Compromising Our Ability to Finish Strong
Scripture: Philippians 3:14
Mark 4:19
Philippians 3:14 NKJV I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Mark 4:19 NKJV "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Introduction
Jesus addresses the most devastating diversions to our attaining our prize and achieving our goal, items that encroach upon our attention and divert our energy. They are: (1) the worries of this life, (2) the deceitfulness of wealth, and (3) the desires for other things. These stand in our way and prevent us from responding to Him properly so that we may finish our race strong and bear the increase He has designed for us.
I. The goal
Philippians 3:14 NKJV I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
A. Keep the goal in sight
Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. {2} Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith....
B. Send roots deep into Him
Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, {18} may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height; {19} to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Jude 1:20-21 NKJV But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, {21} keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
II. The compromise
Galatians 5:7 NIV You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
A. Having roots in the wrong places
Mark 4:19 NKJV "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
1. The cares of this world
a. Preoccupation with job, entertainment, etc.
b. Worries about finances
2. Deceitfulness of riches
a. Preoccupation with success
b. Thinking wealth will satisfy
John D. Rockefeller, when asked how much money is enough, replied, "Just a little more."
3. Desires for other things
a. Addictive behaviors
b. Wrong goals
B. Not protecting ourselves from encroachment
Galatians 5:7 NIV You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
1. Protect your boundaries
2. Don't allow encroachment
Prophetic Word Just as you removed the tall grass where the children were concealed, remove the clutter in your life that conceals demonic activity. Do not give them (the demons) a nest from which to work. Remove their cover and they will flee.
III. The strategy
1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. {9} Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
James 4:7-8 NKJV Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. {8} Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
A. Determine right now how much territory you are willing to give up
Ephesians 4:27 NIV and do not give the devil a foothold.
B. Take a stand
Ephesians 6:13 NKJV Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.