Resolutions:

Identity • Sermon • Submitted a year ago • Presented a year ago

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Good afternoon. We made it to our final session. This will be a short one, and then we will have our time of questions and answers. But really, I want to answer the question “How then shall I live?”

How Then Shall I Live?

We have covered a lot over the past three sessions. We have heard a lot of truth. But now what? What do we do with this? Well, first and foremost, live out the truth by obeying God.

Live Out the Truth by Obeying God.

Practically, this means, you won’t thumb your nose at God. You will wonder “how does God define this?” When you are confronted with anything, you will care more about God’s Word than your own opinion. You will no longer say, “I think” but will say “God says.” You will value God’s Word above your own thoughts. But perhaps the big concern is how to share the truth. Maybe that is your question. How do I share the truth?

How do I Share the Truth?

As Christians, we believe the Bible. But what of those who reject the Bible? If we live these principles out, we will be forced into confrontation with the world. So how are we to answer? How are we to answer the transgender person who insists we call them “he” when they are actually a she. How are we to answer our employers when we are in a disciplinary meeting for refusing to use a person’s preferred pronouns? Thankfully Scripture answers this.

First and foremost: Do Not Compromise.

Do Not Compromise:

1 Peter 3:14-17 “14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

Don’t be afraid. We will face challenges and trials for holding to the truth. But do not compromise. Honor Christ as holy. And if you suffer, then praise God.

Answer Truthfully and Gently:

Notice we are to be ready and to answer the objectors. Be well learned. Be ready to face opposition. And do not be arrogant. A wise pastor I respect greatly said “win the people, not the argument.” Remember, the goal is not just to be smart or win a debate. It is to present the truth to an eternal soul. These people are lost and need of the gospel. So speak the truth. Never ever compromise. But do so as an act of love in order to present the truth to a person in need of it. And if they hate you for it, let them. Love them as they hate you.

Do Not Be Surprised, Rejoice:

1 Peter 4:12-14 “12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”

When they grow angry with you, don’t be surprised. When you lose a job over these truths, don’t be surprised. Rejoice! Our brothers and sisters are facing much worse persecution all over the earth. We get the chance to glorify God by being obedient to Him, even if that means persecution and trial.

Humble Yourself And Cast Your Cares on Christ:

1 Peter 5:6-11 “6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

And when you are facing trials, cast your cares on Christ. He loves you and is with you.

But perhaps above all, we must follow Daniel’s example.

Daniel 1:8 “8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.”

Daniel resolved before trial came to honor God above all else. He set out before the battle arrived and said “I resolve to honor God.”

Resolve to Honor God.

Jonathan Edwards was famous for writing resolutions. Famously he wrote “Resolution 1: I will obey God. Resolution 2: Even if no one else does, I still will.” We must do that same. We must resolve before we even face trials. Here is how I will live. I include these as potential resolutions to live by.

Resolutions:

Resolution 1: I will obey God.

Resolution 2: Even if no one else does, I still will.

Resolution 3: I will never deny God by consenting to a denial of His divine right of definition.

Resolution 4: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what humanity is other than that which God gives.

Resolution 5: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what humanity ought to be other than that which God gives.

Resolution 6: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what humanity is to do other than that which God gives.

Resolution 7: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what humanity is for other than that which God gives.

Resolution 8: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what anything is other than that which God gives.

Resolution 9: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what marriage is other than that which God gives.

Resolution 10: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what gender is other than that which God gives.

Resolution 11: I will never deny God by consenting to any definition of what is right other than that which God gives.

Resolution 12: I will never deny God by commending anything God condemns.

Resolution 13: I will never deny God by condemning anything God commends.

What God says is truth. God alone has the right to define what all things are, ought to be, are to do, and are for. You want to know what this means for life? Solomon, the teacher, gives us the answer.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

The End of the Matter: Fear God, Not Man.

Are you afraid of men? Are you afraid of people’s opinions? Do not be. Do not fear man. Fear God. Fear offending God more than you fear offending men. Stand on the truth. Never compromise. God is the definition giver, not you. Who are you? God is the one who get’s to answer that question. We are merely to agree.

God has told us who He is. God has told us who we are. God has told us where we came from. God has told us what we are doing here. God has told us where we are going when we die. The question is not have these questions been answered. The question is will you submit to them or live as a rebel. As for me, Damn the Consequences. I Resolve, I will submit to God’s divine right of definition giver. Amen. Let’s pray.

Prayer:

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