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Unfailing Strength

UNFAILING STRENGTH
Lk. 22. 28 – 34

Itarsi, 31 March 2006
Domenic Marbaniang

Introduction
            Prior to Gethsemane
Final warnings, promises, and commandments to disciples

  1. HUMAN FRAILTY: THE SHIFT OF FAITH
To err is human: to forgive divine. Job 4. 3-5; Ps. 6.2; Mt. 26. 41
2 Chr. 6:36;  Prov. 20.9; Eccl. 7:20; Jas. 3:2
a. Many religions try to locate the source of power within man; thus, establishing human control over things. Potentiality can become actuality. Yoga, TM, Mantra-tantra. Especially in polytheism, where power is bifurcated, the locus of power is dispersed, anyone can attain supreme power; though it is mythologically not permitted. Much mythology recognizes both evil and good as produced by the One.
Sattva, Rajas, Tamas
b. Scientific development has surely taken care of many human frailties: medical, physical, etc. Some fatal mistakes could be avoided. But the inner being is still left unconquered.
c. It takes adversity to bring man back to his senses. When things get out of control; whom do we turn to? All sunshine makes a desert.
            Humanism: Faith in self. Self-righteousness. Some are good; some are evil.
Peter believed in himself; located power within himself; he shifted his faith.
  1. SATANIC INTENSITY: THE SIFT OF FAITH
Faith of all Disciples – plural ‘you’
1 Pet 5. 8; 1 Tim. 3: 6, 7; 2. 26; Eph. 6: 11; Rev. 2. 10
Reinterpretation of Reality: “All temptation is primarily to look within; to take our eyes off the Lord and to take account of appearances.” -Watchman Nee.
a. Strategy # 1: Reinterpretation of Priority: Food above Fellowship: Materialism
b. Strategy # 2: Reinterpretation of Charity: Self above Service: Egoism
c. Strategy # 3: Reinterpretation of Divinity: Wealth above Worship: Satanism
            Ultimately: Focus on the present at the cost of the future.
  1. DIVINE IMMENSITY: THE LIFT OF FAITH
HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS BETTER THAN WE KNOW OURSELVES
HE SEES OUR FUTURE WHILE WE ARE STILL IN THE PIT
a.       Peter do you love me? Jn. 21: 15-19
b.      Strengthen thy brethren….. Feed my sheep. Rom 14.1; 15.1; 1 Thess. 5: 14
JewishProverb: A man is judged not by what he was, but by what he is.

Application
  1. Let’s anchor our faith in Christ and not be moved by circumstances: Frailty is not an excuse or license to do evil.
  2. Let’s not lose heart when we fail; FAILURE IS NOT FINAL
  3. Let’s learn to comfort and strengthen: Any jackass can kick a barn down: it takes a carpenter to build it.

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