Gods Work Of Perserverance In Us (Clip)
Gary Wilkerson emphasizes that God's enduring presence and perseverance in believers is the foundation of their faith and assurance, not their own efforts.
This sermon emphasizes the unwavering presence of God in the lives of His repentant children who have put their faith in Him. It highlights the concept of abiding in God and God abiding in us as a lasting and strong relationship. The message also touches on God's protection and preservation of His faithful ones, showcasing His perseverance towards us rather than our own efforts.
Full Transcript
He never leaves you or forsake you. He is with you, is present, and you abide with one another. I abide in you and you abide in me.
That abiding is not a word of emotion. It's not a word of, it's not a temporal word. It's a strong word that is the lasting presence of God to his children who have been repentant and put their faith in him.
He will abide with them and cover them under the shadow of his wings. And the last one then is found in verse 23. We love the Lord, all you his saints.
The Lord preserves the faithful. This is what ancient writers in church history have called the perseverance of the saints. And it sounds like we're saying the saints are going to persevere, but it's God's persevering upon us that this is speaking of.
It's not our work to persevere ourselves so that God will continually accept us. It is God persevering to show his acceptance, his righteousness imputed to us, that his work is finished in us.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Assurance of God's Presence
- God never leaves or forsakes His children
- Abiding is a lasting, not emotional, presence
- Believers are covered under God's wings
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II. Understanding Abiding in Christ
- Abiding is mutual between Christ and believers
- It signifies a permanent spiritual connection
- It is rooted in repentance and faith
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III. God's Perseverance in Us
- God preserves the faithful saints
- Perseverance is God's work, not ours
- Righteousness is imputed and His work is finished
Key Quotes
“He never leaves you or forsake you. He is with you, is present, and you abide with one another.” — Gary Wilkerson
“It's not our work to persevere ourselves so that God will continually accept us. It is God persevering to show his acceptance.” — Gary Wilkerson
“The Lord preserves the faithful. This is what ancient writers in church history have called the perseverance of the saints.” — Gary Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's enduring presence rather than relying on your own strength to persevere.
- Rest in the assurance that God's righteousness is imputed to you and His work in you is finished.
- Cultivate a daily abiding relationship with Christ through repentance and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'abiding' mean in this sermon?
Abiding refers to the lasting and permanent presence of God with believers, not just an emotional feeling.
Who perseveres according to Gary Wilkerson?
God perseveres in believers, sustaining their faith and acceptance, rather than believers persevering on their own.
How does this sermon describe God's acceptance?
God's acceptance is shown through His perseverance and the imputation of righteousness to believers.
Is perseverance the believer's work or God's work?
Perseverance is God's work upon believers, ensuring their faith endures.