A sermon for the Watford church of Christ

  1. Faith gets stronger when we get upset
  2. Faith gets stronger when we act

Introduction, v1
Paul’s emotional state because suffering mentioned 2:14ff
“We could stand it not longer”
What kinds of things make you say something like, “I can’t stand it any longer!”?
What are the things, as a Christian, that make you act because you can ‘stand it no longer’?

  1. Faith gets stronger when we get upset
  2. Faith gets stronger when we act
    A. Sacrifice
    Sending Timothy
    Riots last time
    Jealous Jews unlikely to be any less jealous
    Travel; time; energy

B. Risk
What if it does not work / rejected?
Outcome uncertain
In the end this is our faith in action

Applications
Pray for one another
Take action to strengthen and encourage on another
Do so because of love, gently and with compassion
Do not charge in, but do not stand by and watch
Speak truth: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.” (Ephesians 4:25 NIV11)

Conclusion, v5
We have an opponent
Not to be feared, but respected
Jesus cared and acted – personal sacrifice for us…..
“When God could stand it no longer…”

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm