Bible Study January 20, 2025
I have a book by R. T. Kendall called a “God of Second Chances.” He says, “the older I get, the faster time files; the older I get, the more I cry out to God “let me finish well.”
I referenced his work in a message a couple of weeks ago. Then I thought about something that is occurring in youth sports these days where children are given “participation trophies.”
How do I want to finish? Paul wrote in reference to this in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up..” And in Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.”
Luke in Acts 20:24 wrote, “But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.” (All references were from TLB).
These verses tell us to persevere and when we do God will complete a good work in you using your life to finish the work He has assigned you to do.
Are sending the wrong message when we give “participation trophies” out when the goal is to finish well? Is participation acceptable in life?
Simply participating in church by attending, singing, closing our eyes during prayer, and giving of our means both in service and finances is participating. Both believers and non-believers can be participants.
Is our goal to participate or finish well? Finishing well is doing the will of God in our everyday lives. I realize not everyone has the ability to be a Billy Graham but what can I do to help others see Christ? Where do I fit in the work of the kingdom?
We can build great buildings and call it the “church.” We can have to latest and greatest in technology, flashing lights, praise bands and miss the mark. These contribute to worship but they are not worship. The church is not a building it is the believers worshipping in that building.
Worship means to express deep a deep reverence and praise to God by devoting time daily in prayer, reading scripture, and living a life that honors Him all with a sincere heart.
Everyone has a place in the Body of Christ no matter who you are. Christian life is active, ongoing, alive with enthusiasm for the hope that He has placed inside us.
How will I finish?
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 