Refusing to Quit Text: Romans 5: 1-4
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
I. When we understand that no matter what comes our way God has declared on public record through His written word, and by the blood of Jesus that we are righteous! So I declare to you, “let the fire come, let the winds blow, and let the darkness come because God is on our side! Romans 8:31 …If God is for us who can be against us!
A. Here’s a word for you: Storms come for a reason. They also come for a season. Discover the reason and grow wiser. Outlast the season and grow stronger!
B. Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
C. Again, Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
D. When darkness surrounds you; you need to remember that you are standing in faith and you are surrounded by God’s grace!
E. Chuck Swindoll writes, “ Somebody needs to address the other side of Christian life, if for no other reason than to uphold reality. We need to be told that difficulty and pressure are par-for-the-course. No amount of Biblical input, deeper life conferences or super-victory seminars will exempt you from struggle. God promises no bubble of protection.”
F. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
G. When the bottom falls out and life tries to pound you into a corner of doubt and unbelief. Remember, 1. You have to have a willingness to accept whatever comes knowing that by God’s grace you’ll win and come out stronger. 2. A determination to stand firm while those around you are falling or running away. 3. Insight that God is making you even through the mess!
H. Can you think of one quitter, just one, who ever accomplished anything worthwhile? Living in doubt or quitting means: 1. You are sowing negative seed. 2. Shaping your outlook. 3. Influencing those around you. 4. Contradicting God’s word!
I. Jeer. 29: 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
J. Years ago a fishing fleet went out from a small harbor in Newfoundland, and by late afternoon a terrible storm came. Not one vessel came back to the harbor. It looked as though all hope was gone. All night the women and children prayed and walked the beach. Suddenly things went from bad to worse when one of the cottages in the village caught fire. The fire spread with no men to put out the flame. Every house was destroyed. Morning finally broke, and suddenly boats with all the men and boys on board were safe. The women were happy, but cried saying, “ While you were gone we lost all our houses.” The men replied, “ It was the fire form the houses that directed us back home!
K. Can I tell you, that your trouble and your faith in God will bring you out! Refuse to quit!
