Staying Strong: Overcoming Compromise in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Red Cedar Church. Today, we are reminded of God's attentive love and care for us, as His ears are always open to our prayers and His eyes are fixed upon us. We also took a moment to pray for our students heading to the NTS camp, emphasizing our church's commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation.
Our focus today is on staying strong in the faith and overcoming spiritual inconsistency, as illustrated in the Book of Judges. This book, though difficult to read, serves as a prophetic warning for us. It chronicles the cycle of sin, compromise, and eventual downfall of God's people after the death of Joshua. Without strong leadership, the Israelites began to adopt the practices of the surrounding cultures, leading to their spiritual decline.
The Book of Judges teaches us that small compromises can lead to significant spiritual failures. The Israelites allowed the Canaanites to remain in the land, which led to their gradual assimilation into pagan practices. This serves as a warning for us to avoid ethical shortcuts and to remain steadfast in our faith. We must not blend in with the world but instead, stand firm in our commitment to God.
Joshua's leadership was marked by unwavering faith and obedience to God. He led the people with a clear vision and a strong commitment to God's commands. However, after his death, the Israelites quickly forgot the Lord and His mighty works, leading to a generation that did not know God. This highlights the importance of daily, consistent spiritual practices to keep our faith alive and vibrant.
We are called to be a city on a hill, shining brightly for all to see. Our lives should reflect a total surrender to God, without compromise. We must preach the gospel to every area of our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to drive out any remnants of sin. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of the Israelites and ensure that our faith remains strong and consistent.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Attentive Love: God is always listening to our prayers and watching over us. His care and presence are constant, providing us with the assurance that we are never alone. This should encourage us to remain faithful and to seek Him in all circumstances. [35:11]
2. The Danger of Compromise: Small ethical shortcuts and compromises can lead to significant spiritual failures. Just as the Israelites allowed the Canaanites to remain, leading to their downfall, we must be vigilant in avoiding any form of compromise in our faith. [41:36]
3. Daily Consistency in Faith: Spiritual growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, daily steps in faith lead to great spiritual maturity. We must avoid the cycle of being on fire for God one moment and falling into sin the next. [43:05]
4. The Importance of Strong Leadership: Joshua's unwavering faith and obedience to God kept the Israelites on the right path. However, after his death, the lack of strong leadership led to their spiritual decline. This underscores the need for strong, godly leadership in our lives and communities. [40:07]
5. Passing on the Faith: A generation that forgets the Lord is a generation that falls away. We must ensure that we are passing on our faith to the next generation through consistent spiritual practices and by living out our faith authentically. [58:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:11] - God's Attentive Love
[36:01] - Praying for Our Students
[38:37] - Introduction to the Book of Judges
[40:07] - The Leadership of Joshua
[41:36] - The Danger of Compromise
[43:05] - Daily Consistency in Faith
[47:49] - Ethical Shortcuts and Their Consequences
[49:21] - The Importance of Generosity
[50:55] - Normalizing Repentance and Grace
[52:26] - Choosing Freedom Over Slavery
[58:13] - Passing on the Faith
[01:01:24] - Keeping the Fire Burning
[01:02:52] - No Compromise
[01:05:02] - Final Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Judges 2:12 - "They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger."
2. Joshua 24:15 - "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Judges 2:12 say about the Israelites' actions after they settled in the land of Canaan?
2. How did Joshua's leadership differ from the period after his death according to the sermon? [40:07]
3. What were the Israelites instructed to do with the foreign tribes in Canaan, and what did they actually do? [41:36]
4. What is the significance of Joshua's declaration in Joshua 24:15 for his household?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did the Israelites' compromises with the Canaanites lead to their spiritual downfall? [41:36]
2. How does the cycle of sin and redemption in the Book of Judges serve as a warning for us today? [40:07]
3. What does it mean to have "daily consistent steps in faith," and why is this important for spiritual growth? [43:05]
4. How can strong leadership influence the spiritual health of a community, as seen in the contrast between Joshua's leadership and the period of the Judges? [40:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's attentive love and care. How did that experience encourage you to remain faithful? [35:11]
2. Are there any small compromises or ethical shortcuts in your life that you need to address? How can you take steps to eliminate them? [41:36]
3. What daily spiritual practices can you implement to ensure consistent growth in your faith? [43:05]
4. How can you support and nurture the next generation in their faith journey, similar to how the church prayed for the students going to NTS camp? [36:01]
5. In what ways can you be a "city on a hill" and shine brightly for others to see your commitment to God? [01:01:24]
6. How can you ensure that you are passing on your faith to the next generation effectively? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith authentically? [58:13]
7. Identify one area in your life where you have blended in with the world. What steps can you take this week to stand firm in your commitment to God and avoid compromise? [41:36]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unwavering Attention
God's love and care for us are constant and unwavering. He is always listening to our prayers and watching over us, providing us with the assurance that we are never alone. This should encourage us to remain faithful and to seek Him in all circumstances. Knowing that God is always attentive to our needs and concerns can bring immense comfort and strength, especially during challenging times. His presence is a reminder that we are valued and loved beyond measure.
In our daily lives, it is easy to feel overlooked or forgotten, but God's attentive love assures us that we are always in His sight. This should inspire us to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, knowing that He is always there, ready to listen and respond. Let this truth encourage you to bring all your worries, joys, and needs before Him, trusting in His constant care and provision. [35:11]
1 Peter 3:12 (ESV): "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt alone or unheard. How can you remind yourself of God's attentive love and bring this situation before Him in prayer today?
Day 2: The Perils of Compromise
Small ethical shortcuts and compromises can lead to significant spiritual failures. Just as the Israelites allowed the Canaanites to remain, leading to their downfall, we must be vigilant in avoiding any form of compromise in our faith. The Book of Judges serves as a stark reminder of how seemingly minor concessions can gradually erode our spiritual integrity and lead us away from God.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our commitment to God's principles. It is crucial to recognize that even small compromises can have far-reaching consequences. By staying true to our faith and avoiding ethical shortcuts, we can maintain our spiritual health and avoid the pitfalls that led to the Israelites' downfall. Let us strive to live with integrity, making choices that honor God in every aspect of our lives. [41:36]
James 4:4 (ESV): "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been tempted to compromise your values. What steps can you take today to stand firm in your faith and avoid ethical shortcuts?
Day 3: Consistency in Faith
Spiritual growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, daily steps in faith lead to great spiritual maturity. We must avoid the cycle of being on fire for God one moment and falling into sin the next. The Israelites' experience in the Book of Judges highlights the importance of maintaining a steady and unwavering commitment to God, rather than fluctuating between devotion and disobedience.
Developing a consistent spiritual practice involves daily prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can build a strong foundation of faith that withstands the challenges and temptations we face. Let us commit to nurturing our relationship with God every day, ensuring that our faith remains vibrant and steadfast. [43:05]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily spiritual practices. What is one specific habit you can incorporate or strengthen to ensure consistent growth in your faith?
Day 4: The Need for Strong Leadership
Joshua's unwavering faith and obedience to God kept the Israelites on the right path. However, after his death, the lack of strong leadership led to their spiritual decline. This underscores the need for strong, godly leadership in our lives and communities. Leaders who are committed to God's commands can guide and inspire others to live faithfully and avoid the pitfalls of spiritual inconsistency.
In our own lives, we can seek out and support leaders who exemplify strong faith and integrity. Additionally, we can strive to be leaders in our own spheres of influence, setting an example of unwavering commitment to God. By fostering strong leadership, we can help ensure that our communities remain rooted in faith and resistant to spiritual decline. [40:07]
Titus 1:7-9 (ESV): "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."
Reflection: Think of a leader in your life who has positively influenced your faith. How can you support and encourage them today? Alternatively, how can you step up as a leader in your own community?
Day 5: Passing on the Faith
A generation that forgets the Lord is a generation that falls away. We must ensure that we are passing on our faith to the next generation through consistent spiritual practices and by living out our faith authentically. The Israelites' failure to remember and teach God's mighty works led to a generation that did not know Him, resulting in their spiritual decline.
It is our responsibility to share our faith with others, especially the younger generation, through both words and actions. By modeling a life of faith and providing opportunities for spiritual growth, we can help ensure that the next generation remains connected to God. Let us commit to being intentional in passing on our faith, so that it continues to thrive and grow in the hearts of those who come after us. [58:13]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Consider how you can actively pass on your faith to the next generation. What is one specific action you can take this week to share your faith with a younger person in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "I want you to know that God loves you, cares for you. I was reading in the Bible this morning before church and I love the scripture. The Bible, the Bible says his ears are attentive to the prayers of his people. And can you imagine God bending his ear down to listen to you? And that scripture goes on to say, and his eyes are fixed upon you, which just means he cares about you. He's present for you. He is hoping the best for you in every way." [35:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Spiritual growth is not a sprint it's a marathon consistent daily small steps in the faith lead to great spiritual maturity we will all have ups and downs we will have mountaintop moments and deep valley experience but what that's not what we're talking about here we're not talking about being on fire one moment a hypocrite the next God desires from you to take small consistent steps a long obedience in the same direction for God for you not to make compromise." [43:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sin will take you farther than you want to go it will keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay over the years some of the most devastating sin that i've seen comes from the area of lust it's no mistake in a sermon on the mount the greatest sermon ever given right after he goes to the beatitudes he deals with lust and anger those two emotions and what people do with them have destroyed the world." [53:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends we are children of the living god we are the city on a hill that cannot be hidden our light should be shining bright for people to see our heart should be consecrated to the lord he is not your safety net he is not your backup plan he is not leftovers on monday he's not something you do when all the other fun rains out he is your heart's pursuit in every way he wants a total surrender from you." [01:01:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "And with that, we have made a considerable investment in our next generation from the way that we staff to our budget, the way that we fund, the way that we direct our money, events, our calendar. We believe that God wants healthy families. And he's always had a desire from that from the beginning of time." [35:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We must get this message of we must fully commit to God we must not fall into the same trap of not fully committing we as God's people cannot make moral compromises we cannot make treaties with the world no matter how much the world hates us no matter how they get mad at our ethics we cannot make treaties with the world ethical or moral standards and we cannot forget God's ways and blend in with the culture around us in in doing this it takes a daily consistent effort to stay true to that." [43:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends small doubts can lead to big problems and the canaanites have been freed from egypt freed from the people who put them in bondage and yet they don't even trust the lord that brought them that freedom that looks like us a lot of the times we know that god has saved us but we continue to compromise our values." [50:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We believe that god wants revival in this area but that comes from daily practices of you know you start a little paper you put some kindling on it and then you properly add wood as you build this fire you need to pick a worship service and allow god to speak to you every week you need a spot in your home where you pray and you seek the lord and you give your heart to him you don't let this fire go out and every time there's a compromise made or an ethical shortcut you are pouring water on the very fire that god wants in your life." [59:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are here to normalize repentance and grace jesus christ did not come to condemn you he came to save you you are more likely to be giving into the world than to staying firm with god and his grace his patience his kindness is what we're going to to come to him because he is the physician that can actually heal that scrape I want you to lean in today and say god I'm going after your grace I want healing in my life and I want you to do a fresh work in me." [50:55] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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