Future Tense - Week Five

Future Tense – Week FiveFear seems to surround us at every turn: the pandemic, the election, education, physical security and financial stability. With all the chaos surrounding us, our spiritual questions and fears can grow and distort. This week, we’ll address the fear of the future by examining:What God expects of us to finish strong.Commitments on how to finish strong.How Jesus encourages us to finish strong.God expects us to finish strong. Vows and commitments are important to God. (Numbers 30:2)When we make a vow or commitment to God, He expects us to follow through. 2 Timothy 4:6-8  Paul speaks about how he fought the good fight and finished the race.There are four commitments you can make so you can finish strong.Commitment #1: Do a reality check.Face the facts of your life realistically. (2 Timothy 4:6)This is important because denial weakens determination.Commitment #2: If you are going to finish strong, you’ll have to finish what you start.2 Timothy 4:7 tells us three things about Paul’s commitment.1. The fact that Paul refers to it as a fight shows that to finish strong isn’t easy.2. You’ve got to have a plan. (Isaiah 55:8)3. You’ve got to walk with God.Commitment #3: When the present is tough, focus on the future.2 Timothy 4:8 tells us that there is a reward awaiting the faithful.One of the best ways to focus on the future is through prayer because prayer always emphasizes hope.Commitment #4: If you want to finish strong, don’t do it alone.2 Timothy 4:8 tells us that the reward will be for all those who have been in this same fight/race.Jesus encourages us to finish strong.Jesus is Coming! (Look busy)Jesus tells the story about a rich man going on a journey in a parable about the end.Matthew 25:15Matthew 25:19Matthew 25:21Matthew 25:26Matthew 25:29The greatest way to finish strong is to invite others into the greatest gift ever given.