Transformed by Grace: Standing Strong in Faith

 

Summary

The sermon begins with the speaker discussing the significance of Jesus bearing the wrath of sin and his resurrection. Through grace and faith, believers are connected to Christ in his death and resurrection, promising eternal life. The speaker emphasizes that Christianity is not about being good but about being transformed to become more like Christ. The sermon then introduces the concept of enemies, which are not people but spiritual forces such as the world, the flesh, and the devil that try to influence believers away from the truth of God's word.

The speaker then encourages the audience to not believe the lie that their efforts will not bear fruit. They reference Galatians 6:9, which urges believers to not grow weary in doing good and to serve the Lord consistently. The speaker emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord in all aspects of life, even on mundane days. They highlight the promise that in due season, believers will reap if they do not give up. The speaker also addresses the issue of lacking resources to finish a task, using the analogy of burnt stones. They remind the audience that God can provide and make up the difference when they honor Him with their resources.

The speaker then emphasizes the importance of raising children in the Lord, serving in the church, and volunteering in various ministries. They reference Ephesians 6:13-18, which instructs believers to put on the whole armor of God. They explain the significance of each piece of the armor, such as the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness, the shield of Faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of prayer and supplication for all the saints. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of being strong in the Lord, standing on the truth of God's word, and growing in holiness and righteousness.

The speaker then emphasizes the importance of holiness and righteousness in order to effectively serve in ministry and lead others to Christ. The enemy tries to discourage believers by reminding them of their sinful habits or addictions, but the speaker encourages growth in holiness to expand one's influence. The speaker also highlights the need to actively spread the gospel and take care of others, rather than turning inward. The sermon concludes with a reference to the movie Rocky, illustrating the importance of perseverance and preparation in the face of challenges.

Finally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer dependence, hard work, and preparation in building God's kingdom. They also discuss how opposition and difficult circumstances can cause individuals to reevaluate their priorities and focus on what truly matters. The speaker references Nehemiah as an example of setting priorities in the face of adversity and encourages the congregation to remember the greatness and awesomeness of the Lord. They highlight the significance of worshiping God above all else and how it can protect individuals from their enemies.

Key Takeaways:

- Christianity is not about being good but about being transformed to become more like Christ. It's about recognizing our rebellion against God and the wrath we deserve, but also acknowledging God's grace and mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. [06:32]

- Serving the Lord consistently in all aspects of life is crucial. Even on mundane days, believers are urged to not grow weary in doing good. In due season, believers will reap if they do not give up. #!!21:50!!#

- Believers are instructed to put on the whole armor of God, which includes the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness, the shield of Faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. This armor is essential in standing strong in the Lord and growing in holiness and righteousness. #!!38:35!!#

- The enemy tries to discourage believers by reminding them of their sinful habits or addictions. However, growth in holiness and righteousness can expand one's influence and effectively serve in ministry and lead others to Christ. #!!49:33!!#

- Prayer dependence, hard work, and preparation are key in building God's kingdom. Opposition and difficult circumstances can cause individuals to reevaluate their priorities and focus on what truly matters. Worshiping God above all else can protect individuals from their enemies. #!!27:32!!#

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
2. Ephesians 6:13-18 - "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
3. Nehemiah 4:14 - "And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'"

### Observation Questions

1. What are the three enemies mentioned in the sermon that believers face? [07:36]
2. According to Galatians 6:9, what are believers encouraged to do, and what is promised if they do not give up?
3. List the pieces of the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:13-18.
4. In Nehemiah 4:14, what does Nehemiah encourage the people to remember and fight for?

### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the concept of "not growing weary in doing good" from Galatians 6:9 apply to the daily life of a believer? [21:50]
2. What is the significance of each piece of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-18, and how do they help believers stand strong against spiritual forces? [38:35]
3. How can remembering the greatness and awesomeness of the Lord, as Nehemiah 4:14 suggests, help believers face their challenges and opposition? [27:32]
4. The sermon mentions that Christianity is about being transformed to become more like Christ. How does this transformation process relate to the concept of putting on the whole armor of God? [06:32]

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you felt weary in doing good. How did you overcome it, or what could you have done differently to persevere? [21:50]
2. Identify one piece of the armor of God that you feel you need to strengthen in your life. What practical steps can you take this week to put on that piece of armor more effectively? [38:35]
3. Think about a current challenge or opposition you are facing. How can remembering the greatness and awesomeness of the Lord, as Nehemiah 4:14 suggests, change your perspective and approach to this situation? [27:32]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord consistently, even on mundane days. What are some practical ways you can serve the Lord in your daily routine this week? [21:50]
5. The speaker mentioned the importance of raising children in the Lord and serving in the church. How can you actively invest in the spiritual growth of your family or church community? [49:33]
6. How can you incorporate more prayer and dependence on God in your daily life, especially when facing difficult circumstances? [27:32]
7. The sermon concludes with a reference to the movie Rocky, illustrating the importance of perseverance and preparation. What are some areas in your life where you need to show more perseverance and preparation, and how can you start working on them this week? [46:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Transformation in Christ
The essence of Christianity is not about striving to be good, but about undergoing a transformation to become more like Christ. This transformation involves recognizing our rebellion against God and the wrath we deserve, but also acknowledging God's grace and mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. [06:32]

Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: Reflect on an area in your life where you are striving to be good rather than seeking transformation. How can you shift your focus to becoming more like Christ in this area?

Day 2: Consistent Service in the Mundane
Serving the Lord consistently in all aspects of life is crucial. Even on mundane days, believers are urged to not grow weary in doing good. In due season, believers will reap if they do not give up. [21:50]

1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Reflection: What is one mundane task in your daily life that you can start doing as service to the Lord? How can you remind yourself of the promise that your efforts will bear fruit in due season?

Day 3: Equipping with the Armor of God
Believers are instructed to put on the whole armor of God, which includes the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness, the shield of Faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. This armor is essential in standing strong in the Lord and growing in holiness and righteousness. [38:35]

Ephesians 6:14-17 - "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Reflection: Which piece of the armor of God do you feel you are lacking in your life right now? How can you actively work on strengthening that aspect of your spiritual armor?

Day 4: Expanding Influence through Holiness
The enemy tries to discourage believers by reminding them of their sinful habits or addictions. However, growth in holiness and righteousness can expand one's influence and effectively serve in ministry and lead others to Christ. [49:33]

1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Reflection: What is one sinful habit or addiction that the enemy uses to discourage you? How can you counteract this by focusing on growth in holiness and righteousness?

Day 5: Prioritizing God in Adversity
Prayer dependence, hard work, and preparation are key in building God's kingdom. Opposition and difficult circumstances can cause individuals to reevaluate their priorities and focus on what truly matters. Worshiping God above all else can protect individuals from their enemies. [27:32]

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: What is one difficult circumstance you are currently facing? How can you reevaluate your priorities and focus on seeking God's kingdom in this situation?

Quotes

"Life is not a sprint, it's a marathon. It will take too long, but the Lord who has called us to a task is the God that's going to persevere us, is the God that's going to see it through to completion." ([20:10])

"Serve the Lord on Monday, serve the Lord on Tuesday, serve the applaud right and good, and in due season we will reap if we do not give up." [21:13]

"We're to be strong in the Lord... we're to put on the belt of Truth... we believe that the word of God is the truth and the truth sets people free." [39:38]

"The Shield of Faith...a lot of you are not able to extinguish the fiery arrows and lies of the devil because you don't know the word of God...you got to be in your word every single day." [41:51]

"In the face of opposition when things get hard... it makes me pause and go man what's really important... what really matters to me... what really matters... I think Nehemiah does a little bit of that right... he sets the priorities... fight for your brothers and your sons and your daughters and your wives and your homes." ([27:32])

"When times get tough and we prioritize... it reminds me what's really important... I gotta worship God above all else... I need to remember the Lord Nehemiah says who is great and awesome... sometimes it's as simple as just remember God is great and awesome... just Worship the Lord... worshiping the Lord protects you from your enemies." ([28:06])

"Our Savior Jesus Christ stepped out of his own grave authenticating his claims as being the Son of God and reminding us all of us that are connected to Christ by grace through faith not only are we connected to him in his death but we are also connected to him in his resurrection and therefore by grace through faith when Christ returns we will step out of our own grave too isn't that amazing and we will have not eternal life eat bodily forever and ever as Christ bodily verse from the grave so it's a really amazing story." ([06:02])

"Christianity is not about be good, Christianity is about be transformed right and so once Christ is in our lives we're transformed From the Inside Out growing to be more like who our savior is sinless righteous and perfect and so that's the gospel right." ([06:32])

"You're too weak, you're too feeble to finish what God has called you to do...there's nowhere in Scripture that we are called to muster up our own strength to do what God has called us to do. We are to find our strength in the one who has who is strong...when I want you trust in Christ he is strong he has overcome all your enemies and he will give you the strength to do what God has called you to do." #!!10:47!!#

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Transcript
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