No Reserves No Retreat No Regrets

44 • No Reserves, No Retreat, No Regrets: SIAFU Men’s Conference 2016

III. Hammer It Home: In every spiritual fight, never shrink back or never retreat. Stand your ground for Christ, no matter what.

He was the perfect soldier: he went where you sent him, and stayed where you put him, and had no idea of his own to keep him from doing exactly what you told him. ~ Dashiell Hammett

A. The Key Principle. True disciples of Jesus trust and obey his Word, and refuse to shrink back or retreat regardless of the situation. Matt. 16.24-27; cf. Luke 13.1-5.

1. As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are to embrace his word, clinging to its promise and following its command, without wavering or change. Through it we know the truth, and the truth sets us free, John 8.31-32 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 2. Jesus stood his ground throughout his earthly ministry, and we are called to do the same, Heb. 12.1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

3. Even though we will face tribulation in this world (e.g., hurts, struggles, disappointments, opposition, persecution, trials), we overcome in the name of Jesus!