Crossing the Finish Line
2 Timothy 4:1-9
DIGGING DEEPER
KEY QUOTES:
"The definition of Christian endurance is possessing faith that goes the distance in knowing Jesus, being known by Jesus, becoming more like Jesus, and, finally, being [physically present] with Jesus."
"When Paul looks back on his life, he can say with certainty that he has finished what God put him here to do."
"We don't waste our lives on our personal use but offer up our lives for God's glory."
"The reason why you and I will finish the Christian life well is because we began by loving Jesus and ended with loving Jesus."
We are all running a race as followers of Jesus. A question we can ask ourselves is, what kind of race are we running?
One way to view our race is as a race that takes a lifetime. There could be 60, 70 or even 80-plus years to run it. We have lots of flexibility to prepare in this lifetime race scenario because we think we have lots of time. Our spiritual, mental and physical training can become lackadaisical. Lots of maybes and tomorrows creep into living life in this mindset. I'll think about reading and studying the Bible tomorrow. I may pray this week. Maybe I'll go to church and serve others. Soon, I'll spend quality time with my spouse and family. Next week, I'll take care of my body, which is God's temple.
Another way to look at the running of our race is that we embrace the reality that Jesus could be coming quickly, maybe even today or tomorrow. What would we do now if we assumed that sense of Jesus coming quickly? What would we say "yes" to, and what would we say "no" to? Our priorities would be sharper, and our training for living a life that is pleasing to God would be intense. There would be no holding back. There would be no wasting of time on frivolous things. Our race would be run with passion and abandon. Revelation 22:12 says, "Behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."
Let us run our race, desiring to cross the finish line, knowing that Jesus wants us to be prepared in all seasons to share the Good News of the Gospel. We are to be ready for Jesus' return with a sense of urgency and joyful anticipation.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Main Point: As a Christian, how do I finish well?
Definition of Christian endurance:
Possessing faith that goes the distance in knowing Jesus, being known by Jesus, becoming more like Jesus, and, finally, being [physically present] with Jesus.
1. To finish well… You'll need to embrace this present perspective. (1 Timothy 4:6; Philippians 2:17; Numbers 15:1-5)
How are you pouring out your life?
The mentality we need to embrace to finish well is that we don't waste our lives on our personal use, but offer up our lives for God's glory.
2. To finish well… You'll need to ensure this past persistence. (1 Timothy 4:7)
FOUGHT the good FIGHT
Speaks of Christians enduring and persevering through pain and suffering despite difficulties, discomforts, disappointments, disasters, dissatisfactions and death. These conquerors remain faithful and overcome Satan's schemes, arrows of temptation and other opposition; the world's allurements and enticements; and the flesh's desire — all of which wage war with the soul.
FINISHED the RACE
Speaks of mission, calling and fulfilling purpose.
When it comes to us finishing the race God has marked out for us, will we be persistent and faithful in how God has called us to relate to others, in how God has called us to create vocationally, and in how God has called us to steward/manage our time, talents and treasures?
KEPT the FAITH
Paul kept the faith by proclaiming the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, by boldly declaring that Jesus is the promised Messiah who came to make all things new and usher in God's Kingdom, and by maintaining sound doctrine.
Because Paul fought the good fight, because he finished his race and because he kept the faith, he could see the finish line.
If you train, prep and run well, you'll be able to look back like Paul and ensure your past persistence.
3. To finish well… You'll need to envision this future frame. (2 Timothy 4:8)
Paul has looked at his present circumstances, and he knows that these are his final moments and that victory waits on the other side.
It is the righteous Judge who will reward Paul with the crown of righteousness.
Our future frame is about envisioning us receiving the most incredible reward based upon the sacrifice of another.
The principle of the future frame is that you're not only envisioning receiving the reward but seeing the joy on the face of the One who made the reward possible.
But because of His great grace, mercy, compassion, kindness and love, He wants to bestow you with the greatest victor's wreath, crown and reward.
4. To finish well… You'll need to evolve (begin and end) with this secret sauce. (2 Timothy 4:8)
The Greek in this sentence means that the longing or loving began in the past and continues to the present.
The secret sauce to finish well is to love Jesus well.
The reason why you and I will finish the Christian life well is because we began by loving Jesus and ended with loving Jesus.
LIFE APPLICATION
If you were able to meet Jesus for coffee today and he were to ask you what accomplishments in your life you are most proud of, what would you share with Him?
This week, consider the race you are running in your life with Jesus as your mentor and coach. Define ways you can live your life with your eyes on your heavenly finish line.
What changes could you make this week that would have eternal consequences? Could you spend more time with your spouse and children? Could you give your time, talents and treasures to your church? Could you serve someone in the community who needs a hand? Know that God loves you and wants the best for you, and He wants you to share His love with neighbors and nations so that they will come to know and love Him.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is a project that you have completed that gave you great satisfaction?
Why do believers need to persevere under trials until the end?
How do suffering and rewards relate to faithfulness and rewards?
What is the crown of life promised to those who love the Lord?
What is the finish line that we need to cross as faithful believers?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Testing - 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 8:2-3
Day 2: Rewards - Colossians 3:23-24; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:6
Day 3: Victory - Philippians 3:14; 1 John 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57
Day 4: Promises - 2 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 3:5-6; Deuteronomy 31:6
Day 5: Crown - James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 3:11
PRAYER
Lord, I want to cross the finish line of life faithfully. I want to endure trials, persecution, suffering and pain, especially if I endure these things because of my witness for you. When I am tempted to give up or to be faint-hearted, give me the strength to continue knowing that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and was gloriously resurrected on the third day to heaven. Keep my eyes on the finish line and the heavenly prize, knowing that eternal life will be mine because of my faith in King Jesus.
