in my faith?

How can I more fully embrace the teachings and example of Jesus to facilitate my own spiritual transformation?

The Disgrace of Comforting Christianity

Critiques a version of Christianity that avoids hard truths for fear of offense, highlighting the importance of confronting sin, demanding repentance, and offering redemption through the Gospel.

Where might I be avoiding the hard truths of Scripture for fear of discomfort or offense, and how can I courageously confront these areas?

How can I help create a church culture that welcomes the confrontational nature of the Gospel, encouraging repentance and redemption?

Faith Beyond Offense: Embracing the Sovereignty of Response

Explores the nature of belief and the divine sovereignty in our response to the Gospel, stressing the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and comforting believers through the challenges of faith.

How does understanding the sovereignty of God in the process of belief change my approach to sharing the Gospel and interacting with those who do not believe?

In what ways can I more fully rely on the Holy Spirit to guide my words and actions as I witness to the truth of Christ?

The Sovereign Work of the Father

Discusses the crucial role of divine will in drawing individuals to Christ and the partnership between divine sovereignty and human proclamation in the journey of faith. John 6:65

John 6:65 NKJV

And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

Reflect on a time when I experienced the drawing of the Father in my journey of faith. How can I be more attentive to His work in my life and the lives of others?

How can I better partner with God in His sovereign work, trusting Him with the outcomes of my efforts to share the Gospel?

Navigating the Reality of Rejection

Offers perspective on dealing with rejection in evangelism, emphasizing faithfulness in witness and reliance on the Holy Spirit for the outcomes of gospel proclamation.

How do I typically respond to rejection or indifference when sharing my faith, and what can I do to remain steadfast and joyful in my witness?

What role does prayer play in my response to rejection, and how can I more effectively use prayer to support my evangelistic efforts?

The Ultimate Challenge: Whom Will You Follow?

Concludes with a personal challenge to the audience, asking whether they will continue to follow Jesus despite the challenges, using the dialogue between Jesus and His disciples in John 6 as a focal point for reflection on commitment to Christ. John 6:68

John 6:68 NASB95

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.

Faced with the choice to follow Jesus no matter the cost, what specific steps can I take to strengthen my commitment and resolve?

How does the decision to follow Jesus influence my priorities, relationships, and daily actions, and in what ways can I make this influence more evident in my life?

Conclusion

Reflects on the sermon's main themes, urging a deep, personal commitment to following Jesus based on the integrity of His teachings rather than the pursuit of popular appeal. It emphasizes the true measure of discipleship as the transformation of lives rather than the accumulation of followers. John 6:67

John 6:67 NASB95

So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?”

Reflecting on the sermon's themes, what is one concrete action I can take this week to deepen my walk with Christ and live out the truths of the Gospel more fully?

How can I encourage and support others in my church community to engage with the challenging aspects of discipleship and grow in their faith?