Memory Verse: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT).
Spiritual Emphasis: Finishing strong focuses on maintaining faith, discipline, and determination to complete life’s race with integrity, drawing strength from God and fixing one’s eyes on Jesus. It emphasizes persevering through adversity by running your own race, keeping faith through distractions, and remembering past faithfulness, as illustrated by figures like the Apostle Paul and Caleb. Ultimately, finishing strong is about completing your God-given purpose, not just starting well.
Text: Psalms 136: 1-26
Finishing Strong Start by giving Thanks to God For…
- Who He is: He is the “God of gods” and “Lord of lords”, and He is a good God – Psalms 136: 1-3; Exo. 3:14; Psalms 23:1.
- What He has made: He does great wonders. He made the heavens and spread out the earth; He made the sun, the moon, and the stars – Psalms 136: 4-9; Gen. 1:1-3.
- What He has done for you and what He will do in future: His hand is strong, and His arm is outstretched towards you – Psalms 136: 10-15; Eph. 3:20-21; Matt. 19:26.
- Standing by you in times of trials: In your times of difficulties, challenges, disappointments, failures, and battles of life, He is always there by you – Psalms 136:16-26; Psalms 23:4; Daniel 3:16-18; Isaiah 43:1-4.
Questions/Activities: How do we recognized our God-given purpose so we can finish strong?
Conclusion
We all must strive individually and collectively to continue to mature in Christ. The Christian life is not a solo sport or a passive one. It is an active one. Here are some steps that will help you stay on course and run an amazing race: Make church a priority; Be an active member of a small group in your church; Find a place to serve; Take the gospel to your Jerusalem, Judea, and the outer parts of the World; and do everything in prayer and with thanksgiving to the Lord.
Shalom!
Self-Study: Ps. 107:1; Ps. 7:17; 2 Cor. 4:15; 1 Chron. 16:34; Eph. 5:19-20; Ps. 95: 2-3; Ps. 107:8-9; Col. 3:17; Ps. 100:4; Phil. 4:6-7; Ps. 9:1; Ps. 7:17; Ps. 28:7; Col. 3:15-17; 1 Chron. 29:13; Col. 4:2; Heb. 13:15; Jer. 30:19; Lam. 3:22-23; 1 Cor. 1:4-5.
Leave a Reply