Introduction

Welcome back church, it’s good to see you all today as we finish up our series Cadence. Over the past few weeks we’ve talked about healthy and unhealthy rhythm, also known as cadence, in our lives and in the world around us. In week 1 we looked at the rhythm of creation through the eyes of God, in week 2 we talked about the cadence that is hard-wired into every individual person, and last week we dove into the rhythm of relationship with others. The cadence of community.

And near the end of our sermon last week I started talking to you about having a passion for fellowship and communion. I challenged you to consider your “part in the performance” and if there is anything stifling or hindering your ability to experience a healthy rhythm of relationship. And today we’re going to talk further about maintaining a healthy rhythm and passion for Christ and the Church throughout your life.

Like running a marathon, a life of consistent passion takes focus, determination, resilience, and discipline. And just like running a marathon, it is necessary to maintain a sustainable rhythm throughout.

Like running a marathon, a life of consistent passion takes focus, determination, resilience, and discipline.

Main Idea

You see, in this instance, I had a fantastic start. I was feeling confident and ready to win the race. However, I eventually slowed down. And at the end of the race, I didn’t win like I first thought I would. I wasn’t able to keep my stride, it was an unsustainable pace.

I wonder how many of us have this same struggle in our lives?

The areas in which we see it as evident are significantly more important than a race in gym class. We are experiencing good things, healthy things, but because of our lifestyle overall and even our lack of preparation for tough seasons, we don’t have a sustainable cadence.

Today, we are going to learn from a man in scripture who understood the truth behind this common phrase: “It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.” Turn with me to 2 Timothy 4.

Fight the Good Fight

First of all, in verse 4:7, Paul says that he has “fought the good fight.” Now, Paul could easily have meant many things here in these words, but let’s break down what Paul most likely spoke of when he referenced the “good fight.” The Bible makes it clear that during our life here on earth, we are involved in a spiritual battle.

Paul writes elsewhere that the battle we are engaged in is not one against flesh and blood. Instead, there are higher powers at work.

And out of all people to be writing about this, Paul has every right ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium