Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro:

When I say something is established, what comes to mind?

Liverpool Football Club, for instance, says it was established in 1892

Founded

The rules to a game are established

Certain/Sure/Guaranteed

And this is what Paul means in our verse today when he says the word established

That you are certain/positive/absolutely sure of something

Have you ever been certain of something before?

Maybe some of these you have been:

What color makes bulls angry?

(they are color blind)

If you touch a baby bird, what will the mother bird do? (won’t reject it…very little ability to smell)

How long is a goldfish’ memory?

(3 months)

Sometimes, we can be sure of things that aren’t actually all that certain right?

So in coming to terms with that, how can you be sure something is really true?

You’ve got to dig right?

You’ve got to try to find out…you’ve gotta do the dreaded “R” word.....research

I hate research papers, which is ironic, because much of my weeks at work are spent researching

But to be certain, to be established in something, you have to know the truth, you have to be convinced of the truth, and you have to be unwavering in that commitment

Established in the Faith

In , we see Paul use this very same word.....READ IT

Over the past two days, we’ve looked at being rooted, understanding that we have to have salvation to even be planted, but then to be rooted and growing, or built up, we have to be seeking him, and we have to allow what God lets into our lives to push us to Him through circumstances as well

And being established is kind of like the pinnacle of faith.....

So how do you know if you are established?

The Evidences

Know/Be Convinced of the Truth

In , we read this

We have to guard against people, institutions, government, etc....taking us captive by philosophy or empty deceit

Pretty much that means this - the world wants to distract you from the truth of God’s Word

The world wants to overwhelm you with thing after thing after thing that captivates your attention

Satan knows that this book contains the truth, contains the keys to victory

Think back to the garden of eden with me, he’s talking to eve… “Did God really say?”

The only way you will be able to be established is to know what’s in this book

Now, when I say that, what thoughts immediately come into your mind (What keeps you from knowing the truth, or from even reading it)

James, Philippians, Gospels, etc.....

, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Listen, if you aren’t as a believer, trying to know the truth, to know God’s Word....you’re walking on dangerous ground

Because you won’t be certain, convinced of it, and you’re susceptible to being taken captive by the world.

As you get older, head to college, jobs, etc.....you may even find a church that you think is awesome.

But what if the pastor of that church is preaching things that aren’t true......how are you going to know?

Yep, you’ve got to be established in the truth

2. Your Life is Evidence

says this, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

See, you can’t just “know” the truth....you’ve got to put it into practice, it’s got to be evident in your life

So, how do you know if it is evident?

How do you know if you are walking the walk?

Well, here are some questions that I’ve developed over the years of my life as a believer:

1. Do I fit in with the world (those aren’t saved) without any problem?

2. When no one else is around, who am I?

3. Do people talk to me about Jesus?

Because if they do, it’s for a reason........

4. Do I love others with a Christ-like love?

James always says we can’t be just hearers, we’ve got to be doers

So what are some ways you can leave here and prove you are established, or want to be.....

Commit to a church/youth group

Surround yourself with close friends who love Jesus (see first one)

Live each day looking for someone you can love like Jesus loved

3. Love like Jesus loved

You’ll hear many people nowadays say, “Well, we just need to love everybody regardless of what or how they are living” OR “Jesus just loved people....”

People don’t want to be told what to do, or be told that they need to change, or be told that they are accountable to a God

But they are…and we as the established in the faith…we are called to let them know that

And a big way we do that is by loving them, but not loving them by shying away from the truth

We’ve got to love like Jesus loved

And that looks like this

Not being afraid to be in the world, But not being part of the world

But not being part of the world

Not being afraid to speak about God to people

Point out issues in people’s lives, not in a “I can’t believe you would do that” kind of way, but in a “I want you to experience the joy of Jesus” kind of way

But don’t miss this, people who are certain of something are always willing to talk about it

Example:

Sports team

Knowledge

Cars

Deer