Introduction
The speaker welcomes everyone to the Sabbath worship service and introduces the topic that is close to his heart: “Striving among them.” He shares a personal testimony about calling to God in times of darkness and emphasizes the importance of prayer before diving into the message.
Scripture Reading
The message references several scriptures, notably:
- Hebrews 13:20-21: Highlights God’s power to make people perfect for good works through Jesus Christ.
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17: Emphasizes the importance of Scripture for doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness.
The Concept of Perfection
The speaker discusses the belief in perfection, especially among end-time believers, mentioning:
- Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
- Quotes from Ellen White that outline God’s ideal for His children to embody Christ-like character.
The Nature of Sin and Darkness
The speaker elaborates on the fall of Adam and how it resulted in a carnal mind that is at enmity with God. He explains:
- Romans 8:5-7: Describes the difference between the mind governed by the flesh (carnal) and the mind governed by the Spirit.
- 1 John 1:5-7: Discusses walking in light versus darkness, defining darkness as anything outside God’s law.
Works of the Flesh
A significant portion of the sermon focuses on Galatians 5:19-21, where the speaker lists the “works of the flesh,” including:
- Adultery
- Fornication
- Uncleanness
- Lasciviousness
- Idolatry
- Witchcraft
- Hatred
- Variance
- Emulations
- Wrath
- Strife
- Seditions
- Heresies
- Envyings
- Murders
- Drunkenness
He stresses that these behaviors exclude individuals from God’s kingdom and that true faith requires living in accordance with God’s standards.
Call to Action
The speaker urges attendees to strive for a Christ-like character and emphasizes:
- The necessity of transformation through the Holy Spirit.
- The importance of separating oneself from sinful behaviors and influences.
- The need for a genuine relationship with God, characterized by a commitment to living out one’s faith every day.
Conclusion and Prayer
In closing, the speaker encourages everyone to reflect on their relationship with God and their commitment to holiness. He invites those who feel convicted to stand for prayer, asking God for strength, guidance, and the Holy Spirit to help them live according to His will.
Key Takeaways
- Striving for perfection is a biblical call for believers.
- True transformation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and submission to the Holy Spirit.
- Living in light means rejecting sin and embodying Christ’s character.
- The urgency of being prepared for Jesus’ return and living out one’s faith daily is emphasized.
The session concludes with a heartfelt prayer asking for God’s guidance in achieving a life reflective of His glory.
