Faith, Maturity, and Discernment in Challenging Times
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker delves into the complexities of Christian faith, the challenges believers face, and the importance of discernment and growth within the church. The speaker begins by addressing the internal struggles that can arise within church fellowships, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and adherence to God's word over worldly ideologies. The congregation is reminded that disagreements may occur, but trust in God's word should prevail over personal feelings.
The speaker then transitions to the theme of spiritual maturity, drawing on the experiences of biblical figures like Job and the Apostle Paul, who faced immense trials yet remained steadfast in their faith. The importance of spiritual discernment is underscored, with a call for believers to apply God's teachings to their circumstances, even in the face of trials and temptations.
Personal stories are shared to illustrate the various conditions of the heart that can affect one's relationship with God. The speaker warns against seeking only emotional experiences and allowing worldly cares to choke out the word of God. Instead, believers are urged to prioritize the kingdom of God and seek righteousness above all else, avoiding the influence of the antichrist spirit.
The sermon also touches on the growth and maturity of believers, highlighting that mature believers understand their secure relationship with God in Christ and focus on maintaining that closeness without compromising their blessings. The speaker discusses the different stages of believers, from new converts to those growing in faith, and the importance of preparing for Christ's return.
Finally, the speaker addresses the concept of the hypostatic union, Jesus being fully God and fully man, and the implications for understanding the struggles and pains of individuals. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the Antichrist, apostasy, and the importance of recognizing deceptive elements within the church, as well as the urgency of understanding the signs of the last hour as described in the Book of Revelation.
Key Takeaways:
- The church must approach internal conflicts with a spirit of reconciliation and a commitment to God's word, recognizing that while disagreements may arise, the unity of the body of Christ is paramount. This approach requires humility, forgiveness, and a collective focus on the teachings of Scripture, which serve as the ultimate guide for resolving disputes and maintaining fellowship. [38:16]
- Spiritual maturity is not merely about enduring hardships but about deepening one's faith and trust in God through them. The lives of Job and Paul serve as examples of unwavering faith amidst suffering, teaching believers that trials are opportunities for growth and that true spiritual maturity is characterized by steadfastness and reliance on God's righteousness. [54:58]
- The conditions of the heart play a crucial role in how one receives and lives out the word of God. Believers must guard against superficial emotionalism and the distractions of worldly pursuits, which can hinder spiritual growth. A heart anchored in the pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness is resilient against the deceptions of the age and the antichrist spirit. [52:19]
- Believers' spiritual growth is marked by an increasing understanding of their secure position in Christ, which transcends the need for ritualistic assurances. Mature believers ask not merely what is permissible but what nurtures their relationship with God, seeking to align their lives with His will and to experience His favor without compromise. [08:55]
- Understanding the signs of the last hour, as revealed in the Book of Revelation, is crucial for believers. The emergence of the Antichrist and the fulfillment of prophetic events should prompt believers to discern the times and remain steadfast in their faith, recognizing that these signs indicate the nearness of Christ's return and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. [19:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:18-27 (Main Text)
2. Job 13:15 - "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him."
3. Matthew 13:18-23 - The Parable of the Sower and the Four Soils
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John mean by "the last hour" in 1 John 2:18? How does he describe the Antichrist and the many antichrists? [02:45]
2. How does the sermon describe the different stages of spiritual growth among believers? [05:41]
3. What are the three conditions of the heart mentioned in Matthew 13:18-23, and how do they affect one's reception of God's word? [49:19]
4. What examples from the lives of Job and Paul were used to illustrate spiritual maturity and steadfastness in faith? [55:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the concept of "the last hour" influence a believer's perspective on current events and their faith journey? [19:27]
2. In what ways can internal conflicts within the church be approached with a spirit of reconciliation and adherence to God's word? [38:16]
3. How do the conditions of the heart, as described in the Parable of the Sower, reflect the challenges believers face in maintaining their faith amidst worldly distractions? [52:19]
4. What does the hypostatic union (Jesus being fully God and fully man) teach us about Jesus' ability to understand and empathize with our struggles? [46:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent disagreement within your church or small group. How can you apply the principles of humility, forgiveness, and adherence to Scripture to resolve it? [38:16]
2. Think about a trial or hardship you are currently facing. How can the examples of Job and Paul inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith? [55:32]
3. Identify one area in your life where worldly cares or pursuits might be choking out the word of God. What steps can you take to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness in that area? [52:19]
4. How can you cultivate a heart that is resilient against the deceptions of the age and the antichrist spirit? What practical actions can you take this week to guard your heart? [26:13]
5. Consider your current stage of spiritual growth. What specific actions can you take to deepen your understanding of your secure position in Christ and to nurture your relationship with God? [08:55]
6. How can you stay vigilant and discerning about the signs of the last hour as described in the Book of Revelation? What resources or practices can help you remain steadfast in your faith? [19:27]
7. Reflect on a time when you sought only emotional experiences in your faith journey. How can you shift your focus to a more mature and steadfast pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness? [52:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Through God's Word
In the midst of disagreements within the church, it is essential to seek reconciliation through the lens of Scripture. The body of Christ must unite under the authority of God's word, allowing it to guide actions and resolve conflicts. This unity is not based on uniformity of opinion but on a shared commitment to biblical truth and the mission of the church. [38:16]
James 3:17-18 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
Reflection: How can you contribute to peace and unity in your church community by applying the wisdom from above?
Day 2: Steadfastness in Trials
True spiritual maturity is reflected in an unwavering faith that endures through trials. Like Job and Paul, believers are called to trust in God's righteousness and sovereignty, even when faced with immense challenges. This steadfastness is a testament to a deepening relationship with God and a commitment to grow in faith through every season of life. [54:58]
1 Peter 5:10 - "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Reflection: What current trial can you entrust to God today, seeking to grow in faith rather than despair?
Day 3: Guarding the Heart for Growth
The condition of one's heart is pivotal in how the word of God is received and lived out. Believers must be vigilant against emotionalism and worldly distractions that can stifle spiritual growth. Instead, fostering a heart that earnestly seeks God's kingdom and righteousness builds resilience against the age's deceptions and the antichrist spirit. [52:19]
Matthew 13:22 - "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful."
Reflection: What worldly concerns might be choking out the word of God in your life, and how can you reprioritize to seek His kingdom first?
Day 4: Maturity in Christ's Security
As believers grow in their faith, they gain a deeper understanding of their secure position in Christ. This security transcends ritualistic practices and focuses on nurturing a close relationship with God. Mature believers seek to align their lives with God's will, experiencing His favor without compromising their blessings. [08:55]
Ephesians 4:14-15 - "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ and live out that security today?
Day 5: Discerning the Signs of the Times
Understanding the signs of the last hour is imperative for believers. The emergence of the Antichrist and the fulfillment of prophetic events call for discernment and a steadfast faith. These signs are not to incite fear but to remind believers of the nearness of Christ's return and the completion of God's redemptive plan. [19:27]
1 John 2:18 - "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour."
Reflection: How can you cultivate discernment in your life to recognize deceptive teachings and remain faithful in anticipation of Christ's return?
Quotes
"We've got the word of God. Christ has forgiven us of our sins; the Father has granted unto us, He sent the Holy Spirit, we're sealed by the Holy Spirit. We understand through the word of God what the heart of God is, and because we understand the heart of God, we continue to keep our eyes upon the Lord and we work towards reconciliation, if you will, with our brothers and sisters." [38:54]
"God's word trumps your opinion, your feelings, and you're trying to twist or mitigate His word." [40:02]
"Seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, and all else will be added to you." [54:58]
"Storms are the tools that God will use to teach us to trust Him. 'Though He slay me,' says Job, 'yet will I trust Him.'" [58:40]
"They've grown beyond that; they realize that in Christ, nothing will separate them from the love of God. Romans chapter 8, nothing's going to separate; there's a security that is there in that growing believer, along with a sense of freedom." [08:55]
"If somebody claims that 'I know God' but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living the truth." [46:53]
"This is where you have to get your church hoppers; they bounce from place to place because they're looking for this stirring of an emotion, 'make me feel good.' That's not what church is about. Church is about teaching the word of God, applying the word of God. The Spirit brings conviction to our lives; we cry out to God, 'God forgive me, I'm a sinner.' Repentance takes place in the sense that I'm changing directions. I'm being transformed by the word of God, and I'm going in the direction that God has called me to go. I'm growing in my relationship with Him as I live those things out." [52:19]
"The wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown into his heart." [49:58]
"Little children, it is the last hour; the Antichrist is coming; even now many Antichrists have come; they went out from us, but they were not of us; but you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things." [165:45]
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place." [17:06]
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