KEEP YOUR HAND ON THE PLOW

Taariq Patel

OVERVIEW

This powerful sermon challenges believers to follow Christ with mercy, focus, and sacrificial commitment, reflecting His mission to save rather than condemn. From the cost of discipleship to the call for Spirit-empowered action, it’s a compelling call to live out the gospel in both word and deed.

Keep Your Hand on The Plow
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ABOUT-- Taariq Patel

After being submerged in a world of drug abuse and pain, Taariq Patel met Jesus, the One who heard his cry and saved his life. Now, Taariq is in the service of the King, sharing how God’s love changes lives. His drive and passion is to share the truth and love of the Gospel to the world. Taariq is an evangelist, graduate of Pacific Union College, husband to wife Igdaly, father to their son Ishmael, and daughter Viviana. He is currently serving in the ministry after completing his Masters of Divinity degree at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University. When asked to summarize his life, Taariq simply says, “Christ delivered me.”

SERIES INFO

KEY INSIGHTS

💡 The Purpose of Christ’s Mission: Salvation, Not Destruction
Jesus’ refusal to condone calling down fire on those who rejected Him reflects His core mission: to save rather than condemn. This sets a standard for believers to respond to rejection and hostility not with retaliation but with grace and a focus on salvation. The Spirit of Christ is one of mercy, not judgment, challenging believers to embody this same spirit in their own lives.

💡 Righteous Zeal vs. the Spirit of Christ
The disciples’ zeal, though well-intentioned, was misdirected toward destruction, mirroring Old Testament acts of judgment by Elijah. Jesus’ rebuke, “You know not what spirit you are of,” exposes the difference between human anger and divine love. True discipleship requires the indwelling Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to respond with kindness, longsuffering, and mercy rather than vengeance or condemnation.

💡 The Cost of Discipleship: Embracing Uncertainty and Sacrifice
Jesus’ homelessness and itinerant ministry symbolize the sacrifice required to follow Him—forsaking comfort, stability, and security. This challenges believers today to reassess the cost of discipleship and consider whether they are willing to abandon personal comforts to pursue God’s mission wholeheartedly. It’s a call to embrace the unpredictable and uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel.

💡 Laser Focus Required for Spiritual Fruitfulness
The analogy of the plow emphasizes the necessity of undivided focus in the Christian life. Looking back or hesitating undermines effectiveness and spiritual fruitfulness. The farming metaphor underscores that each believer has a unique, God-given field to till, requiring perseverance, discipline, and commitment. This also aligns with Jesus’ call for total commitment—“no ‘buts’”—when following Him.

💡 Historical and Biblical Models of Sacrifice and Service
The story of the Moravian missionaries, who willingly became slaves to reach slaves, powerfully illustrates the radical commitment expected in following Christ. Their example shows how true discipleship often entails great personal sacrifice but leads to tremendous spiritual fruitfulness, including mass conversions and revival movements. This historical insight reinforces the sermon’s call for readiness to “go and preach the kingdom of God,” no matter the cost.

💡 The Ministry of the Kingdom: Preaching and Demonstration
The sermon emphasizes that the gospel is not merely verbal proclamation but also visible demonstration through healing, deliverance, and compassionate action. This holistic approach fulfills Jesus’ ministry model and the apostles’ mandate, making the gospel tangible and transformative. Spiritual life is evidenced by active preaching coupled with powerful deeds confirming the Kingdom’s presence.

💡 Spiritual Warfare and Divine Empowerment
Paul’s description in 2 Corinthians 6 underscores that the Christian journey involves hardship—affliction, imprisonment, labor, watchings—but also divine provision through the Holy Spirit, righteousness’ armor, patience, and love. This balance between struggle and empowerment encourages believers to rely on God’s strength during trials and to persevere in faithfulness, knowing that their mission aligns with Christ’s purposes.

DATE ADDED: June 13, 2025 TOPICS: Christian Beliefs SKU: TPA-133L
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