1. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Part One
2 COR. 8:6
[By Ron Halbrook]

2. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Introduction
1. 2 Cor. 8:6 Corinth made a commitment, but…
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,
so he would also finish in you
the same grace also.

3. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Introduction
2. 2 Cor. 8:1-12 Fulfill the commitment
Vv Macedonians gave “beyond their power”

4. Vv. 1-5 Macedonians gave “beyond their power”
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3 For to their power, I bear record,
yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty
that we would receive the gift,
and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering
to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped,
but first gave their own selves to the Lord,
and unto us by the will of God.
Vv Macedonians gave “beyond their power”

5. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Introduction
2. 2 Cor. 8:1-12 Fulfill the commitment
Vv Titus will remind them
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,
so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

6. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Introduction
2. 2 Cor. 8:1-12 Fulfill the commitment
Vv Finish what you started
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

7. Vv. 8-12 Finish what you started
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

8. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Introduction
3. After we begin, what then?
Finish what you start for Christ
The sinner begins to hear Christ
The Christian begins to follow Christ
The church begins to serve Christ

9. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
A. The Soldier’s Spirit
John Paul Jones of Le Bonhomme Richard to British captain of Serapis: “Sir, I have not yet begun to fight.”

10. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
A. The Soldier’s Spirit
2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 3:12 Face hardships

11. 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 3:12 Face hardships
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

12. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
A. The Soldier’s Spirit
2 Cor. 5:14 Christ’s love motivates us
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

13. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
B. The Athlete’s Determination
Don Schollander, 5 Olympic gold medals, U.S. records, 22 world records

14. Don Schollander, 5 Olympic gold medals, 37 U. S
Don Schollander, 5 Olympic gold medals, U.S. records, 22 world records
In top competition a whole new ingredient enters swimming—pain. You learn the pain…in every race.
You can back off, or you can force yourself to drive to the finish, knowing that the pain will become excruciating. Right there, the great competitors separate from the rest…. If you push through the pain barrier into real agony, you’re a champion.
[Don Schollander, “Not the Triumph But the Struggle,” Reader’s Digest (June 1971): ; p.224]

15. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
B. The Athlete’s Determination
1 Cor. 9: Go for the prize

16. 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Cor. 9: Go for the prize

17. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
C. “Agonize” to Sustain Relationship with Christ
Greek agonizomai: strive as soldier, athlete
Contend, strive, labor fervently
Strain every nerve
Do one’s utmost
Practice rigid self-control
Struggle one’s hardest
Exert all one’s strength

18. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
C. “Agonize” to Sustain Relationship with Christ
Lk. 13:24; 1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Tim. 6: % commitment

19. Lk. 13:24; 1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Tim. 6:12 100% commitment
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

20. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
C. “Agonize” to Sustain Relationship with Christ
Ja. 4:7-10 Yield all to God’s power & love

21. Ja. 4:7-10 Yield all to God’s power & love
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

22. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
C. “Agonize” to Sustain Relationship with Christ
Ja. 1:6-8 Single-minded focus in life
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

23. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
C. “Agonize” to Sustain Relationship with Christ
Eph. 2:8-9 No merit: receive His grace
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

24. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
C. “Agonize” to Sustain Relationship with Christ
Rev. 14:13 Relationship rewarded
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

25. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
D. Always Looking to Christ
Lk. 9:23, 62 Deny self daily as he did
23 And he said to them all,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

26. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
D. Always Looking to Christ
Rev. 3:21 Overcome trials as he did
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

27. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
D. Always Looking to Christ
Jn. 12:32-33; 2 Cor. 5:14 Power of his love sustains us in every trial

28. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Jn. 12:32-33; 2 Cor. 5:14 Power of his love sustains us in every trial
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

29. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
I. Finish What You Start for Christ
D. Always Looking to Christ
2 Cor. 8:3-5 Macedonians empowered by this power

30. 2 Cor. 8:3-5 Macedonians empowered by this power
3 For to their power, I bear record,
yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty
that we would receive the gift,
and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering
to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped,
but first gave their own selves to the Lord,
and unto us by the will of God.

31. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
A. Hearing Is the 1st Step, What Then?
Jn. 6:63, Some turn away

32. Jn. 6:63, 66-69 Some turn away the words that I speak unto you,
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth;
the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you,
they are spirit, and they are life.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back,
and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve,
Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him,
Lord, to whom shall we go?
thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

33. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
A. Hearing Is the 1st Step, What Then?
Jn. 8: Some listen & learn
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.

34. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
B. Believing Is the 2nd Step, What Then?
Acts 26: Some turn away
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?
I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

35. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
B. Believing Is the 2nd Step, What Then?
Acts 2: Some willing to act on their faith

36. Acts 2:36-37 Some willing to act on their faith
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus,
whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this,
they were pricked in their heart,
and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?

37. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
C. Repenting Is the 3rd Step, What Then?
Acts 2:38 Faith leads to repentance: change of heart causing change of life
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

38. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
C. Repenting Is the 3rd Step, What Then?
Acts 26:20 Repentance changes conduct
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem,
and throughout all the coasts of Judaea,
and then to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God,
and do works meet for repentance.

39. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
D. Confessing Christ Is the 4th Step, What Then?
Rom. 10:9-10 Open confession of Christ
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

40. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
D. Confessing Christ Is the 4th Step, What Then?
Acts 8: Faith leads to confession

41. Acts 8:35-37 Faith leads to confession
35 Then Philip opened his mouth,
and began at the same scripture,
and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way,
they came unto a certain water:
and the eunuch said, See, here is water;
what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said,
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

42. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
E. Being Baptized Is the Last Step to Be Saved
Mk. 16: Receive salvation by obedient faith
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned.

43. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
E. Being Baptized Is the Last Step to Be Saved
Acts 2:38 Salvation: all sins forgiven
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

44. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
E. Being Baptized Is the Last Step to Be Saved
Acts 2:41, 47 Saved: added to church
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them
about three thousand souls.
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved.

45. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
II. The Sinner Begins to Hear Christ
F. Our Souls Conquered by the Love of Christ
2 Cor. 5:14 His love wins our love
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

46. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Invitation
1. 2 Cor. 8:6 Corinth made a commitment, but…
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,
so he would also finish in you
the same grace also.

47. AFTER WE BEGIN, WHAT THEN?
Invitation
2. After we begin, what then?
Finish what you start for Christ
The sinner begins to hear Christ
3. Acts 2:38 Receive salvation now!
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.