He Calls Us to See It Through
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of counting the cost and committing to Christ, warning against drifting away and encouraging believers to finish the race.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith, warning that many start their journey with Christ but fail to finish due to not counting the cost. He highlights the tragedy of believers who drift away after laying a foundation without the commitment to grow and mature in their faith. Wilkerson encourages those who are faltering to return to repentance and self-denial, reminding them that the Holy Spirit is calling them back to a deeper relationship with Christ. He celebrates those who are successfully finishing the race, transforming into the image of Christ through the Spirit. The urgency to act now and see the journey through is a central theme of his message.
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"Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish" (Luke 14:28-30).
Christ knew many of his followers would not have what it took to see them through. He knew they would turn back and not finish the race. I believe this is the most tragic condition possible for a believer--to have started out fully intending to lay hold of Christ, to grow into a mature disciple and become more like Jesus and then to drift away. Such a person is the one who laid a foundation and could not finish because he did not first count the cost.
What a joy it is to meet those who are indeed finishing the race! These believers are growing in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ. They are changing daily, from moment to moment. Paul says to them encouragingly, "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is not heaven these believers seek, but Christ in his glory!
I know that many who read this particular message are in the process of pausing or taking a step backward. It may seem like a small step, but it will cause a swift descent away from his love. If this is true of you, realize the Holy Spirit is calling you all the way back--back to repentance, self-denial and surrender. And at this very moment, time is a big factor. If you ever intend to lay hold of Christ, do it now; see it through!
Sermon Outline
- Counting the Cost
- The Tragic Condition of Drifting Away
- Finishing the Race
- Responding to the Holy Spirit's Call
- Repentance and self-denial
- Surrender and commitment to Christ
Key Quotes
“What a joy it is to meet those who are indeed finishing the race!” — David Wilkerson
“It is not heaven these believers seek, but Christ in his glory!” — David Wilkerson
“If you ever intend to lay hold of Christ, do it now; see it through!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of commitment to Christ and be willing to make sacrifices for His sake.
- Respond to the Holy Spirit's call by repenting, denying yourself, and surrendering to Christ.
- Take advantage of the present moment to lay hold of Christ and see it through.