The Main Thing, Part II, Divine Counterparts
DeVern expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights from 50 years in ministry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the "main thing" in the Christian faith, which is to keep focused on Jesus Christ. DeVern reflects on his journey, highlighting the need for consecration and the significance of being separated unto God rather than merely from worldly distractions. He shares a story about a young pastor who learned that having the "victor" is more important than merely achieving victories in life.
DeVern discusses the dual aspects of the Christian life: enduring hardships while also enjoying the journey. He stresses that both elements are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. He introduces the concept of divine counterparts, such as discipline and joy, and the necessity of being rooted in grace to respond appropriately to life's challenges. DeVern warns against the dangers of offense and bitterness, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God's grace in all circumstances. He concludes with a prayer for strength and encouragement for all present.
Outline of Main Points
- Gratitude for fellowship and sharing experiences.
- Importance of focusing on Jesus as the "main thing."
- Consecration and separation unto God.
- Value of having the "victor" in life.
- Balancing endurance and enjoyment in the Christian journey.
- Understanding divine counterparts: discipline and joy.
- Need for roots in grace to respond to challenges.
- Warning against offense and bitterness.
- Prayer for strength and encouragement for believers.
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
