We had a guest pastor at church this past Sunday, who gave a most excellent message. It touched me deeply, so I want to share my Sermon Notes with you. I know that many of you have been discouraged this past week/month/year; and I hope that this will be an encouragement to you, as it was to me.
"Good News for the Discouraged"
1 Peter 1:1-9
Pastor John Smith
1. I have been Chosen by God.
v. 2 "Chosen . . . by God . . . through the Spirit . . . for obedience . . . to Christ.
v. 3 "He has given us New Birth . . . into a living Hope."
No Matter What Happens . . .
God CHOSE me.
God will always LOVE me.
2. I have a Permanent Inheritance. (v. 4)
Four Qualities of Our Inheritance:
a. It is Imperishable.
b. It is Undefiled / Unspoiled.
c. It is Unfading.
d. It is Reserved (the reservation has been made).
No Matter What Happens . . .
God will Not Disown me.
God has Reserved a Place for me in heaven.
3. I have a Perfecting / Completing Faith.
Two Descriptive Pictures:
a. "Testing" (1:6)
b. "Fire" (1:7)
v. 6 ". . . though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."
v.7 "These have come . . . that your faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and
honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
* * * these 2 verses were definitely ones I needed to be reminded of * * *
No Matter What Happens . . .
God is Molding me and Shaping me, in order that I may minister to others.
God will Not Leave me.
4. I have an Unseen Savior.
v. 8 "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;
though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him,
and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."
No Matter What Happens . . .
Jesus Sees me.
Jesus Cares about me.
Jesus is Walking with me.
5. I have a Guaranteed Deliverance.
v. 9 "for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
No Matter What Happens . . .
(also read Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:38-39, Jude 24-25)
God Holds on to us.
God has Secured my future.
A few of the quotes I wrote all around the edges of my Sermon Notes (smile) . . .
Despair = No Hope
Despair = Loss of God's Perspective
Discouragement KILLS: convictions, promises, vows
Discouragement: sometimes it is fleeting, while sometimes it lasts a very long time.
Don't Give Up . . . Grow Up
(God is growing us through our trials.)
"He who began a good work in you, will complete it."
God has it all figured out . . . even when we are clueless.
Hang in there lil mama; this is a great post, re-read as necessary. Indeed the enemy smiles at our weariness and quivers when we resolve to not give up but rather to choose to grow up. Praying for continued strength & His comfort as you continue to travel this crazy road... (((hugs)))
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I wonder why I'm finding so much encouragement on line today? :-)
ReplyDeleteThis blessed me, and then THIS did:
http://www.feminagirls.com/2012/08/24/when-you-need/
Hello! This is a huge encouragement to me; I am dealing with crazy behaviors from one of my beloved adopted kids. I am searching the web for some hope and advice, but really, the only hope is in the Lord. Very helpful redirection! Be blessed.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were encouraged by this post.
Delete:) :) :)
So glad I dropped by. I am discouraged this afternoon, dealing with crazy behaviors with my adopted beloved son. So refreshing to read this; I don't need another parenting technique, I need Jesus to step into this situation.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Delete"I don't need another parenting technique. I need Jesus to step into this situation."
So. Right. There. With. You.
Mama D. :)