GREAT AND
GOOD CHALLENGES FOR STRIVING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE FOR THE RETURN OF THE LORD
JESUS CHRIST
Acts 16:5 — And so
were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Philippians 1:5–6 — [5] For
your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident
of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it
until the day of Jesus Christ:
·
Striving: To devote serious, intentional effort (Pagsisikap).
I. STRIVING WITH STRONG CONVICTION TO MAKE THE BIBLE THE STANDARD FOR
CHRISTIAN FAITH AND PRACTICE
2 Timothy 3:16–17 — [16] All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of
God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
·
The Word of God must be the sole textbook of the church.
·
It must be a place where man's opinions and philosophies yield to the
authority of Scripture.
Psalm 138:2 — I will
worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and
for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
2 Timothy 2:14–16 — 14 Of
these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they
strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain
babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
II. STRIVING TO WALK IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WITH SINCERE REVERENCE AND
FEAR OF GOD
·
A church where members walk in the Spirit is invaluable.
Acts 20:19–24 — [19]
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and
temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: [20] And how I
kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have
taught you publickly, and from house to house, [21] Testifying both to the
Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ. [22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,
not knowing the things that shall befall me there: [23] Save that the Holy
Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I
have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
III. STRIVING TO FACE OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLES WITH COURAGE AND UNSHAKABLE
FAITH
·
Every church faces spiritual battles.
·
Jesus introduced this reality when He spoke of His church: "I will
build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
·
Notice Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica:
2 Thessalonians 1:3–4 — 3
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that
your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward
each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of
God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that
ye endure:
·
Some battles divide a church; some battles multiply a church.
·
Some battles make a church bitter; some battles make a church better.
·
Some battles cause a church to lose their pastor; some battles help
establish their pastor.
·
Some battles destroy a church's testimony; some battles enhance a
church's reputation in the community.
·
Battles reveal the true essence of the church.
·
Battles expose the enemies of the church.
1 Timothy 1:18–19 — 18 This
charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went
before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding
faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have
made shipwreck;
IV. STRIVING TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION BY WINNING THE LOST AT ANY
COST
Matthew 28:19–20 — [19] Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world. Amen.
·
The Lord Jesus Christ is our supreme model for having a heart for lost
souls.
Matthew 9:36 — [36] But
when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they
fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
·
A church without a burden for the lost is spiritually dead—it just
doesn't know it yet.
·
A church that fails to reach the unsaved will neither thrive nor
survive.
·
A church that ignores any part of the Great Commission is not operating
as a biblical church.
·
Jesus commanded the church to reach the lost, baptize believers, and
make disciples.
·
An disobedient church in soul-winning is not a biblical church.
V. STRIVING TO MAKE OUR LOVE FOR
CHRIST THE GREATEST DESIRE OF OUR LIVES
2 Corinthians 5:14 — For the
love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for
all, then were all dead:
John 14:15 — If ye
love me, keep my commandments.
VI. STRIVING TO FAITHFULLY AWAIT THE
SOON RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Philippians 1:5–6 — [5] For
your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident
of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it
until the day of Jesus Christ:
VII. STRIVING TO GLORIFY AND PLEASE
GOD IN EVERYTHING WE DO
Colossians 1:9–12 — [9] For
this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,
and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all
wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord
unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the
knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; [12] Giving thanks
unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of
the saints in light:
God bless you all always!
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