Keep running to finish well

Topics: spiritual race, faith, Christian life

I. Begin the Spiritual Race by Faith

A. True believers receive the Spirit by hearing with faith!

1. This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? (Galatians 3:2).
2. See Galatians 2:16.
3. False teachers distract Christians from obeying the truth!
4. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7).
5. This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you (Galatians 5:8).

II. Progress in the Race by Repenting of Sin!

A. True believers grow spiritually by faith in Christ working within!

1. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).
2. Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3).

B. False teachers infect the church with deception and will be judged!

1. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough (Galatians 5:9).
2. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is (Galatians 5:10).

III. Finish Well the Race by Clinging to the Cross!

A. True believers trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross!

1. Therefore, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30).
2. See Hebrews 12:1, 2.

B. False teachers persecute true teachers and should be cut off!

1. But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished (Galatians 5:11).

2. I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves (Gal. 5:12).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, February 16^th, 2025

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Keep Running to Finish Well!

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Inspiring one another to keep running to finish well is a primary purpose for Life Groups. Discuss creative ways to finishing well and avoiding the many false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Getting Started:

1. How do you know if you've really begun the Christian race?
2. Have you ever felt like you were side-tracked in your walk with God? What did you do to get back in the race?

Discussing Truths:

1. What does finishing well, or being an overcomer, look like to you (Revelation 2:4-7)?
2. Why is being a teacher held to a stricter judgment than other believers (James 3:1; Matthew 18:5-7; 23:13-33)?
3. How does Paul utilize the running metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 & 2 Timothy 4:7? It is important to note that Paul never uses the image of the race to tell people how to be saved. He is always talking to Christians about how to live the Christian life.
4. What are some common false teachings today?
5. How can you discern when someone is leading you away from obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7)?
6. What is required for Christians to hear the gracious words of our Lord at the end of their lives found in Matthew 25:21? Now What?

Application:

1. What spiritual disciplines can you practice to combat the false teachings that are proliferating in our culture?
2. Are there any encumbrances or sins that are entangling you in your spiritual race that you need to repent? Take time to thank God for His gracious forgiveness (1 John 1:9).