31st Dec 2017 - Finishing The Race Strong - Sanjay Poonen
31st Dec 2017 - 1. Finishing The Race Strong - Sanjay Poonen 2. Trust God To Give You His Nature - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message encourages the congregation to give thanks to God for His faithfulness and mercy throughout the year, drawing parallels to Psalm 106 and Psalm 116. The core theme is finishing the race strongly, acknowledging that life is finite and urging the listeners, especially the youth, to live with purpose in anticipation of meeting the Lord. The speaker emphasizes that God has a glorious future planned for them.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Worship and praise for God's faithfulnessThe service begins with songs of praise celebrating God's enduring love, His goodness, and His faithfulness throughout the past year.
Reflecting on God's goodness over the yearIn prayer, the speaker acknowledges that God has been faithful from the beginning of the year, providing health, life, and mercy despite human sin.
The call to finish the race strongUsing the parable of the talents, the speaker argues that our obligation is not worldly success, but to be found faithful in the spiritual marathon of life.
How to be faithful in the raceEven if recent years have been difficult, you can persevere and get back up by applying the truths found in Hebrews 12:1-2.Hebrews 12:1–2
Three obligations for running the raceTo finish strong, we must lay aside every encumbrance and sin, run with endurance, and fix our eyes on Jesus.
The power of your choicesAs you look toward the new year, remember that God gives you the choice to change; your current spiritual state is the result of the decisions you have made.
Faith means believing in what does not yet existJust as Abraham believed he would be the father of many nations despite being childless, we must believe God can bring victory over sin even when we are currently defeated.Romans 4:17
The necessity of recognizing our own defeatThe speaker shares how experiencing deep personal defeat helped him realize he was no better than anyone else and that victory must come from God's revelation.
Distinguishing between human effort and God's promiseUsing the story of Hagar and Sarah, the speaker warns against trying to produce 'Ishmaels' through self-discipline and instead encourages relying on the New Covenant power of God.
Distinguishing between fellowship and loveWhile we may not be able to have fellowship with everyone due to their lack of interest, we must maintain a heart of love for all people without bitterness.
Rejecting 'Ishmaels' and seeking the promiseWe should stop presenting our own human efforts, or 'Ishmaels,' to God and instead rely on His promises to produce true victory.
Prioritizing a genuine heart over human testimonyTrue spiritual maturity is found in being genuinely filled with the Holy Spirit and partaking in God's nature, rather than seeking the approval or testimony of men.
Avoiding spiritual surprises before the LordThe speaker warns against being shocked by God's judgment, urging believers to work out their salvation with fear and a desire for God's nature to transform their hearts.
Finding purpose in our lostnessAddressing those who feel lost or sinful, the speaker reminds them that Jesus came specifically to save sinners and that God has a restorative purpose for everyone.
A prayer of thanks and seeking the SpiritThe service concludes with a prayer of gratitude for God's faithfulness and a petition for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to sustain the church in the coming year.
