Perseverance Through Faith: Never Give Up
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to magnify the Lord and reflect on His goodness in our lives. We delved into Galatians 6:9, which encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. The central theme was perseverance and faith, especially during challenging times. Faith is the cornerstone that sustains us through life's trials, whether it's a negative doctor's report, financial struggles, or family issues. Even when our faith is tested, we must hold on to the belief that God is with us and will see us through.
We discussed the importance of not quitting, no matter how difficult life becomes. Faith doesn't always make sense, but it always works. We were reminded that even when we feel like giving up, God provides relief and blessings. The message was particularly poignant for young people heading to college, encouraging them to persevere through the challenges they will face. We also drew inspiration from historical figures like Harriet Tubman, who exemplified the spirit of never giving up despite overwhelming odds.
Paul's message to the Galatians was a reminder that we will face difficulties, but it's crucial to maintain our motivation and enthusiasm. Growing weary means losing one's motivation in the face of great difficulty, but Paul encourages us to keep doing good even when it seems like our efforts are in vain. God sees our good deeds and will bless us in due time.
We also celebrated the achievements of our graduates and scholarship recipients, encouraging them to continue their educational journeys with faith and perseverance. The service concluded with a call to maintain a relationship with Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He loves us just as we are and wants us to be part of His kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Sustains Us Through Trials: Faith is the anchor that keeps us grounded during life's turbulent times. Whether facing health issues, financial struggles, or family problems, it is our faith in God that sustains us. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, faith reminds us that God is with us and will see us through. [47:35]
2. Perseverance in the Face of Adversity: Life will inevitably present challenges, but we are encouraged not to quit. Perseverance is key, and even when it seems like our efforts are not yielding results, we must continue to do good. God sees our struggles and will reward our perseverance in due time. [55:38]
3. The Power of a Mustard Seed Faith: Even a small amount of faith can move mountains. When we are down to our last bit of faith, it is crucial to hold on. God honors even the smallest acts of faith and will provide strength and guidance when we need it most. [49:43]
4. Historical Examples of Perseverance: Figures like Harriet Tubman and Oprah Winfrey exemplify the power of perseverance. Despite facing immense challenges, they did not quit and ultimately achieved great things. Their stories remind us that perseverance can lead to freedom and success. [53:12]
5. Encouragement for the Next Generation: Young people, especially those heading to college, are encouraged to persevere through the challenges they will face. Life will be difficult, but with faith and determination, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. [51:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:32] - Magnify the Lord
[45:02] - Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:9
[46:41] - Theme: Don't Quit
[47:02] - The Importance of Faith
[48:38] - When Faith is Tested
[49:12] - Faith Always Works
[50:22] - Holding to God's Unchanging Hand
[51:31] - Encouragement for Students
[53:12] - Historical Examples of Perseverance
[55:13] - Paul's Encouragement to the Galatians
[56:11] - Growing Weary in Doing Good
[57:50] - Maintaining Enthusiasm
[59:37] - Overcoming Discouragement
[01:00:41] - Keep Doing Good
[01:03:31] - Examples of Perseverance: Oprah Winfrey
[01:05:23] - Personal Testimony: Seminary Struggles
[01:11:06] - God's Promise: Don't Quit
[01:13:34] - Prayer and Encouragement for Students
[01:15:08] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:17:50] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:24:17] - Announcements and Celebrations
[01:28:19] - Scholarship Awards
[01:32:54] - Greek Organizations Recognition
[01:37:56] - Graduate Recognition
[01:48:30] - Offering and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
- Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 6:9 encourage believers to do, and what promise does it offer? [45:02]
2. According to the sermon, what are some life situations where faith is essential? [47:35]
3. How does the pastor describe the impact of even a small amount of faith, as mentioned in Matthew 17:20? [49:43]
4. What historical figures were mentioned in the sermon as examples of perseverance, and what challenges did they overcome? [53:12]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Paul have felt it necessary to encourage the Galatians not to grow weary in doing good? What challenges might they have been facing? [55:13]
2. How does the concept of "mustard seed faith" apply to the trials and tribulations mentioned in the sermon? [49:43]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says, "Faith doesn't always make sense, but faith always works"? How can this perspective help someone facing difficult times? [49:12]
4. How do the stories of Harriet Tubman and Oprah Winfrey illustrate the sermon's message about perseverance and faith? [53:12]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can Galatians 6:9 encourage you in similar future situations? [47:35]
2. The pastor mentioned that even a small amount of faith can move mountains. Is there a "mountain" in your life that you need to address with faith? What steps can you take to apply this teaching? [49:43]
3. Think about a situation where you felt like giving up. What kept you going, and how can you use that experience to encourage others who might be struggling? [48:38]
4. How can the examples of historical figures like Harriet Tubman inspire you to persevere in your own life? What specific actions can you take to embody their spirit of perseverance? [53:12]
5. For those heading to college or facing new challenges, what practical steps can you take to maintain your faith and perseverance? How can the church community support you in this journey? [51:31]
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of not losing enthusiasm or motivation. What are some practical ways you can keep your enthusiasm alive in your daily life and spiritual journey? [57:50]
7. How can you apply the principle of "holding to God's unchanging hand" in your current life circumstances? What specific prayers or actions can help you stay connected to God during tough times? [50:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Anchors Us in Turbulent Times
Faith is the anchor that keeps us grounded during life's turbulent times. Whether facing health issues, financial struggles, or family problems, it is our faith in God that sustains us. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, faith reminds us that God is with us and will see us through. Faith doesn't always make sense, but it always works. When we are down to our last bit of faith, it is crucial to hold on. God honors even the smallest acts of faith and will provide strength and guidance when we need it most. [47:35]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you actively place your faith in God to sustain you through this trial today?
Day 2: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Life will inevitably present challenges, but we are encouraged not to quit. Perseverance is key, and even when it seems like our efforts are not yielding results, we must continue to do good. God sees our struggles and will reward our perseverance in due time. Growing weary means losing one's motivation in the face of great difficulty, but Paul encourages us to keep doing good even when it seems like our efforts are in vain. God sees our good deeds and will bless us in due time. [55:38]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel like giving up. What steps can you take today to persevere and continue doing good despite the challenges?
Day 3: The Power of a Mustard Seed Faith
Even a small amount of faith can move mountains. When we are down to our last bit of faith, it is crucial to hold on. God honors even the smallest acts of faith and will provide strength and guidance when we need it most. This kind of faith, though it may seem insignificant, is powerful and can lead to great outcomes. Remember, faith doesn't always make sense, but it always works. [49:43]
Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when a small act of faith led to a significant outcome in your life. How can you apply that same mustard seed faith to a current situation?
Day 4: Historical Examples of Perseverance
Figures like Harriet Tubman and Oprah Winfrey exemplify the power of perseverance. Despite facing immense challenges, they did not quit and ultimately achieved great things. Their stories remind us that perseverance can lead to freedom and success. These historical examples serve as powerful reminders that we too can overcome our obstacles with determination and faith. [53:12]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Think of a historical or contemporary figure who inspires you with their perseverance. How can their story motivate you to overcome your current challenges?
Day 5: Encouragement for the Next Generation
Young people, especially those heading to college, are encouraged to persevere through the challenges they will face. Life will be difficult, but with faith and determination, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. This encouragement is not just for students but for anyone facing a new chapter in life. Remember, God is with you, and He will see you through. [51:31]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: If you are entering a new phase in life, what specific challenges do you anticipate? How can you prepare yourself spiritually and mentally to face these challenges with faith and perseverance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Faith doesn't always make sense but faith always works. I'll say that again for the people in the back I said faith doesn't always make sense but faith always works and when you have faith in God no matter what it looks like no matter what it feels like no matter what anybody says my faith says hold on God is with me." [49:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to encourage somebody today don't quit no matter how hard it becomes don't quit I want to tell some high schooler that's just graduated college that don't quit I want you to know when you go to college it's going to be hard I want you to know you're going to have peer pressure I want you to know it's going to be difficult I want you to know you're going to run out of money there's going to be times when you're going to get tired of writing papers there's going to be times when you get sick and tired of eating ramen noodles every stinking day you're going to get tired you're going to get tired of a lot of things but can I encourage you not to quit." [52:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you hear the dogs keep going if you see the torches in the woods keep going if they're shouting after you keep going don't ever stop keep going because if you want to taste freedom you got to keep going and all I want to tell somebody on this Sunday morning if you want to taste freedom not from slavery from bondage if you want to taste freedom from issues of life if you want to taste some freedom you got to keep going and not quit." [53:12] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Keep doing good even in the face of difficult situations keep doing good even when people don't return your goodness back to you keep doing good and don't become discouraged because doing good can be discouraging at times because it seems like the more good you do the worse your situation becomes the more good you do the more people walk away from you the more good you do the more they talk about you the more good you do the more they lie on you but don't get weary don't lose enthusiasm in doing good because God sees your good and he will bless you." [01:00:11] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to invite you to have a relationship with Jesus Christ it's the best relationship you can have because he loves you just the way you are you don't have to change anything you don't really have to do anything different he just loves you just like you are and he wants you to be a part of his kingdom so pastor what I got to do for that to happen easy confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus believe in your heart that God has raised you from the dead and the bible says you shall be saved." [01:15:08] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith one of the essential components of who we are as Christians. I would dare say that there are those who are here today that would not be here if you did not have faith in God. It was your faith that kept you through those turbulent times of life. It was your faith that kept you when you received that negative doctor's report. It was your faith that kept you when you had more bills than you had money. It was your faith that kept you when your family was in shambles and your marriage was on the brink of collapse." [47:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I thank God for the seasoned saints that would remind us that when we were going through to hold to God's unchanging hand and I must admit I didn't know then what they meant about holding to God's unchanging hand but it wasn't until I had to go through some storms myself that I found out there's strength in that unchanging hand of God it wasn't until my own back was against the wall and everybody left me and I was all alone that God's unchanging hand he held me up when I wanted to fall down and give up and throw in the towel I thank God for his unchanging hand." [50:22] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul says to them let us not lose motivation in trying to get to the place that God has for us Paul is saying to them you can't be afraid in the face of difficulty to somebody today that remember when you first started on the journey and you was all excited about what God was going to do and you was excited about the path you was on but you've now hit a couple of roadblocks you've now hit a couple of hurdles in your life it's one thing when one thing happens it's another thing everybody come here come here you ever went to work tired you said to yourself while you was in the car they better not try me today I'm not in the mood and I'm tired I'm tired of them I'm tired of this place and if I didn't need this job I wouldn't even have came in this morning I'm tired." [56:11] (97 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I said Lord this just don't make no sense the baby is a baby I'm tired like physically mentally I'm night I was going home from seminary and I heard God say don't quit and usually I say okay not this night me and God need to have a conversation yo God check this out like for real do you see everything on my plate and you talking about don't quit Lord they trying to teach me Greek and I'm trying to keep my eyes open they talking about the hermeneutical principles of the Roman Empire and I'm like huh God said if you don't quit I'll bless you I said deal and from that moment has not stopped blessing me and in a moment of transparency even now there's some moments when I want to quit God says remember I deal I said yeah I'm good and every once in a while when it gets hard I go in my prayer closet and I say God remember I deal because it gets hard." [01:11:41] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Difficulties don't really mean anything for God He can see you through so young people as you get ready to go to college pray like pray for real because you're going to need it and just like God was with you here He'll be with you in Chicago and Virginia Washington DC all of these wonderful colleges that you're going through you'll get through it but don't quit and those of us who have graduated we need to keep setting the example what it means to be persevering and persevere through need to tell our young people you're not the first one to go through something let me tell you what I went through because they need to hear our stories because we smile through a lot of stuff and they don't never see us hurting they don't never see us down but we need to tell them nah I cry myself to sleep for real for real because I don't know how I'm going to pay your tuition really don't know how." [01:13:34] (87 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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