Essentials for Finishing Your Faith Journey Well

Devotional

Day 1: Daily Communion with God Prevents Spiritual Drift

In the journey of faith, maintaining a daily time of focused personal communion with God is essential to prevent spiritual drift. This communion is more than just acknowledging God's presence throughout the day; it involves setting aside dedicated time to engage deeply with Him. Like sailors using a sextant to correct their course, believers need daily spiritual course corrections to stay aligned with their intended path. This time of communion refreshes one's love for God and counters the allure of the world, ensuring that one's faith remains vibrant and steadfast. [06:38]

Psalm 119:105-107 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!"

Reflection: What specific time each day can you dedicate to focused communion with God, and how can you ensure this time remains a priority amidst your daily responsibilities?

Day 2: The Gospel as a Daily Necessity

The Gospel is not just for the moment of conversion but is a daily necessity for believers. It assures them of their righteous standing before God, preventing them from slipping into a performance-based relationship with Him. By daily reminding themselves of the Gospel, believers maintain a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing their ongoing need for God's grace. This daily appropriation of the Gospel helps believers to live in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing they are loved and accepted by God, not because of their works, but because of His grace. [14:31]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the Gospel's truth each day, and what practical steps can you take to live out this truth in your interactions with others?

Day 3: Living Sacrifice as Daily Consecration

Presenting oneself as a living sacrifice is a daily act of consecration, akin to the burnt offering in the Old Testament, signifying total dedication to God. This commitment must be renewed daily, as believers are prone to reclaim what they have surrendered. By offering themselves as living sacrifices, believers acknowledge that their lives are not their own and that they are called to live in a way that honors God. This daily act of consecration requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of personal desires in favor of God's will. [28:19]

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV): "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God, and what would it look like to offer this area to Him as a living sacrifice today?

Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty and Love

Trusting in God's sovereignty and love is crucial for enduring life's difficulties. Believers must hold firm to the belief that God is in control and that His actions are motivated by love. This trust helps them avoid bitterness, especially when faced with the sinful actions of others, and enables them to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God's ultimate purpose for their lives. By believing in God's sovereignty and love, believers can find peace and hope even in the midst of trials and uncertainties. [46:19]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: In what current situation do you need to trust in God's sovereignty and love, and how can you actively choose to give thanks despite the challenges you face?

Day 5: Perseverance Through Reliance on God's Grace

Beyond standing firm, believers are called to persevere, moving forward in their faith despite obstacles. This perseverance is fueled by their reliance on God's grace and their commitment to the essentials of faith. By focusing on daily communion with God, appropriating the Gospel, living as a sacrifice, and trusting in God's sovereignty, believers can endure and finish well. Perseverance requires a steadfast commitment to these practices, recognizing that it is through God's strength and grace that they can overcome challenges and remain faithful to the end. [55:41]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one obstacle you are currently facing in your faith journey, and how can you rely on God's grace to persevere through it today?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, it is crucial not just to finish but to finish well. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4, we explore four essentials for standing firm and enduring to the end. The Apostle Paul, nearing the end of his life, reflects on having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. In contrast, Demas, once a fellow worker, deserted Paul, captivated by the present world. This serves as a sobering reminder that the journey of faith requires vigilance and commitment.

The first essential is a daily time of focused personal communion with God. This is more than just practicing the presence of God throughout the day; it is about setting aside dedicated time to engage deeply with God. Like sailors using a sextant to correct their course, we need daily spiritual course corrections to prevent drifting away from our intended path. This communion refreshes our love for God, countering the allure of the world.

The second essential is a daily appropriation of the Gospel. The Gospel is not just for the moment of conversion but is a daily necessity. It assures us of our righteous standing before God, preventing us from slipping into a performance-based relationship with Him. By daily reminding ourselves of the Gospel, we maintain a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing our ongoing need for God's grace.

The third essential is a daily commitment to God as a living sacrifice. Drawing from Romans 12:1, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God. This is akin to the burnt offering in the Old Testament, signifying total consecration. It is a continual act, requiring daily renewal, as we are prone to reclaim what we have surrendered to God.

The fourth essential is a firm belief in the sovereignty and love of God. Life is often difficult and painful, and to endure, we must trust that God is in control and that His actions are motivated by love. This belief helps us avoid bitterness, especially when faced with the sinful actions of others, and enables us to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God's ultimate purpose for our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Daily Communion with God: A focused daily time with God is essential to prevent spiritual drift. This time should be more than routine; it should be a heartfelt engagement with God, refreshing our love for Him and aligning our lives with His will. [06:38]
2. Appropriation of the Gospel: The Gospel is not just for the moment of salvation but is a daily necessity. It assures us of our standing before God and guards against a performance-based relationship with Him. By daily reminding ourselves of the Gospel, we maintain humility and gratitude. [14:31]
3. Living Sacrifice: Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices is a daily act of consecration. Like the burnt offering, it signifies total dedication to God. This commitment must be renewed daily, as we are prone to reclaim what we have surrendered. [28:19]
4. Belief in God's Sovereignty and Love: Trusting in God's sovereignty and love is crucial for enduring life's difficulties. This belief helps us avoid bitterness and enables us to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God's ultimate purpose for our lives. [46:19]
5. Perseverance: Beyond standing firm, we are called to persevere, moving forward in our faith despite obstacles. This perseverance is fueled by our reliance on God's grace and our commitment to the essentials of faith. [55:41]
** [55:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Introduction to the Theme
[00:33] - Four Essentials for Finishing Well
[01:03] - Paul's Reflection on Finishing the Race
[02:19] - The Sobering Example of Demas
[03:26] - The Role of God's Grace
[04:49] - Misunderstandings of Grace
[06:20] - First Essential: Daily Communion with God
[07:09] - The Danger of Drifting
[09:01] - Refreshing Our Love for God
[14:10] - Second Essential: Appropriation of the Gospel
[19:06] - Justification as a Present Reality
[28:19] - Third Essential: Living Sacrifice
[36:21] - Presenting Ourselves to God
[45:14] - Fourth Essential: Belief in God's Sovereignty
[55:41] - The Importance of Perseverance

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Timothy 4:6-10
- Romans 12:1
- Lamentations 3:37-38

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Observation Questions:

In 2 Timothy 4:6-10, what does Paul mean when he says he has "fought the good fight" and "finished the race"? How does this relate to his view of his life and ministry? [01:03]
How does the example of Demas, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:10, serve as a warning to believers about the dangers of loving the present world? [02:02]
According to Romans 12:1, what does it mean to present our bodies as a "living sacrifice"? How is this concept connected to the idea of daily commitment? [28:19]
In Lamentations 3:37-38, what is the significance of acknowledging that both good and bad come from the mouth of the Most High? How does this understanding affect our view of God's sovereignty? [46:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does Paul's reflection on his life in 2 Timothy 4:6-10 provide a model for enduring faith? What can believers learn from his perspective on finishing well? [01:03]
What are the implications of Romans 12:1 for how believers should live their daily lives? How does this verse challenge common attitudes towards personal sacrifice and dedication? [28:19]
How does the belief in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Lamentations 3:37-38, help believers endure life's difficulties and avoid bitterness? What role does this belief play in maintaining faith during challenging times? [46:19]
How does the sermon suggest that daily appropriation of the Gospel can prevent believers from slipping into a performance-based relationship with God? What are the dangers of such a relationship? [22:01]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current practice of daily communion with God. What specific changes can you make to ensure this time is more focused and heartfelt, rather than routine? [06:38]
Consider the role of the Gospel in your daily life. How can you remind yourself of your righteous standing before God each day to maintain humility and gratitude? [14:31]
In what ways can you present yourself as a living sacrifice to God this week? Identify one area of your life that you need to surrender more fully to Him. [28:19]
Think about a recent difficulty or painful experience. How can a firm belief in God's sovereignty and love help you to give thanks in this situation? What specific promises of God can you hold onto during this time? [46:19]
Reflect on the example of Demas. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to love the present world more than God? How can you address these temptations? [02:02]
How can you actively persevere in your faith, moving forward despite obstacles? Identify one practical step you can take this week to grow in your reliance on God's grace. [55:41]
Consider the importance of perseverance in your spiritual journey. What are some obstacles you currently face, and how can you rely on God's grace to overcome them? [55:41]

Sermon Clips

The Apostle Paul writes for him already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day. [00:01:08]

Demas was apparently a promising young man with a promising future yet as far as we know he did not make it to the end. This is a sobering thought because many of you in the auditorium today are young. In God's gracious Providence you have many years ahead of you, and the Temptation or the issue is will you finish the race? [00:02:38]

The same Apostle who said I have fought the good fight I have finished the race I have kept the faith also said in another context but by the grace of God I am what I am. Paul attributed all of his endurance all of his faithfulness to the grace of God and so as we look at our responsibility today I want you to keep in mind that we are unable to fulfill that responsibility only by the grace of God. [00:04:15]

Demas didn't just wake up one day and make a 90 degree turn he was not headed toward the finish line and wake up one day and decide he was going to go that direction that doesn't happen. Demas drifted in this direction and if you and I do not practice this daily focused time of communion with God we will find ourselves drifting in the wrong direction. [00:07:06]

Demas was in love with this present World Paul said Demas has deserted me being in love with this present world. You know all of us are in everyone whether believer or unbeliever everyone is in love with something. Demas was in love with the present world, the Apostle John said do not love the world, but we cannot just do not love the world and have a vacuum in our hearts. [00:08:24]

The gospel is only for sinners, and so I come to Christ as is still practicing sinner. In fact I usually use the words of that tax collector in the temple when he cried out oh God be merciful to me a sinner. Now God has been merciful and I'm quick to acknowledge his Mercy in my life but I say to him I come in the attitude of that tax collector I need your mercy I am still a practicing sinner. [00:14:45]

We cannot come directly to God we must always come through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, but God not only allows us to come he invites us to come. The writer of Hebrews says having therefore Brothers confidence tuner into the most holy place let us draw near with a True Heart in full Assurance of faith, and so as we appropriate the gospel it gives us the confidence to come into the very presence of God to have communion with him. [00:15:55]

The Apostle Paul is speaking about justification. Now this raises an apparent problem or question, that is, justification we know to be a point in time past event, that is at the time you trusted Christ you were at that precise moment declared righteous by God you were Justified. That's why Paul in Romans chapter 5 can speak of justification in the past tense when he says therefore having been Justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:19:25]

The reason that I say that the burnt offering helps us to understand what Paul is saying is because there were two things that were unique about the burnt offering first of all of all of the animal offerings the burnt offering was the only one in which the entire animal was consumed upon the altar the others apportion were burned on the Altar and the remaining portions were reserved for the priest or even in one case for the offer in his family. [00:29:45]

If you and I are going to endure to the end, we have to continually renew that commitment that consecration. Now the fact is objectively this has already taken place, the Apostle Paul tells us in First Corinthians 6 19 and 20 that we are not our own we were bought with a price, but Paul wants us to affirm in our hearts and in our emotions what is true in reality. [00:36:17]

If you want to endure to the end if you want to stand firm in the face of life's difficulties and pain then you must have a firm belief in the sovereignty and the love of God and we could add in the wisdom of God, not only believe that God is in control of every event in his universe and specifically every event in your own life, but that God in exercising that control does so from his infinite love for you. [00:47:01]

Joseph is the classic illustration of this, three times in Genesis 45 after Joseph had revealed himself to his brothers he said it was not you who sent me here but God, and then in chapter 50 and verse 20 he says you intended evil against me but God intended good. Joseph believed in the sovereignty of God in the sinful actions of his brothers. [00:49:57]

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Essentials for Finishing Your Faith Journey Well

Devotional

Day 1: Daily Communion with God Prevents Spiritual Drift

Day 2: The Gospel as a Daily Necessity

Day 3: Living Sacrifice as Daily Consecration

Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty and Love

Day 5: Perseverance Through Reliance on God's Grace

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Essentials for Finishing Your Faith Journey Well

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