The Call to Stand for What’s Right | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, November 1
Following Jesus means choosing His way no matter what the world says. This message shows how to let God’s word guide your decisions, stand for what’s right with love and humility, and live out your faith without compromise.
Escrituras clave
Matthew 10:32-39; Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 12:30; Ephesians 1:1; Matthew 6:24; Malachi 3:10; I Corinthians 10:21; James 3:10-12; Judges 5:23; Joshua 5:13-14; Exodus 32:26; Revelation 3:15-16
Key Points:
- Neutrality is impossible with Jesus. You must make a decision about Jesus. You don’t get to sit on the sidelines. If you’re not with Jesus, you’re against him.
- You can be at church and not in church. Sitting in church doesn't make you a believer any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car. You must decide for yourself to accept Jesus Christ.
- God’s greatest competition is money. You must decide who you love the most. The love of money is the root of all evil. You can serve money or use your money to serve God. When you bring God your tithes and offerings, God will bless you so much you won’t have room enough to receive it.
- You must decide what words you will speak. You can’t bless God with your mouth on Sunday and curse God with your mouth on Monday when you get with your buddies. You can’t be holy and unholy; you must decide.
- Don’t live for likes. Don’t live for the approval of other people; live for the approval of God. Don’t live a lukewarm life; pick a side.
Introducción
Today we’ll explore the message, The Call to Stand for What’s Right by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. The message encouraged us that neutrality is impossible when following Jesus—His Word brings division, and we must choose to stand for what’s right, remaining hot for God rather than lukewarm.
Jesus warns that choosing to follow Him may bring opposition, even from our own families. Following Christ means putting Him first, above every other relationship or influence. We are called to love others and show grace, yet we must never compromise God’s Word to gain approval. As Jesus makes clear in Matthew 10:37, our devotion to Him comes before everything else.
Ultimately, following Jesus requires a choice. Will we stand with Him when it’s easy—and when it’s difficult?
• What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?
• Have you seen division with others because of your commitment to follow Jesus?
Truly Following Christ Brings Division
Matthew 10:34–39
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, says He did not come to bring peace on earth but to “set” a man against his family—meaning to separate or alienate. The cost of discipleship is high. We must love Him with an undivided heart, above any creature (Deuteronomy 6:5). Choosing to follow Jesus openly can alienate even those closest to us. Jesus tells us ahead of time to expect it.
There is no such thing as secret Christianity. When we walk unashamedly with Him, conflict with the world (and sometimes family) is normal. Friendship with the world is hostility toward God (James 4:4). He separates us from what is corrupt so we are not deceived by bad company (1 Corinthians 15:33). We do not seek conflict, but the light in us will naturally create friction with darkness. We are called to live as people of light and proclaim the One who called us out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9).
- Although relational divisions remain painful, how does knowing that Jesus considers them normal when you openly follow Him shape your perspective?
- Can you see through Scripture that God’s call to “come out from among them” sheds light on His broader purpose and plan when you who are called now stand as a witness of steadfast commitment to Him?
- If you have lost family members over your faith in Jesus, will you consider meditating this week on Matthew 12:46–50, Romans 12:5, and Hebrews 10:19? These verses can help open our eyes to the fact that family is beyond biological ties. You are part of a spiritual family that is larger than you know.
Neutrality Is Impossible
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30)
Jesus leaves no middle ground. You cannot sit on the fence with Him. If you are not actively with Him, you are against Him. There is no third option. In a culture that prizes “keeping your options open,” His words cut through the illusion of neutrality.
The same principle appears in Judges 5:23. The people of Meroz tried to stay neutral during a battle and were cursed for refusing to help the Lord. Their choice to “stay out of it” was treated as opposition. Neutrality is not a safe option; it is a decision against the Lord.
- In what areas of your life are you most tempted to stay neutral rather than clearly choose the Lord’s side?
- How does the story of Meroz challenge the idea that “staying out of it” is a safe or spiritual choice?
Who’s on the Lord’s Side?
Exodus 32:26
“Then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, ‘Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!’ And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.” (Exodus 32:26)
In a moment of national crisis and idolatry, Moses drew a clear line. There was no middle ground and no private decision. He called the people to publicly identify themselves with the Lord. Those who stepped forward were set apart for God’s purposes. Those who stayed back were not counted among them.
The same call still stands. God is not looking for a silent majority or a comfortable crowd. He is looking for people who will come and stand with Him—openly, clearly, and without apology. Being hot for God begins with that simple, public choice: I am on the Lord’s side.
- What does it look like for you to “come to the Lord” and publicly identify with Him in your current season?
- Is there an area where you have been staying back instead of stepping forward? What would it mean to answer Moses’ call today?
Conclusion: Choose to Be All In for God
Revelation 3:15–16
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
As we conclude this study, Revelation 3:15–16 reminds us that God does not want us to be lukewarm in our faith. God calls us to be fully committed, passionate, and on fire for Him. We must make a choice to stand firmly on His truth, even when the world disagrees or the cost is uncomfortable. We cannot afford to compromise our faith just to fit in or please others. Let the Holy Spirit be the fire that fuels our passion, strengthens our courage, and keeps us faithful. Choose the Lord fully, stand for His truth, and stay on fire for God!
Call to Action
- Put God First: Make Jesus your highest priority in every area of your life.
- Stand for Truth: Don’t compromise God’s Word to gain the approval of others.
- Choose Courage Over Comfort: Be willing to stand with Jesus, even when it’s unpopular or difficult.
- Stay on Fire: Spend daily time in prayer and God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to keep your faith passionate and alive.
- Live Fully Committed: Let your words, choices, and actions show the world that you belong to Jesus.
Oración final
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, and redeeming power. Forgive us for the times that we have found ourselves willing to compromise for fear that our faith in You would offend someone or cause us to be ostracized. Pour out Your Spirit upon us so that we can remain confident in our relationship with You and in the truth of Your precepts. Give us the courage to stand firm, stand faithful, and stand boldly for You, Jesus. May we be found faithful regardless of the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Recursos