We can often confuse perseverance with self-dependence. Consider how you typically address problems in your life. The other day I went about diagnosing a mechanical malfunction in my car. I relied on personal experience, careful observation, and my troubleshooting process to determine the solution. Once the issue was identified, I proceeded to make the necessary repairs. My problem-fixing procedure looks very similar in other areas of my life. Whether it’s relational conflict or financial affairs, my self-dependent approach can often carry over in how I address sin in my life and my walk with the Lord. As we strive to persevere through doubt, temptation, or difficult circumstances of any kind, it would serve us well to recognize our desperate need for Him. We are incapable of independently resolving the issues of our deceitful and wayward hearts. Paul warns the Corinthians to take heed lest they fall while thinking they can stand in their own strength (1 Cor. 10:12). In Revelation 3 Jesus instructs the church of Philadelphia to “hold fast” to what they believe (v11). Not only is Christ involved in promising eternal rewards to the one who overcomes (v12), but He is very much involved in the preservation of the saints (v8). This holding fast concept is conditioned on genuine faith which is based on the past, present, and future work of Christ. He says in 3:8 that regardless of their “little power” the Philippians persevered in keeping His teachings and refused to deny His name. Their faithfulness that Christ commends is a testament to their grasp of the wider Christian truth that God’s grace will supply what is lacking (Phil 4:13; 2 Cor 12:9-10). Reject the notion that you can “fix” yourself and others, and rest in the all-sufficient God who will preserve you to the end. —Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Reformation Heroes: Marguerite de Navarre & Jeanne D’Albret // Membership Information Seminar
10AM: Pastor Rory–Opportunity & Preservation–Revelation 3:7-13 (sermon notes)
6:00PM: Missions Emphasis Night–Minnesota Family Council
7:00PM: Annual Pie Fellowship (bring your favorite pie!)