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Alert & Ready - Live Today with the Hope of Tomorrow

Sep 01, 2024 | Rev. Nick Doyle

Loved, Chosen, and Secure: Standing Firm in God's Eternal Plan

Full Service

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Essential truth 1: God’s Unchanging Love for believers

God’s love isn’t a fleeting feeling; it is an eternal commitment from the Creator of the universe.

God’s love for us is the source of everything good in our salvation.

His love is the initiating force behind our redemption.

Application:

Don’t we ask ourselves similar questions at times? Has the Lord forgotten me? Have I reached a point in my life where my sins are too great for God to forgive? Does He still want to help me? Will God forgive me? Every believer needs to be reminded of this vital truth: God's love is not contingent on our actions or our worthiness. His love is rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Essential truth 2: The Doctrine of Election

God, in His sovereign will, chooses people for salvation.

Election highlights that our salvation is not based on our initiative but on God's gracious choice.

The takeaway: God chose us, not because of anything we did, but because of His own will and love.

Application:

Your salvation is not an accident; it is the result of God's deliberate and loving choice. When you feel insignificant or unsure of your place in God’s plan, remember that He chose you before the foundation of the world to be loved by him.

Divine election is the foundation of your hope, reminding you that God’s saving grace is intentional, purposeful, and unchangeable.

Essential truth 3: Positional Sanctification

Sanctification is both a position and a process.

Sanctification declares we are saved once and for Eternity at Salvation: Hebrews 10:10

Sanctification is also a process where we grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Application:

The ongoing process of sanctification reminds us to rely on the Holy Spirit daily, allowing Him to transform our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

As believers, we must cooperate with the Spirit’s work in us, submitting ourselves to His leading and growing in holiness. Remember, you are already set apart in Christ—now live out that identity.

Essential truth 4 - The Glory of God - 2 Thess. 2:14

This verse emphasizes two key aspects of the Christian life: God’s calling and the believer's future glory in Christ.

God’s Calling:

Salvation did not happen by chance but through God's intentional calling.

It is God who initiates the call to salvation, drawing people to Himself through the power of the gospel.

Sharing in Christ’s Glory:

The purpose of this calling is so that believers might share in the glory of Christ.

This "glory" refers to the future inheritance and eternal life promised to all who belong to Jesus.

Application:

Understand that your salvation is a result of God’s intentional calling. You are not a Christian by accident.

Reflect on the fact that God personally called you through the gospel and respond to that call with gratitude and commitment. This should fill you with a deep sense of purpose and assurance, knowing that God has chosen you for Himself.

Essential Truth 5: Standing Firm in the Gospel

Standing firm in the gospel means clinging to the core teachings of Christianity, even when faced with challenges, doubts, or false teachings.

The gospel is the foundation of our faith, and it is the truth that sustains us through trials.

Standing firm requires intentionality.

Application

Be intentional about cultivating a deep relationship with God and holding on to the truth of His Word. Surround yourself with other believers who encourage you in the faith, and never lose sight of the hope we have in Christ.

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