I. Introduction: See Lesson 7 for information on Elisha
Hoffman. Eph. 6:11-17
II. Verse 1- To Christ be loyal and be true; his banner
be unfurled, and borne aloft till is secured the conquest of the
world.
I Cor. 4:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:2, I Cor. 15:58, Heb. 3:13-15, Psalms 60:4,
John 16:33, I John 4:1-12. Loyalty, true faithfulness, involves
putting your trust, your belief, and your actions completely in
the hands of the living God. When we are faithful and loyal to
him, our actions and our words lift the banner (sign) that we
belong to Christ. Others see this and if they have an open heart
(mind) will follow. Armies have flags and banners that precede
them in battle. It identifies them and instills in them pride,
respect and loyalty. We can be a banner in the conquest of the
world by living in, but not of the world, and leading others to
Christ.
III. Verse 2- To Christ be loyal and be true; He needs
brave volunteers to stand against the powers of sin, moved not
by frowns or fears.
Rom. 6:17-18, I Cor. 9:19, Acts 26:12-18, Heb. 2:13-15, Psalms
34:1-4, Proverbs 13:13, Matt. 10:28. The only thing that is able
to separate us from our duty in being loyal to God is ourselves.
When we understand that the powers of sin, fear and discouragement
can be overcome by our faith and loyalty to Christ we become the
brave volunteers that Christ needs. We choose to do this. Our
free will decides that we will follow him.
IV. Verse 3- To Christ be loyal and be true; in noble
service prove your faith and your fidelity, the fervor of your
love.
Mark 14:38, I Cor. 10:13, II Cor. 13:5, James 1:1-5, I Pet.
1:1-9, II Cor. 8:7-9. It is through trials and temptations that
our love for Christ is proven. Those who endure such prove their
faith (Heb. 11:1) and their fidelity (Titus 2:9-10). We must have
an enthusiastic and working love. Many would want us to believe
that accepting Jesus into our hearts is enough, that this causes
us to be saved completely. But James 2:17 tells us that faith
without works is dead. We prove our love for him by showing it
in our lives. Someone who says they love you but does not show
it in the way they act, is doubted. We need to say and do!
V. Chorus- To Christ the Lord be true, for he will ever
go with you, and help you all your conflicts thru, to Christ the
Lord be true.
II Cor. 9:8-15, Matt. 6:24-34. There is no greater assurance that
we can have than the promise of God that he will supply to us
the things that we need. Many times the things that we think we
need are not our real needs. we must trust in God to know what
we need and that he will give these to us.