For Phil's full notes (in PDF format):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vFoecw0OTsEXrZFvTCZv_CKLUMhsCVDy/view?usp=sharing
Introduction
• Today's Talk is an Important /serious Talk
• There seems to be another teaching around about God's Punishment that does not line up with New Testament teaching
• We all can have moments of doubt
• we can all get tempted to look to something else
• Some may say its not working for me anymore
• Even when everything in our lives seems contrary to the truth and it's shouting louder than the truth Paul's encouragement / instruction is to stand Firm.
Colossians 1:23
Definition: to refuse to change a decision, position or our mind.
Isaiah 7:9
Ephesians 6:10-12
Galatians 1:6-10
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
God Is Wrathful (And That’s A Good Thing)
God Is Full Of Grace
3 Ways we can Stand Firm
• WE HAVE TO KNOW ON WHAT (OR WHOM) WE ARE STANDING.
John 14:6, John 17:17, Psalm 40:1-2
• RESIST THE DEVIL AND HIS LIES
When we are struggling with our faith, Satan will whisper words contrary to God’s Word. We have to choose to reject those thoughts and take them captive and make them subject to the truth
• DON’T WAVER BETWEEN FAITH, DOUT and FALSE TEACHING
We have to know what we believe and why we believe, so that when the challenges come, we are firm in our faith.
1 Kings 18:21
Are you sometimes still wavering between wanting to follow God and wanting to follow the world. If that is the case, we will definitely struggle with our faith. The Lord is asking you today, “How long will you waver between two opinions?”
If you know that God is God and God is good, there’s no question. Don’t let the devil make you think Satan has something better to offer you in the world. That's the lie he wants you to believe.
Only God is God and He alone knows what is best for us. He alone is the path to life, love, and victory.
Abraham and his faith. He was a man, a real person, just like you and me. God gave him a great promise with little evidence that he could actually see.
Romans 4:20
Abraham made mistakes.
• He wasn't perfect. But he was “fully persuaded.”
• Are you fully persuaded that God is able to do what He has promised?
Conclusion
Are you still struggling to believe God because of trials, tribulations, or temptations that you are going through right now?
Be encouraged that the Lord of all can set you free.
He can lead you out of the place of doubt and confusion and give you a firm place to stand.
Open your arms wide to the love of Jesus and let Him lift you up.
Trust that He is good and He loves you perfectly.
He will make a way for you and keep you in His love and in His truth.
He has promised to keep us until the day of Jesus Christ.
Questions For Groups - (Suggest only pick 3 or 4 Questions)
• Have you ever thought of yourself as deserving God’s wrath? Why or why not?
• Is there one thing you learned about God’s wrath leaves you more in awe of Him?
• Can you remember a time when you asked Jesus to absorb God’s wrath on your behalf and be your saviour? Take a few minutes right now to thank Jesus for saving you.
• Where in your life do you struggle to receive grace?
• Do you find it hard to give others grace?
• Do you feel truly adopted, redeemed, and forgiven?
What things will help you continue in unwavering faith in the hope of the gospel (v.23)?