Perseverance in Faith: Boldly Approaching God's Presence
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith, particularly in the face of life's challenges and distractions. The speaker begins by encouraging the congregation to stand firm in their faith, despite things that may step on their toes. They stress the importance of devoting oneself to the work of the Lord and walking in the purpose God has given each individual. The speaker reminds the audience of the promise of a better future and life to come, which should give strength to endure and hold tightly to hope without wavering.
The speaker also expresses gratitude for God's faithfulness and goodness, encouraging the congregation to praise God with every breath. They remind believers that they are more than conquerors through Christ and that nothing is too difficult for God. The sermon includes a call to worship and a reminder of the new mercies provided by God each day.
The speaker discusses the significance of being washed in pure water, which they interpret as being washed with God's word. They emphasize the importance of having a sincere heart, trusting in God, walking in forgiveness, and daily reading of God's word to renew the mind. The sermon also highlights the importance of boldly coming before God, referencing Hebrews 10:19-20, which speaks of Jesus' death opening a new and lifegiving way into the most holy place.
The speaker further discusses the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which was once and for all, covering all sins. This sacrifice allows believers to come before God without the need for a priest. The sermon encourages believers to approach God with confidence and boldness, trusting in the salvation Jesus provides.
Lastly, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remaining confident and courageous in faith to be considered God's house. They explain that as Sons of God, we have the responsibility of being God's house on earth, which requires a sincere heart and honesty when approaching God.
Key Takeaways:
- Perseverance in faith is not merely about withstanding trials but about actively engaging in the work of the Lord with the assurance that our efforts are not in vain. This steadfastness is rooted in the promise of eternal life, which provides the motivation to endure and the strength to remain unshaken by life's challenges. [01:02:39]
- The act of worship and praise is a powerful declaration of God's goodness and faithfulness. It is an expression of trust that transcends our understanding and circumstances. When we praise God, we affirm our belief in His sovereignty and our status as more than conquerors through Christ. [26:30]
- The washing of pure water, as mentioned in the sermon, symbolizes the cleansing and renewing power of God's word. A sincere heart and a life of forgiveness are essential for entering God's presence. Daily immersion in scripture is crucial for maintaining a vibrant faith and for the transformation of our minds. [58:48]
- Boldness in approaching God is a privilege granted through Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes the removal of barriers between humanity and God, inviting us to come confidently into His presence. This access is a gift of grace, not a result of our works. [43:28]
- Our identity as God's house is contingent upon our confidence and hope in Christ. This confidence is not a superficial facade but a deep-seated courage that comes from an authentic relationship with God. It requires transparency before Him, acknowledging our vulnerabilities and trusting in His forgiveness and grace. [49:51]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV)
> "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
2. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
> "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
> "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 10:19-23 say about our ability to approach God? What has made this possible?
2. According to the sermon, what are the four things we must do to draw near to God? [44:02]
3. How does Romans 12:2 describe the process of transformation for believers?
4. What assurance does 1 Corinthians 15:58 give to those who labor in the Lord?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that we can now approach God with confidence and boldness, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:19-20? How does this change our relationship with God? [39:19]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a sincere heart and trust in God. How do these qualities impact our daily walk with God? [50:39]
3. How does the concept of being "washed with pure water" relate to the daily renewal of our minds through scripture, as mentioned in Romans 12:2? [56:52]
4. In what ways does the promise of a better future, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 15:58, provide motivation for perseverance in faith? [01:00:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond in faith, and what could you do differently next time to stand firm in your faith? [34:02]
2. The sermon talks about the importance of worship and praise as declarations of God's goodness. How can you incorporate more intentional moments of worship into your daily routine? [26:30]
3. Think about your current Bible reading habits. What steps can you take to ensure you are immersing yourself in God's word daily to renew your mind? [57:34]
4. The sermon emphasizes the need for boldness in approaching God. Is there an area in your life where you need to approach God more confidently? How can you start doing that this week? [43:28]
5. Consider your role as part of God's house. How can you demonstrate sincerity and honesty in your relationship with God and others in your church community? [47:42]
6. Identify a person in your life who might need encouragement. What specific action can you take this week to support and uplift them in their faith journey? [01:02:39]
7. Reflect on the concept of forgiveness discussed in the sermon. Is there someone you need to forgive, or do you need to forgive yourself for something? What steps will you take to walk in forgiveness this week? [55:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Steadfastness Anchored in Eternity
Perseverance in faith goes beyond enduring trials; it involves active participation in God's work, with the knowledge that such labor is meaningful. This steadfastness is undergirded by the hope of eternal life, which empowers believers to face life's challenges with unwavering resolve. [01:02:39]
1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate steadfastness in your daily walk with God, knowing that your efforts have eternal significance?
Day 2: Praise as an Act of Trust
Praising God is a profound act of trust that acknowledges His sovereignty and our victory in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. It is a declaration of faith that God's goodness and faithfulness are constant, even when life is unpredictable. [26:30]
Psalm 44:8 - "In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah."
Reflection: Can you identify an area of your life where you need to trust God more? How can praising Him in this area change your perspective?
Day 3: Renewal Through the Word
The cleansing power of God's word is likened to pure water, washing away impurities and renewing the mind. A sincere heart and a forgiving spirit are essential to stand in God's holy presence, and daily immersion in scripture is vital for a vibrant and transformative faith. [58:48]
Ephesians 5:26 - "That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word."
Reflection: What scripture can you meditate on today to cleanse your thoughts and renew your spirit?
Day 4: Boldness in God's Presence
The privilege of approaching God with confidence is a gift of grace, made possible by Jesus' sacrifice. The veil has been torn, inviting believers to enter God's presence boldly, not based on personal merit but on the salvation Jesus provides. [43:28]
Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What fears or hesitations do you need to overcome to approach God with boldness and confidence in your prayers today?
Day 5: Confidence as God's Dwelling
Our identity as God's house hinges on our confidence and hope in Christ. This confidence is a reflection of a genuine relationship with God, marked by honesty and reliance on His grace. It requires a transparent heart before Him, embracing our vulnerabilities and His forgiveness. [49:51]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
Reflection: How does your life reflect the reality of being God's dwelling place, and what steps can you take to live out this identity more fully?
Quotes
"We have allowed some things to move us and the things that move us will not help us to persevere in our faith." [01:00:13]
"There will be times in our life where perseverance is gained or strengthened by the reminder of our future." [01:00:47]
"The windshield that you're driving with is 20 times bigger than the rearview mirror that you're looking at." [54:28]
"You will not persevere in your faith unless you forgive and it doesn't matter how many times they did it. The Bible's clear, Jesus was very clear to his disciples 70 times 7, right? You forgive." [56:19]
"To preserve to persevere in faith we must be reading God's word daily and you say well why is that because for you to walk in the word Romans 12 and two says they renewed their mind by the reading of the word the word renews your mind and it helps you to be able to walk forward in what God has for you for you" [57:34]
"I will give you praise with every breath in my lungs, with every ounce of strength that I have, even in my lack of understanding." [25:54]
"We are God's house if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ." [47:42]
"I can go now boldly into the holy place I can go before God boldly into his throne room to be able to persevere in faith" [41:25]
"Jesus died on the cross his blood washed away our sins if we believe by faith we are forgiven and repent our sins then we will enter into all that God has for us and because of what Jesus did for each and every one of us" [38:41]
"Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere Hearts fully trusting him." [45:29]
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