Enemies of the Cross
To finish the Christian race is even more important than to start it, and we must be careful not to allow the world's influence to lead us away from God's path.
E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of not only starting the Christian race but also finishing it well. He warns against being deceived by actions that may seem right but lead to destruction, urging believers to reflect on the consequences of their choices. Adeboye highlights the danger of allowing worldly influences to corrupt one's spiritual journey, leading to a shift from a focus on heaven to earthly desires. He calls for a return to a sincere love for God and a rejection of carnal behaviors that distance individuals from God's path.
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MEMORISE: 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.' (Prov 14:12)
READ: Philippians 3:17-21
It is good to begin the Christians race. But to start is not enough. To finish it is even more important. When we look around us, we have several examples of those who began well, but are ending up in bad shape.
Proverbs 14:12 says: 'There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.' Do you reflect on where your actions can lead you? Do you ever imagine that each step you take, each evil habit you continue to nourish and every act of disobedience to God's Word takes you gradually further away from the heavenly path into hell's pathway? Be careful.
When we came into the kingdom, we had sincere desire to love and serve God, so that we could eventually live with him in heaven. Along the line, some yielded to the devil's crafty manoeuves by accepting what they thought would help consolidate their carnal positions. Today, church politics in commonplace among leaders. They silence those they perceive will oppose or compete with them. They surround themselves with sycophants who daily sing their praises, to all their determent. Having begun in the spirit, many are finishing up in the flesh. The world has indeed crept into the church.
Some leaders have become enemies of the Christ through such actions. Some have even made their appetite their God. In order words, what determines the assignments they embrace for God is purely the monetary or material benefit they will derive. Have you fallen into a state where everything is carnally handled?
Also, do you take joy or pleasure in things that should cause you shame? Has your focus shifted away from heaven unto earthly things? Thank God that you have the opportunity now to turn around. Make your crooked ways straight today. Become a friend of the cross once again.
ACTION POINT
Determine in which ways have your actions made you an enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Desist from such actions today!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Finishing the Christian Race
- The Dangers of the World's Influence
- Becoming Enemies of the Cross
- Leaders who prioritize material benefit over God's assignments
- The importance of focusing on heavenly things
- Turning around and becoming a friend of the cross
Key Quotes
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — E.A. Adeboye
“Having begun in the spirit, many are finishing up in the flesh.” — E.A. Adeboye
“Make your crooked ways straight today. Become a friend of the cross once again.” — E.A. Adeboye
Application Points
- We must regularly examine our actions to ensure they align with God's will and not our carnal desires.
- We should prioritize spiritual growth and focus on heavenly things rather than earthly pursuits.
- We can turn around and become a friend of the cross by desisting from actions that make us enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ.