Untitled Sermon

Don't Compromise, Don’t Quit

Text: Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Introduction: In the business world and in politics it is not uncommon for two parties to compromise in order strike a deal and achieve some amount of success. In the spiritual world compromise can only lead to destruction. We see this in the nation of Israel time and again. They would compromise their values, they would lessen the law with respect to Idols and would fall out of favor with the Lord.

Our text verse instructs us to:

· Not allow the desires of the flesh to control us

We are told how: put on the Lord. Much like one puts on a coat to protect us from the wind and cold, we must put on Christ in order to withstand Satan and all the temptations and bright, shiny allurements that the flesh is attracted to.

Paul, writing to Timothy at the end of life wants to ensure that Timothy does not compromise and won’t quit. I want to take a look a few points he makes to Timothy today.

Paul encouraged Timothy not to compromise the Word of God, but to "hold fast the form of sound words" which he had learned from Paul. He was not to quit in the face of adversity, but "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." He was to remain true to God and His Word. Each chapter has its own KEY VERSE that supports the theme.

I. Don’t Compromise

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

A. Hold Fast –

rather as Greek, "Have (that is, keep) a pattern of sound (Greek, 'healthy') words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love."

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Revelation 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Sound Words

Form - pattern

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

II. Don’t Quit

2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Conclusion:

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.