Faith Greater than an Apple

The Hope of an Apple

(Romans 5:3-4)

Jn. 15:2

Introduction: 1. In a lot of ways our faith is like an apple. A seed is planted, and it grows a

core and a glowing exterior.

2. However, is our faith as weak as an apple?

3. An apple gets beaten or bruised and it begins to turn to mush but is our

faith that delicate? (Bruise apple)

Body: I. “Suffering produces endurance”

A. Paul realized the importance of his suffering in his Christian walk and that helped him to endure. (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)

B. Christ knew the importance of his suffering and endured. (Luke 23:1-3)

C. Illustration: (Show bruised apple) Did the suffering that this apple went through increase its endurance?

II. “Endurance produces character”

A. Paul endured many sufferings, and it aided in the development of a joyful Christian character. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

B. Through Christ’s suffering and endurance, he showed his true character. (Luke 23:38-43)

C. Illustration: (Show bruised apple) Did the suffering that this apple faced help develop a strong character?

III. “Character produces hope”

A. Paul’s joyful character was one that could see the hope Christians have in Christ clearly. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

B. Christ’s character is the reason we can have hope of salvation. (Luke 23:46-47)

C. Illustration: (Show bruised apple) Does this apple have any hope after facing its suffering?

Conclusion: 1. Does your suffering produce a greater endurance, character, and hope?

2. Or does you suffering create blemishes, bitterness, and rot like the apple?

3. A Christian that suffers for Christ in the way the apple does is doomed to the same fate of being thrown away (drop apple in trashcan) Forever.