8/14/24 - Stand Firm in your Faith

Stand Firm In Your Faith

It is a given that people will try to tear down your faith

Especially at school

It may have even happened already this year.

This is going to be a practical talk about how we stand firm in our faith.

First, what is FAITH? we cannot stand firm if we don’t know what it is.

Belief + Action = Faith

New Living Translation Chapter 2

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?

So, faith is our deep belief that changes us so much that we are basically forced to do something about it.

Your faith, if it is real, leads you to take action. At the same time it exposes you to hostility from people with no faith. Why?

misunderstanding

jealousy

evil

What do we do?

13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Cor 16:13

21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us,

2 Cor 1:21

11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Eph 6:11

15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

2 Thess 2:15

Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

1 Peter 5:9

be aware - see the world realistically. There really are people that do not like you because of what you believe. They really will mistreat you and not treat you fairly.

fight - be prepared to be the aggressor. Invite people to church. Be ready to answer questions. Know where to go when you cannot answer questions. Tell friends, family, teachers, etc exactly what you believe.

stand strong - when you do these things, never back down. Surround yourself with others that can support you. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot practice your faith. We are blessed to live in a place where that right is protected, but we are called to have that attitude even if it means we are killed.

be brave - What is bravery? Showing mental, moral, or physical strength to face difficulty even through fear and danger. Its OK to be afraid. It is OK to know that your actions could cause harm to yourself (physical, emotional, etc). Do what you are supposed to do anyways. That is bravery.

get equipped - Lastly, prepare yourself.

New Living Translation Chapter 6

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

We really are doing battle. Not only against people that disagree with you, want to see you harmed, or even hate you for your beliefs but also with evil itself. There is a real satan and he for real hates you. The only way we win is to get prepared and equipped to fight. How do we do that?

Through a close and personal relationship with Christ. He will fight for us.

Through a close and personal relationship with other believers. We will fight side by side.

Through an in depth knowledge of Gods Word, the Bible.

Use ALL of the things God gives us.

Ephesians 6:10–19 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

Lastly, if you are here and you do not know Christ then you are in very real danger. Life comes at you fast and if you are not careful it can spin out of control and you can end up as one of the very people that I am telling these believers to fight against.

The good news is that this does not have to happen. You can know Christ and He can set you free from the horrible things in this world and you can have the hope and the expectation that He will fight for you on your behalf and lead you to win every battle. If you want that then see one of these adults during the prayer time and we will show you how that relationship can be yours.