Finishing the Race: Journeying in the Spirit
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the theme of finishing the race and the importance of journeying in the Spirit. We began by reflecting on Paul's journey as described in Acts 20, noting the seemingly mundane details of his travels. These details, however, become significant when viewed through the lens of a relationship with God. Just as a love letter from a spouse is cherished, so too should we cherish the Word of God, recognizing it as a love letter from our Creator. The key is not just reading the Bible for information but engaging with it relationally, allowing it to come alive in our hearts.
Paul's journey was marked by challenges and warnings of persecution, yet he remained steadfast, bound in the Spirit. This teaches us that while we know our ultimate destination—seeing Christ face to face—the journey itself is filled with ups and downs. We must navigate this journey with a deep connection to the Holy Spirit, finding moments of solitude and reflection, much like Paul did when he chose to walk alone to the next port.
Paul's life serves as a model for us. He was humble, served the Lord with tears, faced trials, and shared the gospel boldly. We are challenged to reflect on our own lives and consider what others would say about our walk with God. Are we living in a way that others see Christ in us? This reflection is not about impressing others but about living authentically for Christ.
Looking to the future, Paul was undeterred by the prospect of suffering. He was determined to finish his race with joy, knowing that his life was not his own but belonged to God. This perspective challenges us to consider what truly brings us joy and what we are willing to lay down our lives for. The joy of the Lord should be our strength, and nothing should rob us of that joy.
Finally, Paul’s declaration of the present reminds us of the urgency of sharing the gospel and living with the end in mind. We never know when our last day will be, so we must live each day fully for Christ, expressing our love for Him and for those around us. Our lives should be a testament to the gospel of grace, and our last words should reflect our love for God and others.
Key Takeaways:
1. Cherish the Word of God as a Love Letter:
The Bible is not just a historical document but a love letter from God. Engaging with it relationally allows even the mundane details to come alive and transform our hearts. [02:15]
2. Journey in the Spirit:
Like Paul, we must navigate our life's journey bound in the Spirit, finding moments of solitude and reflection to stay connected with God. This connection helps us face challenges with grace and strength. [06:40]
3. Live Authentically for Christ:
Reflect on your life and consider what others would say about your walk with God. Live in a way that others see Christ in you, not to impress, but to authentically represent Him. [09:38]
4. Find Joy in the Lord:
True joy comes from our relationship with God. We must guard this joy against anything that seeks to rob us of it, ensuring that our primary delight is in God's presence and His Word. [17:00]
5. Live with the End in Mind:
We never know when our last day will be, so we must live each day fully for Christ, expressing our love for Him and others. Our lives should be a testament to the gospel of grace, and our last words should reflect our love for God and those around us. [19:18]
YouTube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:15] - Cherishing the Word of God
[04:41] - Paul's Journey and Challenges
[06:40] - Walking Alone in the Spirit
[08:14] - Reflecting on Our Lives
[09:38] - Living Authentically for Christ
[10:26] - The Reality of Life and Death
[12:13] - Going Bound in the Spirit
[13:13] - Facing Persecution with Joy
[14:09] - Finishing the Race with Joy
[15:50] - Paul's Response to God's Call
[17:00] - Finding Joy in the Lord
[18:15] - Declaring the Present
[19:18] - Living with the End in Mind
[20:32] - Personal Challenge from Hebrews 12
[21:55] - Jesus' Joy and Our Salvation
[23:22] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 20:13-24 - Paul's Journey and Commitment
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race with Endurance
#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the mundane details of Paul's journey mentioned in Acts 20:13-16? Why might these details be significant when viewed through the lens of a relationship with God? [02:15]
2. How did Paul respond to the warnings of persecution and challenges he faced on his journey? [06:40]
3. What characteristics of Paul's life and ministry are highlighted in Acts 20:18-21? How did he serve the Lord? [09:38]
4. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what should believers focus on as they run their race? How does this passage describe Jesus' motivation for enduring the cross? [21:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon compare the Bible to a love letter from God? How does this analogy change the way we should approach reading Scripture? [02:15]
2. What does it mean to be "bound in the Spirit" as Paul was? How can this concept apply to our daily lives and decisions? [06:40]
3. How does Paul's determination to finish his race with joy, despite knowing the suffering that awaited him, challenge our understanding of joy and suffering in the Christian life? [14:09]
4. In what ways does living with the end in mind, as Paul did, influence our daily actions and priorities? How can this perspective shape our interactions with others? [19:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current approach to reading the Bible. Do you see it as a love letter from God? How can you cultivate a more relational engagement with Scripture this week? [02:15]
2. Paul found moments of solitude and reflection to stay connected with God. What practical steps can you take to find similar moments in your busy life? [06:40]
3. Consider what others might say about your walk with God. Are there areas in your life where you need to live more authentically for Christ? How can you make those changes? [09:38]
4. Identify something that currently robs you of the joy of the Lord. What specific actions can you take to guard your joy and ensure your primary delight is in God's presence and His Word? [17:00]
5. Think about the urgency of sharing the gospel and living with the end in mind. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the love of Christ? How can you share the gospel with them this week? [19:18]
6. Reflect on a recent challenge or trial you faced. How did you respond? How can you apply Paul's example of facing persecution with joy in your own life? [13:13]
7. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to lay aside every encumbrance and sin. What specific encumbrance or sin do you need to lay aside to run your race with endurance? How will you take steps to do this? [21:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Cherish the Word of God as a Love Letter
Description: The Bible is more than just a historical document; it is a love letter from God to His people. When we read the Bible, we should not approach it merely as a source of information but as a means to deepen our relationship with God. By engaging with Scripture relationally, even the seemingly mundane details can come alive and transform our hearts. Just as a love letter from a spouse is cherished and read with affection, so too should we cherish the Word of God. This perspective allows us to see the Bible as a living document that speaks to us personally and intimately. [02:15]
Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV): "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts."
Reflection: Think of a specific passage in the Bible that has deeply impacted you. How can you approach it today as a personal message from God, allowing it to speak to your heart anew?
Day 2: Journey in the Spirit
Description: Like Paul, we must navigate our life's journey bound in the Spirit, finding moments of solitude and reflection to stay connected with God. Paul's journey was marked by challenges and warnings of persecution, yet he remained steadfast, bound in the Spirit. This teaches us that while we know our ultimate destination—seeing Christ face to face—the journey itself is filled with ups and downs. By staying deeply connected to the Holy Spirit, we can face these challenges with grace and strength. Finding moments of solitude, much like Paul did when he chose to walk alone to the next port, helps us maintain this connection. [06:40]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Identify a specific time today when you can find solitude to connect with the Holy Spirit. How can this moment of reflection help you navigate a current challenge in your life?
Day 3: Live Authentically for Christ
Description: Reflect on your life and consider what others would say about your walk with God. Paul's life serves as a model for us; he was humble, served the Lord with tears, faced trials, and shared the gospel boldly. This reflection is not about impressing others but about living authentically for Christ. Are we living in a way that others see Christ in us? Authenticity in our faith means that our actions, words, and attitudes consistently reflect the character of Christ. It challenges us to live in a way that genuinely represents Him, not for the sake of appearances, but out of a true commitment to our faith. [09:38]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Think about your interactions with others today. How can you ensure that your actions and words authentically reflect Christ's love and character?
Day 4: Find Joy in the Lord
Description: True joy comes from our relationship with God. Paul was undeterred by the prospect of suffering and was determined to finish his race with joy, knowing that his life belonged to God. This perspective challenges us to consider what truly brings us joy and what we are willing to lay down our lives for. The joy of the Lord should be our strength, and nothing should rob us of that joy. We must guard this joy against anything that seeks to diminish it, ensuring that our primary delight is in God's presence and His Word. [17:00]
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’"
Reflection: Reflect on what currently brings you joy. How can you shift your focus to find deeper joy in your relationship with God today?
Day 5: Live with the End in Mind
Description: We never know when our last day will be, so we must live each day fully for Christ, expressing our love for Him and others. Paul's declaration of the present reminds us of the urgency of sharing the gospel and living with the end in mind. Our lives should be a testament to the gospel of grace, and our last words should reflect our love for God and those around us. This perspective encourages us to live intentionally, making the most of every opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love and share His message with others. [19:18]
James 4:14 (ESV): "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
Reflection: Consider one person in your life who needs to hear about the love of Christ. How can you intentionally share the gospel with them today, living with the end in mind?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Finish the race, but on the journey, go in the spirit. Finish the race, that's the destination. We sang about it this morning a lot, but to get to the destination, there's a journey." [00:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's not reading it. It's relationship. It's relationship to the author of the book. People all over the world read the Bible. Some get something out of it, historical information. But unless I'm in love with the author of the book and he's in love with me, then there is not that sense of power." [03:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I hope that you will fall in love with the author of the book. It will change your life. I used to read the Bible to study and to get a grade in seminary and then study to preach and then one day along to pass somewhere. I fell in love with the author of the book." [07:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is a God of outcomes. He wants your outcome to be full of joy. I've had the pleasure of sitting beside many in this congregation who have passed away. I've been with a few of them as they've actually passed. Some of saying in the spirit, some just sing hymns. But there's joy in their heart and joy in their life because God has done great things through them." [14:09] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Don't ever let anything interfere with your joy in God's words and his purpose for you." [17:00] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul had this understanding that his life wasn't perfect. That's for sure. But I'm challenged by this that he was bold enough to say. You know, what do you know about Mike Bear? What do you know? What do other people know about you? Some of you know things. I wish you didn't know about me, right? Thank God for his grace." [12:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul goes on to say not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city saying that chains and tribulations await me. Now, if you just booked a cruise, you know, the Caribbean, but then you got hurricane warnings and everybody's saying it's going to be the worst storm. You've ever seen in your life. And and the crew said, well, we're going to go. We're going to sell the ship." [13:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The response of Paul's response to the things of God. None of this moves me or frightens me. My life is not the most important thing. I'm determined to finish with joy. I'll finish the ministry that I received from Jesus that ministry, the gospel of grace. Can you say that nothing moves you? What frightens you? What or who would you lay down your life for? What is the real joy of your life?" [15:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What would your last words be to those you would never see? Have you shared the gospel of all of those whom you love?" [20:32] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I will fix my eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of my faith who for the joy set before him and I was that joy Jesus when he went to the cross. We sang about it earlier. He saw my face. He saw your face. He endured the cross. This is what I believe this passage teaches for the joy set before him. What was that? Joy? It was salvation. It was you and I he saw your face despising the shame sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." [21:55] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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