We have been discussing the person who has crossed the finished line whose faith is complete. We have seen that because on the cross Jesus said “It is finished” we can rest in the work of Christ like the Father rested after the six days of creation.  In the above scripture we see Jesus telling us to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world.  Though we may experience tribulation, we can maintain a spirit of joy because Jesus has overcome the world.  We know from John's first letter that “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”  (1Jn5:4)  So as we enter into the finished work of Christ, this Christ who has overcome the world, by faith we overcome the world as we live in Christ.  The world which is steeped in sin, in darkness, in pain and misery, in violence and death can be overcome.  We can live in victory by living in Christ and we get there by faith.  By faith we stand in calm assurance that the work is done and because we are born of God we can live as overcomers, as victorious, as sons and daughters of God. 

            Jesus has told us that there would be tribulation and tribulation is shaking.  There is much in us that has to be purged before our faith is complete.  In Hebrews twelve it states “Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain.” Hb12:27  So in order to have an unshakable faith God must remove what is shakable.  The way we become free is through the trial of our faith which is more precious than gold and silver.  It is through learning how to exercise our faith in Christ that we receive a kingdom that cannot be moved (Hb12:28)  When we have run the race and finished our course, our faith is complete and we live in victory by living in Christ. 

            Because we have inherited a sin nature, because we are born with spirits like anger, jealousy, envy, hatred, lust, and fornication, though we are born of God, we must be shaken.  We must go through trial and test and temptation to allow God to remove the shakable so that which cannot be shaken may remain.  As we learn to live in Christ we become free.  As we learn to live in Christ we become victorious.  As we learn to live in Christ our faith is made complete.  “If we abide in Christ and his word abides in us, we shall ask what we will, and it shall be done for us” (Jn15:7)  That is the promise of God. 

            Because Christ has overcome, by faith in him, we can overcome.  We can beat the world.  We can beat sin.  We can beat sickness.  We can beat death.  We can beat it because Christ beat it and with his grace we can serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear. (Hb12:28b)

            So let God shake you and after he has shaken you enter into a rest.  “There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hb4:9)  Don't give up and don”t get discouraged.  Believe there is a finish line.  Believe you can live in victory.  Believe you can live in Christ.  Believe you can be free. 

            So enter in my children.  Enter into my covenant.  Enter into my glory.  Enter in and believe.  Be of good cheer.  My joy is your strength.  Do not waver.  Do not doubt.  Simply believe.  Simply live by faith and you shall be more than conquerors.  You shall be the head and not the tail.  You will live above and not below.  You shall be free for I am the Truth and the Truth shall make you free.  Have faith in me.

amen