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¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA Y NO LA SUELTES!

Tema de septiembre: FIRMEZA

1 Corintios 15:58 • Marcos 4:14–20

1 Corintios 15:58 — “Así que, hermanos míos amados, estad firmes y constantes, creciendo en la obra del Señor siempre, sabiendo que vuestro trabajo en el Señor no es en vano.”

¿A QUÉ TE ESTÁS AFERRANDO?

Hay algunas cosas en la vida a las que naturalmente tratamos de aferrarnos porque las consideramos valiosas.

Nos aferramos al dinero, porque sabemos que podemos necesitarlo.

Nos aferramos a las llaves, porque nos dan acceso.

Guardamos documentos importantes, porque prueban propiedad e identidad.

Conservamos los medicamentos, porque pueden ser necesarios para nuestra salud.

Guardamos un anillo de matrimonio, porque representa pacto y compromiso.

Conservamos fotografías familiares, porque preservan recuerdos preciosos.

Nos aferramos a nuestros teléfonos, porque nos mantienen conectados.

Si estamos en aguas profundas, nos aferramos a un salvavidas porque puede mantenernos a flote.

Si caminamos donde el terreno es inseguro, nos agarramos de un pasamanos porque necesitamos algo firme.

Y cuando alguien nos da algo extremadamente valioso, no lo tratamos descuidadamente. Lo protegemos. Lo aseguramos. Lo vigilamos. Nos aseguramos de no perderlo.

¡Pero, iglesia, hay algo más valioso que todas estas cosas: LA PALABRA DE DIOS!

El dinero puede acabarse. Las llaves pueden perderse. Los documentos pueden destruirse. Los medicamentos pueden vencerse. Las fotografías pueden desvanecerse. Los teléfonos pueden dejar de funcionar. La gente puede decepcionarnos. Nuestra propia fuerza puede fallarnos.

Mateo 24:35 — “El cielo y la tierra pasarán, pero mis palabras no pasarán.”

¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA Y NO LA SUELTES!

HOLD — AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA

H — HEAR: Escucha la Palabra.

Romanos 10:17 — “Así que la fe es por el oír, y el oír, por la palabra de Dios.”

O — OBEY: Obedece la Palabra.

Santiago 1:22 — “Pero sed hacedores de la palabra, y no tan solamente oidores...”

L — LIVE: Vive la Palabra.

Salmo 119:105 — “Lámpara es a mis pies tu palabra, y lumbrera a mi camino.”

D — DON'T LET GO: ¡No sueltes la Palabra!

Hebreos 10:23 — “Mantengamos firme, sin fluctuar, la profesión de nuestra esperanza, porque fiel es el que prometió.”

No solamente ESCUCHES la Palabra—OBEDECE la Palabra. No la obedezcas solamente el domingo—VIVE la Palabra. Y cuando venga la dificultad, ¡NO SUELTES LA PALABRA!

¡NO SUELTES EL BALÓN!

Tony Romo (2006, juego de comodines de la NFC): como sostenedor en un intento rutinario de gol de campo de 19 yardas que habría dado a los Dallas Cowboys una ventaja tardía sobre los Seattle Seahawks, Romo perdió el balón. Intentó correr hacia la zona de anotación, pero fue detenido antes de llegar, terminando la temporada de Dallas.

DeSean Jackson (2008): siendo receptor novato de los Philadelphia Eagles, atrapó un pase largo y corrió hacia la zona de anotación. Sin embargo, soltó el balón celebrando demasiado pronto, apenas antes de cruzar la línea.

Todo lo demás puede cambiar—¡PERO LA PALABRA TODAVÍA PERMANECE!

Salmo 119:89 — “Para siempre, oh Jehová, permanece tu palabra en los cielos.”

La Palabra no necesita actualización. La Palabra no necesita corrección. La Palabra no queda anticuada porque cambie la cultura. ¡LA PALABRA DE DIOS ESTÁ ESTABLECIDA!

Cuando el dinero escasee—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando la gente cambie—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando cambien las circunstancias—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando cambien tus sentimientos—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando no puedas ver el camino—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA!

Algunas cosas son valiosas por lo que pueden hacer por ti. ¡PERO LA PALABRA ES VALIOSA PORQUE PUEDE SOSTENERTE CUANDO TODO LO DEMÁS DEJA DE FUNCIONAR!

EL SEMBRADOR, LA SEMILLA Y LA TIERRA

Esto nos lleva a Marcos capítulo 4. Jesús cuenta una parábola acerca de un agricultor que sembraba semilla.

Marcos 4:14 — “El sembrador es el que siembra la palabra.”

LA SEMILLA ES LA PALABRA. LA TIERRA REPRESENTA EL CORAZÓN.

La misma semilla cayó sobre cuatro clases diferentes de terreno. El problema no era la semilla. No había nada malo con la semilla. La diferencia era: ¿QUÉ PASÓ CON LA SEMILLA DESPUÉS DE CAER?

Dos personas pueden sentarse en la misma iglesia, escuchar el mismo sermón, leer la misma Escritura y escuchar al mismo predicador. Una se fortalece y la otra permanece igual. Una echa raíces y otra se ofende. Una produce fruto y otra se distrae.

La pregunta no es solamente: “¿ESCUCHÉ LA PALABRA?” La pregunta es: “¿QUÉ PASÓ CON LA PALABRA DESPUÉS QUE LA ESCUCHÉ?”

Jesús nos muestra cuatro posibilidades: El camino — La Palabra robada. El terreno pedregoso — La Palabra sin raíces. Entre espinos — La Palabra ahogada. Buena tierra — La Palabra productiva.

1. EL CAMINO — LA PALABRA ROBADA

Marcos 4:15 — “Y éstos son los de junto al camino: en quienes se siembra la palabra, pero después que la oyen, en seguida viene Satanás, y quita la palabra que se sembró en sus corazones.”

Observa lo que Jesús dice: “SATANÁS VIENE EN SEGUIDA.” ¿Por qué está Satanás tan interesado en la Palabra? Porque la fe viene por el oír la Palabra de Dios. Satanás sabe que si la Palabra permanece, LA FE PUEDE CRECER. Y si la fe crece, TU VIDA PUEDE CAMBIAR.

EJEMPLO BÍBLICO — EL REY SAÚL

En 1 Samuel 15, Dios le dio al rey Saúl una orden clara por medio de Samuel. Saúl oyó lo que Dios dijo, pero permitió que otra voz llegara a tener más influencia que la voz de Dios.

1 Samuel 15:24 — “Yo he pecado; pues he quebrantado el mandamiento de Jehová y tus palabras, porque temí al pueblo y consentí a la voz de ellos.”

DIOS HABLÓ. Pero EL PUEBLO TAMBIÉN HABLÓ. Saúl permitió que otra voz reemplazara la Palabra de Dios.

Dios dice: Perdona. Alguien dice: “Yo no los perdonaría.” Dios dice: Confía en Mí. El temor dice: “No lo vas a lograr.” Dios dice: Permanece fiel. Alguien dice: “No hace falta tanto.” Dios dice: Vive en santidad. La cultura dice: “Todo el mundo lo está haciendo.”

La pregunta es: ¿QUÉ VOZ VAS A CREER?

Cuando un agricultor esparce semilla, puede haber pájaros observando el campo. El agricultor no es el único interesado en la semilla. Algo más quiere lo que acaba de plantar. De la misma manera, cuando Dios pone Su Palabra en tu corazón: ¡GUÁRDALA! Medita en ella. Ora sobre ella. Obedécela. Recuérdala. ¡NO DEJES QUE EL ENEMIGO TE ROBE LA PALABRA!

2. EL TERRENO PEDREGOSO — LA PALABRA SIN RAÍCES

Marcos 4:16–17 — “Estos son asimismo los que fueron sembrados en pedregales: los que cuando han oído la palabra, al momento la reciben con gozo; pero no tienen raíz en sí, sino que son de corta duración...”

La oyeron. La recibieron. Se alegraron por ella. Pero NO TENÍAN RAÍCES. Su problema no era la EMOCIÓN. Su problema era la PROFUNDIDAD. Tenían suficiente Palabra para gritar, pero no suficientes raíces para permanecer.

Jesús dice que duran solamente por un tiempo. Eso es lo contrario de la FIRMEZA.

EJEMPLO BÍBLICO — ISRAEL EN EL DESIERTO

Israel atravesó el Mar Rojo. Dios abrió las aguas. Caminaron por tierra seca. El ejército de Faraón fue destruido. Éxodo 15 registra a Israel cantando y alabando a Dios. Pero después entraron en el desierto y tuvieron hambre.

Éxodo 16:2 — “Y toda la congregación de los hijos de Israel murmuró contra Moisés y Aarón en el desierto.”

Podían alabar a Dios DESPUÉS DEL MAR ROJO, pero luchaban para confiar en Dios EN EL DESIERTO. Tenían ALABANZA DEL MAR ROJO, pero necesitaban RAÍCES PARA EL DESIERTO.

Iglesia, no desarrolles fe solamente para el milagro. Desarrolla fe PARA EL TIEMPO ENTRE LOS MILAGROS. ¿Puedes confiar en Dios cuando nada espectacular está sucediendo? ¿Mientras esperas? ¿Cuando no entiendes? ¿Cuando no puedes ver cómo Él lo hará?

Dos árboles pueden parecer igualmente fuertes en un día tranquilo. Pero espera hasta que llegue la tormenta. Uno cae y el otro permanece. ¿Por qué? RAÍCES. La tormenta no creó la debilidad; LA TORMENTA REVELÓ LAS RAÍCES.

Colosenses 2:7 — “Arraigados y sobreedificados en él, y confirmados en la fe...”

No ores solamente: “Señor, hazme más grande.” Ora: “¡SEÑOR, HAZME MÁS PROFUNDO!” Porque las raíces profundas producen cristianos firmes.

3. ENTRE ESPINOS — LA PALABRA AHOGADA

Marcos 4:18–19 — “Estos son los que fueron sembrados entre espinos: los que oyen la palabra, pero los afanes de este siglo, y el engaño de las riquezas, y las codicias de otras cosas, entran y ahogan la palabra, y se hace infructuosa.”

Este terreno es diferente. La semilla no es robada. La planta realmente comienza a crecer. Pero ALGO MÁS TAMBIÉN ESTÁ CRECIENDO.

Jesús menciona tres cosas: los afanes de este mundo, el engaño de las riquezas y los deseos de otras cosas. La Palabra está siendo desplazada. Finalmente, esas cosas competidoras ahogan lo que Dios está tratando de producir.

EJEMPLO BÍBLICO — EL JOVEN RICO

En Marcos 10, un joven rico vino corriendo a Jesús. Quería la vida eterna. Conocía los mandamientos. Respetaba a Jesús. Pero Jesús tocó el área que tenía control de su corazón.

Marcos 10:21 — “Anda, vende todo lo que tienes, y dalo a los pobres... y ven, sígueme, tomando tu cruz.”

Marcos 10:

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STEDFAST

“When Everything Changes, Don't You Change”

September Theme: STEADFASTNESS

Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

“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.”

Main Character: Daniel

Key Scripture — Daniel 6:10 (KJV)

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

INTRODUCTION — EVERYTHING AROUND DANIEL CHANGED

There are some things in life we cannot keep from changing.

People change.

Jobs change.

Neighborhoods change.

Governments change.

Technology changes.

Our bodies change.

Our circumstances change.

People who once walked with us may leave us.

Doors that were once open may close.

Seasons change.

But the question is:

WHEN EVERYTHING AROUND YOU CHANGES, DOES EVERYTHING IN YOU HAVE TO CHANGE?

Daniel teaches us:

NO!

Daniel's location changed—

but his God didn't change.

Daniel's government changed—

but his faith didn't change.

Daniel's circumstances changed—

but his commitment didn't change.

Daniel was taken from Judah to Babylon.

He was removed from familiar surroundings.

He was exposed to a different culture.

He lived under pagan governments.

Kings came and went.

Laws changed.

But there was something inside Daniel that Babylon couldn't change.

That's:

STEDFASTNESS!

ILLUSTRATION — THE THERMOMETER AND THE THERMOSTAT

A thermometer changes according to the atmosphere.

If the room gets hot, the thermometer goes up.

If the room gets cold, the thermometer goes down.

It simply reflects whatever is happening around it.

Too many Christians live like spiritual thermometers.

When everybody is praising—

they praise.

When everybody is faithful—

they're faithful.

When everybody agrees with them—

they're happy.

When circumstances are good—

they trust God.

But when the atmosphere changes—

THEY CHANGE.

God is looking for somebody who can say:

“My environment may change, but my convictions will not.”

That's Daniel.

Babylon changed the atmosphere around Daniel—

BUT BABYLON COULDN'T CHANGE THE GOD WITHIN DANIEL.

Paul calls that:

“stedfast, unmoveable…”

So let's take the word STEDFAST and see what it means to live a stedfast life.

S — STAND ON YOUR CONVICTIONS

Daniel 1:8

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”

Before Daniel ever faced the lions' den, he made a decision:

“I WILL NOT DEFILE MYSELF.”

Notice where the decision was made:

“in his heart.”

Daniel didn't wait until temptation came to decide what he believed.

He settled it beforehand.

That's important.

If you wait until temptation comes to decide where you stand, temptation may make the decision for you.

Some things need to already be settled.

I will serve God.

I will live according to His Word.

I will remain faithful.

I will not compromise my convictions just to fit in.

Joshua 24:15

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

PREACHING POINT

STEDFAST PEOPLE SETTLE SOME THINGS BEFORE THE BATTLE STARTS.

T — TRUST GOD UNDER PRESSURE

Daniel's greatest test came when a law was passed prohibiting prayer to anyone except the king for thirty days.

Daniel knew the consequences.

He knew the lions' den was waiting.

But Daniel 6:10 says:

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed…”

He knew!

He wasn't ignorant.

He wasn't confused.

He knew what could happen.

AND HE PRAYED ANYWAY.

That's trust.

Trust isn't merely believing God when there is no danger.

Trust says:

“Even when obedience costs me something, I'm still going to obey God.”

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

ILLUSTRATION

A child walking with a parent may not understand where they're going.

But the child holds the parent's hand because the child trusts the person leading them.

You don't have to understand everything God is doing to:

TRUST THE HAND THAT IS LEADING YOU.

E — ENDURE THE TEST

Daniel 6:16

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions.”

Daniel's faithfulness did not keep him:

OUT OF THE DEN.

But God kept him:

IN THE DEN.

That's an important distinction.

Sometimes we think:

“If I'm faithful, nothing bad should happen.”

But sometimes being stedfast doesn't prevent the test.

It gives you strength to:

ENDURE THE TEST.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego still went into the furnace.

Joseph still went into prison.

Job still experienced loss.

Paul still went through persecution.

Daniel still went into the lions' den.

But the test didn't have the final word.

Matthew 24:13

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

DON'T CONFUSE GOING THROUGH SOMETHING WITH GOD ABANDONING YOU.

D — DON'T CHANGE BECAUSE PEOPLE CHANGE

Daniel served under different kings and governments.

Nebuchadnezzar.

Belshazzar.

Darius.

Different rulers.

Different personalities.

Different administrations.

But:

SAME DANIEL.

People came.

People went.

Kings rose.

Kings fell.

But Daniel remained faithful.

That's stedfastness.

Some people are faithful as long as the right people are around them.

But your relationship with God cannot be built on people.

Psalm 118:8

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

People may change toward you.

DON'T CHANGE TOWARD GOD.

People may stop encouraging you.

DON'T STOP SERVING GOD.

People may walk away.

DON'T WALK AWAY FROM GOD.

F — FAITHFULLY KEEP YOUR ROUTINE WITH GOD

This may be my favorite part of Daniel's story.

Daniel 6:10

“…he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Daniel didn't suddenly start praying because he was in trouble.

HE ALREADY HAD A PRAYER LIFE.

“As he did aforetime” means:

He prayed yesterday.

He prayed before the law.

He prayed before the threat.

He prayed before the lions.

And he prayed after the law was signed.

The crisis didn't create Daniel's relationship with God.

THE CRISIS REVEALED IT.

ILLUSTRATION

You don't wait until your car is speeding down the highway to decide whether you need brakes.

Some things need to be maintained:

BEFORE THE EMERGENCY.

Don't wait until trouble comes to start praying.

Build your prayer life now.

Build your Word life now.

Build your worship life now.

So when trouble comes:

YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO.

A — ALWAYS ABOUND IN GOD'S WORK

Now we come directly back to 1 Corinthians 15:58:

“…always abounding in the work of the Lord…”

Stedfastness isn't merely:

STAYING.

It is:

SERVING WHILE YOU STAY.

Daniel didn't become bitter in Babylon.

He continued serving with excellence.

Daniel 6:3

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him…”

Daniel could have said:

“I'm a captive. Why should I care?”

Instead, wherever God placed him:

DANIEL GAVE HIS BEST.

Don't let difficult circumstances become an excuse for mediocre service.

Whatever your hand finds to do for God:

KEEP ABOUNDING!

S — STAY THE SAME WHEN NOBODY IS WATCHING

Daniel's enemies investigated him.

Daniel 6:4

“…they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful…”

Imagine your enemies investigating your life trying to find something against you—

and the only thing they can find is:

YOU'RE TOO FAITHFUL TO GOD!

Daniel wasn't one person publicly and another person privately.

His faith was consistent.

That's integrity.

Character is who you are when nobody is applauding.

Character is who you are when nobody from church is watching.

Character is who you are when you could get away with doing wrong.

Proverbs 10:9

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely…”

STEDFAST PEOPLE DON'T NEED AN AUDIENCE TO BE FAITHFUL.

T — TRUST GOD WITH THE OUTCOME

Daniel obeyed God.

Then Daniel had to leave the results with God.

The stone was placed over the lions' den.

Dani

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Message:  Hold on to the Word and don’t Let it go!

September Theme: STEADFASTNESS

Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

“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.”

Main Text — Mark 4:14–20

WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING ON TO?

There are some things in life we naturally try to hold onto because we consider them valuable.

We hold onto money, because we know we may need it.

We hold onto keys, because they give us access.

We hold onto important documents, because they prove ownership and identity.

We hold onto medication, because it may be necessary for our health.

We hold onto a wedding ring, because it represents covenant and commitment.

We hold onto family photographs, because they preserve precious memories.

We hold onto our phones, because they keep us connected.

If we are in deep water, we hold onto a life jacket because it can keep us afloat.

If we are walking where our footing is uncertain, we hold onto a handrail because we need something steady.

And whenever somebody gives us something extremely valuable, we don't treat it carelessly.

We protect it.

We secure it.

We watch over it.

We make sure we don't lose it.

But church, there is something more valuable than all of these things:

THE WORD OF GOD!

Money can run out.

Keys can be lost.

Documents can be destroyed.

Medicine can expire.

Pictures can fade.

Phones can stop working.

People can disappoint us.

Our own strength can fail us.

But Jesus said:

Matthew 24:35

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

HOLD ON TO THE WORD and don’t let it go!

H — Hear the Word

Romans 10:17 — “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

O — Obey the Word

James 1:22 — “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”

L — Live the Word

Psalm 119:105 — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

D — Don’t Let Go of the Word

Hebrews 10:23 — “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

“Don't just HEAR the Word—OBEY the Word. Don't just OBEY it on Sunday—LIVE the Word. And when trouble comes, DON'T LET GO OF THE WORD!”

Don’t drop the Ball!

·  Tony Romo (2006 NFC Wild Card Game): Serving as the holder on a routine 19-yard field goal attempt that would have given the Dallas Cowboys a late lead over the Seattle Seahawks, Romo fumbled the snap. He tried to scramble for the end zone but was tackled short, ending Dallas's season.

NFL.com

·  DeSean Jackson (2008): As a rookie receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jackson caught a deep pass and sprinted toward the end zone. However, he let go of the football in premature celebration just inches before crossing the goal line, turning an easy touchdown into a touchback fumble.

Everything else may change—

BUT THE WORD STILL STANDS!

Psalm 119:89 says:

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

The Word doesn't need updating.

The Word doesn't need correcting.

The Word doesn't become outdated because culture changes.

GOD'S WORD IS SETTLED!

So if I'm going to hold onto something—

I'M GOING TO HOLD ON TO THE WORD!

When money gets funny—

HOLD ON TO THE WORD!

When people change—

HOLD ON TO THE WORD!

When circumstances change—

HOLD ON TO THE WORD!

When feelings change—

HOLD ON TO THE WORD!

When I cannot see my way—

HOLD ON TO THE WORD!

Because some things are valuable because of what they can do for you.

BUT THE WORD IS VALUABLE BECAUSE IT CAN SUSTAIN YOU WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE STOPS WORKING!

THE SOWER, THE SEED, AND THE SOIL

That brings us to Mark chapter 4.

Jesus tells a parable about a farmer sowing seed.

Then Jesus explains:

Mark 4:14

“The sower soweth the word.”

The:

SEED IS THE WORD.

And the:

SOIL REPRESENTS THE HEART.

The same seed fell on four different kinds of ground.

The problem wasn't the seed.

There was nothing wrong with the seed.

The difference was:

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SEED AFTER IT FELL.

And that is still the issue today.

Two people can sit in the same church.

Hear the same sermon.

Read the same Scripture.

Listen to the same preacher.

One becomes stronger.

The other remains unchanged.

One gets rooted.

Another gets offended.

One becomes fruitful.

Another becomes distracted.

The question isn't only:

“DID I HEAR THE WORD?”

The question is:

“WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WORD AFTER I HEARD IT?”

Jesus shows us four possibilities:

Wayside — The Stolen Word.

Stony Ground — The Rootless Word.

Thorny Ground — The Choked Word.

Good Ground — The Productive Word.

1. THE WAYSIDE — THE STOLEN WORD

Mark 4:15

“And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”

Notice what Jesus says:

“SATAN COMETH IMMEDIATELY.”

Why is Satan so interested in the Word?

Because Romans 10:17 says:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Satan knows:

If the Word remains—

FAITH CAN GROW.

If faith grows—

YOUR LIFE CAN CHANGE.

So the enemy wants to steal the seed before it becomes rooted.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE — KING SAUL

In 1 Samuel 15, God gave King Saul a clear command through Samuel.

Saul heard what God said.

But Saul allowed another voice to become more influential than God's voice.

Eventually Saul confessed:

1 Samuel 15:24

“I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”

Notice:

GOD SPOKE.

But:

THE PEOPLE SPOKE TOO.

And Saul allowed another voice to override God's Word.

We must be careful about the voices we allow to influence us.

God says:

Forgive.

Somebody says:

“I wouldn't forgive them.”

God says:

Trust Me.

Fear says:

“You're not going to make it.”

God says:

Remain faithful.

Somebody says:

“It doesn't take all that.”

God says:

Live holy.

Culture says:

“Everybody is doing it.”

The question becomes:

WHICH VOICE ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE?

Illustration

When a farmer scatters seed, birds may be watching the field.

The farmer isn't the only one interested in the seed.

Something else wants what he just planted.

Likewise, when God puts His Word into your heart:

GUARD IT!

Meditate on it.

Pray over it.

Obey it.

Remember it.

DON'T LET THE ENEMY STEAL YOUR WORD!

2. THE STONY GROUND — THE ROOTLESS WORD

Mark 4:16–17

“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time…”

Notice:

They heard it.

They received it.

They were glad about it.

But:

THEY HAD NO ROOT.

Their problem wasn't:

EXCITEMENT.

Their problem was:

DEPTH.

They had enough Word to shout—

but not enough root to stand.

Jesus says:

“They…endure but for a time.”

That is the opposite of:

STEADFASTNESS.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE — ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS

Israel came through the Red Sea.

God opened the waters.

They walked across on dry ground.

Pharaoh's army was destroyed.

Exodus 15 records Israel singing and praising God.

But then they entered the wilderness.

They became hungry.

And Exodus 16:2 says:

“And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.”

They could praise God:

AFTER THE RED SEA.

But they struggled to trust God:

IN THE WILDERNESS.

They had:

RED SEA PRAISE

but needed:

WILDERNESS ROOTS.

Church, don't just develop faith for the miracle.

Develop faith for:

BETWEEN THE MIRACLES.

Can you trust God when nothing spectacular is happening?

Can you trust God while you're waiting?

Can you trust God when you don't understand?

Can you trust God when you cannot see how He's going to do it?

Illustration — The Tree

Two trees can look equally strong on a calm day.

But wait until the storm comes.

One falls.

The other remains standing.

Why?

ROOTS.

The storm

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BE LIKE A SOLDIER — ENDURE THE HARDNESS!

September Theme: STEADFASTNESS

Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

“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.”

Main Text — 2 Timothy 2:3–4 (KJV)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

Supporting Scripture — Ephesians 6:10–11

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

INTRODUCTION — THIS IS NOT A PLAYGROUND; IT'S A BATTLEFIELD

When a person joins the military, they quickly discover something:

The military was not designed around their comfort.

The soldier doesn't tell the commander:

“I don't feel like getting up this morning.”

“I don't like today's assignment.”

“It's too hot.”

“It's too cold.”

“I'm tired of training.”

“I don't like the food.”

“I don't get along with the other soldiers.”

A soldier understands:

I HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT.

And Paul tells Timothy:

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Paul doesn't tell Timothy:

Avoid hardness.

He says:

ENDURE HARDNESS.

Some Christians have been taught that if they really love God, everything should be easy.

But Jesus never promised an easy journey.

There will be battles.

There will be opposition.

There will be temptation.

There will be disappointment.

There will be spiritual warfare.

There will be times when you get tired.

But our September theme says:

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…”

A good soldier doesn't abandon the battlefield because the battle becomes difficult.

Somebody needs to declare:

“I'M NOT LEAVING MY POST!”

BACKGROUND — PAUL WRITING TO A YOUNG SOLDIER

Second Timothy is one of Paul's final letters.

Paul is imprisoned and knows his earthly ministry is nearing its conclusion.

He is writing to Timothy, his younger son in the faith.

Timothy will have to continue the work.

Paul knows Timothy will face opposition.

He knows ministry will become difficult.

He knows Timothy may become discouraged.

So Paul essentially tells him:

“Timothy, don't expect everything to be easy.”

“Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Paul could say this because Paul had endured hardness himself.

2 Corinthians 11:25

“Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck…”

Paul had been beaten.

Paul had been imprisoned.

Paul had been stoned.

Paul had been rejected.

Paul had been persecuted.

Paul had been shipwrecked.

Yet Paul later declared:

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Paul wasn't teaching Timothy something he hadn't lived.

He was saying:

“TIMOTHY, I SURVIVED MY BATTLES. NOW YOU'VE GOT TO STAND IN YOURS.”

1. A GOOD SOLDIER KNOWS WHO ENLISTED HIM

Paul says:

“…a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

We belong to Jesus.

We didn't enlist ourselves.

Jesus chose us.

John 15:16

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…”

When the battle becomes difficult, remember:

WHO CALLED YOU.

People didn't call you.

Your critics didn't call you.

Your enemies didn't call you.

Jesus called you.

Therefore people don't have the authority to make you abandon what God called you to do.

ILLUSTRATION — THE SOLDIER'S ORDERS

A soldier on assignment doesn't abandon his post because a civilian walks by and says:

“I don't think you should be standing there.”

Why?

Because the civilian didn't give the orders.

The soldier answers to a higher authority.

Likewise, stop letting people who didn't call you talk you out of what God called you to do.

REMEMBER WHO GAVE YOU YOUR ORDERS!

2. A GOOD SOLDIER EXPECTS HARDSHIP

Paul didn't say:

“If hardship comes.”

He said:

“Endure hardness.”

Hardship comes with the territory.

John 16:33

Jesus said:

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Christianity does not mean:

No trouble.

It means:

TROUBLE DOESN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD.

JOB WAS A SOLDIER UNDER PRESSURE

Job lost his possessions.

His children died.

His health failed.

His wife told him:

“Curse God, and die.”

But Job held onto God.

Job 13:15

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…”

That's soldier language!

“I don't understand what's happening, but I'm staying at my post.”

ILLUSTRATION — BOOT CAMP

Military training intentionally exposes recruits to difficult conditions.

Why?

Because you cannot wait until the battle starts to learn endurance.

Training prepares you for what you may face later.

Some things God has allowed you to survive were developing spiritual muscles you would need later.

You thought:

“Lord, why am I going through this?”

God may have been saying:

“I'M TRAINING YOU.”

3. A GOOD SOLDIER DOESN'T GET ENTANGLED

2 Timothy 2:4

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…”

Notice the word:

ENTANGLED.

An entanglement is something that interferes with your ability to move effectively.

Everything isn't necessarily sinful, but everything isn't helpful to your assignment.

Christians can become entangled with:

Drama.

Gossip.

Unhealthy relationships.

Arguments.

Money.

Materialism.

Social media.

Popularity.

Bitterness.

Offenses.

Trying to please everybody.

ILLUSTRATION — RUNNING THROUGH VINES

Imagine a soldier trying to advance through thick vines wrapped around his legs.

The soldier may have strength.

He may have weapons.

He may know the mission.

But he's unable to move because he's entangled.

Some Christians aren't defeated.

THEY'RE ENTANGLED.

There's a difference.

Ask:

“WHAT HAS GOTTEN WRAPPED AROUND MY SPIRIT?”

Paul says:

Cut yourself loose and get back to your assignment!

4. A GOOD SOLDIER KNOWS HIS ENEMY

Ephesians 6:12

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…”

This is extremely important.

Your husband isn't your enemy.

Your wife isn't your enemy.

Your children aren't your enemy.

The pastor isn't your enemy.

The members aren't your enemy.

The person sitting across the aisle isn't your enemy.

Paul says:

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood…”

Sometimes the enemy wins because he gets soldiers in the same army fighting each other.

ILLUSTRATION — FRIENDLY FIRE

One of the tragedies of warfare is friendly fire—when forces accidentally attack their own side.

That can happen spiritually.

We're all supposed to be fighting the enemy, but instead:

Choir fighting choir.

Minister fighting minister.

Deacon fighting deacon.

Family fighting family.

Church fighting church.

Saint fighting saint.

Meanwhile the enemy says:

“I don't have to fight them. They're fighting each other!”

Church:

STOP SHOOTING YOUR FELLOW SOLDIERS!

Know who the real enemy is.

5. A GOOD SOLDIER WEARS HIS ARMOR

You don't go into battle wearing pajamas!

Paul says:

Ephesians 6:11

“Put on the whole armour of God…”

And then he describes the equipment.

The belt of truth.

The breastplate of righteousness.

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

The shield of faith.

The helmet of salvation.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

And prayer covering it all.

Why do you need armor?

Because:

YOU'RE IN A BATTLE.

ILLUSTRATION

Imagine a soldier saying:

“I don't need my helmet today.”

The commander says:

“Why?”

The soldier says:

“Because nobody attacked me yesterday.”

That doesn't make sense!

Yesterday's peace doesn't guarantee today's battle won't come.

Likewise:

Don't stop praying because everything is going well.

Don't stop reading Scripture because you're having a good week.

Don't stop worshiping because the enemy has been quiet.

KEEP YOUR ARMOR ON!

6. A GOOD SOLDIER STANDS HIS GROUND

This is where the message connects powerfully to 1 Corinthians 15:58.

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…”

Ephesians 6 repeatedly uses another word:

STAN

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CONTRAST — PETER WAS TEMPORARILY POTTED

Peter told Jesus:

“I'll never deny You.”

But when pressure came and people started identifying him as one of Jesus' disciples:

Peter denied Him three times.

Fear moved Peter.

But thank God:

PETER DIDN'T STAY POTTED!

Jesus restored him.

The Holy Ghost empowered him.

And later the same Peter who denied Jesus because he feared people stood boldly before authorities and declared:

Acts 5:29

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Look what God can do!

The man who once moved under pressure became a man who could stand under pressure.

That means somebody listening today needs to know:

YOU MAY HAVE BEEN POTTED, BUT GOD CAN STILL PLANT YOU!

Failure doesn't have to be final.

5. PLANTED PEOPLE DON'T ALLOW PEOPLE TO UPROOT THEM

Some Christians can survive demons better than they survive people!

The enemy knows that if he can't tempt you away, sometimes he'll try to offend you away.

Somebody didn't speak.

Somebody criticized you.

Somebody didn't recognize you.

Somebody didn't invite you.

Somebody talked about you.

And suddenly you're ready to abandon your assignment.

NEHEMIAH WAS PLANTED

Sanballat and Geshem told Nehemiah:

“Come, let us meet together…”

But Nehemiah answered:

Nehemiah 6:3

“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down…”

That's planted!

Nehemiah essentially said:

“I'm not letting people move me away from what God told me to do.”

CONTRAST — SOLOMON WAS MOVED

Solomon had tremendous wisdom.

But 1 Kings 11:4 says:

“…his wives turned away his heart after other gods…”

Be careful who has access to your roots.

Everybody you love should not have enough influence to move you away from God.

SHORT ILLUSTRATION — THE FARMER AND THE BARKING DOG

Imagine a farmer trying to plow a field.

Every few minutes a dog barks from behind a fence.

If the farmer stops plowing every time the dog barks, he'll never finish the field.

Sometimes you've got to let people talk and:

KEEP PLOWING!

Let them misunderstand—

keep working.

Let them criticize—

keep serving.

Let them talk—

keep praying.

You are doing a great work.

DON'T COME DOWN!

6. PLANTED PEOPLE PRODUCE FRUIT

Psalm 1:3 says:

“…bringeth forth his fruit in his season…”

God didn't plant you merely to occupy space.

God expects:

FRUIT!

Galatians 5:22–23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance…”

Here's the question:

WHAT'S GROWING ON YOUR TREE?

After all these years in church:

Is there more love?

More patience?

More forgiveness?

More kindness?

More self-control?

More faithfulness?

More humility?

RUTH WAS PLANTED

Ruth told Naomi:

Ruth 1:16

“…whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”

Ruth planted herself in commitment.

And eventually fruit came from that commitment.

Ruth became part of the family line through which David—and ultimately Jesus according to His human genealogy—would come.

She couldn't see all of that when she made the commitment.

She simply stayed faithful.

CONTRAST — DEMAS

Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 4:10

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…”

Demas allowed the attraction of the present world to move him away.

One stayed.

One left.

One was planted.

One was moved.

ILLUSTRATION — APPLE TREE

Nobody plants an apple tree simply to admire its trunk.

Eventually you're looking for apples.

Likewise, God isn't impressed simply because we can say:

“I've been in church forty years.”

The question is:

WHERE'S THE FRUIT?

Longevity is wonderful.

But longevity should produce maturity.

7. PLANTED PEOPLE KEEP PRODUCING THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

Psalm 92:13–14

“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age…”

I love that word:

STILL!

Still praying.

Still serving.

Still praising.

Still teaching.

Still encouraging.

Still witnessing.

Still giving.

Still loving.

Still believing.

Still useful.

PAUL WAS PLANTED

Look at what Paul endured.

He was beaten.

He was imprisoned.

He was stoned.

He was shipwrecked.

He experienced hunger, weariness, danger, and persecution.

Yet Paul declared in Acts 20:24:

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy…”

There's our September theme!

NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME!

Paul was saying:

Beat me—but I'm planted.

Imprison me—but I'm planted.

Talk about me—but I'm planted.

Reject me—but I'm planted.

Shipwreck me—but I'm planted.

Stone me—but I'm planted.

Because:

“NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME!”

PLANTED OR POTTED? — LET'S LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE

Daniel was planted.
Pressure couldn't stop his prayer.

Saul was potted.
Pressure from people moved him into disobedience.

Joseph was planted.
Temptation couldn't move him.

Esau was potted.
Appetite moved him.

Job was planted.
Suffering couldn't make him curse God.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were planted.
The fiery furnace couldn't make them bow.

Solomon became potted.
Wrong influences turned his heart.

Nehemiah was planted.
Distraction couldn't bring him down.

Demas was potted.
The present world pulled him away.

Paul was planted.
He said, “None of these things move me.”

And then there's Peter.

Peter teaches us that somebody who has been moved can become planted.

JESUS DESCRIBED A POTTED CHRISTIAN

Jesus actually gave us a picture that fits this sermon perfectly.

Mark 4:16–17

He described the seed falling on stony ground.

They:

“…when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time…”

There it is!

“NO ROOT IN THEMSELVES.”

They shouted when they heard the Word.

They got excited.

They received it gladly.

But when trouble came:

THEY HAD NO ROOT!

Emotion isn't a substitute for roots.

Excitement isn't a substitute for roots.

A shout isn't a substitute for roots.

You need something that will hold you after the music stops.

Something that will hold you Monday morning.

Something that will hold you when trouble comes.

Something that will hold you when you're alone.

Something that will hold you when nobody is encouraging you.

YOU NEED ROOTS!

SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. How deep are my roots?

2. Where am I getting my spiritual water?

3. Do I remain faithful when my season changes?

4. What happens to me when pressure comes?

5. Can people easily move me away from my assignment?

6. What fruit is my life producing?

7. After everything I've experienced, am I still planted

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PLANTED, NOT POTTED!

 Theme: STEADFASTNESS

Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

“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.”

Main Text — Psalm 1:1–3 (KJV)

“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.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

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.”

Supporting Scripture — Psalm 92:13–14

“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.”

INTRODUCTION — ARE YOU PLANTED OR JUST POTTED?

There is something interesting about a potted plant.

A potted plant can be beautiful.

It can have green leaves.

It can produce flowers.

It can even produce some fruit.

But there's one thing about a potted plant:

IT CAN EASILY BE MOVED!

If I don't like where the pot is sitting—

I move it.

If the weather changes—

I move it.

If I rearrange the room—

I move it.

If it gets too hot—

I move it.

If it gets too cold—

I move it.

And unfortunately, there are some Christians who are spiritually potted instead of planted.

Now understand: “potted” isn't a biblical term. I'm using it as an illustration.

A potted Christian is someone who is easily moved from his or her spiritual convictions.

If somebody hurts their feelings—

they move.

If somebody doesn't recognize them—

they move.

If they don't get the position they wanted—

they move.

If the preacher corrects them—

they move.

If God doesn't answer their prayer quickly enough—

they move.

If trouble comes—

they move.

If culture changes—

they move with the culture.

But Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58:

“BE YE STEDFAST, UNMOVEABLE!”

God is looking for some believers who will declare:

“I'M PLANTED, NOT POTTED!”

You can't pick me up every time circumstances change.

You can't move me every time somebody talks about me.

You can't move me every time trouble comes.

You can't move me every time I get disappointed.

You can't move me every time I don't understand what God is doing.

Why?

BECAUSE I'VE GOT ROOTS!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PLANTED?

Psalm 1 doesn't merely say:

“He shall be like a tree.”

It says:

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…”

The word picture is one of stability, nourishment, growth, fruitfulness, and endurance.

When you look at a large tree, most of what impresses you is above the ground.

You see the trunk.

You see the branches.

You see the leaves.

You see the fruit.

But what keeps everything above ground standing is what has developed beneath the ground.

ROOTS!

People may see your ministry.

But they don't see your roots.

They see you preaching.

They don't see your roots.

They see you singing.

They don't see your roots.

They see you serving.

They don't see your roots.

They see your public worship.

But they don't know about your private prayers.

They don't know about the nights you cried.

They don't know about the times you fasted.

They don't know about the Scriptures you held onto when everything was falling apart.

That's your root system.

And when the storm comes, your leaves won't keep you standing.

Your title won't keep you standing.

Your position won't keep you standing.

Your popularity won't keep you standing.

YOUR ROOTS WILL!

1. PLANTED PEOPLE DEVELOP DEEP ROOTS

Colossians 2:6–7

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith…”

Before a tree can stand tall, it needs roots.

Before a Christian can stand publicly, there must be something happening privately.

We need roots in:

Prayer.

The Word of God.

Worship.

Faith.

Sound doctrine.

Holiness.

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Don't spend your entire Christian life developing leaves while neglecting your roots.

DANIEL WAS PLANTED

Daniel is one of our greatest examples.

Daniel 6:10 tells us that when Daniel knew the decree had been signed forbidding prayer to anyone other than the king:

“…he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

I love those words:

“AS HE DID AFORETIME.”

The law changed.

Daniel didn't.

The government changed the rules.

Daniel didn't change his prayer life.

The lions' den threatened him.

Daniel didn't move.

Babylon had changed Daniel's location, but Babylon couldn't change Daniel's devotion.

Why?

DANIEL WAS PLANTED!

CONTRAST — KING SAUL WAS POTTED

Saul admitted in 1 Samuel 15:24:

“I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”

Daniel was pressured and stood.

Saul was pressured and moved.

So here's the question:

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHEN PRESSURE COMES?

Pressure reveals roots.

2. PLANTED PEOPLE KNOW WHERE THEIR WATER COMES FROM

Psalm 1:3 says:

“…a tree planted by the rivers of water…”

Jeremiah 17:7–8 says:

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters…”

A planted believer knows:

My job is not my ultimate source.

My money is not my ultimate source.

People are not my source.

My position is not my source.

The government isn't my ultimate source.

GOD IS MY SOURCE!

JOSEPH WAS PLANTED

Look at Joseph.

His brothers betrayed him.

But he stayed planted.

They sold him into slavery.

He stayed planted.

Potiphar's wife tempted him.

He stayed planted.

She lied on him.

He stayed planted.

He was thrown into prison.

He stayed planted.

In Genesis 39:9, Joseph said concerning Potiphar's wife:

“…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

Joseph essentially said:

“You can change my address, but you can't change my roots.”

From his father's house—

to the pit—

to Potiphar's house—

to prison—

to the palace—

Joseph's circumstances kept changing.

BUT HIS GOD DIDN'T!

That's planted!

ILLUSTRATION — THE DROUGHT

Imagine two trees during a drought.

One has shallow roots.

The other has roots reaching deep underground toward moisture.

At first, they may look alike.

But when the dry season continues, the difference begins to show.

Anybody can shout when it's raining.

Anybody can praise when everything is going well.

But what happens during your dry season?

When money gets tight—

Are you still planted?

When prayers seem unanswered—

Are you still planted?

When friends disappear—

Are you still planted?

When you can't feel God—

Are you still planted?

A planted Christian says:

“MY SOURCE IS DEEPER THAN MY SITUATION!”

3. PLANTED PEOPLE DON'T MOVE EVERY TIME THE WEATHER CHANGES

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“To every thing there is a season…”

Trees experience seasons.

Spring.

Summer.

Fall.

Winter.

But a planted tree doesn't say:

“I don't like winter. I'm leaving.”

It stays planted.

JOB WAS PLANTED

Think about Job.

In one season, Job was prosperous.

Then suddenly the weather changed.

He lost possessions.

He lost his children.

He lost his health.

His wife told him:

“Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” — Job 2:9

But Job answered:

“What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” — Job 2:10

Job essentially said:

“MY SEASON CHANGED, BUT MY GOD DIDN'T!”

CONTRAST — ESAU WAS POTTED

Esau came in hungry.

One temporary appetite moved him to make a permanent decision.

He traded his birthright for food.

Genesis 25:34

“…thus Esau despised his birthright.”

Don't trade something eternal because of something temporary.

Don't let a temporary appetite move you from a permanent blessing.

ILLUSTRATION — WINTER TREE

Look at a tree during winter.

No leaves.

No fruit.

No blo

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Remain STEADFAST IN THE STORM

September Theme: STEADFASTNESS

Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

“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.”

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Acts 20:24 NKJV

Sermon Text — Acts 27:20–25 (KJV)

“And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

THE HISTORY BEHIND ACTS 27

Paul was a prisoner.

He had appealed his case to Caesar and was being transported by ship toward Rome.

Paul wasn't on a pleasure cruise.

He wasn't going on vacation.

He was traveling as a prisoner under Roman authority.

Acts 27 tells us that Julius, a Roman centurion, was responsible for Paul and other prisoners.

As they traveled, sailing conditions became increasingly dangerous.

Paul warned them:

Acts 27:10

“Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage…”

In other words:

“We shouldn't leave here.”

But the centurion listened to the shipmaster and owner rather than Paul.

They sailed anyway.

Then everything changed.

Acts 27:14

“But not long after their arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.”

This was a violent storm.

The wind became so powerful that the sailors eventually lost control of the vessel.

They started throwing things overboard.

The storm continued for days.

Then Acts 27:20 gives us one of the saddest descriptions imaginable:

“…all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”

They had reached the point where they believed:

“We're going to die.”

But there was one man on that ship who still had a word from God.

Paul stood up.

The prisoner became the preacher.

The captive became the encourager.

The man in chains became the man with confidence.

Why?

Because everybody else was looking at the storm.

Paul was standing on the Word.

INTRODUCTION — YOU CAN'T AVOID EVERY STORM

There are some storms you can see coming.

The weather report tells you:

“A storm is approaching.”

The sky becomes dark.

The wind starts blowing.

The temperature changes.

The clouds begin gathering.

And you know:

Something is coming.

But life's storms don't always give you a weather report.

You can wake up one morning thinking everything is fine and before the day is over, your whole situation has changed.

One telephone call can bring a storm.

One doctor's report can bring a storm.

One financial problem can bring a storm.

One family crisis can bring a storm.

One unexpected death can bring a storm.

One disappointment can bring a storm.

One betrayal can bring a storm.

And sometimes you didn't do anything wrong.

You were serving God.

You were praying.

You were faithful.

You were doing what you believed God wanted you to do.

And the storm still came.

That's important because sometimes Christians think:

“If I'm serving God, why am I going through this?”

But serving God doesn't exempt us from storms.

Sometimes God doesn't keep you from the storm.

God keeps you in the storm.

And sometimes God uses the storm to show you something about Himself that you never would have learned on calm water.

Our theme Scripture says:

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…”

That doesn't mean the wind won't blow.

It means:

When the wind blows, don't move.

It doesn't mean trouble won't come.

It means:

When trouble comes, don't move.

It doesn't mean you'll never cry.

It means:

Cry if you have to—but don't move.

It doesn't mean you'll never become afraid.

It means:

Even when you're afraid, keep trusting God.

Somebody needs to declare:

“I'M GOING TO BE STEADFAST IN THE STORM!”

S.T.O.R.M.

S — Stand on God’s Word

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…” — 1 Corinthians 15:58
When everything around you is shaking, stand on something that cannot shake.

T — Trust God through the Trouble

“For I believe God…” — Acts 27:25
You don't have to understand the storm to trust the God who controls it.

O — Overcome Your Fear

“Fear not, Paul…” — Acts 27:24
Fear may show up, but don't allow fear to take over.

R — Remember Whose You Are

“For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.” — Acts 27:23
The storm may change your circumstances, but it cannot change who you belong to.

M — Make It to the Other Side

“…they escaped all safe to land.” — Acts 27:44
The ship broke apart, but everybody made it to shore!

1. STEADFAST PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT STORMS WILL COME

Acts 27:14

“But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind…”

Notice:

The storm arose.

Storms have a way of arising unexpectedly.

Jesus said in John 16:33:

“In the world ye shall have tribulation…”

He didn't say:

“You might.”

He said:

“You shall.”

Christianity isn't a promise of storm-free living.

It's the promise that when the storm comes:

YOU WON'T BE IN IT ALONE.

ILLUSTRATION — THE TWO HOUSES

Jesus told the story of two men.

One built his house on sand.

The other built his house on rock.

But notice something:

The storm came to both houses.

Being built on the Rock didn't stop the storm.

It determined whether the house would survive the storm.

The question isn't:

“Will storms come?”

The question is:

“What are you standing on when they come?”

If you're standing on money, money can disappear.

If you're standing on people, people can leave.

If you're standing on feelings, feelings change.

But if you're standing on Jesus—

SHORT ILLUSTRATION — FLYING THROUGH CLOUDS

When an airplane enters thick clouds, passengers may see nothing outside the window.

But the pilot doesn't throw away the instruments because visibility disappeared.

The pilot relies on information that is more dependable than what the eye can see.

That's faith.

Sometimes your eyes say:

“It's over.”

But God's Word says:

“I'm still with you.”

Your circumstances say:

“You won't make it.”

God says:

“My grace is sufficient.”

Your feelings say:

“Give up.”

God says:

“Be steadfast, unmoveable.”

Stop allowing what you see to cancel what God said.

DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR FAITH!

Don't throw away your prayer life.

Don't throw away your worship.

Don't throw away the Word.

Don't throw away your commitment.

Don't throw away your relationship with God.

The storm may take some things from you.

But don't let it take God out of you.

5. STEADFAST PEOPLE CAN ENCOURAGE OTHERS WHILE THEY ARE STILL IN THE STORM

This is one of my favorite parts.

The storm hadn't stopped.

The ship was still in danger.

Yet Paul stood up and said:

Acts 27:22

“And now I exhort you to be of good cheer…”

Wait a minute, Paul!

The storm is still raging!

How can you tell people to cheer up?

Because Paul's joy wasn't based on the weather.

His confidence was based on God's promise.

This is spiritual maturity:

When you're going through something yourself, but you can still encourage somebody else.

You're hurting—

but still encouraging.

You're waiting—

but still praying for somebody else.

You're fighting—

but still telling somebody:

“God is going to bring you through.”

SHORT STORY — THE CANDLE

A candle doesn't lose its flame because it lights another candle.

Instead, the room becomes brighter.

Sometimes when you're going through your own dark season, helping somebody else can remind you:

God still has light inside of me.

Don't let your storm make you so inwardly focused that you

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STAY WITH THE WORK!

September Theme: STEADFASTNESS

Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

“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.”

Sermon Text — Nehemiah 6:1–4 (KJV)

“Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.”

INTRODUCTION — DON'T COME DOWN!

There are some things in life that are easy to start but difficult to finish.

It's easy to start a diet on Monday. The challenge comes when somebody puts fried chicken and macaroni and cheese in front of you on Sunday!

It's easy to make a New Year's resolution in January. The question is whether you'll still be doing it in March.

It's easy to get excited when you first receive an assignment. But what happens when the excitement wears off?

Anybody can start.

Steadfast people finish.

Paul says:

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

Paul is telling the church:

Don't quit.
Don't back up.
Don't give up.
Don't allow circumstances to move you.
Stay with the work!

There will always be something trying to pull you away from what God has called you to do.

Sometimes it will be discouragement.

Sometimes it will be criticism.

Sometimes it will be people.

Sometimes it will be weariness.

Sometimes it will even be an opportunity that looks good but isn't God's assignment for you.

The enemy doesn't always have to destroy you.

Sometimes all he needs to do is distract you.

Because if he can keep you occupied with things that don't matter, you'll stop doing the thing that does matter.

Nehemiah understood something every believer needs to understand:

“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”

In other words:

I've got too much work to do to spend my time fighting every battle, answering every critic, chasing every rumor, responding to every accusation, and explaining myself to everybody who doesn't understand my assignment.

Tell somebody:

“STAY WITH THE WORK!”

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The story begins before Nehemiah ever picked up a tool.

Jerusalem had experienced terrible destruction.

In 586 B.C., the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple and carried many of the people into captivity.

Years later, God allowed groups of Jewish exiles to return.

Zerubbabel helped lead the rebuilding of the Temple.

Ezra helped restore spiritual worship and teach God's Law.

Then came Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia when he received troubling news about Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 1:3 (KJV)

“The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”

When Nehemiah heard it, he didn't just complain about it.

He wept.

He fasted.

He prayed.

And then he went to work.

The king eventually gave Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls.

But almost immediately, opposition arose.

Sanballat opposed him.

Tobiah opposed him.

Geshem opposed him.

They mocked him.

They criticized him.

They threatened him.

They tried to frighten him.

And when none of that stopped him, they tried something different:

They invited him to a meeting.

“Come down and talk with us.”

But Nehemiah discerned:

“They thought to do me mischief.”

And Nehemiah sent back one of the greatest responses to distraction in Scripture:

“I AM DOING A GREAT WORK, SO THAT I CANNOT COME DOWN!”

That is steadfastness.

KEY 1 — KNOW THAT YOUR WORK IS GREAT

Nehemiah 6:3

“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”

Notice Nehemiah didn't say:

“I am a great man.”

He said:

“I am doing a great work.”

There is a difference.

The greatness wasn't in Nehemiah.

The greatness was in the assignment God had given him.

Never underestimate what God has called you to do.

Teaching children is a great work.

Praying for your family is a great work.

Serving the church is a great work.

Feeding hungry people is a great work.

Encouraging somebody who's discouraged is a great work.

Preaching the Gospel is a great work.

Raising children to know Jesus is a great work.

Cleaning God's house is a great work.

Serving behind the scenes where nobody applauds you is still a great work.

SHORT STORY — THE THREE BRICKLAYERS

A man saw three workers laying bricks.

He asked the first man:

“What are you doing?”

He answered:

“I'm laying bricks.”

He asked the second:

“What are you doing?”

He said:

“I'm building a wall.”

He asked the third:

“What are you doing?”

The third worker said:

“I'm building a cathedral.”

Same bricks.

Same mortar.

Same job.

Different vision.

Sometimes your work becomes difficult because you've forgotten why you're doing it.

Don't just see the bricks.

See the cathedral.

Don't just see today's struggle.

See what God is building through your faithfulness.

Stay with the work!

KEY 2 — EXPECT OPPOSITION

Nehemiah 4:1

“But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth…”

Nehemiah was doing God's work, yet he still had enemies.

We sometimes make the mistake of thinking:

“If God told me to do it, everything should go smoothly.”

Not necessarily.

Sometimes opposition is evidence that what you're doing matters.

Sanballat mocked.

Tobiah criticized.

Geshem joined the opposition.

But Nehemiah kept building.

ILLUSTRATION — THE KITE

Think about a kite.

What makes a kite rise?

Resistance.

The wind pushes against it, but instead of forcing the kite down, properly positioned resistance helps the kite climb higher.

Sometimes the wind you're complaining about is the very thing God is using to strengthen you.

Don't ask:

“Why is everybody against me?”

Ask:

“God, what are You developing in me through this?”

Opposition doesn't mean stop.

Sometimes opposition means:

Keep building.

KEY 3 — DON'T ALLOW DISTRACTIONS TO PULL YOU DOWN

Sanballat and Geshem said:

Nehemiah 6:2

“Come, let us meet together…”

Notice the strategy changed.

First they criticized Nehemiah.

Now they wanted to have a conversation with him.

Everything that asks for your attention doesn't deserve your attention.

Every invitation doesn't require acceptance.

Every argument doesn't require your participation.

Every accusation doesn't require an answer.

Every phone call doesn't require an immediate response.

Every social-media comment doesn't require a reply.

Some things are designed simply to get you off the wall.

SHORT STORY — THE FARMER'S DOG

Imagine a farmer working his field while dogs are barking from behind a fence.

If the farmer stops working every time a dog barks, he'll never finish plowing the field.

Sometimes you've got to let the dogs bark and keep plowing.

People will talk.

Keep working.

People will criticize.

Keep working.

People will misunderstand.

Keep working.

People may even lie on you.

Keep working.

DON'T COME DOWN!

KEY 4 — LEARN TO SAY “NO”

Nehemiah's enemies asked him to come down.

His response was essentially:

NO.

Nehemiah 6:3

“Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”

Some believers cannot remain steadfast because they cannot say no.

No to unnecessary drama.

No to distractions.

No to relationships pulling them away from God.

No to things consuming time God intended for their assignment.

No isn't always negative.

Sometimes “no” protects your “yes” to God.

ILLUSTRATION — THE MAGNIFYING GLASS

Sunlight is everywhere.

But when a magnifying glass focuses that light into one spot, the concentrated energy can generate tremendous heat.

The problem isn't always that we don't have enough ability.

Sometimes we're simply too scatte

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Title: Standing Firm in an Unstable World

Opening Hook: We live in a world where culture shifts constantly, circumstances break our plans, and fatigue threatens our faith. But God does not call believers to be like fallen leaves blown by every wind of life—He calls us to be pillars.

Exposition & Context:

The Apostle Paul opens 1 Corinthians 15:58 with the word "Therefore." Whenever you see a "therefore," you must ask what it is there for. Paul spent the entire chapter declaring the absolute victory of Christ over sin, death, and the grave through the Resurrection (verses 54–57). Because Christ is risen and victory is guaranteed, our present faith and work are never wasted.

The Meaning of Steadfastness:

In the original Greek, the word translated as steadfast is Hedraios (ἑδραῖος). It literally means to be seated, settled, grounded, firm, and morally fixed.

·       It is the picture of a building constructed on a deep rock foundation that refuses to sway when the storm hits.

·       It carries the twin concept of being "unmovable" (metakinetos)—meaning you do not allow trial, temptation, or delay to push you off your position in Christ

7 Biblical Keys to Steadfastness in the Midst of Confusion

1. Steadfastness Requires an Anchor Beyond the Storm

• Supporting Scripture: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” — Hebrews 6:19
• The Principle: When you cannot see the horizon because of the storm, you don't look at the waves; you rely on the anchor. True steadfastness grounds its mind in God’s eternal promises rather than temporary circumstances.
• Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39–41). Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was thrown into a web of total confusion and injustice. Yet he remained steadfast in integrity and character because his hope was anchored directly in God, who elevated him in His perfect timing.

2. Steadfastness Fixes Its Vision on God’s Character, Not Cultural Chaos

• Supporting Scripture: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — Isaiah 26:3
• The Principle: Fixation breeds foundation. If you keep your eyes on the noise and panic of society, you will stumble. When your mind is "stayed" (locked) on the unchanging character of God, confusion gives way to divine peace.
• Biblical Example: Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 6). When political jealousy created a deceptive law forbidding prayer, political chaos swept through the kingdom. Daniel didn't panic or alter his walk with God. He simply went up to his room, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and prayed three times a day just as he always had. His discipline outlasted the decree.

3. Steadfastness Refuses to Bow to Popular Compromise

• Supporting Scripture: “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. Stand therefore…” — Ephesians 6:13–14a
• The Principle: Standing steadfast means deciding what you believe before the pressure arrives. The enemy creates chaos to make compromise look like the easy way out, but God calls us to hold our ground.
• Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3). Surrounded by a massive crowd falling flat on their faces before Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, these three young men stood upright. Amid total social pressure and death threats, they boldly declared, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods."

4. Steadfastness Is Sustained by Persistent Prayer

• Supporting Scripture: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Philippians 4:1, 6
• The Principle: You cannot stand fast in human strength. Prayer is the regular exchange where we dump our confusion at God's feet and take on His supernatural stability.
• Biblical Example: Nehemiah Building the Wall (Nehemiah 4 & 6). Facing constant mockery, false rumors, and threats of attack from Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah was surrounded by confusion. Instead of panicking or stopping the work, he prayed constantly, posted guards, and declared: "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down."

5. Steadfastness Guarded by Sound Doctrine and Truth

• Supporting Scripture: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness... But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things.” — Ephesians 4:14–15
• The Principle: Confusion breeds in biblical illiteracy. When you know the Word of God for yourself, you won't be swayed by deceptive cultural trends or clever false teachings.
• Biblical Example: Paul before the Sanhedrin and Roman Rulers (Acts 23–26). Trapped in a storm of false accusations, political plots, and riots, Paul never lost his message. He repeatedly used his platform to declare the exact truth of the Scripture and the Resurrection, standing completely unmoved by courtroom tactics or public anger.

6. Steadfastness Converts Fear Into Kingdom Action ("Always Abounding")

• Supporting Scripture: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath... But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:19, 22
• The Principle: Passive waiting allows anxiety to fester. True steadfastness shifts its energy away from worrying about the chaos and directs it toward actively serving God's kingdom and loving His people.
• Biblical Example: The Early Church under Persecution (Acts 8:1–4). When severe persecution broke out after Stephen's martyrdom, the Church was scattered in what seemed like total tragedy and chaos. Instead of hiding or shutting down, those who were scattered “went every where preaching the word,” expanding the Kingdom in the middle of their crisis.

7. Steadfastness Rests in the Assurance of Eternal Victory ("Not in Vain")

• Supporting Scripture: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”— Galatians 6:9

The Principle: The ultimate antidote to confusion is remembering how the story ends. Your labor, your sacrifice, and your obedience are never wasted because eternity holds your reward

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