Introduction

Napakahalaga na maging spiritually healthy tayo kahit na busy minsan ang schedule natin. Dapat ready tayo palagi na makinig sa Panginoon at sumunod. Pero minsan, o madalas, nabibigo tayo. Maaari na magawa natin ang pagbabago nang pansamantala, ngunit hindi nagtatagal bumabalik na naman tayo sa dating gawi. Natural lamang ito dahil ang buhay Kristyano ay isang paglalakbay at pakikibaka. Ngunit ano ang gagawin natin kapag tayo ay nabibigo? Susuko na lang ba tayo? Hindi. Ito ang dapat natin gawin.

Three Turns

1. Go back to *God’s* *vision* for you. (Ephesians 4:20-24) – It’s easy to get discouraged because of our failures. But we must never lose sight of the vision of God for our lives. This vision will enable us to see the big picture of what God is doing in our lives by His grace. Since we are God’s workmanship in Christ Jesus, we must not lose hope.

2. Go back to the *right* *motivations*. (Ephesians 5:8-14) – We need to understand our true motivations. Sometimes, without being aware of it, we are trying to save ourselves. We do our best to obey God’s commands. When we fail, we feel that we cannot meet God’s standards. But the basis of our actions is what God has already done in Christ to change our whole identity. It’s because of who we already are in Him, not what we hope to become by our own efforts.

3. Go back to your *godly* *actions*. (Ephesians 5:15-21) – It is through our bodies that we begin to return to God by faith. We take some actions toward God’s purpose for us, even if we may not feel it or want it. By faith, we choose to live according to God’s will. We trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us together with others. In other words, we choose to persevere in spite of our failures.

Conclusion

1. Central Idea: “Failure is *normal* but perseverance must be *intentional*.”

2. Don’t focus on your failures. Find forgiveness in Christ. Then turn to follow Him again together with others.

3. This week, go back to your small group and renew your commitment to follow Christ together with them.

Discussion

1. What usually happens when people fail spiritually?

2. How can we overcome our tendency to wallow in self-pity when we fail spiritually?

3. How will you apply what you’ve learned in this sermon?