Sermon: Keep Going

Sermon Date: 7/6/2025

Bible Verses:

• Deuteronomy 31:1–8
• 1 Thessalonians 5:1–19

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Obedience to the Lord is not always easy, but it is always worth it. We are called to serve even when we’re discouraged, frustrated, or tired—because the Lord goes before us and is at work through us.

1. Obedience in Transition

Deuteronomy 31:1–3

Moses is 120 years old. After years of leading the people of Israel, he’s now passing the mantle to Joshua. Moses himself won’t enter the Promised Land.

Key Point: Even faithful servants don’t always get to finish the job. Sometimes obedience means preparing others to carry the work forward.

Obedience doesn’t always come with immediate reward—but it always honors God.

Application:

• Are you willing to obey even when you don’t see the result?
• Are you preparing the next generation to continue what you’ve started?

2. God Goes Before You

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Moses reassures both the people and Joshua: don’t be afraid, because God is already ahead of you.

This is not about your strength—it’s about God’s presence.

Even when your strength is failing, God's promise still stands.

Application:

• God has not abandoned your calling.
• Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not holy.
• Obedience is sustained by trust in God's nearness and faithfulness.

3. Service in the Everyday

1 Thessalonians 5:11–15

“Encourage one another and build each other up…”

Paul tells the church to support one another in the day-to-day life of faith—not just in the highs, but also in the grind.

Faithfulness in the small, mundane acts of obedience builds a strong witness.

Application:

• Are you building others up, or simply getting by?
• Are you mistaking God’s silence for absence? He is still present and working.

4. Don’t Quench the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:16–19

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”

These verses can be difficult to live out when we’re worn down or discouraged. But Paul reminds us that the Spirit is always at work, and we must not smother that fire.

Sometimes the greatest act of obedience is simply refusing to quit.

“Do not quench the Spirit.” Even in a dry season, continued obedience keeps the fire alive.

Application:

• Stay in the fight even when you don’t feel like it.
• Be intentional in joy, prayer, and gratitude—they are fuel for your calling.
• Trust that the Holy Spirit is doing more than you can see.

Closing Challenge

To the weary servant: Don’t stop. Don’t give in to fear or frustration. The Lord goes before you, and He is not finished with your story.

To the faithful worker: It may not feel fruitful now, but obedience always honors God—and He is the one who brings the harvest.

Call to Action:

• Recommit yourself to faithful obedience.
• Ask God for fresh strength and courage.
• Encourage someone else this week who may be struggling.
• Remember: the work is not in vain. The Lord is with you.