Steadfast Faith: Seeking Jesus Above All Else

Devotional

Day 1: Steadfastness in Faith Amidst Life's Challenges

In the Christian journey, being steadfast and immovable is essential. This steadfastness is not just for those who have reached spiritual maturity but is a call for every believer, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:58, assures believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain. This assurance provides a foundation for believers to remain firm in their faith, even when faced with life's challenges. It is a reminder that our efforts in serving God are meaningful and have eternal significance. [01:09]

1 Peter 5:9-10 (ESV): "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that tests your faith? How can you remind yourself today that your labor in the Lord is not in vain?

Day 2: Building a Solid Foundation of Faith

Laying a solid foundation in faith is crucial for every believer. This foundation is built on the assurance of salvation, a deep commitment to Christ, and a desire to know Him above all else. The testimony of an 85-year-old missionary who accepted Christ at a young age and lived a life of unwavering faith exemplifies the importance of being open to God's call and being steadfast in our mission. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of age, to fulfill His purposes. [04:13]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: Reflect on the foundation of your faith. What steps can you take today to deepen your commitment to Christ and strengthen your desire to know Him more?

Day 3: Pursuing Jesus Above Earthly Gains

Our Christian life should be driven by a deep love for Jesus, not by the pursuit of earthly gains or recognition. Psalm 73:25 beautifully encapsulates this desire: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." This verse should be the heartbeat of our faith, guiding us to seek Jesus above all else. It challenges believers to evaluate their motivations and ensure that their love for Jesus is the driving force behind their actions and decisions. [22:08]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What earthly desires or pursuits are competing with your love for Jesus? How can you prioritize seeking Jesus above all else in your daily life?

Day 4: Avoiding the Trap of Spiritual Pride

In the journey of faith, it is important to focus on personal growth and avoid comparing oneself to others. Spiritual pride is a trap that hinders progress, and believers are called to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Each believer is at a different stage in their spiritual journey, and it is crucial to maintain a good conscience before God, focusing on one's own growth rather than judging others. [41:12]

Galatians 6:4-5 (ESV): "But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load."

Reflection: In what ways have you found yourself comparing your spiritual journey to others? How can you focus on your personal growth and avoid the trap of spiritual pride today?

Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life pleasing to God and fulfilling one's unique calling. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live according to God's will and to contribute to the health and growth of the church. Every believer, regardless of their role in the body of Christ, is called to be Spirit-filled, allowing the Spirit to guide and strengthen them in their daily walk with God. [47:43]

Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you today? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are living a Spirit-filled life?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, the call to be steadfast and immovable in our Christian walk is paramount. This is not a call reserved for the spiritually elite but for every believer, regardless of their current spiritual maturity. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:58, exhorts us to abound in the work of the Lord, assuring us that our labor is never in vain. This assurance is not just for those who have reached spiritual heights but for all, even those who may feel like spiritual infants. The foundation of our faith is crucial, and it is essential to take the time to lay it well. This foundation is built on the assurance of salvation, a deep commitment to Christ, and a desire to know Him above all else.

The testimony of an 85-year-old missionary who accepted Christ at the age of three and lived a life of unwavering faith is a powerful reminder that God can speak to and use anyone, regardless of age. Her life exemplifies the importance of being open to God's call and being steadfast in our mission, no matter the obstacles.

Our Christian life should not be driven by the desire for earthly gains or recognition but by a deep love for Jesus. Psalm 73:25 encapsulates this beautifully: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." This verse should be the heartbeat of our faith, driving us to seek Jesus above all else.

Moreover, the journey of faith is not about comparing ourselves to others or judging their spiritual progress. Each believer is at a different stage, and we must focus on our growth, avoiding the trap of spiritual pride. The call is to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, maintaining a good conscience before God.

Finally, the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit cannot be overstated. It is the Spirit that empowers us to live a life pleasing to God and to fulfill our unique calling. Every believer, regardless of their role in the body of Christ, is called to be Spirit-filled, contributing to the health and growth of the church.

Key Takeaways

1. Steadfastness in Faith: Our Christian journey requires us to be steadfast and immovable, not swayed by the challenges of life. This steadfastness is rooted in the assurance that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, regardless of our spiritual maturity. [01:09]
2. Foundation of Faith: Laying a solid foundation in our faith is crucial. This involves a deep commitment to Christ and a desire to know Him above all else, as exemplified by the testimony of a lifelong missionary. [04:13]
3. Desire for Jesus Alone: Our faith should be driven by a love for Jesus, not by the pursuit of earthly gains or recognition. Psalm 73:25 should be the heartbeat of our faith, guiding us to seek Jesus above all else. [22:08]
4. Avoiding Spiritual Pride: We must focus on our growth and avoid comparing ourselves to others. Spiritual pride is a trap that hinders our progress, and we must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. [41:12]
5. Filled with the Holy Spirit: Being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life pleasing to God and fulfilling our unique calling. Every believer is called to be Spirit-filled, contributing to the health and growth of the church. [47:43]
** [47:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Importance of Daily Bible Reading
[00:51] - Be Steadfast and Immovable
[01:24] - Addressing the Corinthian Church
[02:10] - Unshakable Christian Life
[02:43] - Laying a Good Foundation
[03:35] - Testimony of a Missionary
[05:17] - The Power of Written Messages
[06:34] - Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain
[09:28] - Assurance of Salvation
[12:46] - The Importance of Being Sure
[15:36] - Judging Others and Spiritual Growth
[19:34] - Total Commitment to Christ
[22:08] - Desire for Jesus Alone
[28:03] - Seeing Jesus in the Scriptures
[47:43] - Filled with the Holy Spirit
[50:30] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 15:58
Psalm 73:25
2 Corinthians 7:1

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Observation Questions:

What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to be "steadfast and immovable" in 1 Corinthians 15:58? How does this apply to believers of all spiritual maturities? [00:51]
How does the testimony of the 85-year-old missionary illustrate the importance of laying a solid foundation in faith? [04:13]
In Psalm 73:25, what does the psalmist express about their desire for God compared to earthly things? How does this reflect the sermon’s emphasis on desiring Jesus above all else? [22:08]
What does 2 Corinthians 7:1 suggest about the process of cleansing ourselves from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit"? How is this related to avoiding spiritual pride? [28:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

How can the assurance that "our labor in the Lord is never in vain" encourage believers who feel spiritually immature or inadequate? [06:46]
What does it mean to have a "deep commitment to Christ" as the foundation of our faith, and how can this commitment be cultivated in daily life? [19:34]
How does the sermon suggest believers should handle the temptation to compare their spiritual progress with others? What are the dangers of spiritual pride in this context? [16:44]
What role does being filled with the Holy Spirit play in fulfilling our unique calling as believers, according to the sermon? [47:43]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel shaken or unstable? What steps can you take to become more steadfast and immovable in your faith? [02:10]
Consider the foundation of your faith. How can you deepen your commitment to Christ and cultivate a desire to know Him above all else? [19:34]
Psalm 73:25 speaks of desiring nothing on earth besides God. Is there something in your life that competes with your desire for Jesus? How can you address this distraction? [22:08]
How can you actively cleanse yourself from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to maintain a good conscience before God? [28:41]
In what ways can you seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit more consistently? How might this impact your role in the church and your personal spiritual growth? [47:43]
Reflect on a time when you compared your spiritual progress to others. How did it affect you, and what can you do to focus more on your personal growth rather than comparisons? [16:44]
Identify one specific way you can abound in the work of the Lord this week. How can you ensure that your efforts are driven by love for Jesus rather than the pursuit of recognition or earthly gains? [06:46]

Sermon Clips

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. Here Paul is not writing to some great Saints. Whenever you read in the New Testament ask yourself to whom is he writing." [00:49:46]

"Is your Christian Life an unshakable one? The devil cannot shake it and human beings cannot shake it. Is your marriage an unshakable one? That is God's will for you. Nothing should shake you, and that is the reason why God gives us the Holy Spirit and pours his grace upon us." [02:18:00]

"It took me about six years, approximately, to lay a good foundation. I think I must have first consciously received Christ into my heart when I was 13. Now I could have received Christ into my heart when I was three years old." [03:03:00]

"She testified publicly something I've never forgotten, that when she was three years old and remember this is an 85-year-old Godly lady saying she accepted Christ and she proved it for the next 82 years. And she said when she was five years old in Norway she heard a missionary from China." [03:52:00]

"Your labor will never be in vain in the Lord. That's what it says in this verse: be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing one thing that all your work will never be wasted in the Lord." [06:43:00]

"I want to ask you who say you accepted Christ, have you accepted Christ in order to just be with Jesus with nothing else? Do you want to be a preacher? Do you want to be famous in the church, or do you want to be famous or do you want some prosperity?" [22:06:00]

"Lord, I desire nothing on Earth but you. If I have a need I'll ask you, and if you want to give it to me give it, if you don't want to give it to me, that's also okay because I desire only you." [22:59:00]

"Study the scriptures not to prepare a message please please no. In my foolishness in my younger days I did that. That's because again as I see I didn't have a spiritual father to tell me that don't study the scriptures to prepare a message." [30:38:00]

"Do you know that the only person who can come to God the father is someone who's 100 like Christ? Who can come? Not you or not me, because he's holy. Not one sin can come into the presence of God the Father." [39:00:00]

"God hates Pride. Nobody will ever be able to come into heaven anywhere near heaven with the atom of pride in him. That's why we come in Jesus name so the next time you pray in Jesus name I hope it's not just an empty ritual that you add on at the end of your prayer." [41:52:00]

"Spiritual power will come only if you are continuously filled with the Holy Spirit and in many churches they do not preach the baptism in the Holy Spirit just like there are many churches Who Don't Preach water baptism." [47:49:00]

"I pray that every single brother and sister here will know what it is to be declared righteous in Christ and only in Christ by faith and never think of themselves as being acceptable before God in what they are on how much they have grown or any such thing." [50:47:00]

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Steadfast Faith: Seeking Jesus Above All Else

Devotional

Day 1: Steadfastness in Faith Amidst Life's Challenges

Day 2: Building a Solid Foundation of Faith

Day 3: Pursuing Jesus Above Earthly Gains

Day 4: Avoiding the Trap of Spiritual Pride

Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Steadfast Faith: Seeking Jesus Above All Else

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