Finishing Strong: Strong Faith Makes for A Strong Finish

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

2 Timothy 4:6–8 “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

We are gathered here to celebrate the home going celebration.

The Believer is engaged in warfare; the act of fighting. The fight is to keep the faith.

Faith is essential in walking with God. In fact, to even know God is to first believe, believe that he is / exist, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him.

Through the scriptures, old and new testament text, he tells us repeatedly that “the just shall live by faith”. It is the word of God, the scriptures and by its prophets, to grow us in our faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God

In one context, it could suggest the ‘just’ as those who walk / stand up in righteousness; and in its new testament context, the suggestion of ‘the justified refers to the redemptive work of Christ, lives by the faith - that the work of Christ is applied to the believer, that is you and I. In other words, The righteousness of God is applicable to you and I because of our faith. (reconciliation, propitiation - “that is being justified by faith, we have peace with God; by faith through grace are we saved”).

I know you want to condemn me, but God forgives me.

I Know you want to hold me down, but God wants to Lift me up

I know you want to execute Justice/penalize me for all that I get wrong, but God Redeems Me

Now this faith, for clarity, is not that of a fictional character we call ‘Santa Claus’ effect. The santa Claus effect in light of this message, would suggest that one simply makes a list, then submits it to God. Suggesting that your relationship with God is limited and transactional, based solely on ‘what i can think ,i want ,or need’ and I'm ‘hoping’ he sees me as deserving enough to deliver.

No, no, to the contrary, In fact, this faith comes with a description for the basis of our faith, that we should consider the author’s words found in XXX , its In him that I “live, move, and have my being”. There is that word ‘live’ again - its suggests to ‘take residence in, to dwell’ The victorious life for the believer doesn't have faith only for escaping judgment, the wrath God, and Hell! But it is the foundation to the very essence of our lives.

How I see myself, how I see the world, how I make decisions, and how I show up.

My faith, while certainly, needed in moments of trials, discomfort, tests, indecision and the salvation moments of our lives, it is also for direction, guidance, and encouragement. (This Faith is believing confessing and believing)

This text implies, not just a moment of decision or thought, but instead reminds us that we are to be in an ever present state of faith, that is belief in God. (that living our lives by faith) -

In the text, apostle Paul Begins with the word “Finally” -

Paul as the author of both of our theme scriptures, here in Ephesians concludes his letter to the church of Ephesus by identifying the life of the believer, the disciple’s life as spiritual warfare for all believers.

The first thing he points us to is God’s Power!

God’s Keeping Power. God’s sustaining power, God’s

He says: Be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of his Strength (of God’s Strength)

God’s power has no limitations. It is immeasurable and containable! This same power, created the heaven and the earth. This same power created the heavenly host and created man from the dust, and gave him life! This same power, move mountains, descends fire from heaven, stands water vertically, causes teh wind and teh sea to obey! This same power caused “elder woman to bear a son’ ; when it seemed impossible. Most importantly, this power, -that dutomous power - is of particular mention in this text, is Paul’s understanding and reliance on that resurrection power of Jesus Christ - the same power exerted to his right hand and that he gives to you and I through the holy ghost baptism.

And so relying on his power, we are instructed to prepare to fight ! Why should we need to fight?

Well we have an adversary , we have a false accuser who shoots fiery dots, through trials, temptations, toils, snares, and ‘situations’ ! All with the intent to keep you from being in fellowship, obedience, and surrender to the Lord, his call in you life, and his purpose/destiny while in the earth.

And so, the idea that we as disciples of Christ is this - that we should be walking with god - which means living your life according to biblical principals, maintain a daily encounter with the Lord through prayer, worship, praise, having an attitude of servitude to others, and most importantly walking / behaving in “love’ (its not about me, but its about please the Lord).

And so this adversary - He opposes God, and he opposed all those who seek God and seek to live a life surrendered to God. He will do all he can to opposed your growth, your fortitude, your consistency, and your commitment to your faith.

In fact, the letter lets us know that Opposition to our faith can come in many forms: circumstance, situations, demonic activity - also known as wicked schemes,lies,false accusations,manipulation, controlling, (for he tells us

And so we are to prepare for war - but our war/fight is not a carnal fight - its a spiritual one (we wrestle not against flesh and blood) but against authorities,power of darkness and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. Therefore he says, take up the armor of God. In other prepare to fight!

Later in this text, he tells us about the whole armour of God, using imagery depicting the character of God and Christ equipping believers for the spiritual battle - Note the armor includes Truth, Righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and God’s Word! all tied up in consistency, alertness, and dependence on the Spirit in prayer (most important weapon)

In this fight, we gotta put down the gun, the knife, the gossip, the envy, the cussing, the silent treatment, the grudges, the isolation, the ghosting, the mockery and foolishness

In this fight, we gotta put down (give it up/surrender) in all the temptations and the lusts of the flesh (all filthiness of the flesh and spirit) - let go of the flesh . . .

In this fight, we put down ungodly lifestyles - filthiness of the spirit -envy,strife,lying, jealousy,

Anna Stood Strong in the Lord ! Anna, as a solder in the Lord’s Army, Was a exemplary warrior, enduring hardness in her christian discipleship journey.

She was a fighter, even unto the end,that to her last breath! She was one who stood on the word, in much as she knew and understood. She spoke it with confidence and boldness!

Why, because my grandmother experienced and continued to experience that redeeming love, and that holy ghost power throughout the days of her life.

Through her heartaches,disappoints, backstabbers, false accusations, dis-respect, insults, bully’s, she stood !

In strength,she divorced and sought to make a better life for herself, when it was unheard of (1960s and oppty for black skin and woman were not a guarantee,and seemingly -un attainable right). She stood in faith, leaving her kids to re-start,and she triumphed.Going on to re-marry and live the life she believed God had for her! Working during day, going to school in evening, saving and sending money to care for her kids, and yet loving on others! But she so journeyed in faith, why? she trusted God, she got her direction and went forward!

In strength, she labored day and night working for the well being of her family, her kids, and her grand-kids. In strength, she gave to all, including nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

In strength,she stood against the strife often ensnaring her children vying for ‘attention’ and ‘love’; and her grandchildren acting like they don't have good sense or godly instruction! yes, she loved on each of them! And she stood on business when it came to chastisement and correction! Love corrects (God chastises them who he loves)

In strength, she helped those who would later betray with hurtful words and deeds (lies,false accusations); seemingly finger-pointing to her for their own faults, behaviors, and current lots in life. She stood strong and tall, to these same persons - she helped anyway. She forgave those who behaved disrespectfully to her and to others in the family.

In strength, she buried four children (late in her life), yet she stood on faith carrying a wounded spirit and a broken heart. She didn't breakdown,she didn't give up, she cuss us or God! But she stood!

In strength, she prayed daily, worshipped, encouraged others while being limited to a bed for nearly ten years! Through occasional hospital visits, loneliness when many she befriended passed on, and many of her family didn't come to see her - yes, she was hurt, but she stood strong on her faith! She maintained a tender heart,when it would seem all that life was could make her bitter

She gave life of servitude to her family, to her community, and to her church! She took on mother-hood to so many! Her Making of strength, came though heartache, disappointment, betrayal, and in many instances having to walk alone! These were the ‘presser/crushes’ to destiny and purpose!

In her life, she was no stranger to the twin cousins of Standing Strong through her relentless fortitude to Fight!

So in the end,She finished Strong. AND for you, we must Be strong and Fight On!

In the parting scripture, Paul says the time of his departure is at hand! And I have given all that I can give! (poured out all I could)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Well what is that good fight?

Fight to Believe and Trust God

Fight against Flesh & All of its Weaknesses and Temptations

Fight Against the World (way of thinking/living)

Fight of the Will (my will vs his will)

Fight against Evil & Devil (his forces)

I have kept the Faith

I have finished my Course!

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”