(Clip) Living For Christ Alone and Finishing Well
K.P. Yohannan exhorts believers to live for Christ alone with unwavering devotion, emphasizing the importance of daily Scripture reading and perseverance to finish well in their spiritual journey.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the purpose of our lives, falling in love with Him, and aligning our actions with His will to bring Him joy. It encourages daily engagement with Scripture, prioritizing love for Jesus above all else, and making decisions that honor Him. The speaker shares a sobering story about the challenges faced by young people in ministry, highlighting the need for perseverance and dedication to walking with Christ despite difficulties.
Full Transcript
The way what somebody told me long ago about culture in this country, or your friends and behaviors, and whatever they do, it will all be changing, but make Jesus your purpose in life. Fall in love with him. Do everything keeping in mind what is he asking me, and I don't want to do anything that make him sad, and I want to be his, and I'm glad they found their journey and walking with Christ.
So what do I want you to hear from me? One, just like Gisela did back in Germany, just as it was for me on the other side of the globe, somebody telling me, never stop reading the scripture, every day see Jesus and love him more than life, anything and anyone in the world. I would encourage you to make decisions for your life. And can I say something that is not very nice? So far I've been saying nice things, I think.
When I was in college in Dallas, Texas, Dallas Seminary was just few, maybe 20 minutes from my college, Criswell College, and Dr. Hendricks, Howard Hendricks, one of the most brilliant godly professor, I mean, so real human being, so sober, and one time I heard him speak that frightened me to death. He said for 40 years he kept a diary of young people that he taught and mentored, those who got graduate, post-graduate degrees, and tons of them got PhDs under his tutorship. And he kept a diary about these individuals.
He said after 40 years, he realized less than 10% survived. I'm talking people who were even ministry, young people, if it was difficult for Gisela, if it was difficult for me, it is a million times more difficult for you, your future.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Make Jesus your purpose in life
- Fall in love with Christ above all else
- Avoid actions that grieve Jesus
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II
- Commit to daily Scripture reading
- See Jesus in the Word and love Him more than life
- Make life decisions centered on Christ
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III
- Understand the difficulty of persevering in faith
- Learn from the example of mentors like Dr. Hendricks
- Recognize the challenge of finishing well in ministry
Key Quotes
“Make Jesus your purpose in life. Fall in love with him.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Never stop reading the scripture, every day see Jesus and love him more than life.” — K.P. Yohannan
“For 40 years he kept a diary of young people that he taught and mentored... after 40 years, he realized less than 10% survived.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Commit to reading the Bible daily to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
- Make decisions in life that reflect your love and commitment to Christ.
- Prepare yourself for the challenges of faith by staying grounded in Scripture and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of living for Christ according to the sermon?
The main purpose is to center one's life on Jesus, loving Him above all and making decisions that honor Him.
Why is daily Scripture reading emphasized?
Daily Scripture reading helps believers see Jesus more clearly and deepen their love and commitment to Him.
What challenge does Dr. Hendricks' story highlight?
It highlights the difficulty many face in persevering and finishing well in their spiritual journey and ministry.
How should believers respond to cultural and peer pressures?
Believers should remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ, not allowing culture or peers to divert their focus from Him.