Standing Firm: Discernment and Power in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Isn't God awesome? Today, we are diving into Luke chapter 6, verses 17 through 26, which is Luke's version of the Beatitudes. While Matthew covers them in more detail, our focus today is on the difference between true and false prophets. Jesus stood on level ground, symbolizing the importance of standing on sound doctrine. He had just chosen His twelve disciples and came down to teach the people how to live in their day. A large crowd gathered from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions to hear Him and be healed of their diseases. Power was coming from Him, and people tried to touch Him to be healed.
The first point is that Christians should stand on the level ground of sound doctrine. Jesus emphasized the importance of standing on solid ground, especially in a world that often tells us things that are not true. Isaiah 52:7 says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." We must stand firm on the doctrine that says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." We can't tell people what they want to hear; we must stand on the truth of God's Word.
The second point is that troubled people were healed by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus. When Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Acts 1:8 says, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." Have you received that power? If you have opened your heart to Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside you. We can't be on a diet when it comes to the Gospel; we need the full power of the Holy Spirit to navigate the challenges of life.
The third point is the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones. True prophets are often opposed, while false prophets are loved because they tell people what they want to hear. Jesus said, "Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets." True prophets, like Jesus, are often persecuted for standing on the truth. They are opposed because they don't conform to the self-satisfying culture.
The fourth point is that we are blessed when the world treats us like they treated Jesus. Jesus was the greatest prophet who ever lived, and He was persecuted for telling the truth. He said, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven." We must stand firm on sound doctrine, even when the world tells us otherwise. The culture we live in wants to do what it wants and expects God to be okay with it. But we must follow our Savior and stand on the truth of God's Word.
Finally, we must be aware of the loud voices in our culture that try to lead us astray. The media, radio, television, and movies all have millions of dollars behind them to tell us what to do and what not to do. But we must listen to the voice of God and stand on solid ground. The Holy Spirit will guide us and give us the strength to do what God tells us to do. We must resist the devil, and he will flee from us. Let's honor God and live for Him, knowing that our reward is in heaven.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stand on Sound Doctrine: In a world filled with conflicting voices, it is crucial to stand on the level ground of sound doctrine. Jesus emphasized this by standing on level ground when He taught the Beatitudes. We must hold firm to the truth of God's Word, even when the world tells us otherwise. Standing on sound doctrine provides a solid foundation in a world that often feels like shifting sand. [22:35]
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and He was filled with the Spirit without measure. Acts 1:8 reminds us that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This power enables us to be witnesses for Christ and to stand firm in our faith, even in challenging times. [27:34]
3. True Prophets Are Opposed: True prophets often face opposition because they speak the truth, which is not always what people want to hear. Jesus warned that false prophets are loved because they tell people what they want to hear. We must be discerning and stand with true prophets, even when it is difficult. True prophets are often persecuted, but their reward is great in heaven. [33:54]
4. Blessed When Persecuted: We are blessed when the world treats us like they treated Jesus. Jesus was persecuted for telling the truth, and He said we should rejoice when we face similar treatment. Our reward is in heaven, and we must stand firm on sound doctrine, even when the world tells us otherwise. This perspective helps us endure persecution with joy, knowing that we are following in Jesus' footsteps. [41:22]
5. Resist Cultural Pressure: The culture we live in often tries to lead us away from God's truth. Media, radio, television, and movies all have powerful voices that can influence us. But we must listen to the voice of God and stand on solid ground. The Holy Spirit will guide us and give us the strength to resist the devil and follow God's will. Standing firm in our faith requires discernment and a commitment to God's Word. [51:22]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:05] - Opening Prayer and Announcements
[19:45] - Introduction to Luke 6:17-26
[21:29] - The Beatitudes and Sound Doctrine
[22:35] - Standing on Level Ground
[24:20] - Proclaiming the Good News
[25:46] - The Armor of God
[27:01] - Healing Power of Jesus
[28:11] - Receiving the Holy Spirit
[30:09] - The Power in Jesus
[33:54] - True Prophets Are Opposed
[39:17] - False Prophets Are Loved
[41:22] - Blessed When Persecuted
[45:29] - Standing Against Cultural Pressure
[47:51] - True vs. False Prophets
[50:45] - Listening to God's Voice
[51:22] - Closing Prayer and Call to Stand Firm
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 6:17-26: "He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem and from the coastal regions around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him because power was coming from him and healing them all. Looking at his disciples, he said: 'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.'"
2. Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"
3. Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Jesus standing on a level place when He taught the Beatitudes? ([22:35])
2. According to the sermon, what happens when people try to touch Jesus? ([27:01])
3. How does Jesus describe the treatment of true prophets versus false prophets? ([39:17])
4. What does Jesus say about those who are persecuted for His sake? ([41:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to stand on the level ground of sound doctrine, as emphasized in the sermon? ([22:35])
2. How does the power of the Holy Spirit enable believers to live out their faith, according to Acts 1:8 and the sermon? ([27:34])
3. What are the characteristics of true prophets versus false prophets, and why are true prophets often opposed? ([33:54])
4. How should believers respond to persecution, based on Jesus' teachings in Luke 6:22-23? ([41:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you might be standing on shifting sand rather than the solid ground of sound doctrine? How can you strengthen your foundation in God's Word this week? ([22:35])
2. Have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? If not, what steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to work more powerfully in you? ([27:34])
3. Think of a time when you faced opposition for standing up for the truth. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to better handle future opposition? ([33:54])
4. Jesus said we are blessed when persecuted for His sake. How can you find joy in persecution, and what practical steps can you take to rejoice in such situations? ([41:22])
5. The sermon mentioned the loud voices in our culture that try to lead us astray. Identify one such voice in your life and discuss how you can resist its influence and stay true to God's Word. ([51:22])
6. How can you discern between true and false prophets in today's world? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are following true prophets? ([39:17])
7. Reflect on the cultural pressures you face daily. How can you stand firm in your faith and resist these pressures? Share one specific strategy you will implement this week. ([47:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Standing on Sound Doctrine
In a world filled with conflicting voices, it is crucial to stand on the level ground of sound doctrine. Jesus emphasized this by standing on level ground when He taught the Beatitudes. We must hold firm to the truth of God's Word, even when the world tells us otherwise. Standing on sound doctrine provides a solid foundation in a world that often feels like shifting sand. [22:35]
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV): "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been swayed by popular opinion rather than standing firm on God's Word. How can you realign your beliefs and actions with sound doctrine today?
Day 2: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and He was filled with the Spirit without measure. Acts 1:8 reminds us that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This power enables us to be witnesses for Christ and to stand firm in our faith, even in challenging times. [27:34]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Reflect on a recent situation where you needed boldness. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in similar situations?
Day 3: True Prophets Are Opposed
True prophets often face opposition because they speak the truth, which is not always what people want to hear. Jesus warned that false prophets are loved because they tell people what they want to hear. We must be discerning and stand with true prophets, even when it is difficult. True prophets are often persecuted, but their reward is great in heaven. [33:54]
Jeremiah 23:16 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you faced opposition for standing up for the truth. How did you respond? What can you do to support and stand with those who speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular?
Day 4: Blessed When Persecuted
We are blessed when the world treats us like they treated Jesus. Jesus was persecuted for telling the truth, and He said we should rejoice when we face similar treatment. Our reward is in heaven, and we must stand firm on sound doctrine, even when the world tells us otherwise. This perspective helps us endure persecution with joy, knowing that we are following in Jesus' footsteps. [41:22]
Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV): "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt persecuted for your faith. How can you find joy in this persecution, knowing that your reward is in heaven?
Day 5: Resist Cultural Pressure
The culture we live in often tries to lead us away from God's truth. Media, radio, television, and movies all have powerful voices that can influence us. But we must listen to the voice of God and stand on solid ground. The Holy Spirit will guide us and give us the strength to resist the devil and follow God's will. Standing firm in our faith requires discernment and a commitment to God's Word. [51:22]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where cultural pressure is strong. How can you actively resist this pressure and align your actions with God's will today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Blessed are you who will hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you... Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you... Wow, did you think you were going to hear that today? Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven." [21:29]
2. "We live in a world and we live in a culture that's telling us things that are not true. I hope you've figured that out by now. And there are a lot of voices out there. Isaiah 52 and verse 7. It's just a great text that so many of us probably know by heart. All right. It says, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news. Are you standing on sound doctrine?" [24:20]
3. "We can't do that. We have to stand on sound doctrine. We have to say, Their wages of sin is death. But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. And you can open your heart to Christ. And the Word of God says He'll come in and He'll take over and He'll put His Spirit in you. And you can find peace with God. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God. Do you have peace with God?" [25:15]
4. "And it says people all tried to touch Him because power was coming from Him and healing them. Your second point is troubled people were healed by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus. Remember when Jesus came up out of the water? After John baptized Him. And when He came up out of the water, it says a dove descended upon Him. That's the power of God's Holy Spirit. It says Jesus was filled with the Spirit without measure." [27:01]
5. "We can't be on a diet when it comes to the Word of God because we lack spiritual power. When things are going crazy in your life and the world's telling you how bad everything is, you need the power of the Holy Spirit to say there is hope for you. Are God's arms too short? Are they too short? The answer to that is no. He can deal with anything we're going through." [28:48]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Christians should stand on the level ground of sound doctrine. Isn't it interesting? When I read that first verse, He went down with them and stood on a level place. And I'm like, why did the Holy Spirit put that in the Scripture? So let me put it to you like this. Have you ever had to stand for hours like this? And then you make an appointment with your chiropractor the next day? I was with somebody recently and they said, oh, this is a nice level ground to walk on. What bothers me is when it's uneven and then it hurts." [22:35]
2. "We live in a world and we live in a culture that's telling us things that are not true. I hope you've figured that out by now. And there are a lot of voices out there. Isaiah 52 and verse 7. It's just a great text that so many of us probably know by heart. All right. It says, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news. Are you standing on sound doctrine?" [24:20]
3. "We can't do that. We have to stand on sound doctrine. We have to say, Their wages of sin is death. But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. And you can open your heart to Christ. And the Word of God says He'll come in and He'll take over and He'll put His Spirit in you. And you can find peace with God. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God. Do you have peace with God?" [25:15]
4. "We can't be on a diet when it comes to the Word of God because we lack spiritual power. When things are going crazy in your life and the world's telling you how bad everything is, you need the power of the Holy Spirit to say there is hope for you. Are God's arms too short? Are they too short? The answer to that is no. He can deal with anything we're going through." [28:48]
5. "True prophets are opposed. Wait a minute. Time out. Did I really say that right? You know, look at verse 21. Jesus says rejoice in that day and leap for joy. How many of you, after somebody made fun of you and told you you were crazy, goes, that was just wonderful. The apostles did it. It says they were beaten for preaching Christ and they went back and they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to be beaten for Jesus' name. In church, we have to come to that place. True prophets, they are opposed." [33:54]
6. "Woes await false prophets that are in agreement with self-satisfying culture. Church, the culture that we live in wants to do what they want to do and they want it to be okay with God. And they're not asking God what's right." [44:57]
7. "And then we find this out about true and false prophets. Alright, here's your next point. True prophets are opposed. Wait a minute. Time out. Did I really say that right? You know, look at verse 21. Jesus says rejoice in that day and leap for joy. How many of you, after somebody made fun of you and told you you were crazy, goes, that was just wonderful. The apostles did it. It says they were beaten for preaching Christ and they went back and they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to be beaten for Jesus' name. In church, we have to come to that place. True prophets, they are opposed." [33:54]
8. "And it says people all tried to touch Him because power was coming from Him and healing them. Your second point is troubled people were healed by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus. Remember when Jesus came up out of the water? After John baptized Him. And when He came up out of the water, it says a dove descended upon Him. That's the power of God's Holy Spirit. It says Jesus was filled with the Spirit without measure." [27:01]
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