Perseverance in Faith: Supporting Each Other's Journey

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I emphasized the importance of perseverance in our faith journey, drawing parallels between the physical endurance required in an obstacle course and the spiritual endurance needed to maintain our faith. I began by highlighting the ease of starting a spiritual journey compared to the challenge of finishing it, noting that many start well but, unfortunately, some fall away, including those who once held leadership roles within the church.

I reminded us that we are called "holy brothers and sisters," set apart for God's special purpose, not because of our own efforts but because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This sacrifice makes us holy and invites us to share in the heavenly calling. I stressed the need to fix our thoughts on Jesus, despite the many distractions that can lead us astray, such as temptations, ambitions, fears, and pressures from relationships or family.

I discussed the importance of community in our spiritual walk, encouraging us to support one another through prayer, practical help, and accountability. I pointed out that our perseverance is not solely based on our own strength but on holding onto the work that Jesus has done for us. I warned against hardening our hearts when we hear God's voice, as exemplified by the Israelites who rebelled despite witnessing God's miracles for 40 years.

I concluded by urging us to hold firmly to our original conviction and to encourage one another daily to avoid being deceived by sin. I reassured us that it is not about trying harder but about depending on Christ and the partnership we share in the gospel. I closed with a prayer, asking God to help us persevere to the end and to be with Him forever in heaven.

Key Takeaways:

- Perseverance in faith is not a solo endeavor; it requires the support and encouragement of our church community. As we face temptations and challenges, it is through our collective strength and mutual care that we can persist in our walk with Christ. We must be open to both giving and receiving encouragement, recognizing that our spiritual journey is interconnected with those around us. [40:05]

- Our identity as holy and set apart is not a result of our own actions but is bestowed upon us through Jesus' sacrifice. This understanding should shape our perspective on our worth and purpose, grounding us in humility and gratitude. As we reflect on our heavenly calling, we are reminded of the immense value and responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ. [26:00]

- Fixing our thoughts on Jesus is an intentional act that requires discipline and focus. The distractions of life can easily divert our attention, but by actively engaging with Scripture, worship, and Christian fellowship, we can align our thoughts with God's will. This practice is essential for maintaining our spiritual direction and resisting the pull of worldly temptations. [26:43]

- The concept of a hardened heart serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual resistance. Just as a physically hardened heart can lead to death, a spiritually hardened heart can lead to a life devoid of God's presence. We must be vigilant in keeping our hearts receptive to God's voice, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us. [35:27]

- Holding onto our original conviction firmly to the end is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. Sin's deceitfulness can erode our faith, but by clinging to the truth of Christ's work and promise, we can navigate through the lies and remain steadfast in our belief. Our conviction is not based on fleeting emotions but on the unchanging reality of God's love and salvation. [49:01]

In summary, the message today was a call to steadfastness in our faith, a reminder of our identity in Christ, and an encouragement to support one another in our spiritual journeys. We must remain focused on Jesus, be aware of the dangers of a hardened heart, and hold onto our convictions until the end.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 3:1-19
2. Numbers 14:1-4
3. Psalm 95:7-11

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 3:1-2 say about Jesus' faithfulness compared to Moses' faithfulness?
2. According to Numbers 14:1-4, how did the Israelites respond to the challenges they faced in the wilderness?
3. In Psalm 95:7-11, what warning does the psalmist give about hardening our hearts?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as having greater honor than Moses in Hebrews 3:3-4? How does this comparison help us understand Jesus' role? [23:55]
2. What does it mean to "fix our thoughts on Jesus" as mentioned in Hebrews 3:1? How can this practice help us in our daily lives? [26:43]
3. How does the concept of a hardened heart in Psalm 95:7-11 relate to the Israelites' experience in the wilderness and our own spiritual journey? [35:27]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to give up on your faith. How did you overcome it, or what could you have done differently to persevere? [24:43]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in our spiritual walk. How can you actively support someone in your church community this week? [39:26]
3. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction? [27:19]
4. How can you ensure that your heart remains receptive to God's voice? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to avoid spiritual hardening? [35:27]
5. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with their faith. How can you encourage them daily to help them avoid being deceived by sin? [39:26]
6. Reflect on your original conviction when you first believed in Christ. How can you hold firmly to that conviction in the face of current challenges? [40:44]
7. The sermon mentioned that our identity as holy and set apart is due to Jesus' sacrifice. How does this understanding shape your perspective on your worth and purpose? [26:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Community in Faith
Perseverance in faith is a journey that is not meant to be walked alone. The Christian life is often compared to a race, but it is not a sprint; it is a marathon that requires the support and encouragement of fellow believers. The New Testament is replete with "one another" commands that emphasize the importance of community. Believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens, pray for each other, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds. This interconnectedness is not just for comfort but is a strategic and divine provision for standing firm against the trials and temptations that might otherwise overwhelm an isolated individual. The collective strength found in the church community is a fortress of faith, a place where one can find accountability, learn from the wisdom of others, and experience the tangible love of Christ through His body. [40:05]

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to today to offer support or encouragement, and how might you do that?

Day 2: Identity Grounded in Sacrifice
Understanding one's identity as holy and set apart is foundational to the Christian faith. This identity is not earned through personal achievements or moral excellence but is graciously given through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is a profound truth that shapes the believer's self-perception and purpose in life. Recognizing that holiness is a gift rather than a personal accomplishment fosters humility and gratitude. It also carries a sense of responsibility, as being set apart means living a life that reflects the character of Christ and serves His kingdom purposes. This understanding should lead to a life marked by worship, service, and a pursuit of godliness, not to earn God's favor but in response to the immense love and mercy already received. [26:00]

1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity as set apart by Christ's sacrifice change the way you view your daily life and interactions with others?

Day 3: Discipline in Fixing Thoughts on Jesus
The act of fixing one's thoughts on Jesus is a deliberate and disciplined practice that is essential for spiritual growth and endurance. The world offers a myriad of distractions that can easily lead one's thoughts away from Christ. These distractions can be as subtle as busyness and as overt as temptation to sin. To fix thoughts on Jesus requires intentional engagement with the means of grace, such as Scripture reading, prayer, and participation in worship and fellowship with other believers. This discipline helps to align one's will with God's and to cultivate a heart that seeks to honor Him in all things. It is through this practice that believers can maintain their spiritual direction and resist the pull of worldly temptations. [26:43]

Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to better focus your thoughts on Jesus amidst the distractions of daily life?

Day 4: The Danger of a Hardened Heart
A hardened heart is a spiritual condition that can have devastating consequences. It is a metaphor for a state of resistance to God's voice and His leading. The Bible warns against hardening one's heart, as it can lead to a life that is devoid of the joy and guidance found in a relationship with God. A receptive heart, on the other hand, is open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is a heart that listens to God's voice, seeks His will, and is willing to be changed by His truth. Keeping a heart soft and responsive to God requires vigilance and a willingness to let go of pride and self-reliance. It is a daily choice to submit to God's authority and to allow His love to shape one's life. [35:27]

Ezekiel 36:26 ESV
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

Reflection: In what ways might you be resisting God's voice, and what steps can you take to soften your heart towards Him today?

Day 5: Clinging to Conviction Amidst Deceit
Holding firmly to one's original conviction is crucial for enduring faith. The deceitfulness of sin can subtly erode one's commitment to Christ, leading to a gradual drift away from the truth. However, by clinging to the reality of the gospel and the promises of God, believers can navigate through the lies and remain steadfast. This conviction is not based on emotions or circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God's love and salvation. It is a conviction that must be nurtured through regular reflection on God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. By maintaining a firm grip on the truth, one can withstand the shifting sands of culture and personal temptation. [49:01]

2 Thessalonians 2:15 ESV
"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter."

Reflection: What is one specific truth of the gospel you need to remind yourself of today to combat the deceitfulness of sin?

Quotes

1) "It's a wonderful thing to know that we're not alone on this spiritual journey... so encourage each other daily so we keep going, so we persist, so we help each other... be willing to let other people encourage you because it's important and it matters." [40:05]( | | )

2) "Jesus has done all the work, just hang on to the end... if you hear his voice, don't Harden your hearts as you did in the Rebellion... it couldn't possibly happen that I could reject God and walk away from him but we're given that example... of what tragically happened in the Old Testament." [41:23]( | | )

3) "Fix your thoughts on Jesus... to intentionally guide our thoughts... you can direct things by your choices about what you read and listen to and who you talk to that will help you fix your thoughts on Jesus... hold firmly to our confidence in the Hope in which we Glory." [45:40]( | | )

4) "Our hearts are an important part of the body... the image of the heart is what's then used next to help us understand what's at stake spiritually... today if you hear his voice do not Harden your hearts as you did in the Rebellion... where your ancestors tested and tried me." [35:27]( | | )

5) "Encourage one another daily... so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness... sin is deceitful right back in the beginning In the Garden of Eden... Satan asked them did God really say that wouldn't it be better if you ignored God and ate the fruit from the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil." [48:20]( | | )

6) "Jesus has made us holy and so that's first thing that makes Jesus really significant... you and I if we trust in Jesus and follow him share in being invited to come to Heaven by Jesus... we are called to be people who fix our thoughts on Jesus... despite the many distractions." [26:00]( | | )

7) "Jesus has been found worthy of Greater honor than Moses... as Moses brings the people into the promised land the highest goal is not just getting to the promised land... but in fact far beyond that to getting into God's presence forever in heaven." [34:09]( | | )

8) "Jesus is described as an apostle... he initiates things, he brings God's message... he's described as a high priest... to offer the sacrifice in the temple to speak to God on behalf of sinful people so God would hear them. Jesus comes to speak on our behalf and not just present the sacrifice but to be the sacrifice." [28:38]( | | )

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Transcript
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