Christian Olympics - Finishing the Race

By Kevin Cauley

Date written: August 8th, 2007
Scripture ref: 2 Timothy 4:7

SUBJECT: End Times

TITLE: Christian Olympics – Finishing the Race

PROPOSITION: What can we expect in finishing the Christian race? 1) Victory in Death, 2) Abodes of the Righteous and Wicked, 3) Return of Christ, 4) Resurrection, 5) Final Judgment, 6) Heaven and Hell.

OBJECTIVE: That each would know what the Bible teaches regarding what happens at the end of the race.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: 2 Timothy 4:7

2. About the Text:

1) In the book of 2 Timothy Paul has a more somber tone.

2) Tradition states that Paul was beheaded by Nero shortly after this book was written.

3) Paul seemingly knows that he is going to die as he writes to Timothy.

4) So his words seem all that more important to us.

5) But while Paul was sober, he was also hopeful.

6) He knew that his course on this earth was finished.

7) And that there was a crown of life waiting for him.

3. Finishing the Race

1) Each of us, we are running the Christian race.

2) We will finish this race in one of two ways.

3) We will either die or Jesus will return.

4) Either way, this is a finish unlike any other race that we've ever run.

5) What can we expect in finishing the Christian race?

4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

DISCUSSION: What can we expect in finishing the Christian race?

I. Victory in Death

1. Faithful unto death.

1) Revelation 2:10

2) Revelation 12:11

3) 2 Timothy 4:6-7

2. What is death?

1) James 2:26

2) Ecclesiastes 12:7

3) Luke 23:46

3. Who is going to die?

1) Hebrews 9:27

2) Psalm 89:48

4. When can we expect death?

1) James 4:14-15

2) Luke 12:37-40

II. Abodes of the Righteous and Wicked

1. Paradise

1) Luke 23:43

2) 2 Corinthians 12:4

3) Luke 16:22

2. Torments

1) Luke 16:24

2) Jude 1:6

3) 2 Peter 2:4

III. Return of Christ

1. Fact of His Return

1) John 14:3

2) Acts 1:11

3) Revelation 1:7

2. Suddenness of His Return

1) Matthew 24:36ff

2) 1 Thessalonians 5:2

3) 2 Peter 3:10

4) Revelation 16:15

3. Events at His Return

1) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

2) 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

IV. Resurrection

1. All will be raised.

1) John 5:28-29

2) Acts 24:15

2. Order of resurrection – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

3. Faithful will be changed – 1 Corinthians 15:42-47

V. Final Judgment

1. All will be present.

1) 2 Timothy 4:1

2) Romans 14:11

3) 2 Corinthians 5:10

2. Will give an accounting of our lives.

1) Matthew 12:36

2) 1 Peter 4:5

3) Romans 14:12

3. Righteous separated from the Wicked

1) Matthew 13:49

2) Matthew 25:31ff

VI. Heaven and Hell

1. Heaven

1) Matthew 25:34

2) 1 Peter 1:3-4

3) 2 Corinthians 5:1ff

2. Hell

1) Matthew 25:41

2) 2 Thessalonians 1:9

3) Revelation 20:14-15

CONCLUSION:

1. What can we expect at the end of the Christian race?

1) Victory in Death

2) Abodes of the Righteous and Wicked

3) Return of Christ

4) Resurrection

5) Final Judgment

6) Heaven and Hell

2. Invitation

Posted in: Death, End Times, Heaven, Hell, Jesus Christ, Judgment, Resurrection, Sermon Outlines