WHAT NEXT? WHAT NOW? WHAT ELSE?

ROM. 12:10-21

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

You may be asking yourself, whether you think the election is over or not, what next? What now? Well, follow the Word, Live your faith, Share the Gospel, Honour the Saviour, Look up! In other words, what else?

 

Amidst all of these I’d like to encourage us through the Scripture to BE all we can be – for the Saviour. Paul lived in troublesome times. Paul faced uncertainties. Paul clung to the Cross of the Lord Jesus, was led of the Spirit, trusted God and carried on. Let me give you three thoughts this morning. Be Persistent. Be Prayerful. Be Patient.

 

I. BE PERSISTENT

 

1. In Christian Love [v. 9-10]

 

2. In Christ’s Service [v. 11]

 

3. In Christian Hope [v. 12a]

 

The word “hope” is only found one time in the Gospels, in the book of Acts, Luke’s epistle if you will, it refers mainly to the resurrection of Christians based on Christ’s resurrection and His coming again- this thought carries through the rest on the New Testament.

Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Acts 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

 

Not only should we be persistent, but we should:

 

II. BE PATIENT [v. 12b] as you can see in this verse, patience is tied almost irrevocably with tribulation. This truth also carries through the New Testament. But lets point it at 3 areas with that knowledge.

 

1. Be Patient TO All Men [v. 12, 1 Th. 5: 14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

 

2. Be Patient Teaching [v. 12, 15:4, Mt. 28:18-20, 2 Tm. 2:24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

 

3. Be Patient TIL Jesus Comes [v. 12, 2 Th. 3:5, James 5:7-8]

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Which brings us to number 3:

 

III. BE PRAYERFUL [v. 12c]

 

1. God Hears Prayer [Psalm 65:2] O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

 

2. God Encourages Prayer [1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6] Pray without ceasing.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

3. God Answers Prayer [Proverbs 15:29,  Matthew 7:7-8]

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

WHAT NEXT? WHAT NOW? WHAT ELSE? Be Persistent. Be Prayerful. Be Patient.