Finish The Race Well (series 1)
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5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
Introduction (5min)
Introduction (5min)
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Introduction (5min)
Introduction (5min)
2 Timothy
Each new year its a tradition to write down our new year's resolution. Its a time that we set our plans and goals for the coming year.
Each new year its a tradition to write our new year's resolution. Its a time that we set our plans and goals for the coming year.
But tell me, how many of you have able to meet that goal?
But tell me, how many of you have able to meet that goal?
May be some have set the goal to loose weight, some might have set to save some money for savings, or some might have set to fix a broken relationship.
But after a year,
Personal Goal --> Spiritual Goal
Today, the last Sunday of this year, is a time that we remember everything in the past one year. A time to review our goals and plans, the challenges we faced, our failures and our successes. It is a time of realization that every year we run in a never ending race.
Personal Race --> Spiritual Race
Yes, there is a race. A race of life. But the question is, are we on-track on finishing the race well? Or do we even know that we are on the race or we just go with the flow of life?
But the question is, are we on-track on finishing the race well? Or do we even know that we are on the race? Or do we mind to finish the race?
Yes, there is race. But the question is, are we on-track on finishing the race well? Or do we even know that we are on the race? Or do we mind to finish the race?
Bro. Faithful, what is that race you are talking about? My beloved Church, its a race of life. A race of glorifying the Heavenly Father who are watching over us.
Let us finish the race well. Yes, we can finish the race well.
When Paul said in
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
It is giving us an idea that Paul had set his goals and objectives on things above. When he said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”, knowing his nearly execution, we know that Paul was not thinking about how many possessions he had acquired in his entire life. I also don’t think any rich person thinking about possession at the brink of death.
Paul, in His final letter to Timothy before his death has said
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 7
Every year we set our personal goal or family goal. But have we mind to set our spiritual goals?
One thing I am sure. Paul reminisce about his journey in the LORD. How he suffered for the gospel. Like Christ when He gave His own life for us to become a ransom for many, Paul did not hesitate to give his own life for the sake of the gospel.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Now, as we end this year, let us consider these three (3) fundamental life biblical principles on how to Finish the race well according to the second letter of Paul to Timothy.
Let us open our bible to:
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-
The book of 2 Timothy is the last letter of Paul to Timothy before his death. During the time that this letter was written, Paul was in prison in Rome waiting for his execution.
In every year we faced trials and challenges, failures and success. And in this life, there is one thing that is sure and true, we are all in a race. But the question is, are you willing to win that race?
In every year we faced trials and challenges, failures and success. And in this life, there is one thing that is sure and true, we are all in a race. But the question is, are you willing to win that race?
Yes, there is a race. A race of life.
Yes, there is a race. A race of life.
This was the time when there were great persecution in the Church. Christians were being killed.
Every year we run our life with the goals and plans. Yes, each year. Or for some without a clear personal direction and just going with the flow.
Every year we run our life with the goals and plans. Yes, each year. Or for some without a clear personal direction and just going with the flow.
In particular, Emperor Nero had some sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and then worried by dogs until they expired; and others dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire; but it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christianity. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred.
To their names may be added, Erastus, chamberlain of Corinth; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, and Trophimus, an Ephesians, converted by St. Paul, and fellow-laborer with him, Joseph, commonly called Barsabas, and Ananias, bishop of Damascus; each of the Seventy.
Knowing these, we have now a better understanding about the great suffering of the early Christians compared to our suffering today.
But now, let us focus on the 3 key principles on how to finish the race well in-spite of sufferings.
But in-spite of that
First principle:
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
In the verse 5 we can see that Paul, Timothy, and Timothy’s mother and grandmother has something that connects them. They have a common denominator. And that is their genuine faith.
In the verse 5 we can see that Paul, Timothy, and Timothy’s mother and grandmother has something that connects them. They have a common denominator. And that is their genuine faith.
2 Timothy 1
Then, what is this genuine faith that Paul has talking about?
A genuine faith is a saving faith.
Connect: Genuine Faith
Connect: Genuine Faith
(15min)
(15min)
Connect to a genuine faith
In , did mentioned about this genuine faith.
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
We can see that Paul, Timothy, and Timothy’s mother and grandmother has something that connects them. They have something common, a common denominator. And that is their genuine faith.
Then, what is this genuine faith that Paul has talking about?
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Corinthians 15:1
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Genuine faith is a saving faith. It is a faith without hypocrisy. It is a faith that grows from a little seed to a rooted and strong tree.
Paul, affirms Timothy’s genuine faith.
Being connected to the genuine faith is a fundamental aspect of running and finishing the race well.
Are you connected?
Are you connected?
A genuine faith is a saving faith
What is not saving faith
What is not saving faith
What is a saving faith
What is a saving faith
Have you searched your heart whether you are in the faith? Connection is vital in every aspect of human life. So does our spiritual life.
Be connected.
The bible warns us that
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Because:
Romans 3:
10 As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
10 As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
We are doomed to fail. We deserved death in hell.
We are doomed to fail. We deserved death in hell.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But the good news is… God love us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to died for our sins.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God loves not our sins for He hates sin. But God loves you as you are. He don’t want you to live in sin. He wants you to live with Him in righteousness and holiness.
Then, what can I do to be connected with Jesus?
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
1. Admit that you are a sinner
Believing means entrusting your life to Jesus. It is not just by intellectual knowledge but it is letting God hold you.
2. Confess your sins
To do that, because we are a sinners.
We need to confess that we are a sinner
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Then believe that Christ has risen from the dead. The bible said, “you will be saved.”
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Accept Christ as your personal LORD and Saviour. And let Him to be the master of your life.
Be connected to the genuine faith.
Not only Connect. Lets put it this way, when you are connected to the genuine faith, the following principle will flow accordingly through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Our connection should have manifestation. When we are rightly connected, it will manifest to our work, values and character.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
2 Timothy 1:8-
After Paul, affirmed the genuine faith of Timothy, Paul encouraged timothy to do not be ashamed of the gospel.
Knowing the situation and great persecution in the Church, Paul knows that there is a possibility that Timothy might be discouraged or tempted to turn-away from the faith as what other Christian did to Paul.
In 2 Timothy
15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
1:13-
So to help us to hold-on to the sound teaching we need to: Commune with the gospel
Commune with the gospel
Now, after Paul affirms Timothy’s genuine connection in the faith, Paul reminds Timothy to not be ashamed of the testimony of the LORD.
Commune: Gospel
Commune: Gospel
(20min)
(20min)
Commune with the gospel
Commune with the gospel
Knowing the situation at their time, Paul have challenge Timothy to “share with me in the sufferings for the gospel”. It is an idea of communal aspect that helps sufferer in the midst of suffering.
However, Paul and Timothy and other believers are not to “join in suffering” simply for their own interpersonal enrichment, but for the gospel. Paul invites to join him because he is inviting them to follow their crucified Messiah.
Let us remember this, when we connect to the genuine faith. We
When we talk about communing with the gospel, it means having a fellowship with God. Its an experiential relationship. Something we experience when we connect and commune with God.
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Persecutions: Social Acceptance
Lets check the three (4) aspect that we can experience with God when we commune with the gospel.
Afflictions: Social Privileges
Experiencing God: Power
Experiencing God: Power
Sufferings
What does communing with the gospel mean?
Sharing in the sufferings
Experiencing God
Experiencing God
Experiencing God: Power
Experiencing God: Power
With God’s power we have been saved
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Through God’s power we are saved
Through God’s power we are saved
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
It is only through the power of God that we can be redeemed from our sins. There are no other person or people, can ever save us from the wrath of God because of our sins. Only through Jesus Christ.
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Through God’s presence we are called
Through God’s presence we are called
Experiencing God: Presence
Experiencing God: Presence
With God’s presence we have been called
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
Through God’s works and indwelling, we are called. We experience the sanctifying grace of God in every moment of our lives. We are not called according to our own purpose or personal agenda. We are called according to God’s purposes that glorifies Himself.
2 Timothy 1:9
26 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
1 Corinthians 1:26
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
1 Corinthians 1:
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
1 Corinthians
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus” - But of Him you are in “fellowship” with Christ. Here there is an idea of indwelling of God within us.
Experiencing God: Promised
Experiencing God: Promised
Through God’s promised we have hope
Through God’s promised we have hope
Through the power of God we are saved
With God’s promised we have hope
Through the power of God: The gospel
Through the power of God we are called
According to His own purpose
Through the power of God we have hope
Christ has conquered death. He has demolished death and brought life and immortality to light.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
1 Corinthians 15:55,57
1 Corinthians 15:
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:
Because of Christ we are not feared of death. For we know that we have eternal life with Christ.
Experiencing God: Pattern
Experiencing God: Pattern
With God’s pattern of sound words
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
2 Timothy and Titus: A New Covenant Commentary Guard Sound Words (1:13–14)
Paul exhorts Timothy to keep holding the model or pattern or standard of words that he received from Paul. Paul himself was a model or example of one aspect of the gospel message: Christ’s mercy toward sinners. These words or teachings promoted spiritual health (sound).
2 Timothy and Titus: A New Covenant Commentary Guard Sound Words (1:13–14)
True words themselves are health-inducing, but the listener must also receive the words in a receptive manner, in faith and love.
2 Timothy and Titus: A New Covenant Commentary Guard Sound Words (1:13–14)
Ultimately, however, the faith and love that enabled Timothy to hear Paul’s message came from Christ Jesus, who is exemplary of faithfulness and love.
So therefore, communing with the gospel is having a sound pattern of sound doctrine.
Knowing all these experience with God. His Power, His Presence, His Promised, and His Pattern, are there things that can separate us from the love of Christ?
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:
Commit: Grace
Commit: Grace
(20min)
(20min)
Commit to the grace given
No one is indispensable. We are all called according to the purposes and will of God. No one can boast of anything away from the grace given.
Commit to the grace given
Let us commit to the grace that can be found in Christ alone.
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Christ is the source of our commitment
Christ is the source of our commitment
Knowing about the great persecution, fear is inevitable. Which will cause someone to forsake the gospel. That’s why Paul reminded Timothy to not be ashamed of the gospel having him reminded of his experience with God.
Be strong in the grace
Be strong in the grace
Grace means undeserved favor
Only by grace we are in Christ.
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Your commitment is into the LORD not unto men nor any circumstances.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Be faithful in the service
Be faithful in the service
Paul reminded Timothy about three (3) things about his service in the LORD.
Christ is the reason of our service
Christ is the reason of our service
Knowing whom we serve, serve with Faithfulness
Christ is the source of our commitment
Christ is the source of our commitment
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Christ is our co-bearer in our sufferings
Christ is our co-bearer in our sufferings
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:
Christ is the reason of our service
Christ is the reason of our service
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
Christ is the co-bearer in our suffering
Christ is the co-bearer in our suffering
Crave: Grow
Crave: Grow
Crave your craft for growth
Complete: Go
Complete: Go
Carry-out your calling
2 Timothy 2:
2 Timothy 2:
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
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