2 Timothy 4:1-18
specifically vs.7-8
Written by Pastor Freddie L Beard
I. The Rat Race Called Life
1. Life is full of let-downs. (born in a rat race-dog eat dog world)
hence the divine text tells us…
1Jo 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
2. Don’t take it personal, It is called the sin nature.
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
3. This is the
real problem with all of humanity.
(everyone not bought by the Lord, are controlled by this.
The “sin-nature.Rom. 6:16
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto
righteousness? Rom 6
4. The only real answer is Jesus. and yet…
Satan is poised to misguide and coach one to join his race. .. Like a roaring
lion….seeking whom he may devour…
( the battle in the flesh, always the end result of any human effort to
overcome Satan, this is why we must be saved to be real winners in life. Sinners
are slaves to Satan by virtue of their fallen nature, And for that cause, are
susceptible to Satan’s tricks, and tactics, and lies.)
5. The fact is… that none win the race he invokes…
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are]
the ways of death. Pro 14:1
6. Whom are you serving? Romans 6
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God
and mammon.Luk 16:13
II. The Race That God Calls Us Unto.
1. There can be blessings in the race of life.
Romans 8:28 All things together for good…. Isa. 54:17 No weapon that is
formed against you shall prosper….
2. God has promised none lose who run with Him.
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
3. Jesus is our strength.
Psa 43:2 For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off?
why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Hbr 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the
joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
III. No Crowns For Quitters.
1. Modern thinking is that, as long as I start I’m finished. WRONG! O.S.A.S. Is
a false doctrine. (they think their finished by starting) You have got to cross that
heavenly finish line to say you have “made it”!.
They need to get back in their bibles…
Mat 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(emphasis mine)
2 Peter 2:20-21 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again
entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the
beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.
and think….
2. Many people “threw in the towel” many years ago.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the
dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
3. Many modern “Ministers” fail to mention, The “faint NOT” clause with God.
Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if
we faint not.
(so what happens if we do faint?)
Hbr 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as
unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him:
Many fainted, walked away years ago, and they wonder why life seems
so pointless!?!?
While there will be some lethargic (lazy) believers in heaven “scarcely”,
many’s rewards will be none.
i.e. The variants of rewards.
( O’ God teach us to serve you fervently! )
1Pe 4:17 For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God:
and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the
gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and
the sinner appear? 1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will
of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful
Creator.
1Cr 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall
receive a reward. 1Cr 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:
but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
IV. The Rules For The Race That Matters.
1. When you are a Christian, YOU Can’t quit. – We have an “unction”
(anointing)of the LORD!, 1 John 2:27
“like a FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES”.
But beware of Strange FIRE!
2. You must “strive lawfully”. – By God’s Guide/ Rule book – The WORD of
GOD!( some Christians master earthly sports, can tell you every little minute
detail. And yet little regard God’s commands given in His Holy Bible).
And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive
lawfully.2 Timothy 2:5
3. You must be led in this race”, to KNOW where you are going!… by The
Spirit”.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God.
4. The only “contender” is the enemy of your souls, Satan, and his horde…
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high [places].
5. The only “ fight” is the fight of FAITH.
1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
and by faith….
6. You “MUST FINISH”YOUR course.
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing.
This message outline was written by Pastor Freddie L Beard and may be used for
the glory of GOD, but may not be sold, or placed in any mass publication
without the express written permission of the author. – copyright © 2009 –
The Spring Mill Old Country Church 