FINISHING WELL AND STRONG

Title: FINISHING WELL AND STRONG

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:13-14, Revelation 2:10, Isaiah 40:31, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

INTRODUCTION:
Finishing well and strong is the desire of every believer. In the journey of life, especially in our walk with God, it’s not how we start, but how we finish that matters most. The Apostle Paul, in his final words, declared with confidence that he had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. This serves as an example to us that we must remain steadfast, faithful, and focused as we journey towards the fulfillment of God's purpose for our lives.

1. STAYING FOCUSED ON THE GOAL
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13-14

a) The Importance of Setting Spiritual Goals
It’s crucial to set clear, biblical goals for your life. These goals keep you aligned with God's will and purpose.

b) The Role of Persistence in Reaching the Finish Line
The journey of faith requires consistent effort, persistence, and overcoming challenges.

c) Refusing to Be Distracted
Distractions come in many forms—disappointments, success, and even trials. However, our focus must remain on Jesus.

d) Pressing Toward the Mark
Like an athlete runs with determination to the finish line, we must run our race with focus, looking unto Jesus.

e) Biblical Example:
Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks of laying aside every weight and sin that easily besets us and running with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

2. MAINTAINING STRENGTH THROUGH GOD’S GRACE
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9

a) The Power of God’s Grace to Empower Us
God’s grace is sufficient, and it strengthens us to finish strong.

b) Drawing Strength from God’s Word
Meditating on God’s Word daily gives us the strength to persevere.

c) The Role of Prayer in Sustaining Our Faith
Consistent prayer helps keep us spiritually strong and connected to the power of God.

d) Relying on the Holy Spirit for Endurance
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, empowering us to run the race with endurance and finish strong.

e) Biblical Example:
Isaiah 40:31 assures us that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.

3. REMAINING FAITHFUL UNTIL THE END
Scripture Reference: Revelation 2:10

a) Faithfulness in the Little Things
Faithfulness is key to finishing strong. It begins in the small things before God entrusts us with greater responsibilities.

b) Persevering Through Trials
Life’s challenges are inevitable, but they help build our character and endurance.

c) Living a Life of Integrity
Maintaining integrity throughout our journey ensures that we finish with a good testimony.

d) Being Accountable to God and Others
Accountability keeps us on track and helps us stay focused on the goal.

e) Biblical Example:
2 Timothy 4:7 showcases Paul’s faithfulness to the end, declaring that he had fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

4. THE REWARD FOR FINISHING WELL
Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 4:8

a) The Crown of Righteousness
For those who finish well, there is an eternal reward waiting.

b) Joy in the Presence of God
Finishing strong brings joy, knowing that we’ve fulfilled God’s purpose for our lives.

c) Testifying of God’s Faithfulness
Finishing strong is a testimony of God’s grace, faithfulness, and empowerment.

d) Legacy of Faith
Those who finish well leave a legacy of faith that inspires others to run their race with endurance.

e) Biblical Example:
Revelation 2:10 promises the crown of life to those who are faithful unto death, a reward for those who endure to the end.

CONCLUSION:
Finishing well and strong requires focus, strength, faithfulness, and trust in God’s grace. We are in a race that is not only about starting strong but enduring through challenges and finishing our course with joy. Let us look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who will empower us to finish well and strong.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, help me to stay focused on the goal You have set before me.

2. I receive the strength to endure every challenge and finish strong in Jesus' name.

3. Lord, let Your grace empower me to remain faithful until the end.

4. I declare that I will not be distracted by the things of this world but will press toward the mark.

5. Holy Spirit, help me to live a life of integrity and faithfulness to the end.

6. Father, I thank You for Your strength that is made perfect in my weakness.

7. I declare that every obstacle in my path is removed, and I will finish my race victoriously.

8. Lord, empower me with divine endurance to complete my God-given assignments.

9. I pray for the wisdom to make the right decisions that will help me finish strong.

10. I declare that I will receive the crown of righteousness, and I will enter into the joy of the Lord.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will finish your race with joy and not with sorrow.

2. Every challenge you face will only make you stronger in the Lord.

3. The grace of God will empower you to endure until the end.

4. You will not be weary in well-doing, and you will reap in due season.

5. God will give you strength for every battle and wisdom for every decision.

6. Your faith will not fail; you will remain steadfast to the end.

7. The reward for your faithfulness will be released to you in Jesus' name.

8. You will overcome every setback and move forward to greater things in God.

9. The Lord will sustain you and grant you victory in every area of your life.

10. You will finish well and strong, leaving a legacy of faith for others to follow.