Determined Steadfastness
The sermon emphasizes the importance of determined steadfastness in our faith, using a real-life example to illustrate unwavering commitment to God.
Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of determined steadfastness in our relationship with God, using the story of a woman in Florida who, despite a car accident, a swim in a canal, and a narrow escape from alligators, still made it to work on time as an example. He challenges the listeners to reflect on their own level of commitment to God and encourages them to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Text
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 NASB) Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established. (Psalm 112:6-8a NASB) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB)
A woman in Florida encountered some problems on her way to work. She had a little accident. While she was driving down the highway connecting the Gulf Coast and Fort Lauderdale known as "Alligator Alley" her car somehow went
airborne. Maybe she dodged something and swerved, or another car hit hers - it is not clear what happened. The result, however, was that her car did clip another car and ran off the highway into the canal which is next to the roadway. One witness to the incident said, "It was like the Dukes of Hazard."
The woman was shaken up but managed to escape from her sinking car with her purse, which contained her immigration papers and made it to the bank of the canal. She not only escaped from her car but also from two alligators that a witness to the accident saw in the canal. After paramedics checked her for injuries, someone took her home. Instead of taking the day off, she got a ride to the restaurant where she works as a waitress. In spite of the ride in an airborne car, swim in the canal, and narrow escape from alligators - she still made it to work on time!
The dictionary defines the word "determined" as "decided or resolved." The dictionary defines the word "steadfast" as "firmly loyal or constant; unswerving." So, "determined steadfastness" would be someone who is constantly resolved about something. We can easily see that the woman who had the car accident in Florida had determined steadfastness about going to work. She was "constantly resolved" to go to work and probably to arrive on time as well.
Is there anything that you have determined steadfastness about? Is there anything so important in your life that a car accident, a swim in a canal and alligators would not keep you away from or from doing? Is there anything that would make you turn away from God? Is there anything that would make you stop serving God? Is there anything that would make you stop doing what you know God wants you to do? Do we have the determined steadfastness of
that Florida woman when it comes to our relationship with our Lord?
I hope that you can say with the apostle Paul that you are "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." But if you are unable to - the Bible gives us direction as to how we can develop that determined steadfastness. We need to pray as the Psalmist prayed in Psalm 51, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Definition of determined steadfastness - Importance of being steadfast in faith - Examples from scripture
- II points: - Illustration of the Florida woman's accident - Her determination to reach work - Lessons learned from her experience
- III points: - Personal reflection on our own steadfastness - Questions to consider about our commitment to God - The role of prayer in developing steadfastness
- IV points: - Scriptural encouragement for steadfastness - The promise of God's support - Call to action for the congregation
Key Quotes
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Ed Wrather
“Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.” — Ed Wrather
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” — Ed Wrather
Application Points
- Reflect on what truly matters in your life and your commitment to God.
- Consider how you can develop a steadfast spirit through prayer and scripture.
- Take action in your faith by being consistent in serving God, regardless of life's challenges.