Title: Finishing Strong
Memorize: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 (Nkjv)
[1] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
[2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[3] For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
[4] You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Message:
Today’s memory verse is what all believers should say at the completion of their race here on earth.
Unfortunately, some believers will be unable to say such because they started their Christian journey well, but did not finish well.
As a child of God who is running the race to eternity, you must not be carried away by the events of this present age and forget that the end is at hand.
Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:13-14 said, “..forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
As a child of God, one thing you need to do in order to finish well is to examine your weaknesses.
Many believers know their weaknesses but choose to do nothing about them.
Weaknesses like anger, lust, lying, the love of money, dishonesty, and materialism can hinder a fellow from finishing strong.
Child of God, if you are struggling with any weakness, ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
You should also be intentional about dealing with those weaknesses; do away with every enabler of such weaknesses and meditate on the Word of God at all times.
I pray for you today that you will finish your Christian race well, in Jesus’ name.
Key Point:
Father, please help me to finish my Christian race well.
HYMN : HO, MY COMRADES
1 Ho, my comrades! see the signal
Waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing,
Victory is nigh!
Chorus
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,”
Jesus signals still,
Wave the answer back to heaven,
“By Thy grace we will, “
2 See the mighty host advancing
Satan leading on:
Mighty men around us falling,
Courage almost gone!
3 See the glorious banner waving!
Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s name we’ll triumph
Over ev’ry foe!
4 Fierce and long the battle rages,
But our help is near:
Onward comnes our great
commander,
Cheer, my comrades, cheer
Bible In One Year: Luke 5:17-39, Joshua 19-20
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye