Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 LONG OBEDIENCE Passed the Test, Missed the Lab - Part 6 11/10/24 Series Scripture: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:14-26 ESV Today’s Scripture: As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 ESV English - Greek Truth Weary - ἐκκακέω (ekkakeó) To lose heart, to become weary, to faint Usage: The verb ἐκκακέω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of losing heart or becoming discouraged, particularly in the context of enduring trials or continuing in good works. It conveys the idea of growing weary to the point of giving up. This term is often used to encourage believers to persevere in their faith and actions despite challenges. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, perseverance was a valued trait, especially in the face of adversity. The early Christian community, often facing persecution and hardship, would have found encouragement in exhortations not to lose heart. The concept of endurance was not only a personal virtue but also a communal necessity for the survival and growth of the early Church. Obey - ὑπακούω (hupakouó) To obey, to listen attentively, to heed; implied readiness to act on given command Long Obedience to ONE and ONE direction Perseverance maintained in the Holy Spirit - Who are you living in? - Who are you living for? If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 ESV Perseverance grows through predetermined obedience Choosing obedience in advance We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 ESV Perseverance is found in continual Good Action Faith in action encourages similar action And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV Thoughts/Application 1. What has the habit of obedience looked like in your life to this point? Think of some examples of where you’ve struggled with perseverance so far in life, what led to difficulty? 2. How has “just trying harder” affected you life? 3. How would you describe “in the Spirit”? What has worked to help you maintain connection to the Holy Spirit? 4. What are some examples of areas where you’ve had to “take thoughts captive” and “make them obedient”? How do see this relating to predetermined choices of obedience in your life? 5. What is your reaction to the idea that continual Good Action (faith) leads to more Good Action (deeper faith)? 6. What do you hear/feel the Holy Spirit leading you to do in response to todays discussion in order to develop more spiritual perseverance in your life? What is keeping you from making those changes now?