8-6-17 Summer Survival Series: Staying the Course
Know the Place of Destination
Acts 20:24– However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. [PAUL’S FAREWELL TO THE EPHESIANS]
2 Timothy 4:7– I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
REMAINED FAITHFUL
1 Corinthians 9:25– Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away.
1 Corinthians 9:25– All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
Their leaves of the crown from their games was made of leaves which didn’t last
RECEIVE A CROWN THAT WILL LAST FOREVER – ETERNAL LIFE
Know the Road to Travel
Matthew 7:13-14 – You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
TWO GATES, TWO ROADS, TWO DESTINITES (HEAVEN OR HELL)
The Narrow Road is a Difficult Road
Luke 13:24– Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Isaiah 35:8– A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it. (The Glory of Zion) TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS MEANS WE WALK IN GOD’S WAYS
Know the Direction to Take
John 14:6– Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 6:40– For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in himshall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Know the Stops to Make
Hebrews 12:1– Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Romans 13:10b-13– … the commandments are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. PUT ON CHRIST
Know the Turns to Make
Psalm 119:105– Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. BE IN THE WORD.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understandingin all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. TRUST + SUBMIT – HE WILL SHOW YOU THE PATH TO TAKE (FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE)
Ephesians 5:15-17– Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. EXAMINE YOURSELF, USE TIME WISELY
John 15 – Abide in Jesus. If you remain in Him, He will remain in you. You will be fruitful. Remain in His love. Keep His commands.Jesus says… Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love… Lay down your life for your friends.
Know the Tolls to Pay
Don’t sacrifice who you are in Christ
Philippians 3:8– What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. THE PRICE PAID IS CENTERED ON CHRIST OR IT IS A LOSS
Invest in the Kingdom
Matthew 6:20– But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.
1 Timothy 6:18-20– Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. GUARD THE DEPOSIT ENTRUSTED TO YOU
Tania Gutekunst 