LOYALTY

SERMON

25^TH AUGUST 2024

Theme: Loyalty

1^st Bible Reading: Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18 2^nd Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 3^rd Bible Reading: John 6:56-69

"Have you ever felt like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Like the burdens of life are crushing you, and you can't seem to catch a breath? I remember a story of a single mother, who after a long day of work, would come home to take care of her two young children, only to lie awake at night worrying about how she would pay the bills, put food on the table, and give her children the life they deserved. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of responsibility, with no lifeline in sight. But one day, she realized that she couldn't control everything, and that sometimes, the best thing to do is to let go and trust that everything will work out. Today, we're going to talk about the power of releasing our worries and trusting in a higher power. Let's explore the freedom that comes from knowing that we have nothing to worry about." LOYALTY...

Let’s Pray

INTRODUCTION

Loyalty is a virtue that is deeply valued in every aspect of life. Whether in relationships, workplaces, or faith, loyalty is the glue that holds things together. In the Scriptures, loyalty is not just about allegiance to a cause but also about unwavering faithfulness to God. Today, we explore what it means to be loyal to God, drawing from the examples of Joshua, Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of John.

 

Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18: A Call to Serve the Lord Alone

 

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and reminded them of their history how God had delivered them from Egypt and given them the Promised Land. He then challenged them to choose whom they would serve: the gods of their ancestors or the Lord who had been faithful to them. This was not a one-time decision but a continuous commitment to serve God alone.

 

The very key point here is: Loyalty to God requires a conscious decision. Joshua made a bold statement: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). This declaration is a call for us today to reaffirm our commitment to God, rejecting any form of idolatry or competing allegiances.

 In our lives, loyalty to God means prioritizing Him above all else whether it be our careers, relationships, or personal desires. It’s about making a daily choice to serve and honor God in everything we do. We must examine our hearts and lives to ensure that we are not serving other gods, whether they be material possessions, personal ambitions, or harmful habits.

 

Ephesians 6:10-20: The Armor of God

In Ephesians, Paul urges believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). He then describes the armor of God, which equips us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

 

Also the very key point here is: Loyalty to God is also about spiritual resilience. It involves putting on the full armor of God, which enables us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges and temptations.

Listen, just as soldiers prepare for battle, we must prepare ourselves spiritually every day. This involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word, maintaining a prayerful attitude, and living righteously. Our loyalty is demonstrated by our readiness to stand firm against anything that would draw us away from God. We must be intentional about putting on the armor of God daily, so we can withstand the attacks of the enemy.

 

 John 6:56-69: The Words of Eternal Life

Lastly in John 6, after Jesus spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, many of His disciples found the teaching difficult and chose to walk away. When Jesus asked the Twelve if they would also leave, Peter responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

 

Again the very key point here is: Loyalty to Jesus means recognizing that He alone is the source of eternal life. Even when His teachings are hard to understand or follow, we must trust that He knows what is best for us. Peter’s response is a powerful declaration of faith and loyalty, acknowledging that there is no other place to turn but to Jesus.

Child of God, in moments of doubt or difficulty, we must hold on to Jesus, knowing that His words are life-giving. Loyalty means not turning away when the path is hard but staying committed to following Him, no matter the cost. We must remember that Jesus is the only one who can give us eternal life, and His words are the only ones that can truly satisfy our souls.

CONCLUSION

Loyalty to God is more than just a one time decision; it’s a continuous commitment to serve Him faithfully, stand firm in our spiritual battles, and trust in His Word even when it’s challenging. Like Joshua, Paul, and Peter, we are called to choose God daily, equip ourselves with His truth, and remain steadfast in our faith. May we echo Joshua's words: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and love. Help us to be loyal to You in all aspects of our lives. Strengthen us with Your armor, guide us with Your Word, and keep us close to You. May we always choose to serve You and remain steadfast in our faith. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

IN WHOM DO YOU BELIEVE?