What actions can we take to stand firm in faith like John? John’s Unshakeable Stand “His head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.” (Matthew 14:11) John’s final earthly moment shows an unflinching loyalty to God’s truth, even when the cost was his life. Actions that Anchor Us Like John • Revere God above all – “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) • Speak truth without compromise – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) • Embrace a lifestyle of repentance and humility – “Produce fruit worthy of repentance.” (Matthew 3:8) • Practice simplicity and self-denial – “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) • Stay filled with the Spirit – “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) • Accept the cost of discipleship – “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25) • Keep eternity in view – “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial… he will receive the crown of life.” (James 1:12) Daily Practices for Standing Firm – Begin each day in Scripture; hide the Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) – Pray for boldness like John (Acts 4:29–31) – Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18) – Surround yourself with believers who exhort you to faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24–25) – Fast periodically to train the body to obey the Spirit (Matthew 6:16–18) – Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness to recall in hard moments (Psalm 77:11–12) Encouraging Promises to Remember • “He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) • “Be steadfast, immovable… your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) • “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1–2) Living the Legacy John’s unwavering stand challenges us to live with the same clarity of purpose: fear God, cling to truth, and count the cost worth paying because Christ is worthy. |
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