Finishing Well: The Courage to Endure
Summary
In today's message, we explored the critical theme of finishing well, particularly for men, in our ongoing series "Fast and Fearless." Starting well is important, but it is the courage to finish that truly defines us. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7, we are reminded that it takes courage to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. The world is filled with unfinished stories and dreams, and as men, we are called to be different. We are called to endure, to fight, and to finish the race that God has set before us.
Statistics show that only one in ten Christian men finish well, a sobering reality that we must confront and change. We are not called to be men who quit when life gets tough; rather, we are called to be men who persevere. Ecclesiastes 7:8 reminds us that "better is the end of a thing than its beginning," emphasizing the importance of finishing strong.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of men who started strong but did not finish well, such as Noah, Gideon, King Saul, and Solomon. These stories serve as warnings for us to remain vigilant and committed. On the other hand, there are also stories of men who finished well, like Joseph, Nehemiah, and Jesus, who endured because they kept their eyes on the purpose and the finish line.
To finish strong, we must make a commitment to stay humble and dependent on God, surround ourselves with brothers who push us forward, refuse to compromise even in small areas, run with the end in mind, and make God our ultimate reward. These principles will help us to not only start well but to finish well, bringing honor and glory to God.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay Humble and Dependent on God: Self-reliance is the first step towards self-destruction. We must remain humble and dependent on God, recognizing that our strength comes from Him. Pride can lead to downfall, as seen in the stories of Samson and King Uzziah. [19:32]
- Surround Yourself with Brothers: No man finishes strong alone. We need brothers who will push us forward and hold us accountable. Isolation can lead to vulnerability and downfall, as seen in the stories of Samson and Judas. [23:41]
- Refuse to Compromise: The downfall of great men often begins with small compromises. We must be vigilant in guarding against small sins and justifications that can lead to greater destruction. [26:50]
- Run with the End in Mind: Keeping our eyes on the finish line helps us endure hardships and stay focused on our purpose. Like Joseph and Nehemiah, we must remember the greater mission and the eternal rewards that await us. [29:30]
- Make God Your Ultimate Reward: Chasing temporary rewards can lead to abandonment of faith. We must live for God and the eternal rewards He offers, rather than the fleeting pleasures of this world. [33:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - Introduction to the Series
- [01:25] - The Importance of Finishing Well
- [02:18] - Courage to Finish the Race
- [03:08] - Unfinished Stories and Dreams
- [04:12] - Sobering Statistics
- [05:05] - Will You Be the One?
- [06:12] - Prayer for Strength and Endurance
- [07:14] - The Temptation to Quit
- [09:08] - Stories of Men Who Didn't Finish Well
- [11:25] - Examples from the Bible
- [14:41] - The Discipline of Endurance
- [16:24] - Five Keys to Finishing Strong
- [18:32] - Commitment to Humility
- [23:41] - Surrounding Yourself with Brothers
- [26:32] - Refusing Compromise
- [29:30] - Running with the End in Mind
- [33:31] - Making God Your Ultimate Reward
- [38:27] - Call to Finish Strong
- [41:08] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [42:01] - Invitation to Give
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Finishing Well
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2. Ecclesiastes 7:8 - "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says he has "fought the good fight" and "finished the race" in 2 Timothy 4:7? How does this relate to the theme of finishing well? [02:18]
2. According to Ecclesiastes 7:8, why is the end of a thing considered better than its beginning? How does this perspective apply to the concept of finishing well? [04:48]
3. In the sermon, several biblical figures were mentioned who did not finish well. What were some of the reasons given for their failures? [11:25]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of humility and dependence on God in finishing well? [19:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the statistic that only one in ten Christian men finish well challenge our understanding of perseverance in faith? What might this imply about the challenges men face in their spiritual journeys? [04:12]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with brothers who push us forward. How might this community support be crucial in helping someone finish well? [23:41]
3. What does it mean to "run with the end in mind," and how can this mindset impact one's daily decisions and long-term goals? [29:30]
4. The sermon warns against small compromises leading to downfall. How can one identify and address these small compromises in their life? [26:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you started something with excitement but struggled to finish. What factors contributed to your perseverance or lack thereof? How can you apply these lessons to your current commitments? [07:50]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be relying on your own strength rather than depending on God. What steps can you take to shift your reliance back to God? [19:32]
3. Consider the people you surround yourself with. Are there individuals who push you towards your spiritual goals? If not, how can you seek out such relationships? [23:41]
4. Think about a small compromise you might be making in your life. What practical steps can you take to address this compromise and prevent it from leading to larger issues? [26:50]
5. What is your "finish line" in your spiritual journey? How can keeping this goal in mind help you endure current challenges? [29:30]
6. How can you make God your ultimate reward in life, rather than chasing temporary pleasures or achievements? What changes might this require in your daily life? [33:31]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to be "fast and fearless." What specific actions can you take this week to embody this mindset in your spiritual walk? [38:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility as a Foundation for Strength
To finish well, one must remain humble and dependent on God. Self-reliance can lead to self-destruction, as pride often precedes a fall. The stories of Samson and King Uzziah serve as cautionary tales of how pride can lead to downfall. Humility is not about thinking less of oneself but recognizing that true strength comes from God. By staying humble, we open ourselves to God's guidance and strength, allowing us to persevere through challenges and finish the race set before us. [19:32]
"For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of seeking God's guidance and support? How can you practice humility today by acknowledging your need for Him?
Day 2: The Power of Brotherhood
No man finishes strong alone; we need the support and accountability of brothers in faith. Isolation can lead to vulnerability, as seen in the stories of Samson and Judas. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who push us forward and hold us accountable is crucial. These relationships provide encouragement, wisdom, and strength, helping us to stay on course and finish well. By fostering genuine connections with others, we create a support system that empowers us to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. [23:41]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Who are the brothers in your life that you can rely on for support and accountability? How can you strengthen these relationships to ensure you are not walking your faith journey alone?
Day 3: Vigilance Against Compromise
The downfall of great men often begins with small compromises. It is essential to be vigilant in guarding against small sins and justifications that can lead to greater destruction. Compromise can be subtle, creeping into our lives through seemingly insignificant decisions. By remaining alert and committed to our values, we can prevent these small compromises from taking root and leading us astray. Staying true to our convictions, even in the face of temptation, is key to finishing well. [26:50]
"Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom." (Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: What small compromises have you made recently that could lead to larger issues if left unchecked? How can you address these areas and recommit to living with integrity?
Day 4: Keeping the End in Sight
Running with the end in mind helps us endure hardships and stay focused on our purpose. Like Joseph and Nehemiah, we must remember the greater mission and the eternal rewards that await us. By keeping our eyes on the finish line, we can navigate challenges with perseverance and determination. This perspective allows us to prioritize what truly matters and align our actions with our ultimate goals. Staying focused on the end goal helps us to finish strong and fulfill the purpose God has set before us. [29:30]
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is the ultimate goal you are striving towards in your faith journey? How can you keep this goal in mind as you navigate daily challenges and decisions?
Day 5: God as the Ultimate Reward
Chasing temporary rewards can lead to the abandonment of faith. We must live for God and the eternal rewards He offers, rather than the fleeting pleasures of this world. By making God our ultimate reward, we align our lives with His purpose and find fulfillment in His promises. This eternal perspective helps us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith and finish well. [33:31]
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:25-26, ESV)
Reflection: Are there temporary rewards or pleasures that are distracting you from your relationship with God? How can you refocus your heart and mind on making God your ultimate reward?
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