The Divine Demand: Commitment Over Wavering
Notes
Transcript
24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
1 Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
I. Introduction to Steadfastness and Faith
I. Introduction to Steadfastness and Faith
A. John the Baptist Demonstrated unwavering conviction and was not "a reed shaken with the wind"
A. John the Baptist Demonstrated unwavering conviction and was not "a reed shaken with the wind"
1. A reed is a tall, slender plant that grows in wetland areas, and it bends easily in the wind.
1. A reed is a tall, slender plant that grows in wetland areas, and it bends easily in the wind.
2. A ”reed shaken with the wind" could symbolize someone who is easily swayed by public opinion or external pressures, lacking firm convictions or a strong foundation in their beliefs.
2. A ”reed shaken with the wind" could symbolize someone who is easily swayed by public opinion or external pressures, lacking firm convictions or a strong foundation in their beliefs.
B. Believers are encouraged to embody the same steadfast commitment in their faith and actions today.
B. Believers are encouraged to embody the same steadfast commitment in their faith and actions today.
II. Biblical Foundations of Steadfastness
II. Biblical Foundations of Steadfastness
A. The promise of the Holy Ghost to guide believers into all truth, providing strength and conviction.
A. The promise of the Holy Ghost to guide believers into all truth, providing strength and conviction.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
B. Encourages believers to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
B. Encourages believers to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
C. Calls for standing firm with the armor of God, emphasizing readiness and righteousness.
C. Calls for standing firm with the armor of God, emphasizing readiness and righteousness.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
D. Warns against wavering faith, highlighting the need for single-mindedness in belief.
D. Warns against wavering faith, highlighting the need for single-mindedness in belief.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
E. Reminds that God gives a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not of fear.
E. Reminds that God gives a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not of fear.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
III. The Invaluable Nature of Truth
III. The Invaluable Nature of Truth
23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
A. Invest in Truth!
A. Invest in Truth!
1. Signifies the importance of earnestly seeking and holding onto truth.
1. Signifies the importance of earnestly seeking and holding onto truth.
B. Never selling makes my commitment irrevocable!
B. Never selling makes my commitment irrevocable!
1. Emphasizes maintaining truth without compromise.
1. Emphasizes maintaining truth without compromise.
C. Acquire Wisdom!
C. Acquire Wisdom!
1. Underlines the necessity of wisdom, instruction, and understanding in living a life committed to God.
1. Underlines the necessity of wisdom, instruction, and understanding in living a life committed to God.
IV. We must be Steadfastness and hold to Truth!
IV. We must be Steadfastness and hold to Truth!
A. John the Baptist left a legacy to be followed!
A. John the Baptist left a legacy to be followed!
1. His life exemplifies the essence of biblical steadfastness—remaining firm in God’s truths against societal pressures and personal risks.
1. His life exemplifies the essence of biblical steadfastness—remaining firm in God’s truths against societal pressures and personal risks.
B. We nee to apply John the Baptists legacy to our lives today!
B. We nee to apply John the Baptists legacy to our lives today!
1. Believers today are called to a similar standard of faith and action, rejecting the instability of a "reed shaken with the wind" and embodying the firmness of conviction seen in John the Baptist.
1. Believers today are called to a similar standard of faith and action, rejecting the instability of a "reed shaken with the wind" and embodying the firmness of conviction seen in John the Baptist.
C. The Holy Ghost plays a critical role in our commitment!
C. The Holy Ghost plays a critical role in our commitment!
1. As the Comforter, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction, enabling them to stand firm in their beliefs and actions.
1. As the Comforter, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction, enabling them to stand firm in their beliefs and actions.
D. The truth abiding in our lives today is a must have!
D. The truth abiding in our lives today is a must have!
1. In a world where truth can often be relativized, Proverbs 23:23 challenges believers to prioritize divine truth above all, ensuring that our faith and actions are anchored in the unchanging principles of God's Word.
1. In a world where truth can often be relativized, Proverbs 23:23 challenges believers to prioritize divine truth above all, ensuring that our faith and actions are anchored in the unchanging principles of God's Word.
V. Conclusion
V. Conclusion
A. The call to steadfastness and conviction in faith is both a personal and communal (church-wide) challenge for believers.
A. The call to steadfastness and conviction in faith is both a personal and communal (church-wide) challenge for believers.
B. It requires a continuous commitment to growth in understanding, wisdom, and application of God's truth.
B. It requires a continuous commitment to growth in understanding, wisdom, and application of God's truth.
C. Like John the Baptist, believers are invited to live lives marked by unwavering dedication to the principles of God’s kingdom, empowered by the Holy Ghost, and guided by the truth that has been bought at the price of personal sacrifice and never sold for convenience or gain.
C. Like John the Baptist, believers are invited to live lives marked by unwavering dedication to the principles of God’s kingdom, empowered by the Holy Ghost, and guided by the truth that has been bought at the price of personal sacrifice and never sold for convenience or gain.