Four Pitfalls to Avoid for a Strong Finish - E-Books

Let me take you through four important things—four pitfalls that can hinder you from finishing strong. Everyone say "pitfalls!" These are crucial dangers that you must deal with in your life. I pray to God that you will address these areas during your journey of faith.

Take time for personal reflection. Go on a retreat, just you and God—like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26). Let it be an encounter that changes your life. Now, let's look at these four pitfalls.

1.Moral Failure: A Pitfall to Avoid

Let’s talk about the first pitfall—moral failure. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) gives us a clear warning: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!"

No one is exempt from moral failure, whether you're a new believer, a leader, or even a pastor. This scripture emphasises the need for vigilance and humility in our walk with God. Even if you think you are spiritually strong, you must remain careful.

The Story of Samson: Strength without Discipline

Samson was a strong man, empowered by God, but he had a deep internal problem—his lack of moral discipline. Many people picture Samson as someone with massive muscles, like "The Rock" from WWE. But Samson wasn’t known for his physical build; his strength came from God. Judges 16:17 (NIV) reveals his downfall: "So he told her everything. 'No razor has ever been used on my head,' he said, 'because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.'"

Despite his God-given strength, Samson had a significant weakness—his uncontrolled desires. He was constantly chasing after women like Susie, Lizzie, Tizzy, and Busy, moving from one relationship to another. His mother warned him to settle down and get married, but Samson ignored her advice. He was busy indulging his desires.

Samson’s moral failure wasn’t just about having a girlfriend; it was his inability to control his passions. He kept running from one relationship to another, from one city to another. In his pursuit of pleasure, his spiritual vision was compromised. His eyes, in a sense, became "blind" to God’s will before his legs followed suit. This is what moral failure does—it blinds you spiritually before you even act on it.

The Consequences of Moral Failure

Moral failure doesn’t happen overnight. It begins in the heart and mind, in your thoughts and imagination. If you don’t deal with it, it manifests in your actions and can destroy your life and calling. Genesis 49:4 (NIV) gives the example of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, who lost his birthright due to moral failure: "Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it."

Because of his failure, Reuben’s tribe never produced a prophet, king, or significant leader. Moral failure stopped him from fulfilling his potential.

Let’s not pretend we are immune to these pitfalls. We must be on guard against moral failure, for it is one of the most dangerous traps that can prevent us from finishing strong. Whether you are single or married, this warning applies to everyone.

Take heed of this pitfall, for if left unchecked, it can derail the plans God has for you. Remember, Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Moral failure is not restricted to men alone; it applies to women as well. It is one of the most dangerous pitfalls that can prevent you from finishing your race well. Moral failure often begins in your imagination, in your dreams, and then eventually becomes a reality. And it's not only for those who are unmarried—it affects everyone, regardless of their status.

The Example of Reuben: A Warning

Let me give you an example. Who was Jacob’s first son? Reuben. Genesis 49:3-4 (NIV) says: "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it."

Reuben, being the firstborn, was supposed to receive a double portion of blessing and inheritance, but because of his moral failure, he lost it all. He could not control his passion, and it cost him his future. Despite being part of a tribe of Israel, no prophet or king ever came from the tribe of Reuben. The moral failure robbed him of his potential.

When Jacob spoke over Reuben, he declared, "You shall not excel." This was a direct consequence of Reuben’s inability to control his desires. His actions had lasting repercussions, not only for him but for the generations that followed.

Moral failure is a serious issue. It doesn't only destroy the individual but can have a ripple effect that impacts families, communities, and even generations. If it remains unchecked, it will hinder you from fulfilling the purpose God has for you.

Moral failure is not something that can be ignored. It needs to be addressed in our lives with honesty and humility before God. It’s essential to guard your heart, as Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) reminds us: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

This pitfall is a warning for all of us. We must deal with our inner struggles before they manifest in outward actions. Moral failure, if left unattended, can derail our destiny and prevent us from finishing well.

2.The Pitfall of Discouragement

Discouragement is a common pitfall that many believers face. Look at someone and say, “Don’t be discouraged.” Many people are consumed by discouragement, and it can be a serious obstacle in our walk with God.

Discouragement comes even against the strongest believers. You may have prayed, but when nothing seems to happen, discouragement creeps in. You might think, “Why should I read the Bible anymore? Nothing changes.” This is exactly what satan wants—he doesn’t mind if you read other books, but he doesn’t want you to touch the Word of God.

Discouragement has attacked prophets, kings, and even the greatest men and women in the Bible. Elijah is a prime example. He was a man of great faith, who brought fire down from heaven. But in 1 Kings 19:4 (NIV), after a threat from Jezebel, Elijah ran in fear and discouragement: "While he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, he came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"

Despite being a mighty prophet, Elijah found himself overwhelmed by discouragement. He ran into the wilderness, sat under a broom tree, and prayed to die. Isn't it strange? A man of such power and faith, who called down fire from heaven, now wanted to give up on life.

When you pray to die, it’s a sign of deep discouragement. But let me tell you, God is not a life-taker—He is a life-giver. John 10:10 (NIV) says: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Elijah was in a place where he felt overwhelmed, but God wasn’t done with him yet. Often, when we are discouraged, we pray like Elijah, “Lord, take me!” But if you're praying to die, it means deep down, you really don’t want to.

Overcoming Discouragement

Discouragement is a real pitfall that we must guard against. It comes to distract you from your calling and purpose. Even Elijah, one of the greatest prophets, experienced it. But in the end, God restored him and gave him strength to continue.

When you feel like saying, “Take me, Lord,” remember that God has a greater purpose for your life. He is not done with you yet. Don’t let discouragement stop you from finishing strong. God is a God of hope, and He will lift you up in your time of need.

Understanding the Root of Discouragement

Are you discouraged? Many people pray things like, “Lord, take me now!” There was an old aunty I knew who would always say, “I’m going to die.” Yet, despite her words, she lived longer than many of her family members. One day, I visited her in Kurla village, and she said, “Baba, I’m still here. God, don’t take my soul away!”

When you pray to die, it’s a sign that you’re deeply discouraged. You’ve reached a point where you feel like you can’t handle it anymore, and you ask God to take it all away. Discouragement is a powerful pitfall that affects many believers. It makes you feel as though there’s no way out, that nothing is working. But that’s when we need to recognize that we are under attack.

Discouragement is a tool of the enemy. He tells you, “Look, nothing is happening. Your prayers aren’t being answered.” But what you don’t realize is that God has already done so much for you! Elijah, the great prophet, fell into this same trap. Just one day after calling fire down from heaven, he became deeply discouraged. 1 Kings 19:4 (NIV) says, "He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"

Imagine that! Elijah forgot about the great victory he had just experienced. How many of us forget what God has done for us when we face new challenges?

The Power of Fellowship

If discouragement is coming against you, you need to surround yourself with people who are filled with joy and faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) says: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

This is not just about marriage—it applies to fellowship and leadership as well. When you are discouraged, someone else can lift you up in prayer. That’s why you need godly people around you, like your J12 leader or other leaders in the church. They will cover you in prayer, helping you rise above discouragement.

The Importance of Spiritual Covering

We all need spiritual covering. No matter how strong you think you are, having people who pray for you is crucial. James 5:16 (NIV) reminds us: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

When others are praying for you, discouragement will not have the final say over your life. Lift your hands and declare, “I will rise in Jesus’ name!” Open your mouth and shout, “Hallelujah!”

Stay Connected: Don't Isolate Yourself

One of the worst things you can do when you're discouraged is to isolate yourself. The enemy wants you to sit alone, feeling defeated—just like an owl, always looking around, never connecting with others. But don’t be like the owl; instead, be like the crows! They gather together, they don’t care who’s around—they fellowship.

You need to fellowship with others. Don’t sit alone, shaking your head in despair. Connect with people who will uplift you. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) says: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

When you fellowship, you draw strength from the body of Christ, and together, you can rise above discouragement.

3.The Pitfall of Obsession with Wealth

Look at someone and say, “Money is necessary.” Now, tell your other neighbour, if they’re acting smart, “Money is needed!”

Money is a part of life, and it is necessary for many things. But if someone tells you that money is evil, go ahead and give them the church’s account number—they can offload all their "evil" in the offering bag, and we’ll take care of it for them!

Possessions are good, and money can be a blessing. However, when possessions begin to possess you, that’s when you fall into a pit. Obsession with wealth is a major trap. Mark 8:36 (NIV) asks a vital question: "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

We see this all the time—people chasing after wealth and success, but in the process, they lose their connection with God.

The Cost of Busyness

Why didn’t you come to church? Why aren’t you spending time with God? People often respond, “I’m busy. Busy, busy, busy.” They’re busy gaining the whole world, but at what cost?

God’s word is clear in Exodus 20:9-10 (NIV): “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.” Yet people say, “I’m too busy.” They’re busy chasing success, only to one day find themselves clutching their chest, calling out, “Pastor, pray for me!”

You can spend your whole life being busy, running from place to place, country to country—there’s nothing wrong with traveling—but where is your time for God? Where is your time for prayer?

The very blessing God gave you should not become the burden that breaks you. Look at someone and say, “Let not your breakthrough become your breakdown!”

Your work is not more important than your relationship with God, or your family. You go to work in the morning when your children are asleep, and come home late at night when they’re already in bed. And one day, when you walk in, your children will ask, “Who is that?”

Your child may even call you “uncle” because you’ve been so absent. Yes, go ahead and win the whole world, but at what cost?

Losing Time for What Matters

You might laugh now, but this situation may reflect your life more than you realize. When was the last time you sat down and read a book, or took time to exercise? I’m not talking about extreme bodybuilding—just basic self-care.

When was the last time you gave time to yourself or your family? Are you winning money but losing your soul, your health, and your relationships in the process?

This is your pitfall—your obsession with wealth. If you don’t listen to this message and make changes, you will fall into that pit, and no one may be able to pull you out. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) gives us this principle: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Make time for what matters. Don’t let the pursuit of wealth become the very thing that destroys your life.

Let’s go to 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV): "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Notice it’s not money itself that is evil, but the love of money. Everyone say, “Money is not evil.” The love of money is what leads people astray.

Investing with Wisdom

Investing is not wrong. Let me make that clear. But be cautious when someone promises you an unrealistic return—like 10% every month. When people say things like, “The share market is evil,” I say no, it’s not. Even in the Bible, the man went and traded (Matthew 25:14-30). However, if you become so consumed by it that you have no time for God, then it becomes a problem.

The Bible says, “It is through this craving that some have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” The obsession with money has led people into mental anguish and emotional distress. Many say, “I have tension, I have stress.” These are the arrows that hit you when you allow the craving for wealth to consume you.

The Testimony of a Young Man

Young people, listen carefully. A young man once wrote to me, saying, “Pastor Michael, I used to attend your church. I was doing well, but I saw a video from some influencers offering a three-hour course on a Sunday. They promised that in six to seven months, I could earn at least 10 lakhs.”

The young man was impressed and went to attend the course in Dubai. He was shown flashy lifestyles—people came on stage boasting about their cars, their success. Convinced by their stories, he sold his gold to pay 50,000 rupees for the course. He started borrowing money from people, but eventually, he lost his friends, his faith, and ended up drinking in bars.

This is what happens when money becomes your obsession. It begins to control you, and you pierce yourself with grief and sorrow.

Balance Is Key

Money is not wrong, but when you start craving it above all else, it becomes a trap. God knows you need money, and He will bring it to you. We must have balance. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

God will provide for you, but keep Him first in your life. Don’t let the love of money lead you astray.

When Peter needed money to pay the temple tax, Jesus didn’t tell him to cast a net for fish as he normally would. Instead, He said, “Go with a hook” (Matthew 17:27). Peter followed Jesus’ instruction, and the first fish he caught had a coin in its mouth—enough to pay both his tax and Jesus’ tax. Jesus will bring the money to you, but keep Him first. Peter trusted Jesus, and God provided. This is balance. Don’t be obsessed with money. Let God be your provider, and He will take care of you.

4.The Pitfall of Liberal Theology

The fourth pitfall I want to discuss is liberal theology. Look at someone and say, “Liberal theology.” This is a dangerous trap that can cover many issues, such as discouragement, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even obsession with wealth. All of these are linked in some way to liberal theology.

Let’s go to 2 Timothy 4:3 (AMP): "For the time is coming when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves many teachers [one after another], chosen to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold."

This is what we are seeing today. People are rejecting sound, wholesome teaching and instead seeking out messages that simply please their "itching ears."

The Danger of Itching Ears

What does it mean to have itching ears? It means people only want to hear things that are pleasing and gratifying. They don’t want correction or truth—they just want to be told, “You will rise!” or “You are the best!”

They gather teacher after teacher, looking for messages that cater to their personal preferences and desires. They want to hear things that will make them feel good, rather than hearing the truth of God’s Word.

The Trap of Chasing Every Trend

I want to share with you a story. There was a young man—he wasn’t very young, but he was on fire for God. He used to attend our church and would often ask me for prayer. However, this young man had a habit of going anywhere and everywhere, attending every meeting he found on Facebook.

He became like a vagabond, hopping from one ministry to another, chasing every new trend and teaching. This is a dangerous mindset. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV) says: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming."

We cannot build our faith by chasing after every new teaching or meeting. There must be consistency, a rootedness in sound doctrine and fellowship.

Root Yourself in Sound Doctrine

This is not a new issue—it has been happening for years. People hop from one place to another, but this kind of instability leads to confusion. As your pastor, I am responsible for telling you the truth, even if it challenges you. You need to be grounded in the Word of God, not swayed by popular trends or teachings that only gratify your emotions.

Liberal theology seeks to remove the challenge of God’s truth and replace it with what feels good. But as John 8:32 (NIV) reminds us: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

We need the truth, even when it convicts us, because only the truth can set us free and lead us to finish well.

The Danger of Hypergrace Theology

There was a man who used to attend our church. He was always in a hurry, saying, “I have to go, I have to go.” He would attend service in the morning and then rush off to another place. There are 30 million people in Mumbai, and many are seeking something—but not all places lead to the truth.

This man started attending a church—I don’t even know what to call it. While I believe in the grace doctrine (how many of you know that?), there is something dangerous called hypergrace. It twists the message of grace into something unbiblical.

One day, this man wrote to me on Facebook. He said, “Pastor, you should not preach about sin.” I replied, “Get lost, man. I’ve been kind to you, but don’t push it.” He went on to say that in Christ, we’ve already been forgiven, so there’s no need for repentance.

I told him, “What about the story of the prodigal son? Was he an idiot for repenting and coming back to the Father?” (Luke 15:11-32). I also mentioned 1 John 1:9 (NIV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

But this man insisted that repentance was no longer necessary.

The Consequences of Wrong Doctrine

When people consume spiritual "garbage," it’s like eating bad food—you will eventually vomit it out. This man, once on fire for God, started living immorally. He began attending different meetings, adopting false doctrines, and eventually fell into sinful habits.

Pastors from other churches began calling me, saying that his behavior had caused issues. His name was associated with our church because he had once attended, but he was now roaming from one place to another, creating problems wherever he went. His life was no longer grounded in truth.

The Importance of Staying Rooted

The problem with this man—and many others—is that they refuse to stay rooted in one place. Imagine a tree that keeps getting uprooted and moved around. It won’t bear fruit because it never establishes deep roots. Psalm 92:13 (NIV) says: "Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God."

This man kept moving from one spiritual “station” to another, but in the process, he lost his foundation. He was like a tree that never settled long enough to grow strong roots.

There is a serious issue today in many churches—people jumping from one ministry to another, seeking what they like to hear instead of staying grounded in sound doctrine. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV) warns us: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching."

My advice to you is simple: Stick to one place. Let your roots go deep in the Word of God. Don’t chase after every new trend or teaching. Stay where you can grow spiritually and mature in your faith.

Stick to One Place

If you want to go somewhere else, go. If you want to be here, stay here. The Bible says a shepherd has to give an account for his sheep. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) tells us: "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account."

But how can a shepherd give an account if he doesn’t know if the sheep belong to him or someone else? Many times, people call us, saying, “Pastor, someone has passed away.” So what are we supposed to do? Should we call the municipal authorities?

This is a real issue. Where are the church leaders? They know what I’m talking about. We receive these calls all the time. People expect us to perform funerals, yet they haven’t been part of the church. We’re not a “funeral church,” but we still do it out of love and responsibility.

Satisfying Their Own Desires

The issue is that people today do not want discipline. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV) says: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

People want to hear what satisfies their own liking. They don’t want to be told, “This is wrong, you need to change.” Instead, they want someone to tell them, “It’s okay to live in sin. It’s okay to make bad choices.” But we must stand firm in truth, even when it’s hard.

The Dangers of Following False Teachings

Let me give you an example. There was a man who started following a famous person on Facebook. This person used to preach against speaking in tongues, saying it was nonsense. How many of you know what I’m talking about?

But here’s the irony—this same person who preached against tongues was later seen leading worship and speaking in tongues! 1 Corinthians 14:18 (NIV) says: "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you."

Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and our ministry is built on this foundation. Yet people are easily swayed by such contradictory teachings because they are not rooted in the Word.

Don’t Throw Out the Baby with the Bathwater

Some people reject the gift of tongues because they don’t have the gift themselves. But just because not everyone prays in tongues, does that mean we should stop praying altogether? No! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) reminds us: "Pray continually."

If someone doesn’t know how to pray, we teach them. We don’t throw prayer out just because some don’t understand it. The same goes for tongues and other spiritual gifts. You don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! If there’s an issue, you address it. Change the water, clean the tub, but don’t discard the precious gift that God has given.

There are people who don’t know how to pray, so teach them. Likewise, there are people who hear others praying in tongues—Shabba baba, Abba baba—and may not understand it. Maybe they haven’t received the gift of tongues from the Holy Spirit yet, but that doesn’t make tongues wrong. 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NIV) says: "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit."

Tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit. We must not dismiss it.

Beware of False Doctrines

One of the prayers I tell my team to pray is this: “Lord, keep us away from false doctrines.” There’s always some new teaching or trend emerging, and we must remain grounded in the Word. For instance, some say, “We don’t need to pray anymore, we just declare.” While declaration is important, it must come from a place of spiritual maturity.

Ecclesiastes 8:4 (NIV) says: "Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, 'What are you doing?'"

But here’s the truth: only a king can declare. You have to grow spiritually before you can walk in that authority. Galatians 4:1 (NIV) reminds us: "What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate."

Understanding Authority in the Kingdom

Someone recently came to me and said, “Pastor, we need to declare more.” I replied, “Yes, declaration is important, but so is prayer.” A king declares, but if you haven’t reached that level of maturity, you still need to pray. You must be grounded in God’s presence to gain spiritual authority.

James 5:16 (NIV) tells us: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." There is power in prayer and confession of the Word.

When you confess, “I am the righteousness of God,” that’s not just a declaration, it’s a confession of faith. Both are necessary.

The Call to Be Rooted and Planted

There are people who hear teachings that confuse them, and they begin to carry nonsense doctrines. Some leaders, when corrected, leave the church because they don’t want discipline. They don’t want to be rooted and planted in one place. Psalm 92:13 (NIV) says: "Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God."

I want to tell the leaders and the church, you have a choice: be rooted and planted, or leave. God will raise up people who are willing to learn and grow. This is a training ground—learn your lessons well. John 15:5 (NIV) reminds us: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Training for Leadership

This is not just a place where one person preaches while everyone else claps. No, this is a training ground. I believe many of you are capable of leading churches. I see it in you—Andrew, Wilson, Sunil—you are capable of holding churches. The church is not about one man or woman doing everything. It’s a place of growth and empowerment for everyone.

Liberal theology, hyper-grace, and teachings that deny the gifts of the Holy Spirit, like tongues, are nonsense. Don’t be swayed by such teachings. 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV) says: "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues."

Liberal theology is like fast food—easily consumed but hard to digest, leading to spiritual sickness. Stick to the truth of the Word of God and avoid these infections.