Finishing The Race Strong - Sanjay Poonen
Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The speaker encourages the young people to finish their race with faithfulness, emphasizing that life presents a binary choice: either we die or we meet the Lord. Drawing from the parable of the talents, he stresses that faithfulness, not worldly success, is what matters to God. He urges the congregation to persevere in their walk, drawing parallels to marathon running, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for the strength to remain faithful.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Finishing strong in whatever year comes nextThe speaker shares a burden for the next generation to finish strong, noting that sooner or later everyone will either die or meet the Lord.
Gratitude and the obligation to be faithfulTwo sides of the same coin are tremendous gratitude for Jesus and godly examples, and the obligation to be faithful with what God has given.
The Parable of the TalentsLooking at Matthew 25, the master responds to the servants who used their bags of gold with well done good and faithful servant, contrasting with the doom of the unfaithful servant.
Success versus faithfulnessThe world and even some churches focus on being successful, but God calls us to be faithful, which is something every believer can attain through the Holy Spirit.
The Christian life as a marathonUnlike a short sprint, the Christian life is a marathon that lasts as long as you live, featuring occasional bumps along the way.
Getting back up after a fallLike the Somalian Olympic athlete who fell during a 10,000-meter race and still won, believers who stumble can get back up and continue.
Running to win the imperishable prizeFirst Corinthians 9 describes how athletes exercise self-control for a perishable crown, while believers run for an imperishable one.1 Corinthians 9:24–27
The heritage of faith and three rules for runningConsidering the great cloud of witnesses and the precious heritage received, there are three simple ways to run and finish strong.Hebrews 12:1–2
Lay aside every encumbrance and entangling sinThe first step is to lay aside whatever burden, bad friendship, or addicting sin is holding you back and causing you to stumble.
Run with enduranceThe second step is to run with endurance because it is a marathon lasting until death or the return of Jesus, not a short sprint.
Fix your eyes on JesusThe third step is to fix your eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith and endured the cross with joy.
Life is not guaranteedBecause life is short and not guaranteed, we should live each day fully for the Lord regardless of past failures.
Help others get back upDo not stop praying for friends or family members who have stumbled, encouraging them to get back up and stay in the race.
The global impact of faithfulnessThrough modern technology, messages from CFC are blessing people all over the world, proving that God uses ordinary faithfulness.
