Focusing on the Finish: A Christian's Journey
Summary
Focusing on the finish is essential in our Christian journey. Becoming a Christian requires faith, living the Christian life requires fortitude, and finishing the journey requires focus. The destination, heaven, makes the journey worthwhile and gives us direction. Paul, in Philippians 3:13-14, emphasizes the importance of forgetting what is behind and pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This means not allowing past failures or victories to influence our present focus. Instead, we should concentrate on what God is doing today and what He has planned for the future.
We must also focus on the eternal rather than the temporal. Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-6 is to preach the word and be ready in all seasons, emphasizing the importance of focusing on eternal matters. The world offers many distractions, but gaining the whole world is meaningless if we lose our soul. Our lives should impact our families, friends, and communities for Christ. We have one shot at this life, and we must make it count by focusing on what truly matters.
Distractions and discouragement are tools the enemy uses to keep us from finishing the race. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin that easily besets us and run with patience the race set before us. We must focus on finishing the work before us, as Paul did, despite the challenges he faced. He considered his life worth nothing if only he could finish the race and complete the task given to him by the Lord.
Regardless of past failures, it is never too late to get a fresh start with God through Jesus Christ. We must remain focused and finish well, knowing that the reward is far greater than any earthly prize. Let us strive for the eternal, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Focus on the Finish: The Christian journey requires focus on the ultimate goal—heaven. Forgetting past failures and victories allows us to press forward toward the prize of God's upward call. This focus gives our journey purpose and direction. [02:38]
2. Eternal vs. Temporal: Our lives should prioritize eternal matters over temporary distractions. Gaining the world is meaningless if we lose our soul. We must impact our families and communities for Christ, focusing on what truly matters. [18:53]
3. Overcoming Distractions: Distractions and discouragement are tools used by the enemy to hinder our progress. We must lay aside these weights and run the race with patience, keeping our eyes on Jesus. [24:54]
4. Finishing the Work: Like Paul, we must focus on completing the task given to us by the Lord, despite challenges. Our lives should be a testimony of God's grace, impacting those around us. [29:46]
5. A Fresh Start: Regardless of past failures, it's never too late to start anew with God. By focusing on Jesus, we can finish well and receive the eternal reward that far surpasses any earthly prize. [34:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:55] - Focusing on the Finish
- [02:38] - Faith, Fortitude, and Focus
- [04:02] - Forgetting the Past
- [05:45] - Living in the Present
- [08:14] - Striving for Glory
- [09:33] - The Danger of Self-Focus
- [11:55] - Lessons from Jonah and Samson
- [14:22] - Solomon's Distractions
- [16:56] - The Importance of Eternal Focus
- [18:53] - Hope in Christ Alone
- [20:11] - Impacting Others for Christ
- [24:12] - Overcoming Distractions
- [28:18] - Finishing the Work
- [34:11] - A Fresh Start with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:13-14
2. 2 Timothy 4:1-6
3. Hebrews 12:1
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul emphasize about our past and our focus for the future? How does this relate to the concept of "pressing toward the goal"? [02:38]
2. In 2 Timothy 4:1-6, what specific instructions does Paul give to Timothy regarding his ministry? How does this reflect the importance of focusing on eternal matters? [18:53]
3. Hebrews 12:1 mentions laying aside every weight and sin. What does the sermon suggest these "weights" might be in our lives? [24:54]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of focusing on the finish using examples from sports and biblical figures? [09:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "forget what is behind" in the context of Philippians 3:13-14, and how can this be applied to both past failures and victories? [04:02]
2. How does Paul's charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-6 challenge believers to prioritize eternal over temporal matters? What might this look like in everyday life? [18:53]
3. The sermon mentions distractions and discouragement as tools of the enemy. How can Hebrews 12:1 guide believers in overcoming these challenges? [24:54]
4. How does the sermon use the story of Samson to illustrate the consequences of losing focus on God's parameters? What lessons can be drawn from this example? [13:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on Philippians 3:13-14. Is there a past failure or victory that you need to let go of to focus on what God is doing in your life today? How can you begin to shift your focus? [02:38]
2. In what ways can you prioritize eternal matters over temporary distractions in your daily life? Identify one specific change you can make this week to focus more on the eternal. [18:53]
3. Consider the "weights" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1. What is one distraction or sin that is hindering your spiritual race, and what steps can you take to lay it aside? [24:54]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of impacting others for Christ. Who in your life can you influence for Christ, and what is one practical way you can do this in the coming week? [20:11]
5. Reflect on the story of Samson. Are there areas in your life where you have ignored God's parameters? How can you realign your life with God's guidance? [13:16]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of finishing the work God has given us. What is one task or calling you feel God has placed on your heart, and how can you focus on completing it? [29:46]
7. How can you ensure that your life is a testimony of God's grace, impacting your family and community? Identify one specific action you can take to live out this testimony. [30:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Pressing Toward the Heavenly Goal
In our Christian journey, focusing on the finish is crucial. The ultimate goal is heaven, and this focus gives our journey purpose and direction. Paul, in Philippians 3:13-14, encourages believers to forget what is behind and press toward the goal for the prize of God's upward call. This means not allowing past failures or victories to influence our present focus. Instead, we should concentrate on what God is doing today and what He has planned for the future. By keeping our eyes on the heavenly prize, we can navigate the challenges of life with a clear sense of purpose. [02:38]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: What past failure or victory do you need to let go of today to focus on what God is doing in your life right now?
Day 2: Prioritizing Eternal Matters
Our lives should prioritize eternal matters over temporary distractions. The world offers many distractions, but gaining the whole world is meaningless if we lose our soul. Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-6 emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal matters. Our lives should impact our families, friends, and communities for Christ. We have one shot at this life, and we must make it count by focusing on what truly matters. By keeping our eyes on the eternal, we can ensure that our lives have a lasting impact. [18:53]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one temporary distraction you can set aside today to focus more on eternal matters?
Day 3: Overcoming Distractions and Discouragement
Distractions and discouragement are tools the enemy uses to keep us from finishing the race. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin that easily besets us and run with patience the race set before us. We must focus on finishing the work before us, as Paul did, despite the challenges he faced. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we can overcome the obstacles that seek to hinder our progress. [24:54]
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one distraction or source of discouragement in your life. How can you actively lay it aside today to focus on your spiritual race?
Day 4: Completing the Task Given by the Lord
Like Paul, we must focus on completing the task given to us by the Lord, despite challenges. Our lives should be a testimony of God's grace, impacting those around us. Paul considered his life worth nothing if only he could finish the race and complete the task given to him by the Lord. By focusing on the work God has set before us, we can ensure that our lives are meaningful and impactful. [29:46]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What specific task or calling has God placed on your heart? How can you take a step today to move closer to completing it?
Day 5: Embracing a Fresh Start with God
Regardless of past failures, it is never too late to get a fresh start with God through Jesus Christ. We must remain focused and finish well, knowing that the reward is far greater than any earthly prize. By focusing on Jesus, we can finish well and receive the eternal reward that far surpasses any earthly prize. Embracing a fresh start allows us to realign our lives with God's purpose and experience His grace anew. [34:11]
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need a fresh start with God? How can you invite Him into that area today to begin anew?
Quotes
"Becoming a Christian requires faith. We know that it's by faith that we trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And to become a Christian, you must have faith. And it requires faith. Living the Christian life requires fortitude. It takes a lot in the world we live in today to live the Christian life. But finishing the Christian journey requires focus. It requires focus." [00:02:15] (31 seconds)
"So although the journey, we're supposed to be all about the journey, I want to tell you something. If there's not something at the end of it, it's really, really not worth the journey, is it? But we have something out there that is worth the journey through. First point we're going to look at today is we must maintain our focus in order to finish well." [00:02:56] (20 seconds)
"But listen, don't live there. Don't live. Don't stay there because what we need to be focused on is what's happening today. What's grace doing today? What are we looking to do in the future? We're pressing on. We're going forward. We want to see what we can do in this community to impact Christ before his return." [00:05:27] (23 seconds)
"And yet, we're striving for glory. We're striving for heaven. And in comparison, the Super Bowl is nothing. It's a rusting trophy that next year somebody else will compete for it. We're striving for the greatest Super Bowl ever in our lives. Now, what can happen is that our focus then can be changed. When we begin to focus on ourselves, it can be disastrous." [00:09:14] (34 seconds)
"Second point we want to look at is we must focus on the eternal and not the temporal. 2 Timothy 4, 1 through 6. I charge you, therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing in his kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season." [00:19:06] (17 seconds)
"Paul's charge to Timothy was to focus on the eternal. Focus on the eternal. Living your life every day. I believe that Paul had Matthew 16, 26 in mind, which says, For what profit a man if he shall gain the whole world? and lose his soul that's a powerful statement it's one that's used all the time but think about it you could have everything in the world." [00:19:52] (31 seconds)
"Now, if you choose to follow Jesus with your life, distractions will come. Every side, every angle, self-imposed, from within, from without. Satan hates a believer who is living out their faith. I'm going to tell you a little story you've probably heard about 14 times before because I can't remember new stories, so I repeat old ones." [00:23:36] (23 seconds)
"Pastor Rice used to say this. It's not easy. easy but it's best it's not easy but it's best serving the lord last point here we must focus on finishing the work before us luke 14 28 through 30 for which of you intending to build a tower does not sit down first and count the cost whether he is has enough to finish it lest after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish listen to this all who see it begin to mock him saying this man began to build was not able to finish." [00:28:26] (41 seconds)
"Regardless of what has happened in your past, it's not too late to get a fresh start with God through Jesus Christ. Get focused and finish well. Let's pray. Lord Jesus, I thank you so much for this time together. Lord, I thank you that as we sit here and we're on the verge of another Super Bowl, Lord, that truly we are headed towards something so much greater." [00:34:48] (30 seconds)
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