Church in the Peak Podcast

27th June 2010 - Dave Newman - Finishing Strong

Dave spoke about the importance of finishing strong.

At the start of his preach, Dave played a clip from Chariots of Fire and referred to the two prophecies given on 17th February 2010. (See links below). He then spoke about Billy Graham and his contemporaries. The audio starts when Dave is talking about Billy Graham.

In the Christian Life it’s not how you start that matters, it’s how you finish.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be passed only what’s done for God will last”

Ruth a picture of Grace at a time when “Men did that which was right in their own eyes” (or as they saw fit) ~ just like today’s society, civil strife, national upheaval, international concerns.

The Book of Grace – 3 keys –Loyalty (1vv14-16), Kindness (“vv10-12), Faithfulness (4v11)
Ruth finished strong

What do you do when life caves in? Do you run? Do you seek self interest first? Do you make acts of love or kindness last in your list of priorities?

Bethlehem = the place of bread
see 1v1 left the place of bread
1 v6 returned to the place of bread
Ruth – a continual play on words: famine, empty, full, harvest. A picture that life can be difficult even if you follow God

Consecration or giving your life to Christ could cost you more than you may be willing to give e.g Taliban Doctor, North Korean parents

1st Principle : 1v16,2v2 – Ruth was willing to follow the precepts laid out by God

1v16 a significant verse in affirming love for God and God’s people. Do we belong
2v2 see Leviticus 19 how Ruth obeyed a law she did not know but it was God’s plan she was following
Note: Orpah returned, when its tough some turn back but Ruth chose the place of bread. People make judgements about people without knowing their past or more importantly their future. A Moabite, she didn’t have the same God, let alone belief. Sometimes we must return to first principles.

2nd Principle : 2vv15,16 God’s provision is always over and above what we deserve.

See 2v12 cf Ps.36 v7 “How priceless is your unfailing love. Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings” see Isa. 40 vv29ff…”mount up with wings as eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint”

3rd Principle : 3v4,5 Obedience is the key to finding favour with God.

Ruth could have taken the soft option but all the way through the book she demonstrates obedience. She put God first in her life even when her future was totally uncertain. Look what happened she found her kinsman redeemer through obedience to what was told her (see Lev.25vv45-47 cf Ruth 4v6). Jesus has become our kinsman redeemer

In conclusion

The book of Ruth demonstrates that: He is sovereign, He is the Lord of the Harvest and He is our Kinsman redeemer

Don’t place yourself in a place of famine, the grass isn’t always greener. God wants you and I to finish strong. Paul said: Forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called ME heavenwards in Christ Jesus

God wants you and I to finish strong just like Ruth. I challenge you to quote George Verwer: We were not born to live at minimum cost

Questions:

1. Pick a single word to describe your Christisan experience to this point (e.g. steady, growing, uneven, rocky, disappointing, wonderful etc). Why did you pick this particular word?

2. What does it mean to you to “finish strong”, describe someone you know who finished strong in their Christian life. What did they do to cause you to think this way about them?

3. See Heb. 12 vv1-3 ~ What are we instructed to do in verse 1, why is the word “perseverance” so crucial, what are we asked to do in verse 2, what example is given and how does it help us? What about verse 3 what and why are we instructed thus?

4.How is Colossians 1vv21 – 23 an encouragement to finish strong, why was it so important for Paul?

Listen now! (0:30min / 8MB)