Articles

FINISHING WELL

Know! Grow! Show! Part 14

Ephesians 6:18-24

INTRODUCTION:

II Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV)

Ephesians 6:18-24 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. (NASV)

Strategies For Finishing Well:

1. Commit to _____________________________________. vs. 18, 19

n Pray __________________________________.

n Pray at different _______________.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. (NIV)

n Pray in different ____________.

n Watch your ________________________.

n Pray for ________________________ but especially ___________________________.

2. Trust God for ________________________. vs. 19, 20

I Corinthians 2:1-3 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. (NASV)

II Corinthians 1:8 For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. (ESV)

3. Develop relationships with _______________________________. vs. 21, 22

4. Let __________ for Christ ________________ to others. vs. 23, 24

CONCLUSION:

Revelation 2:1-5 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for My name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first (NIV)