Francis Chan: The Holy Spirit's Power and Our Effort (Part 2)

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of making every effort to pursue character qualities, as commanded in Scripture. We are encouraged to be diligent in our pursuit of virtues such as steadfastness, self-control, and love, which will keep us from being ineffective or unfruitful in our walk with God. The passage highlights the danger of nearsightedness, where we focus on immediate pleasures and ignore the long-term consequences and eternal implications of our actions.

Key Scripture References

• 2 Peter 1:5-8 - This passage emphasizes the importance of making every effort to supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities are essential for a fruitful life in Christ.
• 2 Peter 1:9 - Whoever lacks these qualities is nearsighted, unable to see beyond the present moment, and therefore blind to the eternal consequences of their actions.
• Hebrews 12:1-3 - This passage reminds us that we are not living for ourselves alone, but for Christ, who has given His life for us. We should run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
• Matthew 7:13-14 - Jesus teaches that the narrow gate leads to life, while the wide gate leads to destruction. We must choose which path we will follow, and make every effort to pursue the qualities of a disciple.
• 1 John 2:15-17 - This passage emphasizes the importance of loving God above all else. If we love the world, we are nearsighted, unable to see beyond our own desires and pleasures.

Main Points

The main points of this message can be summarized as follows:

• Make every effort to pursue character qualities, such as steadfastness, self-control, and love.
• Avoid the danger of nearsightedness, which causes us to focus on immediate pleasures while ignoring eternal consequences.
• Remember that we are not living for ourselves alone, but for Christ, who has given His life for us.
• Choose the narrow gate, which leads to life, and make every effort to pursue the qualities of a disciple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this message emphasizes the importance of making every effort to pursue character qualities, as commanded in Scripture. We must avoid the danger of nearsightedness, which causes us to focus on immediate pleasures while ignoring eternal consequences. By choosing the narrow gate and pursuing the qualities of a disciple, we can live a fruitful life in Christ, with our eyes fixed on Jesus.