May 23, 2020 Sermon Review
Philippians 4:10-13; 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Introduction
I’m sure that many of us at various times throughout our Christian journey have come across verses or passages of scripture which overtime would come to serve as an anchor for our spiritual growth and development. But what happens when as a result of that growth and development, we then discover that those iconic passages, which gave us both comfort and strength, really didn’t have the meaning that we first believed they had. For many of us it’s like that feeling we get when we feel we’ve been betrayed by a trusted friend or close member of our family. Today I want us to reflect upon one such iconic verse, which when read in isolation has the power to remind us of the anchor that holds us firmly in place, but then when considered in the larger context can make us feel betrayed. However, the good news about the scriptural reference that we will consider in our message for today, “Enduring Strength,” is that when viewed in its larger context, though misunderstood, misused and misinterpreted, this verse can potentially become just as meaningful in our journey as disciples than what we had first perceived or believed.
- Despite the fact that as believers there will be times in our lives when we may feel that God has no regard for the challenges that we face find, scripture is clear that time and time again, not only is God, the great Creator of this vast universe aware of our plight, but that he also cares deeply for us and has promised to be with us during the most difficult times in our lives, providing us with the ability not merely to “walk by faith’ but to “fly” by our faith. Isaiah 40:25-31; 41:10; 43:1-2; Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 5:1-7; 12:1-9; Galatians 4:1-4; 6:7-9; 1 John 4:4
- Although there may be many well-meaning, but misguided Christians who believe that God has promised to give them the strength to conquer every enemy and reach any and every goal their imaginations can create, it is simply not true. But what God has promised, as witnessed by the Apostle Paul and countless others, is that God will provide us with the strength that is needed to endure any test, trial or temptation that may come our way. Philippians 4:10-14; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Proverbs 30:7-9
Conclusion
God has promised us in his word that the secret to contentment in this life can be found when we are willing to place our complete trust in him, regardless of the circumstances in which we may find ourselves, knowing that he will provide us his strength to remain faithful as we endure trials to the very end.
Question for Reflection
Is there an iconic verse of scripture that throughout your journey served as an anchor of strength in your life, which later you discovered had a completely different, or maybe even contradictory meaning than what you were first led to believe? If so, how did you handle this newly found revelation?
Quotes of the Week
“To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering, which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“The only true conqueror who shall be crowned in the end is he who continues until war’s trumpet is blown no more…. Christian, wear your shield close to your armor and cry earnestly to God, that by His Spirit you may endure to the end.” Alistair Begg