Stand Firm: A Call to Holiness and Accountability
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound shaking that is occurring within the church and the world, as foretold in Hebrews 12:25-29. This shaking is a divine promise meant to remove what can be shaken so that what cannot be shaken may remain. We are witnessing a time of exposure and judgment beginning at the house of God, as Peter boldly declares. The church is facing a crisis of lowered standards, compromised values, and a lack of reverence and godly fear. This is not just a critique of the world but a call for introspection within the body of Christ.
We explored the necessity of grace, not as a license to continue in sin, but as the empowerment to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and without it, we become foolish, thinking ourselves wise. The church must return to its first love, as Jesus admonished the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-5. We must repent and do the first works, or risk losing our lampstand—our platform and voice.
The sermon also addressed the rampant compromise within the church, from the normalization of sinful behaviors to the dilution of the gospel message. We are called to be a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish. This requires a return to the standard of God's Word and a rejection of syncretism, where we mix the gospel with worldly philosophies and emotionalism.
We are living in perilous times, as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, where people have a form of godliness but deny its power. The church must not be complicit in this deception but must stand firm in the truth, holding up the standard of Jesus Christ. This is a call to action for every believer to be a standard-bearer, lifting up the banner of holiness and righteousness in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Necessity of Grace and Godly Fear: Grace is not a license to sin but the empowerment to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Without the fear of the Lord, we lack wisdom and become foolish, thinking ourselves wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for living a life that pleases God. [02:13]
2. Returning to Our First Love: Jesus' admonition to the church in Ephesus is a call for us today. We must repent and return to our first works, rekindling our intimacy with God. Without this, we risk losing our platform and voice, becoming ineffective in our witness to the world. [10:24]
3. Rejecting Compromise and Syncretism: The church must reject the mixing of the gospel with worldly philosophies and emotionalism. Syncretism dilutes the power of the gospel and leads to a compromised faith. We must hold fast to the pure, unadulterated Word of God. [16:01]
4. Living in Perilous Times: We are in the last days, marked by people having a form of godliness but denying its power. The church must not be complicit in this deception but must stand firm in the truth, holding up the standard of Jesus Christ. This requires a return to holiness and a rejection of sinful behaviors. [17:18]
5. The Call to Be Standard-Bearers: Every believer is called to be a standard-bearer, lifting up the banner of holiness and righteousness. This is not about having a platform or being famous but about living a life that reflects the character of Christ. We must hold each other accountable and ensure that we are not lowering the standard of God's Word. [48:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - The Shaking Has Begun
[01:34] - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom
[02:13] - The Necessity of Grace and Godly Fear
[03:06] - Saved from Sin, Not for Blessings
[04:03] - The Church's Responsibility
[04:59] - God is a Consuming Fire
[05:53] - Judgment Begins at the House of God
[06:43] - Addressing Sin in the Church
[07:23] - Lowered Standards in the Church
[08:15] - The Call to Sound the Alarm
[08:50] - The Type of Church Jesus is Coming For
[09:17] - Cleansing by the Word
[09:47] - A Glorious Church Without Spot or Wrinkle
[10:24] - Returning to Our First Love
[11:03] - The Call to Repentance
[11:38] - The Deception in the Church
[12:25] - Compromising the Gospel
[13:12] - The Exodus from the Church
[13:45] - The Great Falling Away
[14:27] - The Reality of Christian Living
[15:02] - The Problem of Syncretism
[16:01] - The Danger of Mixing the Gospel
[16:40] - Living in Perilous Times
[17:18] - Identifying Perilous Times
[17:51] - Denying the Power of God
[18:36] - The Issue of Compromise
[19:08] - The Challenge of Leading the Church
[19:34] - The Diversity of the Church
[20:02] - The Call to Speak Truth
[20:33] - Redefining Purpose and Platform
[21:35] - The Call to Die to Self
[22:15] - The Problem of Presentation Over Substance
[22:56] - Building on Sand
[23:29] - Manipulating Scripture
[24:05] - The Issue of Alcohol in the Church
[24:44] - The Problem of Compromise
[25:28] - The Call to a Higher Standard
[26:09] - The Impact of Alcohol on Ministry
[26:46] - The Problem of Pride
[27:20] - Neglecting Spiritual Gifts
[27:57] - The Lack of Spiritual Awareness
[28:39] - The Call to Authenticity
[29:27] - The Problem of Compromise in Worship
[31:00] - The Risk of Losing the Next Generation
[32:11] - The Need for Spiritual Weapons
[33:16] - The Time of Exposure
[34:07] - The Issue of Sexual Misconduct
[34:57] - The Problem of Leadership Failures
[35:54] - The Call for Accountability
[36:41] - The Issue of Predatory Behavior
[37:28] - The Problem of Celebrity Culture
[38:22] - The Call for Transparency
[39:04] - The Problem of Hypocrisy
[39:56] - The Call for Integrity
[40:42] - The Issue of Justifying Sin
[41:41] - The Call for Holiness
[42:27] - The Problem of Justifying Sinful Behavior
[43:30] - The Call to Uncompromising Truth
[44:21] - The Need for a Mass Killing of Sin
[45:31] - The Problem of a New Gospel
[46:47] - The Call to Uphold God's Word
[48:37] - The Call to Be Standard-Bearers
[50:13] - The Promise of Jesus
[52:16] - The Call to Lift the Standard
[53:28] - The Need for Accountability in the Church
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:25-29 - "See that you do not refuse him who speaks. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.' This phrase, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
2. Revelation 2:4-5 - "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
3. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 - "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:25-29 say about the purpose of the divine shaking? How does this relate to the current state of the church and the world? [01:34]
2. According to Revelation 2:4-5, what does Jesus admonish the church in Ephesus for, and what are the consequences if they do not repent? [10:24]
3. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what characteristics are listed that describe people in the last days? How do these characteristics manifest in today's society and church? [17:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the primary reason for the church's current state of compromise and lowered standards? [08:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of godly fear in Hebrews 12:25-29 influence our understanding of grace and acceptable worship? Why is this important for the church today? [02:13]
2. What does it mean to return to our first love as described in Revelation 2:4-5? How can this be practically applied in our personal and communal spiritual lives? [10:24]
3. How does the description of perilous times in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 reflect the current challenges faced by the church? What steps can believers take to avoid being part of this deception? [17:18]
4. The sermon mentions the issue of syncretism within the church. How does mixing the gospel with worldly philosophies and emotionalism dilute its power? [16:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have taken God's grace for granted and continued in sin? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of godly fear and reverence in your daily walk? [02:13]
2. Have you experienced a time when you felt distant from your first love for God? What practical steps can you take this week to rekindle that intimacy and return to your first works? [10:24]
3. In what ways have you observed compromise and syncretism in your church or personal faith? How can you actively reject these influences and hold fast to the pure Word of God? [16:01]
4. Considering the characteristics of people in the last days as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, do you see any of these traits in yourself or your community? What actions can you take to align more closely with godly living? [17:18]
5. The sermon calls for believers to be standard-bearers of holiness and righteousness. What specific actions can you take to lift up the banner of Christ in your workplace, family, or community? [48:37]
6. How can you hold yourself and others accountable to the standards of God's Word without being judgmental or divisive? What strategies can you implement to foster a culture of accountability and growth in your small group or church? [53:28]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the necessity of grace and godly fear. How can you ensure that your understanding of grace empowers you to live a life that pleases God rather than excusing sinful behavior? [02:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Grace and Godly Fear
Grace is not a license to sin but the empowerment to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Without the fear of the Lord, we lack wisdom and become foolish, thinking ourselves wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for living a life that pleases God. Grace should lead us to a deeper reverence for God, not a casual approach to sin. It is through grace that we are empowered to live lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. This reverence and godly fear are essential for maintaining a relationship with God that is both intimate and respectful. [02:13]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you taken God's grace for granted? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and godly fear in your daily walk with Him?
Day 2: Returning to Our First Love
Jesus' admonition to the church in Ephesus is a call for us today. We must repent and return to our first works, rekindling our intimacy with God. Without this, we risk losing our platform and voice, becoming ineffective in our witness to the world. Returning to our first love means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, seeking Him with the same passion and dedication we had when we first believed. It involves a heartfelt repentance and a commitment to live out our faith with renewed fervor and devotion. [10:24]
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV): "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to rekindle your first love for God? How can you make your relationship with Him your top priority this week?
Day 3: Rejecting Compromise and Syncretism
The church must reject the mixing of the gospel with worldly philosophies and emotionalism. Syncretism dilutes the power of the gospel and leads to a compromised faith. We must hold fast to the pure, unadulterated Word of God. This means being vigilant against teachings and practices that blend biblical truth with secular ideas, which can lead to confusion and a weakened faith. By staying true to the Word of God, we ensure that our faith remains strong and our witness to the world is clear and uncompromised. [16:01]
Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
Reflection: Are there any worldly philosophies or practices that have subtly influenced your faith? How can you ensure that your beliefs and actions are firmly rooted in the Word of God?
Day 4: Living in Perilous Times
We are in the last days, marked by people having a form of godliness but denying its power. The church must not be complicit in this deception but must stand firm in the truth, holding up the standard of Jesus Christ. This requires a return to holiness and a rejection of sinful behaviors. In these perilous times, it is crucial for believers to discern the true power of godliness and not be swayed by mere appearances. By living lives that reflect the true power of the gospel, we can be a light in a world that desperately needs the truth of Christ. [17:18]
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV): "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Reflection: How can you discern between a mere appearance of godliness and its true power? What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the true power of the gospel?
Day 5: The Call to Be Standard-Bearers
Every believer is called to be a standard-bearer, lifting up the banner of holiness and righteousness. This is not about having a platform or being famous but about living a life that reflects the character of Christ. We must hold each other accountable and ensure that we are not lowering the standard of God's Word. Being a standard-bearer means living with integrity, standing firm in the truth, and encouraging others to do the same. It is a call to live out our faith boldly and authentically, setting an example for others to follow. [48:37]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you be a standard-bearer for holiness and righteousness in your community? How can you encourage and hold others accountable to live according to God's Word?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The church is God's gift to the world. The church is what Jesus left behind. It is what He is building. The church is truly the lifeline to the world. But one of our biggest issues that we're facing right now is that the standard has been lowered. And God is not going to use a sick, broken church to save a sinner. To save a sick, dying world." [08:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need some runners in this season that are not shouting the gift down, but the Bible says when the spirit of the Lord comes in, he will lift up a standard against the enemy. In this season, we need some standard bearers who will pick back up the standard of what it looks like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus and get on the forefront." [46:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The promise is, Jesus said, if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself. No, there's a shaking happening, but I can tell you one thing that's going to stand when it's over. It's the standard of Jesus. He's been fighting for his church for 2,000 years. And he's going to shake it so that that that can remain will remain." [50:13] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are you holding the standard? Are you living up? Are you living up to the sacrifice that was so gracefully given you? Or has sin become a light thing for you? Oh, God don't care. He loves me anyway. Jesus said to the church, he said, I hate the deeds of the Nicoletanes. God says, there's seven things I hate. God does not love sin." [50:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You don't have to have a bunch of subscribers to your YouTube to win this generation. You don't have to be famous on TikTok to win this generation. A matter of fact, the problem with people falling is we made celebrities out of the gift and we held no accountability to the character. But not in this season. Not in this season." [52:16] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The problem is some of you haven't died to sin yet. And you think God's okay with it. When we talk about being saved. What are you being saved from? Sin. Let me be very blunt. killed his son. Not for streets of gold. Not for houses. Not for jobs. Because of your sin. I just need you to hear that. Not so he can bless you." [03:06] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of the biggest issues with our sin problem is because there is no fear of the Lord. You can't find a person today that walks in the fear of the Lord. And because we don't find the fear of the Lord. We don't find wisdom either to live the life that God has called us. Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning place in which wisdom functions and operates." [03:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Peter declares with all boldness and assurance to us. That judgment must first begin at the house of God. And if the righteous are barely saved. Barely saved. What shall be the end of the ungodly? Before God is going to deal with this world. He's going to deal with this church. And we are in the season of being dealt with." [05:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have lost our ability in the church as a whole to navigate a spiritual movement under the direction of God. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit. I was in a church planting conference with church planters. Church planters. And leadership. And the worship leader was in a moment of pouring his heart out and man, you can just feel the spirit of God in the room." [27:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are building on sand, church. We are building on sand and Jesus was right to call us to the carpet of how we know the difference. Matthew chapter 7 verse 26 and 27 says, but everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man. I've got his word. What? Determines wise and foolish is application." [22:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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