Hold on Until the End
The sermon emphasizes the necessity of steadfast faith and perseverance until the end of one's spiritual journey to reap the promised rewards.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of perseverance in the Christian journey, emphasizing the need to hold steadfast to our faith until the very end despite the various dangers and temptations that may arise. He highlights the critical nature of the final steps towards the Celestial City, where Doubting Castle and the enchanted ground pose significant threats to weary travelers. Cowman encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, promising that they will reap the rewards if they do not give up, urging them to run the race of faith with determination.
Text
"We are made partaker of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14).
It is the last step that wins; and there is no place in the pilgrim's progress where so many dangers lurk as the region that lies hard by the portals of the Celestial City. It was there that Doubting Castle stood. It was there that the enchanted ground lured the tired traveler to fatal slumber. It is when Heaven's heights are full in view that hell's gate is most persistent and full of deadly peril. "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." "So run, that ye may obtain."
In the bitter waves of woe
Beaten and tossed about
By the sullen winds that blow
From the desolate shores of doubt,
Where the anchors that faith has cast
Are dragging in the gale,
I am quietly holding fast
To the things that cannot fail.
And fierce though the fiends may fight,
And long though the angels hide,
I know that truth and right
Have the universe on their side;
And that somewhere beyond the stars
Is a love that is better than fate.
When the night unlocks her bars
I shall see Him--and I will wait.
--Washington Gladden
The problem of getting great things from God is being able to hold on for the last half hour. --Selected
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of perseverance in faith - The dangers faced near the end of the journey - The promise of reaping rewards for endurance
- II points: - The metaphor of the pilgrim's progress - The significance of Doubting Castle - The allure of the enchanted ground
- III points: - The call to not grow weary - The necessity of steadfastness - The assurance of eventual victory
- IV points: - The role of faith in overcoming doubt - The power of truth and right - The hope of seeing God
Key Quotes
“We are made partaker of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Charles E. Cowman
“The problem of getting great things from God is being able to hold on for the last half hour.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Stay committed to your faith, especially during challenging times.
- Surround yourself with a community that encourages perseverance.
- Remember the promises of God to maintain hope and strength in your journey.