FINALLYOne Way to study the Scriptures is to underline words that have unique usage, such as now, therefore, and finally. When Paul used the word FINALLY, it did not mean he was at the end of his sermon. The word "finally" provides the vehicle for remembrance and exhortation.
I want to share some "finally's" with you. To depend on human leadership, strategic programs, financial resources, carnal salesmanship, Is to fail to break through the darkness of sin's grip. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit we will never penetrate the darkness of our world.
1. Finally, pray
2 Thessalonians 3:1: Finally, brethren, pray for us." One secret of the Pentecostal revival was people reaching out to God in prayer. All of us remember great answers to prayer in our early walk with God, Forgiveness, cleansing, healing, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, the salvation of loved ones. Other prayers have brought rewards for our faith and glory to Jesus' name.
A prayer we should be praying today is one the Psalmist prayed: "Wilt thou not revive us again?" (85:6). A revival will affect our church and history. Pentecost wrote more history than any other event in history. Paul's Damascus Road decision altered the face and destiny of the world. Revival breaks the power of the world and sin.
Christians should stop doing what they should not do and begin doing what they should do. Revival can neither be manufactured nor manipulated; it is the work of God. Solutions do not come by depending upon flesh. Conducting conferences and appointing committees will not bring the desired results. Nothing can take the place of seeking God. It is far easier to get people to serve on committees to be busy doing than it is to get them to pray. Historically, revival is preceded by a wave of prayer.
2. Finally, Be Strong in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might"
We can be concerned with building correct altars, rearranging the stones, laying the sacrifice properly, Then fail to call down the fire. This will result in spiritual death.
We are prone to believe that the men of the Bible who were greatly used of God were special creations. In reality they lived rather normal lives. On the whole they were men "subject to like passions as we are" (James 5:17). Despite the normality of their lives and experiences, they went far beyond anything the natural man could attain.
Men such as Peter, Paul, James, and John lived beyond natural standards. The continuing indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit was the secret. What God did in Christ happens today because of the Spirit. I read of God's mighty acts recorded in the Bible. I long for them to come pouring into my life. A normal existence is revolutionized by powerful workings of the Spirit.
We must never forget that we are a Pentecostal church. If we have not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we are on the way to ceasing to be a Pentecostal church. I call on you to be Pentecostal. We need to live and experience the baptism in the Spirit. We need to grow in the Lord and walk in the Spirit. We need to walk a filled life.
3. Finally, Be pure
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true ... noble ... right... pure ... lovely ... admirable ... excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard ... or seen in me-put it into practice" (Philippians 4:8,9, NIV).
We must never forget that God calls us to purity and holiness. The Assemblies of God is a holiness church. Our roots are deep in the Holiness Movement. Biblical holiness means being separated from sin and separated unto God. "Follow ... holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
True holiness has nothing to do with penance, rather repentance (2 Corinthians 7:1). The battle must be won in our actions. The battle against sin must be won in the thought life. The encroachment of worldliness is an unrelenting threat to the Christian and the Church.
We are to set our "affection on things above" Let's live, preach, and teach holiness. We need to emphasize the sanctified, victorious life. Romans 6 shows the ground of our victory. The eighth chapter begins with "no condemnation" and ends with no separation, and in between there is no defeat.
God's people must be holy. The Bible tells us this repeatedly. Holiness is not an option; It is an absolute requirement.
4. Finally, let the Bible be a part of our diet
2 Thessalonians 3:1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you"
Prayer brings a hunger for the Word, both the Living Word and the written Word. In heaven-sent revival the Bible is always preeminent. John W. Montgomery stated, "The higher the temperature of revival, the stronger must be the scriptural caldron in which the medicine is prepared."
Revival fires must be governed by Scripture. The Bible is the final authority for faith and practice. The New Testament gives a evidence for sound doctrine. The Word is necessary to communicate the Christian faith. The Word is necessary to defend the Christian faith. The Word is necessary to preserve Christian faith.
You are called to live and witness. The pulpit is not the only place to show God message to the world. God's Word is the message plainly and powerfully. We need more than a diet of sentimental messages. Spiritual growth comes to each of us through strong exposure to the Word. The Bible is needed to explain and apply truth to our life. The sensational may bring the crowd but will not disciple the people.
5. Finally, proclaim good news
2 Thessalonians 3:1, NIV "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored"
Jesus showed how He must die and rise from the grave to for our salvation. He also charged that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations." If the good news is not told, His death and resurrection are of no avail. This is a ministry for all believers. God has called you and me to disciple and train the saints (Ephesians 4:11-16).
It is important that Christians understand "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Evangelism is more than a theory; It is a necessity It belongs in the essential, ongoing life of every Christian. God's eternal purpose is to save a people for himself. This is what we as believers need to learn and practice.
"Finally ... pray ... that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored" (2 Thessalonians 3:1, NIV). A lost world is searching for help. Millions are still without the message. America still has population centers that need the message of Christ. I beg you to proclaim the good news!
6. Finally, preserve unity.
2 Corinthians 13:1 1, (NIV) "Finally, brothers, good-bye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace."
The enemy sows discord. Disputing, and dissension, are Satan's work and displeasing to God. Many voices are clamoring for attention. Many people are carried away by the winds of unsound doctrine, It is time to stay united in sound doctrine. Set your sights that the "God of love and peace shall be with you."