Finishing Strong: The Marathon of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Perseverance in the Marathon of Faith

The Christian journey is not a short sprint but a long marathon that requires discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to finish well. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul likens the Christian life to a race where only those who run with purpose and self-control will win the prize. This metaphor reminds believers to count the cost and be prepared to endure to the end. Starting the race with enthusiasm is important, but it is the steadfastness and endurance that truly matter. The journey of faith involves challenges and obstacles, but with a focus on the ultimate goal, believers can find the strength to persevere. [02:12]

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 specific area in your life where you need to exercise more discipline and perseverance to continue your spiritual journey? How can you take a step today to strengthen your commitment to finishing well?

Day 2: Unmasking the Deceitfulness of Sin

Sin can be deceitful, often manifesting in subtle forms like hypocrisy and pride, which can lead believers astray. These sins are not always obvious but can be equally destructive, hardening our hearts over time. It is crucial to seek fellowship that challenges us to godliness and exposes these hidden sins. By engaging in a community that encourages accountability and spiritual growth, believers can guard against the deceitfulness of sin and remain steadfast in their faith. [05:38]

James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Reflection: Identify a subtle sin in your life, such as pride or hypocrisy, that you may have overlooked. How can you seek accountability and support from your community to address and overcome this sin?

Day 3: Embracing the Maturity of the New Covenant

The New Covenant calls believers to move beyond the elementary principles of the Old Covenant and embrace maturity in Christ. This maturity involves living by the Spirit rather than merely adhering to rules. Galatians 3 and 4 illustrate the transition from being under the law to becoming mature sons of God. As believers, we are called to reflect the life of Jesus in our daily walk, embodying the virtues outlined in the New Testament. This spiritual maturity is a journey of growth and transformation, guided by the Holy Spirit. [16:34]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue spiritual maturity by living according to the Spirit rather than following a set of rules? What changes can you make in your daily life to reflect the life of Jesus more closely?

Day 4: Wholehearted Pursuit of God

Pursuing God requires a wholehearted commitment, as God rewards those who diligently seek Him. This pursuit is not casual but demands a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jeremiah 29:13 and Hebrews 11:6 emphasize the importance of seeking God with all our hearts. Our faith should be evident not just in words but in our lives, as witnesses to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This wholehearted pursuit involves prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His presence in every aspect of our lives. [38:39]

Psalm 63:1 (ESV): "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate a wholehearted pursuit of God in your daily routine? How can you cultivate a deeper hunger and thirst for His presence in your life?

Day 5: Living as Witnesses to the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit

Our faith should be evident not just in words but in our lives, as we are called to be witnesses to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Living a life that reflects the virtues outlined in the New Testament is a testament to the work of the Spirit within us. This involves embodying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, we are called to live in a way that draws others to Christ, demonstrating the impact of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [59:33]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: Reflect on how your life currently serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. What is one area where you can more fully embody the virtues of the Spirit to draw others to Christ?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, it's crucial to not only start well but to finish strong. Jesus, in Luke 14, speaks of a man who began building a tower without counting the cost, ultimately unable to complete it. This serves as a metaphor for believers who start their spiritual journey with enthusiasm but fail to persevere to the end. The foundation of our faith is repentance, belief in Christ, and the anticipation of His return. However, laying this foundation is just the beginning. The Christian life is akin to a marathon, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, where discipline and perseverance are essential to win the prize.

The danger of falling away is real, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:12-14. An unbelieving heart can lead us astray, emphasizing the need for daily encouragement within the church community. Sin's deceitfulness, particularly in forms like hypocrisy, pride, and selfishness, can subtly harden our hearts. These sins are not as obvious as others but are equally destructive. Therefore, we must seek fellowship that challenges us to godliness, exposing these hidden sins.

The New Covenant calls us to maturity, moving beyond the elementary principles of the Old Covenant. Galatians 3 and 4 illustrate this transition from being under the law, akin to a child under a tutor, to becoming mature sons of God. This maturity involves living by the Spirit, not merely adhering to rules. Our Christian walk should reflect the life of Jesus, as stated in 1 John 2:6, and we should strive to embody the virtues outlined in the New Testament.

The pursuit of God requires a wholehearted commitment. Jeremiah 29:13 and Hebrews 11:6 remind us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. This pursuit is not casual but demands a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness. Our faith should be evident not just in words but in our lives, as witnesses to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways

1. The Christian journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to finish well, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. We must count the cost and be prepared to endure to the end. [02:12]
2. Sin's deceitfulness, particularly in subtle forms like hypocrisy and pride, can lead us astray. We must seek fellowship that challenges us to godliness and exposes these hidden sins. [05:38]
3. The New Covenant calls us to maturity, moving beyond the elementary principles of the Old Covenant. We are to live by the Spirit, reflecting the life of Jesus in our daily walk. [16:34]
4. Pursuing God requires a wholehearted commitment. God rewards those who diligently seek Him, as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:13 and Hebrews 11:6. This pursuit demands a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness. [38:39]
5. Our faith should be evident not just in words but in our lives. We are called to be witnesses to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, living lives that reflect the virtues outlined in the New Testament. [59:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Starting and Finishing the Race
[01:51] - The Marathon of Faith
[03:41] - The Danger of Falling Away
[05:13] - The Deceitfulness of Sin
[07:26] - Exposing Hidden Sins
[10:30] - The Corruption of the Church
[12:33] - Walking as Jesus Walked
[16:34] - From Law to Spirit
[20:15] - Maturity in Christ
[29:31] - The Word of God
[38:39] - Diligently Seeking God
[46:59] - Thirsting for Righteousness
[59:33] - Being Witnesses for Christ
[64:29] - Serving Two Masters
[69:37] - Financial Integrity in Ministry
[78:10] - The True Church Community
[79:14] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Luke 14:28-30
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Hebrews 3:12-14

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Observation Questions:

In Luke 14:28-30, what does Jesus illustrate about the importance of counting the cost before starting a project? How does this relate to our spiritual journey? [00:20]
According to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, what qualities does Paul say are necessary to win the race of faith? How does he compare this to an athletic competition? [02:12]
Hebrews 3:12-14 warns about the danger of an unbelieving heart. What does the passage suggest as a remedy to prevent falling away from God? [03:41]
The sermon mentions the deceitfulness of sin, particularly in subtle forms like hypocrisy and pride. How are these sins described as being more dangerous than obvious sins? [05:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the metaphor of building a tower in Luke 14:28-30 help us understand the importance of perseverance in our faith journey? What might be some "costs" we need to consider? [00:20]
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul emphasizes discipline and perseverance. How can these qualities be cultivated in a believer's life to ensure they finish the race well? [02:12]
Hebrews 3:12-14 highlights the role of community in maintaining faith. How can daily encouragement within a church community help prevent the hardening of hearts? [03:41]
The sermon discusses the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. How does living by the Spirit differ from adhering to rules, and what does this mean for Christian maturity? [16:34]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your spiritual journey. Have you counted the cost of following Christ, and are there areas where you need to recommit to finishing the race? What steps can you take this week to strengthen your perseverance? [00:20]
Discipline is crucial in the Christian life. Identify one area where you struggle with discipline. What practical steps can you take to improve in this area, and who can you ask to hold you accountable? [02:12]
Consider the role of community in your faith. How can you be more intentional about encouraging others in your church? Is there someone you can reach out to this week to offer support or encouragement? [03:41]
The sermon warns about the deceitfulness of subtle sins like hypocrisy and pride. Can you identify any subtle sins in your life that need addressing? What actions can you take to expose and overcome these sins? [05:38]
The New Covenant calls us to live by the Spirit. What does living by the Spirit look like in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance? [16:34]
Pursuing God requires a wholehearted commitment. How can you cultivate a deeper hunger and thirst for righteousness in your life? What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with God? [38:39]
Our faith should be evident in our actions. Think of one way you can be a witness to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in your life this week. How can you demonstrate the virtues outlined in the New Testament in your interactions with others? [59:33]

Sermon Clips

one of the problems I've seen through many years his believers who start well but don't finish the race or end badly and I wanted to just show you a couple of verses in that connection Luke 14 Jesus was talking about a man who wanted to build a house and he laid a foundation verse 29 he burst 28 he wanted to build a tower but he didn't count the cost of the building at the beginning or all of us who feel building a house or something you certainly sit down and say well how much is gonna cost and he didn't count the cost and without counting the cost he laid a foundation and so he was not able to finish [00:00:01]

take care brethren lest there should be in any one of you I was talking to believers know a lot there are some people who feel that if you accepted the Lord once you'll never fall away but you know you can't find that taught in Scripture very often it's people who take half a verse from somewhere who believe that but here it says take care brethren born-again believers lest there be in one of you an evil unbelieving heart that makes you fall away from the Living God [00:03:37]

encourage one another every single day as long as it is called today because let me paraphrase it in 24 hours you can be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin so encourage one another every day as long as it is called today lest any of you especially those who think I'll never fall I'm wholehearted lest any of you be hardened not by obvious sins by the deceitfulness of sin [00:04:59]

some of the deceitful sins are hypocrisy you know giving an impression to people it's not really true of our private life personal life or pride very deceitful selfishness it's amazing how a believer can be utterly selfish and have no clue about their selfishness it's a deceitful thing these are murder and adultery are not deceitful they are very obvious sense telling lies it's a very obvious sin [00:05:38]

the one who says he abides in Christ must walk in the same way as Jesus won't just listen to that I say I am abiding in Christ I'm in Christ and I'm supposed to walk as Jesus walked now it's it's terrible to think that God would ask us to do something which is impossible jesus said all of us are evil fathers compared to a loving father in heaven [00:12:43]

before faith came and that's referring to this New Covenant faith that came through Christ we were kept in custody under the law being shut up to the faith that was later to be revealed so the law is like a tutor or the margin says like a child conductor or a governess or a maid who was who we hired to look after a little child this is very common in India where families who can afford it will hire a maid to take the child to school because it's too young to go by itself [00:16:42]

now that the faith has come you don't need that governess you don't need that tutor because now you're not a child verse 26 you're a son you see the difference before that you were children and now you're a son and that's what's happened and so he goes on to say in Chapter four a child is under guardians verse two and managers even if the child is a billionaires child he cannot do anything with that money he doesn't know how to handle it [00:19:01]

blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness they shall be satisfied not those who want to find the answer but those who hunger and thirst to really live a godly life and they read something like you must walk as Jesus walk they say oh god that's why I want to walk they read every careless word they shall give an account Oh God I'm not afraid of judgment but I see my careless what dishonor you so I want to avoid it [00:34:54]

when you seek me you will find me only when you search for me with all your heart what about the guy who doesn't search for me with all his heart he won't find me or Hebrews 11:6 the King James is more accurate their God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied he will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart [00:38:39]

if anyone thirsts come to me Jesus said not all can come to him only those who thirst in other words Matthew 11:28 come to me those who are weary and heavy-laden and I paraphrase that like this come to me those of you who are sick and tired of your feeted life are you sick and tired not of other people the world is full of people are sick and tired of others [00:46:59]

when you're filled with the Holy Spirit can renew we were you will become my witnesses not bear witness you will be my witnesses that's what we am possessed not just with words that's bearing witness but be a witness by my life in other words we should be able to say to people come home and see how we live come home and see what we teach our children come and see not just coming here the message we preach on Sunday [00:59:33]

no servant can serve two masters and I've discovered through the years this is a message which Christendom truly needs to hear most Christian churches today are serving two masters and the two masters are not God and said no Christian believes they can serve God and Satan but many Christians believe they can serve God and money in other words you can have a passion for wealth and a passion for God it's a lie [01:04:29]

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Finishing Strong: The Marathon of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Perseverance in the Marathon of Faith

Day 2: Unmasking the Deceitfulness of Sin

Day 3: Embracing the Maturity of the New Covenant

Day 4: Wholehearted Pursuit of God

Day 5: Living as Witnesses to the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Finishing Strong: The Marathon of Faith

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