"Paul was at the end of his life when he wrote 2 Timothy.

"6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 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." 2 Timotht 4:6-8

A drink offering  -- once it is poured out it is gone. 

In the above passage, Paul mentions three things: Fight the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.

1. Fight the Good Fight
In a fight, the minute you drop your guard you lose your offensive position and go on the defensive.
The minute you surrender you lose.
You can't quit fighting.

Discipline and Disciple are from the same root word.

Grab hold of Jesus and continue to fight. Survival isn't enough.

"24 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Not a "losing salvation" passage. A non-fruit kind of life when you don't run right.

2. The Good Fight of Faith
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1-3

We fight based on faith. Our faith is something we can't see. You have to hold onto that faith. The finish line is not a funeral. Finish line is eternity. We each have a different fight. We have to be passionate about the role God has given us. Passionately follow Jesus!

"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:35-37

Beat that fear down with faith and grab hold and walk the faith; run the faith.

The Fight is Worth the Struggle

" No man who is really a man ever could enjoy the easy task. There is no enjoyment in the game that is easily won. It is that in which you have strained every muscle and sinew to achieve victory that provides real joy."
Eric Lidell, olympic gold metalist

Finish the Race Strong
"13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians was the last letter Paul wrote. 

Run with Perseverance

 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

He ran all the way so we could finish strong.

The Father's will is the completion of His purposes; for each of us to finish strong; to have that final kick.

Victory -- stand steadfast and immoveable

Consistency!

"57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

We try the hardest when we work toward the goal. Stick to that goal -- give yourselves fully to the completion of God's will for you.

Keep the Faith

​"6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:6-10

What we do with it. Continue established and firm.

"20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." Colossians 1:20-23

You have to finish.

The Lord is Faithful

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

God knows I can't do it -- But He can!
God knows I don't have the will -- But He does!
God knows I don't have the strength -- But He does.

Don't coast.  Sometimes it will be hard, but God is there. Just stay with Him. "Go ahead and puke. Just don't quit." 

No matter what -- even if you stumble -- keep going. 

 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Are you?

Don't let joy slip out of your life. A child, on average, laughs 500 a day. An adult, on average, laughs 17 times a day. Somewhere along the line we let joy leave our lives. Jesus calls us to be joyful.

Joy is mentioned in the Old Testament 100 times. There are 15 different Hebrews words for "joy."  It is mentioned in the New Testament over 60 times -- each time telling us to be joyful. Through Jesus we can be joyful all the time.

"He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." Isaiah 53:3

This is true, but this wasn't/isn't all of Jesus. He found joy daily. He lived joyfully.

Jesus -- Man of Joy!
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Jesus had joy when he healed the leper.
Jesus had joy when he saved the woman caught in adultery and she turned from sin.
Jesus had joy when he healed the lame, deaf and blind.
Jesus had joy when the little children came to Him.
Jesus had joy when he raised Lazarus from the dead.

We are to be people of Joy!
"Clap your hands, all you nations;
    shout to God with cries of joy." Psalm 47:1

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10

Joy is a gift!

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," Romans 14:17

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22

Our Joy

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
    for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Isaiah 12:6

Jesus on Joy:

7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7

10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:10-11

Joy Today

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds," James 1:2

13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:13

​22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." John 16:22

Challenge question: Do you have joy today? Do you have joy Monday morning?

​Make people want what you have in Jesus!

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:1-7

Luke was a researcher, a chronicler, wrote it down in sequence. 

Unlike all other religions, Christianity (and Judaism) has historical

references, facts that can be proven. 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.”  Micah 5:2

Our world and what happens in it is important to God

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day." Genesis 1:31

All of creation God said it was good, but when he made humans he said it was very good.

"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." Genesis 17:7

 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Revelation 22:13

Elohim -- the Creator -- has never stopped working. Past-- Present-- Future -- all belong to God. Jesus -- fulfillment of prophecy of Micah -- 700 years

"And I will put enmity
    between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
    and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15

God had and has it all planned out. God never changes -- Jesus never changes. When people take God out of the picture they will see less and less reality in the world. 

"I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." Malachi 3:6

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

We serve a risen Savior who is in the World today. 

"He Lives!" written by Alfred Ackley in 1933. 

God is active -- not reactive

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" Matthew 28:19-20

You are important to God

You are part of history -- God's plan -- You are important. We are all called. God wanted/wants you here.

​"29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31

God has everything planned.

You were chosen before the foundation of the world.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

"13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!" Psalm 139:13-17

Your life and circumstances are part of God's plan

Every single generation is an advancement of God's plan. Advancing God's will. Don't let things slip. God's timing is always perfect.

9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." Deuteronomy 7:9

"11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

 "and provide for those who grieve in Zion--
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3

"35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”"
                                                                                                                                                   Mark 4:35-41

The disciples had been around for several miracles -- they saw the amazing catch of fish; the healing of lepers, the healing of the man who couldn't walk. Yet, none of them affected them like the storm did. Why? This miracle was a defining moment because it was personal for them! They experienced it -- both sides of it: the fear and the miracle. Prior to this miracle they were just spectators. 

Picture the scene: 
--Jesus was tired and sleeping.
--The storms on the seas of Galilee are known to be fierce. This one was called a squall -- same word that is used for hurricane.
--Several of the disciples were seasoned fisherman. This was their home turf, the place where they were probably most comfortable. And they were scared.
-- They woke Jesus up with an accusation.
-- Jesus "muzzled" the wind.
--And then the disciples are said to have been "terrified" of Jesus. 

Defining Moments in our lives:

Fear is an emotion -- instinctive, visceral; even animals experience it. 

Faith -- control over emotions, indwelling and knowledge of the power of God.

Jesus doesn't say we will not experience storms. The question is: how will we respond? In faith or in fear?
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

1. Seek the Lord for His deliverance.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

2. Jesus lived daily. We are to live this way too.  God has the future covered. Live for today.. And God for enough for today. Count on God to provide.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" Joshua 1:9

3. Don't be afraid. Be strong. Be courageous.

The world is going to get harder and harder to live in for Christians. Be prepared. We are to be fearless, strong, courageous, loving. Never worry or fret. worrying and fretting are the world's ways/.

Out on the ocean away from any land sighting -- that is following Jesus. 

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
                                                                                                                                                   2 Timothy 1:6-7

4. Fan the flame of the Spirit within you.

Gotta add air to the fire. The Spirit gives us power, love and self discipline. Fan those flames!

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

Love and fear cannot coexist. God's love, not the world's, conquers fear. It cost so much to love us. 

People hurt and disappoint.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

What is left to fear? Nothing. God will not allow you to be snatched from His hands. He says don't worry. He'll take care of it.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

The above verse was said right before Jesus was killed.  There is no defense, apart from Jesus, for sin. As Jesus went to the cross, Jesus gave us His peace. 

In Those Defining moments:

1. Seek God.
2. Commune with Him daily.
3. Be strong and courageous.
4. Fan the flames of the Spirit.
5. Dwell in love.
6. Remember who you belong to.
7. Accept and reflect the peace of Christ.

Get the Spirit flowing. Be known as a person of peace. Be the one who faces the threat. God's got this. We stand behind Him.

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:18-22

Life with Jesus is meant to be an adventure. Do you see -- James and John dropped everything and followed Jesus.

How do you just let go of everything and follow Jesus? How do you just let go of the life you were living? You change your perspective. Jesus didn't push or prod them to come --  no manipulation. Gave the invitation and moved on.

Chosen by Jesus -- I chose you for a purpose.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:16

"He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time," 2 Timothy 1:9

You were created new for a purpose

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:1-5

We are meant for more than the rest of the world is. Let the World discover Jesus through you. 

Jesus is a revolutionary -- What if it is not like what you think it will be? Don't limp across the finish line -- skid over it.

New for a purpose!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-21

We are called to be conquerors, no matter the challenge.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.​" 2 Peter 1:3

God will take care of us. Everything we need will be given to us to do what He has called us to do.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We overcome the world.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Make something of our lives for Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Be who He called you to be.

We have been given a guide -- don't go where you don't know without a reliable guide.

"In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9

What are you waiting for?


"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12

3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:3-7

This is the first example of giving to God in the Bible. Both Cain and Abel brought something to God. Cain just gave God something -- not his best. Abel brought the very best. God knew it wasn't the best Cain could do. He knows this with us too. He told Cain "You know you can do better. This is going to affect you negatively so you need to fix this."

God doesn't need us or our money or anything from us. He can do His work without us. God wants us to give for our benefit. God gave to us first.

Giving is like faith -- we give not seeing often what happens with that gift but if we do it for God He will use the gift. By giving to God we are honoring Him. We recognize God gave to us first.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

What can we give God?

The best of our life -- fruits of our labor -- first fruits. The best.

"Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you." Deuteronomy 16:17

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Deuteronomy 15:10

Give with a generous heart.

Pleasing God through giving

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16

We should reflect God in our giving.

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Giving because we want to. Just give.

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." 2 Corinthians 8:12

God wants us to gladly volunteer. Give God your best.

Use what you have to do what you can. Where we spend ourselves is where/what we love.

"you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1

Our lives are finite; earth life is a short period of time. While we are here we are meant to do everything we can for God. Your body -- a living sacrifice -- give all you have while you walk the earth. Jesus got tired. He sacrificed His body even before He went to the cross.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Promises of God to the Giver:

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10

The blessing -- God will let us be part of His work. Do we trust God enough to give?

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10

Where is your heart?

Is it grudgingly giving? Do I complain? 

God wants to bless us. We should reflect God in our giving.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34

Your giving gives you away....(think about that). 

We are the first fruits of God! God's best!!

"He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." James 1:18

"Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:23

"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth."
2 Thessalonians 2:13

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

We can bless because we have been blessed much.
We can give because we have been given much.
We can love because we have been loved much.

Be an Abel. Not a Cain.
God will take you back.
Don't give grudgingly.