Persistence
Categories: Easy Sermons to Preach, Sermon Outlines, Short Sermon Outlines, Short SermonsChristian Persistence
INTRODUCTION:
1. Often the difference between heaven and hell is persistence.
2. The value of persistence was highlighted recently in the news.
3. If you fail to learn persistence you will fail to get to heaven.
DISCUSSION:
I. Focus on Possibilities, Not Circumstances
1. Remember the power of God.
2. Rom. 4:17-21
II. Remember Others Who Have Made It
1. V. Alexeev and 500 lbs.
Alexeev, a legendary Olympic weight lifter, was the first to lift 500 lbs. in the Clean and Jerk. In this lift 500 lbs. was thought to be impossible. Alexeev thought it impossible himself. He would lift 499½, 499¾ but not 500. One day a trainer loaded up the bar to over 500 but didn’t tell him. He lifted it as usual and then was told. Word got around that 500 wasn’t the impossible barrier that everyone thought and soon all the top lifters broke the 500 lb. barrier.
After it had been done, others could do it. Others have faced the hardships and challenges of the Christian life. So can you.
2. Heb. 12:1-2
III. You Don’t Know What You Can Do Until You Have To
1. Grandpa at Okinawa
My grandfather was in the navy in WWII. He was in the Pacific war. At the battle of Okinawa, when the Kamikazes were raining down on the fleet, the ship Grandpa was serving on was hit through the bow at the waterline. Grandpa was sent with others below deck and sealed in. He was ordered to seal up the breach or the ship would sink. With water coming in the holes in the ship and rising Grandpa and others had to work mostly underwater to seal the breaches.
It was this experience that caused him to pass on to me these words, “You don’t know what you can do, ’til you HAVE to.”
Who knows what you’ll be faced with as a Christian. Fact is, whatever comes you CAN endure it. Others have before you. You can too.
2. Rev. 2:10
Short outline for a Wednesday night devotional.