This sermon centers on endurance, faithfulness, and staying fully committed to God’s calling, using Caleb as the primary example of a believer who refused to quit despite time, opposition, and hardship.

The message opens by reminding believers that nothing is more important than salvation, and that true faith is proven by endurance over time. The mark of a genuine believer is not perfection, but perseverance—continuing in faith until the end.

Caleb stands as a model of unwavering faith. Though 85 years old, he still trusts God’s promise made 45 years earlier. He does not ask for comfort or ease but boldly requests the mountain still occupied by giants, declaring that God is able.

• Faith means believing God’s Word over what the eyes can see.

• Caleb’s strength came from obedience and trust, not age or circumstances.

Joshua and Caleb were willing to say what God can do, not what He can’t do. The sermon challenges believers to resist a faith that limits God and instead trust His power to heal, deliver, and save—just as He always has.

Faithfulness does not end with one person—it impacts generations. Caleb’s obedience brought blessing to his descendants. Likewise, believers today are setting the spiritual direction of future generations by staying committed to the journey.

As Israel settles into blessing, some tribes fail to fully drive out their enemies. This partial obedience leads to compromise, spiritual sluggishness, and influence from ungodly relationships.

• God does not remove what we choose to tolerate.

• Compromise gives the enemy access and influence.

God’s protection and provision are tied to obedience and staying where He places us. Leaving God’s will—even for seemingly wise reasons—brings loss, as illustrated through biblical examples like Naomi’s family and Abraham’s detour into Egypt.

The sermon closes with Psalm 84:5:

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”

Believers are called to be all in—committed to the journey regardless of hardship, offense, or opposition. Those who refuse to be denied by fear, difficulty, or distraction will inherit the promises of God.

Faithfulness over time brings inheritance, influence, and generational blessing. Set your heart on the journey and refuse to quit.

This sermon teaches the biblical balance between the love of God and the fear of God, showing that both are essential for a healthy, obedient Christian life. Using the story of “Philip,” the message illustrates how many believers unknowingly create a personal theology—embracing God’s love while neglecting proper fear—resulting in compromised obedience and ongoing struggle with sin.

Scripture reveals that love for God is proven through obedience, and obedience is strengthened by a proper fear of the Lord. The fear of God is not terror or avoidance, but a deep reverence, respect for His authority, and awareness of consequences. Proverbs and Psalms show that fearing God brings life, wisdom, protection from evil, confidence, and spiritual safety.

Jesus Himself taught that God alone is to be feared, because He holds ultimate authority over both soul and body. The sermon explains that fear and love are not opposites but work together—love motivates relationship, while fear establishes boundaries that protect believers from sin and spiritual harm.

The message warns that a lack of the fear of God in the modern church has led to moral looseness and self-made theology. True spiritual growth requires humility, willingness to change, and submission to God’s authority. God’s boundaries are an expression of His love, designed to keep His children safe.

The sermon concludes with a call to self-examination, repentance, and renewed obedience—urging believers to live within God’s loving boundaries, guided by both His love and a proper fear of the Almighty.

This message teaches that God disciplines His people redemptively, warns of the danger of persistent rebellion, and points powerfully to Christ as the true Shepherd and the ultimate hope for Israel and the nations

20251211 - Thursday Bible Study…

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The study opens with Zechariah 11, explaining that God disciplines those He loves. Discipline is not condemnation but a loving attempt to restore hearts that have wandered. When correction is ignored repeatedly, however, judgment eventually becomes unavoidable.

• God always provides warnings and opportunities to repent before judgment comes.

• Discipline is meant to bring humility and dependence on God.

Zechariah contrasts the Good Shepherd with selfish, corrupt shepherds who abuse and neglect the flock.

• Israel’s leaders exploited their own people and felt no guilt.

• When God’s people reject faithful leadership, they are left with leaders who reflect their rebellion.

This serves as a warning for both nations and individuals.

The passage prophetically points to Jesus:

• The 30 pieces of silver represent the price paid for betraying the Good Shepherd.

• The money being thrown to the potter points to Christ’s rejection and death, yet also reveals His mercy—He redeems even the broken and discarded.

• Jesus willingly laid down His life; no one took it from Him.

Personal testimony illustrates how God can use severe hardship to bring repentance and salvation.

• God does not cause sin, but He can redeem the consequences of it.

• No life is beyond restoration—God specializes in turning ashes into beauty.

Zechariah chapters 12–14 focus on Jerusalem, which remains the focal point of God’s prophetic purposes.

• Nations that oppose Jerusalem will ultimately face judgment.

• God promises final deliverance and restoration for Israel.

• The Messiah will return, stand on the Mount of Olives, and reign as King over all the earth.

Israel will one day look upon the One they pierced and mourn in repentance.

• God will pour out grace and supplication.

• A fountain of cleansing will be opened for sin and uncleanness.

• This mirrors the spiritual process of repentance and restoration seen in individual believers today.

Though judgment is severe, God preserves a refined remnant.

• Trials refine faith like fire refines gold.

• God declares, “They are My people,” and they respond, “The Lord is my God.”

The sermon concludes with the hope of Christ’s reign:

• Jesus will be King over all the earth.

• Jerusalem will dwell securely.

• Holiness will define everyday life.

• God’s glory will fill the world.

God disciplines to redeem, judges to restore, and reigns to bring ultimate peace. The Good Shepherd lays down His life so His people can live—and one day, He will reign openly as King.