Be Steadfast | Emmanuel Duvelson

The Returning King: Being Ready, Wise and Steadfast in a 60-Second World — Part 3: Be Steadfast Emmanuel Duvelson | Marriage and Family Pastor Sunday September 6 2026 Primary Text: 1 Peter 4:7–11 Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 3:20; John 14:1–3; 1 Peter 1:3–6; Hebrews 9:27-28 #jesus #God #christian #christianity #church #sermon #faith #scripture #Bible #njchurch #unionnjchurch #Crossroads Join us Sunday morning LIVE @ 9AM & 11 AM If you would like to give to our church, visit https://ccfou.churchcenter.com/giving SERMON SUMMARY Steadfastness is faithful endurance rooted in the gospel, expressed through daily obedience, and sustained by the certainty of Christ’s resurrection, His promised return, and the eternal inheritance reserved for us. WHY STEADFASTNESS  The Gospel as its foundation  It carries the idea of faithful endurance.  It implies patient loyalty over time.  Our inheritance is guaranteed and cannot perish  Jesus Himself promised: “I will come again” Steadfastness is the mark of those who know where the journey ends. FIVE MARKS OF STEADFAST LIVING (1 Peter 4:7–13) 1. Steadfast in Prayer: “Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”  Prayer aligns us with God’s will, strengthens endurance, and keeps us focused on His kingdom. 2. Steadfast in Love: “Above all, love each other deeply.”  Love is sacrificial, humble, and othersoriented — the defining mark of Christ’s people. 3. Steadfast in Hospitality: “Offer hospitality… without grumbling.”  Hospitality means “loving the stranger” — opening our lives, homes, and hearts. 4. Steadfast in Service: “Use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”  Every believer is gifted, called, and responsible. Your service is never wasted. 5. Steadfast in Suffering: “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal…”  Faithful service will lead to hardship. God uses suffering to shape us, humble us, and prepare us for glory. Our present trials are temporary — our future glory is eternal (Rom. 8:18). THE POSTURE OF GOD’S PEOPLE — WE WAIT WELL From Adam and Eve to the early church, God shapes His people through waiting. Waiting is not punishment — it is formation. Waiting is not inactivity — it is faithfulness. Waiting is not hopeless — it is confident expectation. “God’s people are a waiting people.” — Alistair Begg FINAL CALL Life is only “60 seconds,” but eternity is forever. Because the King is returning, we must live as a people who are Ready— living prepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival; Wise—living today in light of what we know is coming tomorrow; and Steadfast — waiting with unwavering confidence for the Returning King. BE READY. BE WISE. BE STEADFAST. THE KING IS RETURNING.