When the Going Gets Tough, . . .

INTRODUCTION.

A.        This is not the first lesson that has addressed what to do when facing the challenges and difficulties of life. Nor will it be the last lesson.

B.        There is a well-known statement which says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This statement implies that the “tough” do not give up in times of difficulty.

C.        In our lives as Christians, there will be challenges, difficulties, temptations, etc. Each and every Christian must determine to rise to the occasion and take a stand. In this lesson, we will show what a Christian does when the going gets tough.

D.        When the going gets tough . . .

I.         CHRISTIANS STAY ON COURSE.

            A.        Consider the example of Paul.

                        1.         Afflictions: 2 Corinthians 11:22-30

                        2.         Attitude:

                                    a.         Philippians 2:17-18

                                    b.         Philippians 3:12-14

                                    c.         2 Timothy 4:6-8 - KJV, ASV - “. . . I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: . . .”

            B.        There are many trials of life, temptations to sin, and obstacles which we will encounter. We must never allow ourselves to give up or deviate from our God given course. Let us all “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

II.       CHRISTIANS STICK TO THEIR PRINCIPALS.

            A.        In order to maintain the course to Heaven, we must stick to our principles.

                        1.         Principle - “1 a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1) : a rule or code of conduct (2) : habitual devotion to right principles <a man of principle> c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

                        2.         A Christian who is sticking to his principles will be a person who will, unwaveringly, insist that Bible doctrine and morality be followed at all times. This person will not willingly do anything that violates the will of God.

            B.        Peter and John stuck to their principles. (Acts 4:13-22)

            C.        We must always insist that Bible doctrine be followed in our lives. In the first century there were saints who failed to stick to their principles.

                        1.         The saints in Colosse had trouble sticking to their principles in all things. They had allowed themselves to sway from obedience in certain areas. (Colossians 3:8-10)

                        2.         The saints in Corinth had trouble sticking to their principles. They tolerated sin in their midst. (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)

            D.        Let us always take a stand and stick to our principles. Remember the words of Paul when he wrote, “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.” (Ephesians 6:13, NKJV)

III.      CHRISTIANS PRAY.

            A.        One of the greatest things to do when you are striving to stick to your principles is to pray.

            B.        Going back to an earlier example of Peter and John, we see what they did after having stuck to their principles: They prayed. (Acts 4:23-28)

            C.        When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for sticking to their principles, they also prayed. (Acts 16:20-25)

            D.        Prayer is a great way to help enforce our faith and to build up our strengths. Prayer reminds us that we are not alone, but that the creator of the universe is standing by our side to hear our petitions.

                        1.         Romans 8:26-27, 34

                        2.         1 John 5:14-15 - He will hear our prayers.

IV.      CHRISTIANS KEEP THEIR COOL.

            A.        Having taken time to pray, especially when the going gets tough, the Christian will find self-control much easier to maintain. It is important that the Christian keeps his cool, that he maintains control over his thoughts and actions. This is all a part maintaining perseverance.

            B.        Consider the following passages.

                        1.         Romans 5:1-5 - perseverance - NKJV, patience - KJV, steadfastness - ASV

                        2.         1 Thessalonians 5:5-9 - sober - calm, collected in spirit

                        3.         1 Peter 5:8-9 - sober - calm, collected in spirit

CONCLUSION.

A.        So, here we have it:

1.         When the going gets tough, Christians stay on course.

2.         When the going gets tough, Christians stick to their principles.

3.         When the going gets tough, Christians pray.

4.         When the going gets tough, Christians keep their cool.

B.        In short, when the tough gets going, the Christians stay faithful to God!

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When the Going Gets Tough, . . . -- October 3, 2004 -- File # - 1377

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK