Slideshow image

"How to Persevere in the Faith" - Isaiah Mast

Sunday, July 7th, 2024 - Bethel Pentecostal Church - Barrhead, Alberta

 

Key Verse: 2 Peter 3:17 "Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position."

3 Things to do to Persevere in the Faith:

  1. Affirm your identity in Christ
  2. Be On Guard
  3. Be Growing

1- Affirm Your Identity in Christ

  • You are sons and daugthers of God
  • Heirs and co-heirs of God
  • Light in the darkness
  • salt in a tasteless world
  • He calls you His own - you are more precious to God then you could ever comprehend
  • You are a Child of God!

2. Be On Your Guard

Wholesome - purity - unmixed in quality - sincere

  • persevere and remain in the faith
  • we are set apart as God's chosen ones

In 2 Peter 3:17-18... ( "Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." ) who are the lawless... see 2 Peter 3:3... "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires."

  • Scoffers-carries people away...choosing to ignore the word of God...
  • 2 Peter 2:11   "...yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord."
  • Scoffers are: Bold, arrogant, like unreasoning animals...they will perish

Where is our "Fear of God"? (Healthy respect and reverence for God's Holiness)

Don't give up and be lazy...keep pursuing God and holiness...growing in your faith and relationship with God.

Remember, Jesus will return suddenly (like a "thief in the night") so be on your guard!

Be careful of Sin - temptations of the world!

 

How can people walk away from the faith?

  1. Lost sight of their identity in Christ
  2. Refused to believe that sin would be punished
  3. Lazy in following God (are you actively pursuing Him??)

Be on guard so you are not carried away!  Stay self-aware - defend yourself and make a stand!

 

*How to Be on Guard:

  1. Guard your identity in Christ and your calling (guard each other as well!)
  2. Guard your heart and mind against false teaching!  (Fill your mind with the truth=God's word= the Bible!)
  3. Guard yourself against sinful desires... (you know what those might be for you)

 

3. Be Growing

2 Peter 3:17-18   "Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

  • Read the word of God and practice living it out.

Then ask yourself,

  • "God, what do you want me to do about it now??"
  • "Lord, help me to set a good example of faith to those who are watching me and depending on me..."
  • "Where have I let my guard down?"
  • "Where do I need to perseverse?"
  • "Who do I need to affirm their identity in Christ?"

 

*Next, click here to watch the full replay of this sermon from Isaiah Mast: "How to Persevere in the Faith"