How can Believers Finish Well in their Walks with the Lord？
Alan Baker emphasizes the importance of living with an eternal perspective, faithfully serving God daily to finish well in the Christian race and hear the commendation 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living with an eternal perspective, making each day count as a precious gift from God. It challenges listeners to consider their actions in light of eternity, focusing on faithfulness in all tasks and preparations for standing before God's judgment. The urgency to run the race of life well, using every moment to serve the kingdom of God wholeheartedly, is highlighted.
Full Transcript
We need to be eternally minded. That's a daily preoccupation. We need to live our lives eternally minded.
That's what we need to do. And that will help us, okay? Remember that every day we have is a precious gift from Him. It is.
We do not know what can happen tomorrow. We don't. Our life is like a vapor.
Scripture says it can come and go. Myself, I've lost my... almost been at a point of losing my life many times. So I'm on borrowed time.
So how can I finish well? I need to make today count. I need to make today count. How can I make a difference today? What can I do for the kingdom of God? Yes, communion with the most beloved, absolutely.
But how can that be worked out with living in the world? Yes, I need to witness. I need to make Him known. I need to share of Him.
That's so important. So we need to prepare our lives eternally. Being in mind that one day I'm going to stand before Him.
Okay? I'm going to stand before Him. I'm not going to bring anything with me. And He's going to judge me.
And I want to hear those words. Well done. You're good and faithful.
The word operative word there is faithful. Am I faithful to that what I'm called to do? If I'm called to do the dishes, I need to do the dishes which means love, much love and much servanthood. Whatever I'm called to do, I need to do it well.
Because we have no good idea or the eternal consequences of what we do. But we need to do it well and faithfully unto Him, looking unto Him and keeping our eyes on the kingdom. Because this world, as you can see, is shaking to its core.
Governments are failing. There's much chaos, there's much uproar. But our hearts need to be settled on Him.
And we need to run that race, run that race. We don't, not to be slowing down. If we see the end of thing is coming, culminating, we need to run that race well.
We need to say, whatever time left I've got, I need to use it full out for the kingdom of God. When you're in a race, the last lap is the most important one. Because you've got competitors all around you and you've got to do that final lap.
You've got to have that final burst of energy. So you need that final burst of energy to cross that finishing line. To go into eternity.
I don't want to be found sitting on a seat or lying in a bed. I want to be found when He calls me, preaching the word, discipling, making disciples, reaching out, doing whatever for the kingdom of God. So we need to be mindful that one day you will stand before Him.
There's no second chances. The judgment is final. And we need to be looking to hear those words.
Well done, you good and faithful servant.
Sermon Outline
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I. Living Eternally Minded
- Recognize life as a precious, temporary gift
- Maintain daily focus on eternity
- Prepare for standing before God’s judgment
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II. Faithfulness in Daily Service
- Do all tasks with love and servanthood
- Be faithful in small and great callings
- Understand eternal impact of daily actions
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III. Running the Christian Race
- Keep eyes fixed on the kingdom amid worldly chaos
- Maintain endurance and energy to finish well
- Use remaining time fully for God’s kingdom
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IV. The Final Judgment and Reward
- No second chances at judgment
- Desire to hear 'Well done, good and faithful servant'
- Live in readiness to serve until the end
Key Quotes
“We need to be eternally minded. That's a daily preoccupation.” — Alan Baker
“I want to hear those words. Well done. You're good and faithful.” — Alan Baker
“When you're in a race, the last lap is the most important one... You've got to have that final burst of energy to cross that finishing line.” — Alan Baker
Application Points
- Live each day with the awareness that life is temporary and eternity is certain.
- Be faithful in all tasks, no matter how small, as service to God.
- Maintain spiritual endurance and focus to finish your Christian race well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be eternally minded?
Being eternally minded means focusing daily on the eternal significance of our lives and preparing for our final standing before God.
How can believers finish well in their walk with the Lord?
Believers finish well by faithfully serving God in every task, maintaining endurance in their spiritual race, and living with an eternal perspective.
Why is faithfulness important in Christian service?
Faithfulness demonstrates obedience and love to God, impacting eternity beyond what we can see, and it leads to God’s commendation.
What should believers do when facing worldly chaos?
Believers should keep their hearts settled on God, run their race with endurance, and focus on the kingdom of God.
What is the significance of the final judgment?
The final judgment is the moment when believers stand before God to receive their eternal reward, with no second chances.