Wyneken Graduation

Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School
8th Grade Graduation
23 May, 2017
James 1:12
“Steadfast”

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

We all knew this night would come. When you would graduate from Wyneken. And it has been a true joy to spend this past year with you. Great students! Great class! You enjoyed each other’s company. You made teaching fun! The text you have selected for your graduation are appropriate. They say to us this night, “Remain steadfast!”  

1. Blessed is the man
        A. Who remains steadfast
             1. Be steadfast. James reminds us “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.”                         This echoes Jesus’ words, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
                    a.       Moving on to Bellmont, there will be many decisions you will be making very                                     soon. Friends you will make. Classes you will take. Who you will be hanging out                                 with. Career choices. The list is endless.
                     b. Yet, remaining steadfast in the faith is of the first importance.

             2. This is one of Jesus’ great promises. Not only will He will remain with you. He                                      remains steadfast. Unmovable. He will not change.  He remains faithful.
                   a.      Notice who is the One who is being steadfast – Christ.
                   b.      Count on Him to remain steadfast for you. Go where He directs you.
                        1. To His promises found in His Word
                        2. To His gifts of mercy and grace.
                                 a. To His forgiveness spoken to you in His word of absolution.
                                 b. To His life given to you in His Supper.
                                 c. To His salvation given to your baptism.


          B. Jesus remains faithful. Especially under trial.
             1. Trials will come.
                   a.  You have been confirmed. You have renounced Satan. You have pledged to remain                               faithful to Christ. So expect trials to come.
                   b. Yet these trials can only make you stronger. As you look to Christ.
            2.          This is how Satan operates.
                   a. The trials and the sufferings we endure now is the result of living in a broken world.                             Outside of Eden.
                   b. There is a purpose for such things. To stand the test. “When he has stood the trial.”                                 But not because of your might, your strength, your will. “Not by might, nor by                                     power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Transition: Not only are you blessed now. You will be blessed by Christ forever!

2. He will receive the crown of life
     A. A promise which God has promised you in Christ. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give                    you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
        1. Christ cannot go back on His promises.
        2. “He remains faithful. For he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)
     B. He does all this because He loves you.
        1. The definition of God’s love for you, “greater love has no man than this, that He lay down                   His life for His friends. “ (John 15:13)
        2. Thus you can face the future confidently!

Remember the things taught you. Cling to that which is good. Love God. Serve your neighbor. Be a sermon in shoes! Remain steadfast in the steadfastness of Christ!

Words – 530
Passive Sentences – 4%
Readability – 88.2%
Reading Level - 2.7