Strength in Humility: Finishing the Race Well
Summary
### Summary
In today's gathering at Fresh Dreams, we explored the current state of the church and the challenges faced by its leaders. We acknowledged that we are not in a period of revival but rather on the margins, a place where Jesus often resides. This is a time for humility and a return to the basics of faith, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4. Paul’s words remind us to preach the word, be prepared in all seasons, and endure hardships with patience and careful instruction.
We also reflected on Hebrews 11:13, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith until the end. This led us to the central question: How can we know God's strength to finish the race well? The journey of leadership is fraught with challenges, including weariness, burnout, and conflict. Many leaders are struggling, feeling unsupported, and even experiencing trauma. Yet, there is hope. God's grace is sufficient, and we can finish the race with strength and joy.
To do so, we must go deep in our spiritual lives, nourishing our souls with Scripture and maintaining a varied spiritual diet. We need to process conflict and criticism well, understanding that these are inevitable in leadership. Knowing our "why"—our God-given purpose—helps us stay focused and avoid distractions. Lifelong learning and embracing new ideas are crucial for growth. Finally, we must recognize the power of the comeback, understanding that even in our lowest moments, God can bring about renewal and strength.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Humility and Marginality: In a time when the church is on the margins, it is crucial to adopt a posture of humility rather than entitlement. Jesus often resides in the margins, and it is here that we can find Him and His strength. This perspective helps us to focus on the essentials of our faith and ministry. [01:07]
2. Maintain Faith Until the End: Hebrews 11:13 challenges us to live by faith until we die. The faith we end with is more important than the faith we start with. This enduring faith requires us to continually seek God's strength and guidance, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty. [04:17]
3. Nourish Your Soul with Scripture: Reading the Bible should be more than a task; it should be a source of nourishment for our souls. Passages like Psalm 27 and Romans 8 remind us of God's love and our identity as His children. This spiritual nourishment is essential for sustaining us in our leadership roles. [16:45]
4. Process Conflict and Criticism Well: Conflict is inevitable in leadership, but how we handle it determines our ability to finish well. Denial and peacekeeping are not effective strategies. Instead, we must address conflicts head-on, seek reconciliation, and maintain healthy boundaries. External support, such as counseling and spiritual direction, can be invaluable. [25:20]
5. Recognize the Power of the Comeback: The Bible is full of stories of people who experienced significant setbacks but made powerful comebacks. Whether it's Moses, Joseph, David, or Peter, their stories remind us that our best days may still be ahead. Even if we feel like giving up, God's grace offers us the strength to continue and finish the race well. [39:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Embrace Humility and Marginality
[02:04] - Reading from 2 Timothy 4
[04:17] - Importance of Enduring Faith
[05:07] - How to Finish the Race Well
[07:01] - Defining Reality in Leadership
[09:29] - State of Our Souls and Weariness
[12:52] - The Danger of Cynicism
[15:14] - The Sufficiency of God's Grace
[16:45] - Nourishing Your Soul with Scripture
[20:12] - Building a Varied Spiritual Diet
[25:20] - Processing Conflict and Criticism
[30:48] - Knowing Your Why
[35:07] - Lifelong Learning
[39:34] - The Power of the Comeback
[43:46] - Encouragement and Prayer for Leaders
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 4:1-8
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2. Hebrews 11:13
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth."
3. Psalm 27:1-4
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 4:2, what are the three actions Paul charges Timothy to perform with great patience and careful instruction?
2. In Hebrews 11:13, what does it mean that the people were "still living by faith when they died"?
3. How does Psalm 27:1 describe the Lord, and what effect does this have on the psalmist's fear?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "preach the word" and to be "prepared in season and out of season" as instructed in 2 Timothy 4:2? How can this be applied in today's context? [02:04]
2. Hebrews 11:13 speaks of maintaining faith until the end. Why is enduring faith important, and how can it impact our daily lives and leadership? [04:17]
3. Psalm 27:1-4 emphasizes the Lord as a stronghold and a source of confidence. How can this understanding of God help us face challenges and conflicts in leadership? [16:45]
### Application Questions
1. Embrace Humility and Marginality: Reflect on a time when you felt on the margins. How did you see Jesus in that situation, and how can embracing humility help you in your current leadership role? [01:07]
2. Maintain Faith Until the End: What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your faith remains strong and enduring, especially during difficult times? [04:17]
3. Nourish Your Soul with Scripture: How can you make Bible reading a source of nourishment rather than a task? Share a specific passage that has recently nourished your soul and explain why. [16:45]
4. Process Conflict and Criticism Well: Think of a recent conflict or criticism you faced. How did you handle it, and what strategies can you implement to process such situations better in the future? [25:20]
5. Recognize the Power of the Comeback: Reflect on a setback you have experienced. How did you see God's grace in that situation, and what steps can you take to prepare for a potential comeback? [39:34]
6. Know Your Why: What is your God-given purpose, and how does it shape your daily decisions and actions? How can you stay focused on this purpose amidst distractions? [30:48]
7. Lifelong Learning: Identify a new idea or concept you have recently encountered. How can you integrate this into your leadership or spiritual practice to grow and improve? [35:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Humility and Marginality
In times when the church finds itself on the margins of society, it is essential to adopt a posture of humility rather than entitlement. Jesus often resides in the margins, and it is here that we can find Him and His strength. This perspective helps us to focus on the essentials of our faith and ministry. Embracing humility means recognizing our limitations and our need for God's guidance and strength. It also means being willing to serve others, even when it is not glamorous or recognized by the world.
In this place of marginality, we are reminded of the core of our faith: love, service, and dependence on God. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with Jesus' example and open ourselves to His transformative power. This humility allows us to see the needs of others and respond with compassion and grace, reflecting the heart of Christ in our actions and attitudes. [01:07]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel marginalized or overlooked. How can you embrace humility in this situation and seek to serve others as Jesus would?
Day 2: Maintain Faith Until the End
Hebrews 11:13 challenges us to live by faith until we die. The faith we end with is more important than the faith we start with. This enduring faith requires us to continually seek God's strength and guidance, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty. Maintaining faith until the end means trusting in God's promises and His character, even when circumstances are difficult or when we do not see immediate results.
Enduring faith is built through a consistent relationship with God, where we seek Him daily and rely on His Word for guidance and encouragement. It involves a commitment to prayer, worship, and community with other believers. By maintaining faith until the end, we demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for our lives. [04:17]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you see God's faithfulness in that situation, and how can you continue to trust Him in future challenges?
Day 3: Nourish Your Soul with Scripture
Reading the Bible should be more than a task; it should be a source of nourishment for our souls. Passages like Psalm 27 and Romans 8 remind us of God's love and our identity as His children. This spiritual nourishment is essential for sustaining us in our leadership roles. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's Word to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
Nourishing our souls with Scripture involves more than just reading; it requires meditation, reflection, and application. As we engage with God's Word, we are reminded of His promises, His character, and His love for us. This nourishment strengthens our faith and equips us to face the challenges of leadership with grace and wisdom. [16:45]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: Choose a passage of Scripture to meditate on today. How can you apply its truths to your current circumstances and leadership responsibilities?
Day 4: Process Conflict and Criticism Well
Conflict is inevitable in leadership, but how we handle it determines our ability to finish well. Denial and peacekeeping are not effective strategies. Instead, we must address conflicts head-on, seek reconciliation, and maintain healthy boundaries. External support, such as counseling and spiritual direction, can be invaluable. Processing conflict and criticism well involves humility, patience, and a willingness to listen and learn.
By addressing conflicts directly and seeking resolution, we create an environment of trust and respect. This approach allows for growth and healing, both personally and within the community. It also sets an example for others to follow, demonstrating that conflict can be an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. [25:20]
Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV): "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or criticism you faced. How can you address it with humility and seek reconciliation in a way that honors God?
Day 5: Recognize the Power of the Comeback
The Bible is full of stories of people who experienced significant setbacks but made powerful comebacks. Whether it's Moses, Joseph, David, or Peter, their stories remind us that our best days may still be ahead. Even if we feel like giving up, God's grace offers us the strength to continue and finish the race well. Recognizing the power of the comeback means understanding that failure is not the end, but an opportunity for growth and renewal.
God's grace is sufficient for every situation, and He can bring about transformation and restoration in our lives. By trusting in His power and seeking His guidance, we can overcome setbacks and move forward with hope and confidence. The power of the comeback is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to work all things for our good. [39:34]
Micah 7:8 (ESV): "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a setback. How did you see God's grace at work in that situation, and how can you trust Him for a comeback in your current challenges?
Quotes
1. "I think it's a time for humility rather than entitlement. I think it's synagogues rather than temples." [01:07] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It suggests to me that the faith that we end with is probably more important than the faith that we start with. So I'm going to throw one or two hand grenades out today if that's okay. I want to get us to think." [04:17] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to say at the outset, I'm going to be honest. Not that I'm normally dishonest. But I feel like I just want to say a few things as it were in an environment where I feel we can trust one another." [07:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The word that keeps coming up most regularly amongst ministers that I talk with is weary. We're weary. Can we identify with that? Weary. I actually think we're in bigger trouble than that. Sorry about this. And I think COVID has brought out into the open. What was lurking underneath before." [09:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I see plenty of ministers and leaders suspended from ministry because of conflict with their churches. So many unresolved issues. I see many of our, many of my ministerial colleagues joining trade unions. That's an interesting one, isn't it? Joining unison religious workers department. Why? Because they don't feel that they get any support anywhere else." [10:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I understand why leaders become cynical. But I can never justify it. Never justify it, I'm sure. We heard that text, didn't we? From Proverbs 4.23 earlier. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Lord, save us. From cynicism." [12:52] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Maybe you're on the edge. Maybe you're wondering if you'll have strength to finish the day. Never mind, get to the finishing line. How do I summarize this happy state of affairs? Don't worry, this talk's going to get better." [14:05] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "But where the grace of God is, there is always a tomorrow. You know, I want to say I believe some scandalous things. One of the scandalous things, I believe, is that His grace is actually sufficient. It's an outrageous thing to believe, isn't it?" [15:14] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Don't ever forget that before... I know most of you are leaders. Before ever you're a leader. Or a minister. Or a youth and children's worker. Or a pastor. Or an elder. Or a deacon. Don't ever forget before any of those things. You are a child of God. Don't ever forget that he loves you." [18:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you're going to finish well, you've got to go deep. But you've got to build a varied spiritual diet. Now, listen carefully here. In Richard Foster's cracking book, Streams of Living Water... Have you read that book? If you've not read that book, you need to. In fact, if you don't read it, I'm not sure you'll get to heaven." [20:12] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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