ENTHUSIASTIC DETERMINATION
FIRST: GROWS OUT OF BEING DELIVERED BY THE LORD (2 Cor. 4:13)
When we come to an impasse in life—a situation where no progress can be made, especially because of a disagreement or deadlock—in which we feel weighed down by the burdens or bogged down by the difficulties, we should recall the way God has delivered us from these things in the past.
SECOND: GROWS WHEN WE FOCUS ON OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION (2 Cor. 4:14)
As Bible-believing Christians, we anticipate that day when we will all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:52).
THIRD: GROWS WHEN WE INVEST IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS (2 Cor. 4:15)
When we take seriously the temporary nature of our present life and the glories of our future resurrection life, it should motivate us to "die" to ourselves and "live" for others.
When this happens:
- Teachers are resurrected in the lives of their students
- Parents are resurrected in the lives of their children
- Pastors are resurrected in the lives of their congregations
Enthusiastic determination grows from being delivered by the Lord
Focus on future resurrection
Invest in the lives of others
Die to self and live for others
Teachers are resurrected in the lives of their students, parents in the lives of their children, pastors in the lives of their congregations
Every scripture referenced in this sermon, in the order they appear.
2 Corinthians 4:13
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak.
2 Corinthians 4:14
Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
1 Corinthians 15:52
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.