Sermon Central
-
The Finishing Anointing Series
Contributed by Dr. Tom Badia on Feb 27, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: b. It is not how you start the race nor what happens in the middle of the race that counts but it's how you finish the race of life that really counts. Eccle 9;11 the race is not for the swift, the battle is not for the strong,but time and chance happens to us all.
THE FINISHING ANOINTING
1. LIFE IS A RACE
a. The bible speaks of life as a race
2 Tim 4;7 I have fought a good fight of faith, I have finished the race set before me
b. It is not how you start the race nor what happens in the middle of the race that counts but its how you finish the race of life that really counts
Eccle 9;11 the race is not for the swift, the battle is not for the strong,but time and chance happens to us all. (Example Elijah and Ahab)
c. This race has rules
1 Corinthians 9:24-25:Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
d. Everybody’s race is unique,no comparison
2 Cor 10;12 they tat compare themselves with others are not wise
2. OVERCOMERS HAVE A “FINISHING ANOINTING”
a. Jesus in John 4;34 said ;my meat is to do his will and to finish his work
Philippians 1;6 he who begun a good work in you will accomplish it
• Overcomers don't merely start things.
• Overcomers keep on moving forward until they complete the task.
• Many people love to start new things but they seldom finish what they start.
b. The apostle Paul was a leader who left his mark on the world. He endured many hardships while he focused on sharing the Gospel. He was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and falsely accused; yet he never lost sight of his ultimate goal in life...Acts 20;24
3 CHARASTARISTICS OF THOSE WHO FINISH WELL
There are six major characteristics of people who finish well.
1.They have a network of meaningful relationships during their lifetime—Heb.12:1a.
We all need at least five meaningful relationships to help us finish well:
a. Models – to inspire us
b. Mentors – to develop us
c. Prayer partners – to strengthen us
d. Life long friends – to stick with us
e. Spiritual leaders – to guide us
2.They know how to identify and lay aside the weight that hinder them
Ho to identify the weights that hinder us from running well:
a.You are resentful toward those who hurt or betrayed you
b.You are isolated and unaccountable in your walk with God
c.Familiarity in your 5 major relationships
d.You have lost your spiritual passion for the things of God
e.You are critical about church and spiritual leaders
f.You are not learning and growing spiritually
g You have plateaued spiritually – no longer growing
h.You have hang your harp
3.They persevere in difficult times and ere disciplined in important areas of their lives vs 1
Isaiah 54;17...no weapon!.....
Isaiah 59;19... holly spirit shall....
4.They have perspective that enabled them to focus—vs 2
Hebrew 13;8
5.They enjoy intimacy with Christ and experienced repeated times of inner renewal—vs 3
Isaiah 40;31
Psalms 91;1-16
6.They maintain a positive learning attitude and life-style all their lives, and were committed to the Lord and His Word as the main source of that learning —
2 Tim. 3:16;
Matt. 11:28.
Dr. Tg Badia
