Will I Finish the Race? - Ajay Chakravarthy - August 2, 2017
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/will-finish-race River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the importance of finishing the Christian race by warning against common pitfalls like getting offended, the love of money, and allowing worldly pursuits to define one's identity. Using Judas and Demas as examples, the speaker urges the congregation to examine what truly drives them—whether it is ministry, worldly success, or something else—to ensure their focus remains on Christ's love.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What can we learn from the example of Judas?Judas started off well among the twelve disciples, but he ultimately became a betrayer because he stopped running when he got offended and allowed the love of money to take over.Luke 16:16
What happened to Demas?Demas was once a faithful fellow worker alongside Paul, but he eventually deserted the faith because he loved the present world.
Jesus finished the race secure in the Father's loveJesus was able to finish his course because he continually rested in the intimate testimony that the Father loved him.John 5:20
Paul and Peter never forgot God's loveApostles like Paul and Peter finished strong because they never forgot the personal mercy and immense love God had shown them.2 Timothy 4:7
Remembering the compassionate eyes of Jesus after failureWhen Peter denied Jesus, he wept bitterly upon seeing the Lord's eyes of mercy and compassion rather than condemnation, a reminder of how God views us in our failures.Luke 22:60–62
God loves us just as much as He loves JesusJesus prayed that believers would know the intense love of the Father, who looks upon every child of God with the exact same delight and sparkle in His eye as He has for Jesus.
Accepting the kindness and severity of GodAlongside God's immense love and comfort, true spiritual growth requires accepting His loving discipline so we do not become spiritual brats who reject correction.Romans 11:22
Enduring to the end when lawlessness increasesIn the last days, many people's love will grow cold due to increasing lawlessness, but those who keep their understanding of God's love alive will endure to the end and be saved.Matthew 24:12
