ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – Topic: FINISHING STRONG (PART 1) [Church of God Mission International] – DATE: SUNDAY, 19th MARCH, 2023
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
DATE: SUNDAY, 19th MARCH, 2023
TOPIC: FINISHING STRONG (PART 1)
TEXT: JOHSUA 14:7-14; 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-8
CENTRAL THOUGHT: It should be the ultimate desire for the children of the kingdom to finish well
HYMN: S, S & S 983, “When the trumpet of the Lord…..”
INTRODUCTION:
The vision of any mission, determines the process by which it could
be achieved. Our hope of standing before God in heaven when He will recognize
and reward faithful service, encourages us to remain steadfast and
faithful to Him. “Wherefore we labour
that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. 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.” (2 Cor. 5: 9-10 KJV). It is common
sense not to begin a project Without counting the cost, as clearly stated
by Christ in Luke 14:28. It therefore becomes imperative for believers
who intend to finish strong, to be resolute and faithfully follow Christ, in
season and out of season, until the end of time.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
- understand the phrase “finishing strong” and what it means as it relates to the Christian race:
- examine how a believer can finish strong;
3.examine the hindrances to finishing strong:
4.understand the dangers of not finishing strong and
- understand why believers should finish strong:
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1.(a) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE
PHRASE FINISHING STRONG”
The phrase “finishing strong” means different things to different people. To some people, finishing strong means ending one’s life with a cushy retirement benefit. To some, it means ending on a good note. To another set, it means the attitude of believing you can do
something, having the courage and determination to do it through to the end. Yet there are others’ who believe
that putting all your effort and the best of your ability into doing everything good
through to the end, means finishing strong.
Q 1b. WHAT DOES “FINISHING STRONG” MEAN, AS IT RELATES TO CHRISTIAN RACE? Josh. 1:6,14: 10-14;2Tim. 4:7.
Christian race is a life-long journey that involves different activities that lead to the ultimate goal of spending
eternity with Christ. It includes being diligently committed to the work and
service of God in whatever area one is involved (e.g. ministry, mission, services,
being in fellowship and loving others). It implies maintaining a life of holiness and
obedience to God in every situation with zeal and weathering determination,
every challenge that may Surface in the course of the race, with the hope of a
glorious end. In summary, we can say that Christian race involves, following the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully to the end of
time.
Q2. HOW CAN A BELIEVER FINISH
STRONG? Josh. 1: 6-8; 2 Tim. 2:3; 4:2& 5.
Finishing strong is the will of God for every believer; the believer must know this and be determined to abide in the
will of God for him/her. By the new birth, the believer becomes a child of God and
by implication he/she is bound to engage in the activities that are dear to God (his /her) Father’s heart.These
include adherence to all His ordinances, faithfully walking in the path of
righteousness, engaging in winning souls for His kingdom, watching and
tarrying n prayers for the work and workers in the Vineyard of God.
Furthermore, enduring hardship/persecution for Christ’s sake, patiently
waiting, trusting and thanking God for His love and care over him/her,
steadfastly holding unto Christ as his/her perfect example. Also, being
Steadfast in the study and meditation of God’s word, exercising faith in God in
handling challenges without
giving up, ultimately doing everything to please Him; and abiding in His grace to the end.
Q3. WHAT ARE THE
HINDRANCES TO FINISHING STRONG?
2 Tim. 4:2-4.
There are many hindrances to finishing strong. These come under a general name sin. They are activities perpetrated
under the command of Satan the devil, against God’s children, to weaken their
resolve to finish strong,their zeal and commitment to the service of God, and
ultimately, to dissuade them from living in obedience to God’s ordinances and cause them to completely lose out.
They include worldliness lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life,
unbelief, evil tendencies, unequal yoking with unbelievers, unfaithfulness
and insincerity, ignorance and
outright disobedience to God’s word and His corrections, fear and things
that dissociate one from fellowship with God and His people. Class to mention
others.
- WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF NOT
FINISHING STRONG?
The dangers of not finishing
Strong are very severe. Any Christian who fails to finish Strong brings reproach to the Name of Christ, who has made every necessary provision available, for us to finish well. Such persons are
eternally damned and lost for ever. Forbid it Lord that any Christian should suffer such fate! Q5. WHY SHOULD A BELIEVER FINISH STRONG? 2 Tim. 4: 8; Matt. 25:23.
Naturally, there is always a
reward for a well accomplished objective, and we cannot expect less from our God, who is loving, benevolent and gracious. He has reserved eternal reward for those who faithfully serve
Him to the end a crown of righteousness/glory /life with stars on it, peace and joy in His Kingdom, eternal life in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, and mansions prepared by Him for those
who successfully run the race to the end. Believer, these are enough impetuses to spur any Christian to aspire to
finish strong.
LIVING DAILY APPLICATION:
Christian race requires patience and determination to remain faithful, depending wholly on the Holy Spirit and
the grace of God; focusing on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
MEMORY VERSE: 2
TIMOTHY 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, have kept the faith. “
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