Steve Farrar - Articles

Freedom From the Past

Some have trouble really believing in the extent of Christ’s work for us on the cross. We’re slow and strangely reluctant to believe in the liberating truth of 1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

I don’t know what one sin you may have committed that the enemy keeps throwing up in your face, but whatever it is, Jesus saw the whole thing. He loves you and He’s forgiven you. Perhaps He’s wondering how long you’ll let the enemy make a slave out of you. The next time Satan throws up that one sin in your face, tell him to take a long walk off a short pier. And tell him to take that chain with him. Remember, believers redeemed by Christ are sinners freed from chains.

--Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

Consequences of a Shipwreck

In the first ten chapters of Second Samuel, David could do no wrong. If ever there was a sure-fire candidate to succeed to the end, it was David. Well, that was the first ten chapters. In Chapter 11, David shipwrecked in his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba and his life was never quite the same.

Over the years there have been some monumental shipwrecks. We all know the great tragedy of the Titanic and the fascinating tale of Robinson Crusoe. In nautical history, there are three inescapable consequences to being shipwrecked. Shipwrecks can take you further than you want to go. Shipwrecks can keep you longer than you want to stay, and shipwrecks can cost you more than you want to pay.

When it comes to sin, you need to turn course now, before it’s too late and shipwreck is inevitable.

--Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

How to Avoid a Shipwreck

David’s sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah cost him a huge price. It cost him the life of his infant son, it cost him the rape of his daughter by his oldest son, and it cost him dearly when his son Absalom killed his brother Amnon to avenge the rape of Tamar. David was never the same after his adultery. Before he shipwrecked his life with Bathsheba, David’s life was characterized by triumph.  Afterward, there is only one word to describe the rest of David’s life, and that word is “trouble.”

The next time some sin looks particularly attractive, remember the consequences of sin that haunted David for the rest of his life. No matter how alluring the sin looks right now, it will wind up costing you more than you are willing to pay.

--Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

The Effect of Compromise

First Kings says, “Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm. So his servants said to him, “Let them seek a young virgin for my lord and king, and let her attend the king, that my lord the king may keep warm.’”

Why didn’t David have one of his wives keep him warm? David is simply repeating the same pattern that he chose all of his life; this was just another compromise. When David had a need in this area, he compromised.

Max Lucado said it best about David, “Mark it down, compromise chills the soul.”

--Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

Appropriate Relationships

Guys, if you’re going to succeed in living a God-pleasing life, keep your distance from women apart from your wife. 

I’m not saying that you become rude to women or stand-offish. What I am saying is that we keep an appropriate distance in our relationships with the women with whom we work and associate. You know what I’m talking about. We must keep our distance emotionally, and we must keep our distance physically. And if we will do that, we’ll be just fine. 

One of the reasons a vast majority of guys don’t finish strong can be found right here. Why? Because Satan takes them out with his all-time, numero-uno, time-proven tactic for snaring men and keeping them from living successfully: sexual immorality. Be on the alert and remember, ministry begins at home. My first responsibility before God is to my wife.

--Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

Conviction That's Consistent

The Scriptures tell us that Obadiah was a believer, yet he worked for
Ahab. There's nothing wrong with a believer working for a pagan boss.
But what seems inconsistent to me is holding on to a position, working
for a pagan employer, and not standing up to him.

Like Obadiah, Daniel worked for a pagan king, but Daniel didn't stand for
the king's ungodly behavior. That's why Daniel spent some time with the
lions at the Babylonian zoo. That's why Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego
were cast into the fiery furnace. Like Elijah, they maintained the
strength of their convictions, and God protected them for it. Obadiah
comes off more like the chameleon and a compromiser.

Holding convictions doesn't mean professing one set of beliefs and
practicing another. God's men are consistent, even if it means taking
some abuse or losing a job.

--Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com