FINISHING THE CLIMB: WALKING STEADFASTLY UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14
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INTRODUCTION
In every generation, God calls His people to live with spiritual awareness, discipline, and unwavering focus. The journey of faith is never portrayed in Scripture as a casual walk without risk; rather, it is often likened to a race, a battle, or a demanding ascent. In the message before us, the Spirit of the Living God uses the powerful image of mountain climbing to reveal the seriousness of our spiritual walk in these perilous times. A mountain climb requires concentration, endurance, obedience to proven paths, and total dependence on guidance. One careless step, one moment of distraction, can cost a climber everything.
Likewise, the present times are marked by danger, instability, and spiritual deception. Multitudes are falling, not only physically but spiritually, because they have ignored the direction of the Holy Spirit and have allowed the flesh, the world, and distractions to pull their attention away from God’s ordained path. Yet the heart of God is not destruction but preservation, not loss but victory. His intention is that His people should not become casualties but finish the course, complete the climb, and enter His Kingdom having fulfilled His divine purpose.
This lesson unfolds a sober yet hope-filled call to steadfastness. It reminds believers that salvation is not the end of the journey but the beginning of an upward climb toward holiness, obedience, and eternal reward. God’s Spirit has been given as our Guide, Strengthener, and Keeper, ensuring that we are not left alone on this treacherous ascent. As we explore this teaching, we are called to examine our focus, our choices, and our commitment to finish the climb God has set before us.
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THE NECESSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S DIRECTION
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” — Romans 8:14
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The Living God clearly declares that these times are terrible, filled with danger and loss. This reality demands heightened spiritual awareness. Just as a climber would never attempt a dangerous ascent without guidance, equipment, and preparation, no believer can safely navigate these times without total reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is not an optional aid; He is the divine necessity for survival and progress.
Without the Spirit’s direction, even sincere believers can misstep. The dangers are subtle and often disguised as harmless distractions. When attention shifts from God to the world, from obedience to convenience, the soul becomes vulnerable. The Holy Spirit continually points the believer back to God’s path, correcting, warning, and strengthening. To ignore His guidance is to invite spiritual disaster.
God’s intention is preservation, not loss. He does not desire His people to perish or fall into death, whether spiritual or physical. His Spirit illuminates the path, enabling believers to discern danger before it becomes fatal. Walking in the Spirit is the only way to remain secure on the narrow and elevated path of righteousness.
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THE UPWARD CALL AND THE DANGER OF DISTRACTION
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2
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The climb God has called His people to is upward, not horizontal. It requires discipline, effort, and a fixed vision. Distraction is one of the greatest enemies of spiritual progress. A mountain climber who begins to focus on irrelevant matters while ascending places their life at risk. In the same way, believers who center their lives on worldly pursuits, fleshly desires, or trivial concerns lose the sharp focus required to remain on God’s path.
The world constantly demands attention, but yielding to it weakens spiritual resolve. Catering to the flesh while neglecting the spirit is a fatal imbalance. The flesh offers comfort, pleasure, and ease, but its end is always destruction. God calls His people to remain centered on Him, trusting that His way, though demanding, leads to life.
Spiritual maturity requires resisting enticement, especially when the climb feels exhausting. God does not deny the difficulty of the journey, but He promises His presence and strength. When believers cry out to Him in awareness of their need, He empowers them to continue upward without falling.
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PERSEVERANCE AND TRUST IN GOD’S PURPOSE
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
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God’s desire is not that His people merely begin well, but that they finish well. Many start the climb with enthusiasm, only to falter when resistance intensifies. The temptation to give up, to cast oneself down, or to turn back becomes strong when progress feels slow or painful. Yet God explicitly warns against such surrender.
Trust in God must extend beyond beginnings into endurance. The course set before each believer is purposeful and intentional. To abandon it is to forfeit the reward and invite unnecessary tragedy. God does not want His people to become casualties of discouragement, impatience, or unbelief.
As children born again of incorruptible seed, believers are called to walk in newness of life. This new life is incompatible with retreat. Turning away from God’s path places responsibility for destruction upon the one who chooses deviation. God has provided the way, the strength, and the guidance; refusal to continue is a willful act.
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THE PERIL OF CARNALITY AND LOOKING BACK
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” — Romans 8:13
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One of the most dangerous threats to finishing the climb is the pull of the old fleshly nature. Though defeated by Christ, the flesh remains a persistent enemy, constantly seeking to lure believers back into bondage. The flesh promises satisfaction but delivers emptiness, despair, and death.
Looking back is especially dangerous. A climber who glances behind risks losing balance. Spiritually, looking back with longing toward former sins, habits, or lifestyles can lead to a devastating fall. The old self has no future but death and damnation, and returning to it is a denial of the new life in Christ.
God’s people are called to forward vision. Satisfaction is found not in gratifying the flesh but in pleasing God. The flesh is never satisfied; its appetite grows with indulgence. Only obedience to the Spirit brings lasting fulfillment and strength to complete the course.
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THE HIGH AND HOLY PURPOSE OF THE CLIMB
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?” — Psalm 24:3
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God’s goals for His people are high, holy, and far above the polluted plains of worldly living. The climb is not merely about survival; it is about transformation and vision. As believers ascend spiritually, they begin to see horizons previously unseen. Spiritual elevation brings clarity, purpose, and deeper communion with God.
Serving God with gladness and gratitude sustains endurance. Gratitude keeps the heart aligned with eternal values and prevents bitterness or weariness. It reminds the believer that the climb, though demanding, leads to glory.
God never intended His people to be entangled in lust, carnality, or despair. Such entanglements weigh down the soul and hinder progress. The Holy Spirit continually calls believers higher, away from corruption and toward divine purpose.
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SUMMARY
The message of finishing the climb is a call to vigilance, obedience, and perseverance. God has provided His Spirit to guide, strengthen, and preserve His people in perilous times. The journey of faith requires focus, discipline, and rejection of distractions. Turning back, indulging the flesh, or neglecting spiritual direction leads to tragic loss. Yet those who remain steadfast, trusting God and pressing forward, will complete the course and inherit eternal life.
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CONCLUSION
God does not desire unfinished journeys or wasted lives. He has called His people to climb, to ascend, and to finish well. The dangers are real, but so is His power. The Spirit of God is sufficient to guide every step and prevent every fall for those who remain attentive and obedient. The call is clear: do not look back, do not give up, and do not stray. Fix your eyes on what lies ahead and trust the One who called you.
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CALL TO ACTION
Choose this day to renew your commitment to walk under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Examine your focus, remove distractions, and reject every compromise that threatens your spiritual progress. Press forward in obedience, trusting that God will strengthen you to finish the climb set before you.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
You are not climbing alone. The God who called you walks with you, strengthens you, and secures your steps. Though the path is narrow and the ascent demanding, the reward is eternal. Keep climbing. The summit is worth it.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I come before You acknowledging that I need You. I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again so that I may have new life. Today, I turn away from sin and surrender my life to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide my steps, and help me to walk in obedience. I choose to follow You and to finish the course You have set before me. Thank You for salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
