Josh McGuire - Be Diligent | Austin CFC | 2023-11-26
Summary
The speaker uses his fascination with authors to illustrate that scripture is not merely text but carries weight through its authorship and context. He emphasizes that knowing who wrote a passage, like Peter writing Second Peter, makes the message more real and powerful. The sermon encourages listeners to find encouragement in the fact that even flawed disciples, like Peter, are used by God to write Scripture.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Introduction: Knowing the author of ScriptureThe speaker shares a personal story about learning about authors through book jackets, explaining that knowing who wrote a biblical book and their life circumstances makes the scripture much more real and powerful.
Looking at the about the author: PeterPeter had many notable failures, including nearly drowning, trying to stop Jesus from going to the cross, cutting off a man's ear, denying Jesus, and showing partiality.
Why Peter's failures encourage usSeeing Peter's failures gives believers tremendous hope that God uses imperfect people who fall and get back up, rather than discouraging us with flawless heroes.
The repeating pattern of diligenceExamining Second Peter chapter 1, verses 5, 10, and 15 reveals a repeated call to be diligent in our walk with God.
The progression of Christian growthPeter outlines a progression starting with faith and diligence, adding moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
Taking the spiritual pop quizPeter gives believers a pop quiz in verse 8 to evaluate whether they are increasing in these virtues, noting that failing the test indicates spiritual shortsightedness.
Getting back up after failureWhether passing or failing the test, the instruction remains the same: be all the more diligent, rely on God's grace, and keep moving forward.
The value of repeating the same truthJust as Paul and Peter were willing to repeat foundational truths over and over, believers need constant reminders rather than always chasing new concepts.
Peter's final burden before deathKnowing his death is imminent, Peter is diligent to ensure believers can call these truths to mind after his departure, leaving a legacy of God's word rather than self-glory.
The 5K race analogy of mutual encouragementThe Christian life is like an out-and-back race where we pass one another and encourage our brothers and sisters to keep going and not quit.
Brother Josh shares personal encouragementsA brother shares how being reminded of God's word by dying fathers and fellow runners in marathons provides vital encouragement to keep pressing on.
Jesus' prayer for Peter's restorationAnother brother reflects on Luke 22 where Jesus warned Peter of Satan's sifting, prayed for his faith, and told him to strengthen his brothers after turning back.
Being ambitious for diligenceA brother contrasts worldly ambition with the call to be diligent like Jesus, who faithfully obeyed in every area of life.
The rescue of getting back upEven when we fail and fall into sin, the message that saves us from discouragement is to get up, start running again, and remain diligent.
Closing prayerThe speaker closes in prayer, thanking God for fresh mercies every morning, the strength to run diligently to the end, and the fellowship of the body.
