Standing Firm: Discernment and Power in Faith

### 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.

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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]
  ### [51:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - 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

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])