AMEN: When It Matters Most - Saxon Williams

AMEN, a customary statement at the end of a prayer or during preaching to express our agreement with what is said and the hope that it will take place. But, AMEN is much so more than just a statement.

  • AMEN is a Person, and His Name is JESUS - Revelation 3:14 (ESV) “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

  • AMEN is who God is molding you to be - Romans 8:29 (ESV) …he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…

  • AMEN is an attitude, a posture, a way of life.

  • AMEN is the resounding YES to all that God says.

  • AMEN is the response that unlocks the abundance of Heaven.

We have all found ourselves in a position where we have agreed and then regretted. That car you bought that you really couldn’t afford, or that car that turned out to be a lemon. Or, that “party” you agreed to go to that involved a “great opportunity”. Or agreeing to a date that you really didn’t want to go on.

Sometimes we have agreed for all the wrong reasons; to avoid an argument, because it was easier, to make someone happy.

And, there are times that our yes (AMEN) is resounding but, falls to the ground the moment it comes out of our mouths. Like when we whole-heartedly agree but, really have no intention of making any changes. (Watching a weight loss show while eating a bag of Doritos).

AMEN IS NOT ABOUT BEING AGREEABLE. IT IS AGREEING, EVEN WHEN IT IS THE LAST THING YOU FEEL LIKE DOING.

  • The Bible is quick to point this out to us - James 2:18-19 (ESV) But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

  • Your “AMEN” is the language of faith…accompanied by works. What works? Acting on what you know that God has spoken.

LIFE IS GOING TO HIT YOU HARD. EVEN KNOCK YOU DOWN.

  • “Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth.” - Mike Tyson

  • Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV) We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

AMEN Is Most important When You Have Been Knocked Down!

  • The countdown begins when we hit the mat. We will either lay there and be counted out or we will get up and keep fighting.

  • Your AMEN Stirs Your Heart. A Reminded Spirit is a Fighting Spirit.

  • Our Amen makes a statement about what we believe. It is not just based upon what we see. Not like an illusion or delusion; we might really be knocked down. We might really be confused. But what do you believe? That God is for you? That He is fighting on your behalf? That no matter what he will never leave you no forsake you? That you can be healed/restores/forgiven/rescued?

  • God’s people have always been encouraged to remind themselves of what God has done. “Teach them to your children, talk of them when you sit in your house,” “fan into flames.”

AMEN Is Not Agreement with Victory But, His “Right Now” Word.

  • It is agreeing without having any idea how it will turn out. Victory isn’t raising our hand in triumph, but just standing. ROCKY LOST THE FIGHT! His victory was just standing back up.

  • There is always another fight. There is always another trial. We will win some battles and we might lose some. But we overcome by getting back up!

  • So often we want to get so excited about the victory that we try to jump over the obedience. No victory is won without obedience. Consider Jesus!

  • Jesus’ “AMEN” meant he would be knocked down on the mat and the countdown would begin.

  • Jesus even asked the Father if there was another way. “Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.”

Your AMEN Breaks the Heart of the Enemy.

  • Ephesians 6:13 (ESV) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

  • Jesus walks in on Satan’s victory party and takes his keys!

  • Rocky eventually becomes the champ. In nearly every huge bout he gets knocked down, his opponent celebrates, and Rocky gets back up. And their spirits are shaken because he just took the worst and he is still standing.

  • Adversity doesn’t define you. How you respond to it does.

  • JESUS OFTEN TOLD PEOPLE TO “GET UP!” - “Get up, take up your bed and go home.” “Get up and walk.”

  • You no doubt know what it means to be knocked down. And you may be struggling with the strength to get back up. Jesus is saying “Get up.” Right now, your “AMEN” is hearing his voice and standing to your feet.

  • There are people in your corner rooting for you. You are not alone.

AMEN, Faith, OvercomingSteve ParrishSaxon WilliamsComment