25-0622p - Detailed Summary

The preacher, John, thanks Tom for the reading and expresses gratitude to God for the scripture. John introduces the sermon titled "Yes,…​ But," noting that people often respond to God’s Word with a "yes, but" attitude, indicating reluctance or skepticism. He highlights the central questions of the sermon: what it means to stand firm, why believers are instructed to do so, and how to achieve it. John shares his personal connection to 1 Peter 5:8-11, describing it as a favorite passage due to its vivid imagery of the devil as a roaring lion. He admits to frequently focusing on this imagery when reflecting on the passage, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its meaning.

John reflects on a recent realization that the passage not only addresses individual believers but also the global family of believers who endure similar sufferings. He questions the phrase “a little while” in the context of suffering, wondering about its duration relative to a lifetime. He connects this to a broader biblical theme, noting that Tom mentioned “standing firm” in a morning sermon, which aligned with his own research. John explains that he investigated how often the Bible mentions standing firm, finding numerous references in both the Old and New Testaments. He begins citing examples, starting with Exodus 18:23, which suggests that enduring God’s commands brings peace to individuals and their community, echoing 1 Peter’s emphasis on both personal and collective faith.

John elaborates on the importance of standing firm, not just for personal salvation but as an example for others. He warns that failing to persevere could discourage potential converts, who might see inconsistency as evidence of a weak faith. He cites several scriptures to illustrate the recurring biblical command to stand firm: Joshua 23:6 emphasizes adherence to God’s law; Ephesians 6:11 and 6:13 describe standing firm against the devil’s schemes using the full armor of God; 1 Corinthians 16:13 calls for alertness and strength in faith; 2 Corinthians 1:24 and Hebrews 3:6, 3:14, and 4:14 stress holding fast to faith and hope until the end. John also references 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and Philippians 4:1, reinforcing the need to hold to taught traditions and stand firm in the Lord. He argues that God’s repeated instructions reflect the devil’s cunning and the necessity of steadfastness, which encourages others during trials, such as severe medical diagnoses, by demonstrating calm reliance on God.

John emphasizes that standing firm in faith, as guided by God’s Word, protects believers from worldly temptations, which he associates with the devil’s prowling nature. He recounts conversations with people who dismiss the need for faith, claiming personal toughness. To counter this, John shares a personal story of surviving a severe accident—falling off a ladder, breaking multiple bones, and nearly dying—yet starting a new job a week later. Despite this resilience, he admits he is not tough enough to face the devil without faith, underscoring the universal need for God’s protection against spiritual threats.

John introduces a secular example to highlight the concept of standing firm, quoting a May 28, 2025, NBC News report about Vladimir Putin vowing to stand firm against Western allies in Ukraine. He clarifies that he is not equating Putin’s actions with Christian faith but uses the quote to show that even those in “spiritual darkness” understand the strategic value of steadfastness. This contemporary reference underscores the sermon’s relevance, as standing firm is a recognizable principle in both spiritual and worldly contexts.

John addresses the practical question of how to stand firm, turning to Proverbs 4:20-23, which urges believers to heed God’s words, keep them in their hearts, and guard their hearts diligently, as they are the source of life. He interprets this as a call to prioritize God’s guidance for protection and life, contrasting it with the dangers of pursuing worldly desires. Continuing with Proverbs 4:24-27, John explains that standing firm involves avoiding deceitful or perverse speech, which he admits to struggling with himself. He emphasizes the importance of aligning speech with God’s standards, noting that profanity and negativity repel others and hinder spiritual growth. John praises God for helping him improve in this area, reinforcing the sermon’s theme of relying on divine grace to stand firm against the devil’s temptations.

John continues his exposition of Proverbs 4, specifically verse 25, where God instructs believers to keep their eyes focused straight ahead. This directive reinforces the sermon’s theme of standing firm by avoiding distractions or temptations that could lead one astray from God’s path. John emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steadfast focus on God’s guidance as a practical way to resist the devil and remain faithful.

John elaborates on Proverbs 4:25-27, urging believers to keep their gaze fixed forward, carefully consider their actions, and avoid veering to the right or left, which symbolizes straying into evil. He stresses that evil is pervasive, and believers must actively avoid it by committing their hearts to doing good. To support this, John cites 2 Timothy 2:11-13, which promises that those who endure with Christ will live and reign with Him, while warning that denying Him leads to being denied. He highlights God’s unchanging faithfulness, even when believers falter, underscoring the reliability of God’s Word. John addresses common objections he hears, such as people claiming they feel secure or fulfilled by pursuing worldly pleasures, responding with “yes, but” to assert that God’s Word is absolute truth. He acknowledges that he doesn’t know everyone’s personal circumstances but insists that God’s instructions apply universally, regardless of individual challenges, and that straying from His path, even with the expectation of forgiveness, is dangerous.

John reaffirms the perfection and reliability of God’s Word, citing manuscript, archaeological, prophetic, and scientific evidence that distinguishes the Bible as God’s absolute truth, unlike any other text. He returns to 1 Peter 5:10, reread by Tom, which promises that after suffering “a little while,” God will restore, strengthen, and make believers steadfast. John counters the objection that prolonged suffering invalidates this promise by referencing James 1:12, which blesses those who endure trials with the promise of a crown of life. He reiterates that God’s definition of “a little while” may differ from human perception but remains true, emphasizing that steadfastness in following God’s Word is essential despite suffering. John stresses that believers must actively remain firm, knowing that God’s grace will ultimately fulfill His promises of restoration and strength.

John contrasts the temporary nature of suffering with the eternal perspective, noting that “a little while” is insignificant compared to eternity. He encourages believers to make daily decisions that align with their eternal destiny, echoing earlier scriptural calls to avoid turning right or left and to stay firmly rooted in God’s Word. John concludes by urging steadfast faithfulness until the end, promising rewards for both the individual and those influenced by their example. He thanks the congregation for listening, prays for God’s glorification, and invites anyone needing further discussion to step forward, closing with “Amen.”