THE LORD STANDS WITH ME

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Sunday, October 23, 2202

(2 Timothy 4:6-8; 16–18, NLT) “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. … The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.”

1. ENVISION GOD’S PRESENCE WITH YOU.

(2 Timothy 4:17, NLT) “But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear.”

2. LIVE FEARLESSLY.

(Proverbs 29:25, NLT) “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”

a. People will let you down, don’t take it personally.

(John 15:18, NLT) “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”

b. People will let you down, forgive them.

Everyone abandoned me. (Verse 16)

May it not be counted against them. (Verse 16)

c.  People will not always love you, God will.

(1 John 4:10, NLT) “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

d.  People will let you down, but not everyone.

(1 John 4:6, NLT) “But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.”

i.  Pray for persecuted believers.

ii.  Learn from persecuted believers.

iii.  Support world missions financially and prayerfully.

3. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE.

(2 Timothy 4:8, NLT) “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

(Titus 2:13, NLT) “We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (Verse 7)

a.  The fact – fight the good fight.

b.  Don’t be indifferent – finish the race.

c.  Stay true – keep the faith.

Remember God will stand with you, too!

(Hebrews 13:5, NLT) “For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Don’t fret over the unfairness of life, God works all things out for good.

(1 Corinthians 15:10, Message) “But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. … It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it.”