Perseverance - Part II

Grace Bible Church of Conway's Podcast

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon "Perseverance - Part II" emphasizes the importance of maintaining enduring faith and not relying on past experiences or initial zeal. He begins by sharing a personal story about a young, zealous seminary student who eventually fell away from faith despite initial fervor and theological soundness. This serves as a cautionary tale about the danger of presuming one's salvation based on past experiences.
Johnson then discusses the concept of apostasy, explaining that departing from faith is not uncommon and is often warned against in the Bible. He highlights several biblical examples of individuals who fell away, like Demas and Alexander, and draws parallels to the Israelites who, despite experiencing God's miracles, did not enter the Promised Land due to unbelief and disobedience.
The core message of the sermon revolves around Paul's warnings in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Johnson identifies five key pitfalls to avoid in order to persevere in faith:
1. **Relying on past experiences**: Do not depend on past religious experiences or milestones for assurance of salvation. True faith is ongoing and present.
2. **Being presumptuous**: Avoid the attitude of assuming you are secure regardless of your current spiritual state. This includes lusting after the world, engaging in idolatry, sexual immorality, testing Christ, and complaining.
3. **Carelessness**: Do not be overly confident or careless in your Christian walk. Recognize your weakness and the constant need for God's grace.
4. **Discouragement**: While acknowledging the real and present dangers of falling away, Johnson also offers hope. He reassures that God is faithful and provides a way to endure temptations.
5. **Flirting with idolatry**: Actively flee from sin and idolatry rather than merely avoiding them.
Johnson stresses the need for a present and enduring faith, a continuous reliance on Christ, and a lifestyle of repentance and belief. He concludes by encouraging immediate repentance and returning to God, emphasizing that true perseverance involves ongoing faith and vigilance against sin.