Marks of True Faith: Immovability

Matthew Allen

Steadfast & Immovable • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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Introduction

➟ ➟ ➟ In his 1995 article “The Great ‘Therefore’ of the Resurrection,” John Piper makes reference to Victor Frankel, a holocaust survivor, who after the war, became a professor of neurology and psychiatry.

Frankel authored the book Man’s Search for Meaning, which has sold over 12 million copies.

In the book, Frankel makes the assertion that the most fundamental human motive is to find meaning in life.

From his very personal experience, he learned that humans can endure almost anything, if they can find a “why” to keep moving forward. They need a reason for living.

➟ ➟ ➟ In an interview at age 90, (1995) Frankel said this:

I am absolutely convinced that the gas chambers of Auschwitz, Treblinka; and Maidanek were ultimately prepared not in some ministry or other in Berlin, but rather at the desks and in the lecture halls of nihilistic scientists and philosophers.

Ideas have consequences that bless or destroy.

The behavior of people does not originate in a vacuum.

Their actions come from a prevailing view of reality that takes root in the mind.

➟ ➟ ➟ - For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting.

Ideas have practical consequences. Let’s talk positively...

➟ ➟ ➟ - ideas in Scripture produce hope.

➟ ➟ ➟ - the aim of our charge is love...

Hope and love do not originate from nothing. They grow out of ideas - views of reality - revealed in Scripture.

Consider the usage of therefore in the ESV, which occurs 211 times in the New Testament. Here are just a few highlights:

➟ ➟ ➟ ; ➟ ➟ ➟ 8.1

; ➟ ➟ ➟ 10.31; 7.12

➟ ➟ ➟ ;

➟ ➟ ➟

Everyone of these conclusions flow from a Biblical view of reality.

If we want to live inside the power of these very practical applications, we must be gripped by the ideas - the views of reality - that go before them and stand under them.

➟ ➟ ➟ Now, let’s consider the line of thinking found in :

This is the ground upon which we stand.

This is reality.

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.58 - Therefore … our hope, love, and faith are all rooted in the ideas / reality presented in the preceding verses.

➟ ➟ ➟ During February, we’ve been talking about Marks of True Faith

Last week: steadfastness.... a settled life before God.

Discussed how steadfastness in some contexts is a military word, describing an army with a solid front - so solid that the advancing army can’t penetrate.

Steady movement and direction. The direction of the “heavenly call” of .

It doesn’t matter what Satan brings...

How the world challenges...

How life turns out...

How we fail...

We get up .. we keep going. Heaven is our destination.

➟ ➟ ➟ Today, we’ll look at the next word in 15.58 … immovable. We’ll discuss these three things:

What does it mean to be immovable?

How is it a mark of true faith?

How can we get more of it?

Defining “Immovable.”

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.58 - Immovable… “Not to be moved from place to place.”

Firm. Unshaken. Steady. Without vibration.

Not being readily shaken in one’s opinion or beliefs. Unwavering.

How this fits inside the Corinthian context.

➟ ➟ ➟ 2.1-2 - what did Paul proclaim when he came to Corinth?

The pure, unadulterated gospel.

This serves as our foundation for everything. Our faith rests on this certainty. These literal, historical facts.

But… from the moment this is delivered / proclaimed - Satan goes to work tearing it down.

How? Often with the philosophies of men.

➟ ➟ ➟ 7.23 - do not become bondservants of men.

Let no human influence divert you from service to God.

Don’t let anything infringe upon your devotion to the Redeemer.

➟ ➟ ➟ Greco-Roman context, FC Christians especially susceptible to public opinion and social pressure to conform.

Monotheistic, exclusive religion was an affront to most people.

Rejection of the Emperor Cult was seen as problematic at best and treasonous at worst.

Human opinions and philosophies can enslave us and move us away from Christ.

Do not become bondservants of men.

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.1-2 - hold fast to the word I preached to you...

What is the rest of about?

Corinthian uncertainty regarding the resurrection. Some were unsettled and filled with doubt.

This creates a fundamental problem.

Paul argues that our ideas about the resurrection fuel everything in the Christian life.

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.19

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.21b - by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.22b - in Christ shall all be made alive.

How is this true?

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.23 - Christ was the first - then us - those who belong to Him.

15.24a - The end will come.

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.24b-26 - every enemy will be destroyed, including death.

These things are certain. These ideas should shape our reality. Provide the impetus to faithful service.

➟ ➟ ➟ 15.58 - Therefore … because of this certainty, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

A Mark of True Faith

Culture is awash in post-modernism.

No truth. No authority. No rules. No judge.

Morality? Relative. Uncertainty is everywhere.

➟ ➟ ➟ Is homosexuality really a sin?

Is homosexuality really a sin?

Is marriage really only supposed to be between a man and woman?

➟ ➟ ➟ Is marriage really only supposed to be between a man and woman?

Is a person’s gender really fixed … or can one be somewhere in the middle or even switch

➟ ➟ ➟ Is a person’s gender really fixed … or can one be somewhere in the middle or even switch?

➟ ➟ ➟ Was the Bible actually written by God, or was it invented by a council in the early 4th century?

Was the Bible actually written by God, or was it invented by a council in the early 4th century?

Is the earth really under God’s control and protection … or can humans destroy it?

➟ ➟ ➟ Is the earth really under God’s control and protection … or can humans destroy it?

Lots of people trying to answer these questions with outright lies and false promises.

Christian answers to these are presented as backward, enslaving, racist, narrow, and small-minded.

World says adopt its way and you can find happiness, fulfillment, and discover your true self.

Relativism is in the church.

Doctrine is narrow. Judgmental. Old.

Did God really say marriage is for life?

Did God really mean we should sing acapella?

Did God actually insist we partake of the LS every week?

Did God really intend for baptism to be a condition of salvation?

Bible is certain on all these topics.

➟ ➟ ➟ - continue in the faith.

Be established. Grounded. Firm.

1.23b - stable / steadfast.

1.23c - not shifting from the hope of the gospel you heard.

- the parallel passage.

➟ ➟ ➟ 4.11-12a - evangelists, shepherds, and teachers equip.

➟ ➟ ➟ 4.12b - Who? saints.

4.12c - For:

➟ ➟ ➟ the work of ministry.

➟ ➟ ➟ building up the body of Christ.

➟ ➟ ➟ 4.13 - Why?

to produce unity of faith. Certainty.

Knowledge of the Son of God.

Maturity.

To be more like Jesus.

➟ ➟ ➟ 4.14 - Purpose:

No longer spiritual novices.

Stability. Unmoved against:

doctrines of men

cunning / deceptive tactics

deceitful schemes

There is a core theology delivered by the apostles. We are to:

- hold fast to.

- continue in the faith.

➟ ➟ ➟ - contend earnestly for.

We are not to be moved by the world’s customs, persecutions, or it’s approval.

Theological compromise often originates here … people coveting world acceptance.

Ideas presented in Scripture shape our reality … they determine our worldview.

What we think is important.

➟ ➟ ➟ - we must bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Resist influence of Satan.... but more than that:

Actively take the battle to him.... tearing down strongholds.

How Can I Become More Immovable?

➟ ➟ ➟ Rest in the promises of God.

➟ ➟ ➟ : every word of God proves true.

➟ ➟ ➟ - the word of God is inspired. Objective. Absolute. Unshakable. Permanent. Universal.

Allow this certainty to fuel your actions to:

➟ ➟ ➟ Resist Satan’s lies.

➟ ➟ ➟ - take up the shield of faith...

We can be confident in all circumstances.

➟ ➟ ➟ - engage in the battle with false ideas and viewpoints set up against God.

We counter lies with truth.

When the attacks come, we stand firm. We’re stable. We’re confident, not in ourselves, so much as we are in the Lord.

➟ ➟ ➟ Find refuge in God.

➟ ➟ ➟

God is our refuge.

God is our strength.

God is present to help.

Emphasis here is on his nearness.

Very near

Very present

➟ ➟ ➟ 46.2a - Therefore, we will not fear.

No matter what circumstance we can be immovable.

We can experience peace .. we always have someone to turn to.

Conclusion:

Election season is upon us. Does it ever end?

Another one of those elections the pundits say is vital to the continued existence of the country.

“Most important election of our lifetime.” Been saying that since, at least 2000 or so...

➟ ➟ ➟ - Christians belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

It’s eternal. It’s immovable. It’s unshakable.

One day, everything else will be made to quiver in order to exalt the only stable footing on which we’ll ever stand.

We’re part of a kingdom that cannot be taken away from us. It will be there waiting on the other side. It’s ours … God’s calls us to enter in … based on the work His Son did on the cross.