Galatians 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”

Introduction:      In order to finish the course God has laid before us faithfully and so that we end well; we need to be reminded of these three things:

I.          REMAIN FOCUSED (V.1)
There are many distractions in modern day life especially for Christians. If you are to end well you must focus on these 3 things no matter what.

A.                 The Constant Presence Of God (1a)

·         “I charge thee…” = He’s talking tuff to Timothy because he is a timid young man and this is no time for wimps (false doctrines and heresies already in the church & government was corrupt) find a backbone son it’s time to stand up for Jesus!

·         “Before God…” = in the presence of God. What he wants Timothy (and us) to realize is that a Christian is always in the presence of God! I need to remain focused on that. No matter where I am, I’m in the presences of God! (Illus: I need to remember that because it will keep me humble; it will keep me from discouragement because He’ll never leave or forsake me…He’s right there with me). I’m going to be more committed if I know that I’m living in the constant presence of a Holy God!

B.                 The Careful Judgment Of Christ (1b)

·         “And the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead…” = The Judgment Seat of Christ – (2 Cor.5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

·         Not to judge sin, but my service and there to give an account – I need to focus on that! (Illus: I won’t need a care group leader sending me cards to come to Church if I focus on the fact that one day I’ll stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ. A headache won’t knock me out of worship; no flimsy excuses will stop me). I’ll take worship and spiritual gifts more seriously if I focus on the careful judgment of Christ.

C.                 The Coming Kingdom Of Christ (1c)

·         “At his appearing…” = Jesus is coming soon…I need to focus on that because that is going to make me more positive to know that King Jesus is coming at any moment!

·         “And his kingdom…” Focus on His kingdom work in this world today. You will not finish well if you’re distracted…no matter what, if you do not focus on these eternal truths! There is something else I need to do.

II.         REMAIN FAITHFUL (VV.2-5)
No matter what - In 5 areas

A.        Preach The Word

“Preach” = to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel). (Illus: pictures the imperial herald who would speak for the emperor and not himself). That is what the God called man of God is to do! The preacher has been called to (expound) but to preach THE Word! Why the Word? It’s God-breathed; it led you to Jesus; the Word sanctifies us; it makes us like Jesus. So with I preach this Word – I’m loosing something that can save the lost; that’ll knock the teeth out of the devil; that’ll scald the demons and send they running back to hell with their pointy tails tucked between their legs and will sanctify the Body of Christ and make us look and act like Christ is in us! PREACH THE WORD!

B.                 Be Instant

“Instant” = be present, be prepared – ready at hand at all times. There are a lot of things that will knock you out of serving Jesus (most won’t finish well as did Paul) it doesn’t take much to sideline us or to make us back up. The Bible says that I’m not to let discouragement of the response of the people that I’m ministering to affect my faithfulness in doing what God has called me to do! (Illus: are you only going to minister as long as there’s a good response (expound – SS, choir, position with recognition). “In season and out of season” = when it’s convenient and when it’s not; when I feel good and when I feel bad. I’m to stand ready; I’m to be faithful!

C.                 Reprove & Rebuke

“Reprove” = to speak the truth with conviction leaving the convincing to the Holy Ghost. To preach until there is conviction.

“Rebuke” = to censure or admonish; to forbid or straightly charge. To tell folks when they’re wrong even when they won’t receive it and they just keep on doing wrong. We can’t make people do right, but they’ll never do right until they get right with God. So sometimes you have to say “that’s wrong…I’m just telling what the Word says!” And just leave it at that.

D.                 Exhort

To encourage folks to know that when they heed the reproving and rebuking of the Word they’ll find a compassionate and loving God full of mercy and grace.

            E.         Endure & Evangelize

Continue on and carry the gospel. Every child of God’s life is to have evangelistic element or character to it. Folks, it’s all about reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I won’t to remain faithful to that!

III.       REMAIN FEARLESS (VV.6-8)
No matter what. Paul says 3 things about is life

            A.        Fought A Good Fight

Don’t be afraid to live. The Christian life is not always easy. There is spiritual warfare! (Illus: you ware your feeling on your shoulder and your feelings are going to be hurt).

            B.         Finished My Course

Anyone can start a race…it takes character and commitment to finish. God is looking some folks that’ll say I’m gonna finish my course!

            C.         Kept The Faith

“Kept” = to guard – “faith” = speaks of something placed in your hands as a deposit for save keeping. Paul is saying God place His gospel in my hands to invest in people’s lives and I’ve guarded that gospel and I’ve shared it. Man, what a way to live! Paul was not afraid of living and he was not afraid of dying, he was ready to depart (expound).

Conclusion:       (Illus: depart – farming word (removing yoke); military word (breaking camp); sailing word (lift anchor and set the sails). Are you going to serve Jesus no matter what? Everyone that finishes the Christian race is a winner. We are not running to see who’s first; we’re running to finish – NO MATTER WHAT!