Weathering the Storms

Galatians 6:17

As I walked over the rocky crags of our Island paradise, I noticed the carved out holes and crevices the constant pounding of the surf has produced over the years. From far off they look the same, never changing. But up close they show the effects of a relentless sea that erodes the surface ever so slowly.

Our lives are really no different. We over time show the wear and tear of life.

Our Christian lives show wear as well!

Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.[1]

Christian Fortitude is Measured by How Well We Weather the Storms.

I. Weathering Displays Character.

A. There is bad weathering.

1. We call this false virtue spirituality, when for example some dear saint abuses his health

through ignorance, and then equates it to a service to the Lord.

a. “bodily exercise profiteth little…” the scripture says, so we don’t bother taking care of what God calls the Temple of the Living God.

b. “I have given you all beasts of the field for food” yet, we fail to exercise moderation.

2. There is a misguided so called virtue that embraces sacrificial living at the expense of duty.

Many have been caught on these rocky crags!

a. They have forsaken duty to their family for service and position in the church.

b. They have used the ministry for a cushy, lazy, free ride.

c. They count themselves spiritual by meddling in things they have no business in.

Titus 2:1-101 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sobera, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holinessb, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be soberc, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.[2]

B. There is good weathering.

That is, virtue is always produced through adherence to the Word of God..

Titus 3:1-81 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and lovea of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantlyb through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. [3]

II. Weathering Reveals Beauty.

A. As seen in the feet of those who bring good tidings. Rom.10:5

B. In the preciousness of martyrdom. Psalm 116:15

C. In he patience of the Saints. James 5:7

D. In the trial of our faith. 1 Peter 1:7

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[1]The Holy Bible : King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995). Ga 6:17.

a sober: or, vigilant

b holiness: or, holy women

c sober: or, wise

[2]The Holy Bible : King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995). Tit 2:1-10.

a love: or, pity

b abundantly: Gr. richly

[3]The Holy Bible : King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995). Tit 3:1-8.