Never Give Up the Faith

INTRODUCTION.

A.        “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58, NKJV)

B.        Christians have a great task of remaining steadfast and immoveable.

1.         When the winds of life are calm, then the challenges are mild.

2.         However, when the gale force winds of trouble and difficulties pound upon our lives, the challenge to remain steadfast becomes difficult.

C.        As a Christian, you must never give up the faith. You must always remain faithful to the Lord. You must be steadfast and immoveable.

D.        It is the purpose of this lesson to show you four reasons why you should never give up the fight and the life of a Christian, a follower of God.

I.         GOD IS FAITHFUL. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

            A.        God, who is faithful, calls all who will obey into the fellowship of Jesus. (I Corinthians 1:9)

            B.        God will not allow Christians to be tempted beyond what they can bear. (I Corinthians 10:13)

            C.        God will preserve those who faithfully follow Him. (I Thessalonians 5:23,24)

II.       THE FOUNDATION IS SOLID. (II Timothy 2:16-19)

            A.        Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of this great foundation. (I Peter 2:1-10)

            B.        We must build upon this foundation. (I Corinthians 3:11-15)

            C.        To obey the Lord is to build your life upon this firm foundation. (Matthew 7:21-27)

III.      THE WORD OF THE LORD IS SURE. (Psalms 19:7)

            A.        The commandments of the Lord stand fast. (Psalms 111:7-9)

            B.        All scriptures come from the word of the Lord. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

            C.        If we will look into the word of the Lord and obey, then we will be blessed. (James 1:22-25)

IV.      YOUR ETERNAL REWARD WILL BE SURE. (Proverbs 11:18)

            A.        You must believe that God will reward those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

            B.        Jesus told His disciples that their reward was in heaven. (Matthew 5:10-12)

            C.        If you will obey God (sow to the Spirit), then you will receive everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Are you on the verge of giving up the fight due to the difficulties of life? If so, then remember that:

1.         God is faithful. He will not give up on you.

2.         The foundation of the Lord is sure and will support you no matter what difficulties you face.

3.         The word of the Lord is sure and will guide you through the difficulties of this life.

4.         Your reward awaits you on the other side of death if you, as a Christian, will remain strong, never giving up.

B.        As we close this lesson, let me leave you with I Corinthians 15:58, the verse with which we began this lesson. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

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Never Give Up the Faith -- February 3, 2002 -- File # 1157

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK