Finishing Well
"Finishing well" in the Bible refers to the concept of completing one's life or faith journey with integrity, faithfulness, and a strong commitment to God. This idea is closely tied to several biblical narratives and teachings that emphasize perseverance and the importance of a faithful end. For instance, the Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:7, reflects on his life by stating, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This declaration underscores the significance of maintaining one's faith and purpose throughout life's challenges and trials.The notion of finishing well also resonates with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where servants are entrusted with resources and are expected to manage them wisely until their master returns. The expectation is not only to start well but to also end with fruitful results. Additionally, Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us," highlighting the need for endurance and focus on Jesus as the ultimate example. Thus, finishing well encompasses a life lived in consistent faithfulness, culminating in a steadfast commitment to God’s call and purpose until the very end.
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Finishing the Race
By Jim Cymbala6.7K43:19HEB 3:7HEB 10:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of people who appear to be serving God but ultimately fall away. He references examples from the Bible, such as Demas who abandoned the ministry, to illustrate this point. The speaker emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice and having a personal relationship with Him, as it brings a transformative change to one's life. He urges listeners to trust in God's plan for their lives and not resist His calling, warning that disobedience can lead to a hardened heart and negative consequences.
Don't Let Me Live Wrong
By A.W. Tozer02TI 4:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God, expressing a deep desire to avoid a careless existence that leads to dishonor. He shares a heartfelt prayer asking God to take his life rather than allow him to live wrongly, reflecting on the story of Hezekiah, who, despite receiving an extension of life, ultimately failed to glorify God. Tozer's message is a call to remain steadfast in faith and to prioritize finishing well in our spiritual journey. He urges believers to seek righteousness and to be mindful of their mission to glorify God until the end.
Finishing the Course - 09 the Holy Spirit Frees Us From Legalism
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:07:39ISA 61:1ROM 1:18ROM 3:9ROM 5:1ROM 6:1ROM 7:1ROM 8:1ROM 9:14ROM 10:1ROM 11:1ROM 12:1ROM 13:1GAL 5:1In this sermon, the preacher provides a summary of the book of Romans, highlighting its key themes and teachings. He emphasizes that salvation is by grace and that both worldly and religious people are sinners. The preacher also discusses the concepts of justification by faith, victory over sin, and living in the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Additionally, he encourages believers to live in society, submitting to authority, and to love their neighbors as themselves.
Finishing the Course - 04 Three Secret Sacrifices (A) Secret Giving
By Zac Poonen2.6K40:21MAT 6:1LUK 16:11EPH 5:27In this sermon, Brother Zach addresses the complaint of boring sermons in churches. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money and possessions, as Jesus taught in Luke 16:11. Brother Zach shares the parable of the rich man who wanted to become even richer, highlighting the danger of placing our trust in wealth and neglecting our relationship with God. He encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual lives and not wait until retirement to give their lives fully to God. Additionally, he warns against seeking recognition and honor for acts of charity, emphasizing the importance of doing good deeds in secret.
Let Him Finish the Good Work Begun in You
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K28:36PSA 27:14JHN 14:21EPH 6:11PHP 2:13REV 3:17REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving the cross of Christ and not allowing the devil, the flesh, and the world to have sway in our lives. He refers to the book of Philippians as containing all the divine wisdom and instruction needed for a man of God to be perfect and established in every good work. The preacher shares a personal story of being tempted to watch a show that his father deemed as of the devil, and the conviction he felt afterwards. He warns about the influence of the devil in educational institutions, movies, and television programs, and the need for Christians to be aware of the poison being spewed out by the enemy. The preacher also highlights the importance of family worship and prioritizing time with God, and warns that backsliding and a lack of devotion to God can lead to judgment. He concludes by urging listeners to fully surrender their lives to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them.
Finishing the Course - 01 Staying Within Our Boundaries
By Zac Poonen3.0K57:41GEN 2:8EPH 4:15COL 1:24Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of growing in all aspects of our Christian life and staying within the boundaries God has set for us. He warns against the dangers of complacency and becoming busybodies in others' matters, which can hinder our spiritual growth. Poonen uses the analogy of a child coloring outside the lines to illustrate how we often neglect our own responsibilities while getting involved in things that do not concern us. He encourages believers to focus on fulfilling God's specific calling for their lives and to avoid distractions that lead us outside our designated boundaries. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to finish the course God has set for each of us, reflecting on the need for humility and obedience in our walk with Christ.
Finishing the Course - 02 Filling Up What Is Lacking
By Zac Poonen2.6K1:00:472SA 6:151CH 13:9MAL 4:6MAT 6:331CO 12:121CO 12:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people attending church meetings but not actively seeking fellowship with others. He emphasizes the importance of filling up what is lacking in our spiritual lives. The speaker uses examples from the Old Testament, such as Hagar and Sarah, to illustrate the dangers of pride and comparison. He also highlights the need to love the truth, including recognizing our own defects, and the importance of being part of the body of Christ and relying on others. The sermon concludes with a call to take seriously the areas where we need to fill up what is lacking and to grow spiritually.
I Don't Know How to Go On
By Carter Conlon1.8K48:28EXO 14:13PSA 23:4PSA 27:14PSA 34:17PSA 118:6JER 20:7MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and strength of God in overcoming challenges and obstacles. He encourages the audience to thank God for the victory and to trust in His ability to keep them. The preacher references the story of the Israelites in Exodus, highlighting how they were pursued by the Egyptians but ultimately walked out with a high hand, symbolizing their assurance of victory. He also mentions the struggles faced by believers today and assures them that God has a plan and will bring them to the end of that plan with joy. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer and a belief that the audience will experience victory in their lives.
Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:59:48GEN 18:27GEN 42:21JOB 42:5ISA 6:5MAT 17:6LUK 5:8REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Old Testament, whenever people received enlightenment from the scriptures, they saw Jesus and had a profound reaction of humility and awe. The speaker encourages the audience to seek not just to hear about God, but to truly see Him in their meetings and encounters with Him. He also shares a story about children trying to tell the biggest lie to win a dog, illustrating the need for humility and honesty in our interactions with others. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his desire to preach in a way that shines the light on Jesus and blows the trumpet of truth, even if he himself remains unseen or unknown.
Finish the Race With Prayer
By Carter Conlon1.6K49:58GEN 24:12MAT 6:33MRK 9:23MRK 11:22JHN 14:31HEB 11:6JAS 4:3The sermon is titled "Finish the Race with Prayer" and is part of a series called "Finishing the Race." The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in our journey as Christians. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to make the truth alive within us and enable us to walk in it. The sermon references biblical stories, such as Abraham's servant finding a bride for his son and the disciples' experience in the upper room, to illustrate the power of prayer and faith in God's promises. The speaker encourages believers to have faith, speak to their mountains, and believe that God will answer their prayers.
Finishing Well
By Heidi Baker5257:46PHP 1:3PHP 1:9PHP 2:1PHP 3:14HEB 3:4Heidi Baker delivers a powerful message on 'Finishing Well,' emphasizing the importance of enduring faith and love in the face of trials. She shares personal experiences of suffering and perseverance, particularly highlighting her husband's severe health challenges and the martyrdom of their friends in Mozambique. Baker encourages the congregation to focus on God's love and to finish their spiritual race with courage and joy, reminding them that true love manifests in action and sacrifice. She calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging believers to discern what is best and to live in the fullness of God's grace.
Ending Well
By Erlo Stegen02CH 29:22CH 32:7PRO 1:7PRO 16:18ISA 37:14ISA 38:1MAT 26:41PHP 3:14JAS 4:101PE 5:8Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of finishing well in his sermon 'Ending Well', using the life of King Hezekiah as a cautionary tale. Hezekiah started his reign with great zeal for God, cleaning the temple and trusting in God's deliverance against Sennacherib. However, pride crept in towards the end of his life, leading to poor decisions and ultimately a prophecy of destruction for Judah. Stegen warns that it is not enough to start well; one must also remain vigilant and faithful to the end, urging the congregation to 'watch and pray' to ensure a good ending. The sermon serves as a reminder that our spiritual journey requires continuous commitment and humility before God.
Finishing the Course - 10 Authoritative Praying
By Zac Poonen2.6K36:55MAT 28:18In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of serving the Lord in India without relying on financial support from others. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and struggles of the people we are called to serve, and encourages fasting as a way to empathize with the hungry. The speaker highlights the unique calling of Christians to represent Christ in a different way and to obey everything that Jesus commanded. He reminds believers of their authority and dignity as ambassadors of God's kingdom, regardless of their material possessions. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the speaker's commitment to continue preaching and serving until the end of his life.
Finishing the Course - 08 Being a Nobody
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:08:35JOB 29:15JOB 31:24MAT 6:33MAT 22:36In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how God allowed him to go through trials and humiliations because there was one fundamental thing wrong with him. Despite being a wealthy and successful man, Job lacked a deep relationship with God. Four preachers came to Job and wrongly assumed that his suffering was a result of secret sin in his life. However, God spoke to Job and showed him that He does not scold or judge people based on their circumstances. The speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our mind and heart, rather than being consumed by worldly distractions.
Finishing the Course Well
By J. Oswald Sanders6.3K1:04:36ISA 54:2JHN 1:14JHN 1:50ACT 2:41CO 9:24EPH 3:201TI 4:72TI 4:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive observers. He compares our tendency to be "TV athletes" who watch sports without actually participating, to how many of us approach our spiritual lives. The speaker encourages us to have a single-minded focus on our relationship with God and to pour all of our energy and effort into it. He gives examples of individuals who achieved great things by dedicating themselves to a specific goal, and challenges us to have the same ambition in our Christian walk.
Many Aspire, Few Attain
By Walter A. Henrichsen2.8K1:14:07DEU 6:6PRO 28:20JER 6:16MAT 22:37LUK 16:10ROM 12:91CO 9:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make them the foundations of their lives. The speaker also warns against being kick-oriented and always seeking new things, as this can lead to ineffectiveness in serving God. He lists 14 ways in which individuals can render themselves ineffective for God and urges the audience to choose wisely and not climb on the shelf for God. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 6:6 and Daniel 6:3, to support the speaker's points.