"Finish Well"
2 Chronicles 14:1-7; 15:1-8, 16:1-10

All Christians want to faithfully follow the Lord, but not all do. How can we avoid the downward tendency that often afflicts our lives? We learn from the example of King Asa of Judah.

I. What Asa Did Right

A. Asa was fully committed to the Lord (15:7)
B. He took sin seriously and led by example as well as edict (14:3-4)
C. He was receptive to the work of the Lord (15:1-2)

II. What Asa Did Wrong

A. Later in life, Asa trusted in man rather that first of all looking to God (16:7-9)
B. What lessons can we learn from Asa?

1. We need to recognize the danger of times of crisis. There is never a good time to "leave the Lord out".
2. We need to maintain a close relationship with the Lord. Watch the little tendencies that lead us away from God.
3. We need to be open to correction. None of us are perfect.
4. We need to be humble. We need God's help.
5. We need to deal with sin rather than trying to suppress the truth.
6. We need to remember that there are rewards for faithfully following the Lord.
7. We need to remember that God is there to help us.

C. By God's grace, whether at death or at Christ's coming, may we finish strong.