Lesson 164: RISE OR FALL – PART 1

Not all who begin a journey end it, not all who run in a race finish it. Some will always fall by the wayside. This is also true in the Christian race. But is it the will of God that some should fall by the wayside? Those who stand, are they responsible for their standing? These and many other questions will be answered in this series in Jesus Name. Amen.

1. NOT THE WILL OF GOD THAT ANY SHOULD FALL
Not only is God able to save to the uttermost. He actually promises to protect His own forever. Though there be obstacles on the narrow way. He provided light for those who are to use it. The word of God is full or examples of those who rose or fell according as they obeyed or disobeyed God, so that we can learn from them and be able to stand. But some people will surely fall.

Heb. 7:22-25; Ps. 125:2; Ps. 119:105; Pr. 6:23; Ps. 119:130; I Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4; Ps. 34:7; Matt. 19:30; Matt 25:1-12.

2. SOME WILL SURELY STAND FOREVER
The Bible also contains some examples of those who finished their races creditably men like Enoch, Peter, and Paul convince us that it is possible to stand forever. But those who will stand must (i) take heed (ii) keep their bodies under control (iii) humble themselves (iv) press on relentlessly and (v) watch and pray.

Gen. 5:24; II Kings 2:11; II Pet. 1:12-15; II Tim. 4:6-8; I Cor. 10:12; I Cor. 9:27; Phil. 2:5-8; Phil. 3:12-14; I Pet. 4:7.