Fight to the Finish | Dr. Jarrett Stephens

It is good to be with you again. I was It is good to be with you again. I was here around this same time last year and here around this same time last year and here around this same time last year and I just think we should make this an I just think we should make this an I just think we should make this an annual thing. All right, that's what I'm annual thing. All right, that's what I'm annual thing. All right, that's what I'm going to try to convince your pastor to going to try to convince your pastor to going to try to convince your pastor to just let me come every summer. just let me come every summer. just let me come every summer. I love this church. I love your pastor I love this church. I love your pastor I love this church. I love your pastor and his family and just and his family and just and his family and just really grateful to be here. This gave me really grateful to be here. This gave me really grateful to be here. This gave me the opportunity to drive up from the opportunity to drive up from the opportunity to drive up from Houston, which is where the church I Houston, which is where the church I Houston, which is where the church I serve is located and spent some time serve is located and spent some time serve is located and spent some time with my mom and dad who still live where with my mom and dad who still live where with my mom and dad who still live where I grew up in Bossier City, Louisiana. So I grew up in Bossier City, Louisiana. So I grew up in Bossier City, Louisiana. So right down the road and last night we right down the road and last night we right down the road and last night we drove over drove over drove over to have dinner at one of our favorites to have dinner at one of our favorites to have dinner at one of our favorites as a family, The Butcher Shop in as a family, The Butcher Shop in as a family, The Butcher Shop in Longview, Texas. And then they went back Longview, Texas. And then they went back Longview, Texas. And then they went back to their place and I came over here to to their place and I came over here to to their place and I came over here to get ready to preach and it is a real joy get ready to preach and it is a real joy get ready to preach and it is a real joy to be with you. to be with you. to be with you. My family is I'll show you a picture of My family is I'll show you a picture of My family is I'll show you a picture of them just to introduce you to them. If them just to introduce you to them. If them just to introduce you to them. If you were here last year you saw them. you were here last year you saw them. you were here last year you saw them. This is my sorority house right there, This is my sorority house right there, This is my sorority house right there, okay? I'm the president. And over on the okay? I'm the president. And over on the okay? I'm the president. And over on the left that's Riley. She's my oldest.

left that's Riley. She's my oldest. left that's Riley. She's my oldest. She's going to be a junior at Baylor She's going to be a junior at Baylor She's going to be a junior at Baylor University, sic 'em. And then the one on University, sic 'em. And then the one on University, sic 'em. And then the one on the far right side of the screen, that's the far right side of the screen, that's the far right side of the screen, that's Kelsey. She's going to be a freshman at Kelsey. She's going to be a freshman at Kelsey. She's going to be a freshman at Baylor University. And so I have Baylor University. And so I have Baylor University. And so I have recently applied at the Waterburger, the recently applied at the Waterburger, the recently applied at the Waterburger, the midnight shift midnight shift midnight shift right there that is by our house there right there that is by our house there right there that is by our house there in Houston. And then I've got the two in Houston. And then I've got the two in Houston. And then I've got the two twins there, Cameron and Landry and then twins there, Cameron and Landry and then twins there, Cameron and Landry and then my wife right there in the middle who my wife right there in the middle who my wife right there in the middle who keeps it all together. I wish they were keeps it all together. I wish they were keeps it all together. I wish they were here with me this morning. Well, kind of here with me this morning. Well, kind of here with me this morning. Well, kind of not cuz I got sleep in and get to bed not cuz I got sleep in and get to bed not cuz I got sleep in and get to bed early and rest, but I bring you early and rest, but I bring you early and rest, but I bring you greetings on their behalf and again it greetings on their behalf and again it greetings on their behalf and again it is good to be here in Tyler, Texas this is good to be here in Tyler, Texas this is good to be here in Tyler, Texas this morning with you Green Acres Baptist. morning with you Green Acres Baptist. morning with you Green Acres Baptist. You have such an incredible reputation You have such an incredible reputation You have such an incredible reputation as a church and I'm honored to open up as a church and I'm honored to open up as a church and I'm honored to open up God's word with you. I mean that. God God's word with you. I mean that. God God's word with you. I mean that. God called me to preach when I was 17 years called me to preach when I was 17 years called me to preach when I was 17 years old and I still can't believe. I feel old and I still can't believe. I feel old and I still can't believe. I feel I feel like I'm living a dream. The fact I feel like I'm living a dream. The fact I feel like I'm living a dream. The fact that I get to travel and preach and that I get to travel and preach and that I get to travel and preach and pastor a church, there's nothing that I pastor a church, there's nothing that I pastor a church, there's nothing that I would rather do on God's green earth would rather do on God's green earth would rather do on God's green earth than what God has called me to do. And than what God has called me to do. And than what God has called me to do. And I'm just grateful for this opportunity.

I'm just grateful for this opportunity. I'm just grateful for this opportunity. I'm really happy to be here and I'm I'm really happy to be here and I'm I'm really happy to be here and I'm really grateful to be preaching on 2 really grateful to be preaching on 2 really grateful to be preaching on 2 Timothy chapter 4. Now, full disclosure, Timothy chapter 4. Now, full disclosure, Timothy chapter 4. Now, full disclosure, this is my life verse. Uh put it on a this is my life verse. Uh put it on a this is my life verse. Uh put it on a epitaph. I want it on my cemetery epitaph. I want it on my cemetery epitaph. I want it on my cemetery uh tombstone when I die. uh tombstone when I die. uh tombstone when I die. I love this verse. I've looked at it I love this verse. I've looked at it I love this verse. I've looked at it since I was a little child. In fact, uh since I was a little child. In fact, uh since I was a little child. In fact, uh my aunt uh made me, my older brother, my aunt uh made me, my older brother, my aunt uh made me, my older brother, and younger sister a cross stitch. I was and younger sister a cross stitch. I was and younger sister a cross stitch. I was in the second grade and my parents hung in the second grade and my parents hung in the second grade and my parents hung it up in our living room there in it up in our living room there in it up in our living room there in Bossier. And I can remember as a second Bossier. And I can remember as a second Bossier. And I can remember as a second grade, third grade, fourth grade, just grade, third grade, fourth grade, just grade, third grade, fourth grade, just staring at this picture of me uh as a staring at this picture of me uh as a staring at this picture of me uh as a second grader. It had my name in cross second grader. It had my name in cross second grader. It had my name in cross stitch out beside of it. And then it had stitch out beside of it. And then it had stitch out beside of it. And then it had a verse and it was 2 Timothy chapter a verse and it was 2 Timothy chapter a verse and it was 2 Timothy chapter 4:7, which we're going to look at in 4:7, which we're going to look at in 4:7, which we're going to look at in just a moment. And that verse just got just a moment. And that verse just got just a moment. And that verse just got in my heart as a little kid and it has in my heart as a little kid and it has in my heart as a little kid and it has become a theme verse for my life. And become a theme verse for my life. And become a theme verse for my life. And recently at Champion Forest down in recently at Champion Forest down in recently at Champion Forest down in Houston, I was preaching through a Houston, I was preaching through a Houston, I was preaching through a series called fight. It's a topical series called fight. It's a topical series called fight. It's a topical series and our seniors were getting series and our seniors were getting series and our seniors were getting ready to graduate. And so one of the ready to graduate. And so one of the ready to graduate. And so one of the sermons were fight for truth. And so I sermons were fight for truth. And so I sermons were fight for truth. And so I just talked about as they get ready to just talked about as they get ready to just talked about as they get ready to go to school, the importance of fighting go to school, the importance of fighting go to school, the importance of fighting for truth. And uh we talked about for truth. And uh we talked about for truth. And uh we talked about fighting for the lost. And so I think fighting for the lost. And so I think fighting for the lost. And so I think David Shivers, who was here earlier, David Shivers, who was here earlier, David Shivers, who was here earlier, talked about the lost, Luke chapter 15, talked about the lost, Luke chapter 15, talked about the lost, Luke chapter 15, and just the importance of us being salt and just the importance of us being salt and just the importance of us being salt and light and living on mission for the and light and living on mission for the and light and living on mission for the Lord. And I talked about fighting uh for Lord. And I talked about fighting uh for Lord. And I talked about fighting uh for the least. You know, as Christians we're the least. You know, as Christians we're the least. You know, as Christians we're called to give our life on behalf of the called to give our life on behalf of the called to give our life on behalf of the poor, the widow, the orphan, to seek poor, the widow, the orphan, to seek poor, the widow, the orphan, to seek justice and mercy on behalf of those uh justice and mercy on behalf of those uh justice and mercy on behalf of those uh that that don't have and uh the weak in that that don't have and uh the weak in that that don't have and uh the weak in our society. So I talked about that.

our society. So I talked about that. our society. So I talked about that. Talked about fighting through suffering. Talked about fighting through suffering. Talked about fighting through suffering. And then we concluded that fight series And then we concluded that fight series And then we concluded that fight series with the message that I'm preaching to with the message that I'm preaching to with the message that I'm preaching to you today. And I'm calling it fight to you today. And I'm calling it fight to you today. And I'm calling it fight to the finish. We all know that uh it's the finish. We all know that uh it's the finish. We all know that uh it's important how we we important how we we important how we we We also know that it's way more We also know that it's way more We also know that it's way more important how we finish and certainly important how we finish and certainly important how we finish and certainly this is true for the Christian. So, this is true for the Christian. So, this is true for the Christian. So, here's what I want to do this morning. I here's what I want to do this morning. I here's what I want to do this morning. I want to unpack this. We'll look at the want to unpack this. We'll look at the want to unpack this. We'll look at the the passage in three sections. There'll the passage in three sections. There'll the passage in three sections. There'll be this call to finish strong. We'll be this call to finish strong. We'll be this call to finish strong. We'll look at that. Then we're going to look look at that. Then we're going to look look at that. Then we're going to look at a motivation that Paul gives us to at a motivation that Paul gives us to at a motivation that Paul gives us to help us finish strong and then we'll help us finish strong and then we'll help us finish strong and then we'll close our time together just some close our time together just some close our time together just some practical application on how we can practical application on how we can practical application on how we can indeed finish strong. Let me set some indeed finish strong. Let me set some indeed finish strong. Let me set some context for you before we get into our context for you before we get into our context for you before we get into our passage. Second Timothy is the last passage. Second Timothy is the last passage. Second Timothy is the last letter that Paul writes and uh this is a letter that Paul writes and uh this is a letter that Paul writes and uh this is a letter that is one of his most personal. letter that is one of his most personal. letter that is one of his most personal. Uh he has been following Jesus for 30 Uh he has been following Jesus for 30 Uh he has been following Jesus for 30 years up to this point in his life and years up to this point in his life and years up to this point in his life and he writes his young son in the faith he writes his young son in the faith he writes his young son in the faith Timothy who he has mentored, who he has Timothy who he has mentored, who he has Timothy who he has mentored, who he has invested in invested in invested in and Paul knows, most scholars tell us and Paul knows, most scholars tell us and Paul knows, most scholars tell us that he was he was uh weeks if not days that he was he was uh weeks if not days that he was he was uh weeks if not days away from his martyrdom when he penned away from his martyrdom when he penned away from his martyrdom when he penned this letter and he knows that outside of this letter and he knows that outside of this letter and he knows that outside of a miracle a miracle a miracle he will be meeting his death. And so, he will be meeting his death. And so, he will be meeting his death. And so, from a dungeon prison he pens this from a dungeon prison he pens this from a dungeon prison he pens this letter. I want us to begin in verse six letter. I want us to begin in verse six letter. I want us to begin in verse six of Second Timothy chapter four. We'll of Second Timothy chapter four. We'll of Second Timothy chapter four. We'll read through verse eight. The Bible says read through verse eight. The Bible says read through verse eight. The Bible says this, "For I am already being poured out this, "For I am already being poured out this, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering.

as a drink offering. as a drink offering. And the time of my departure has come. And the time of my departure has come. And the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have fought the good fight. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have finished the race. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. I have kept the faith. I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the Henceforth, there is laid up for me the Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, crown of righteousness which the Lord, crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the righteous judge, will award to me on the righteous judge, will award to me on that day that day that day and not only to me, but also to all and not only to me, but also to all and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing." who have loved his appearing." who have loved his appearing." Let's get started and look at this call Let's get started and look at this call Let's get started and look at this call to finish strong. Now, any verses we to finish strong. Now, any verses we to finish strong. Now, any verses we read, one of the first lessons of read, one of the first lessons of read, one of the first lessons of biblical interpretation is to let the biblical interpretation is to let the biblical interpretation is to let the Bible interpret the Bible. When you look Bible interpret the Bible. When you look Bible interpret the Bible. When you look at a verse, you look at it inside of a at a verse, you look at it inside of a at a verse, you look at it inside of a paragraph and you read that paragraph paragraph and you read that paragraph paragraph and you read that paragraph inside of a chapter and that chapter inside of a chapter and that chapter inside of a chapter and that chapter inside of the book of the Bible and that inside of the book of the Bible and that inside of the book of the Bible and that book of the Bible inside of this genre book of the Bible inside of this genre book of the Bible inside of this genre of the Bible and the genre of the Bible of the Bible and the genre of the Bible of the Bible and the genre of the Bible inside of the Testament, whatever you're inside of the Testament, whatever you're inside of the Testament, whatever you're in, the Old Testament, New Testament, in, the Old Testament, New Testament, in, the Old Testament, New Testament, and then that in light of the whole of and then that in light of the whole of and then that in light of the whole of scriptures. And if you look at the scriptures. And if you look at the scriptures. And if you look at the entire letter of 2 Timothy entire letter of 2 Timothy entire letter of 2 Timothy uh from chapters 1 uh from chapters 1 uh from chapters 1 uh to chapter 4, uh to chapter 4, uh to chapter 4, it is Paul writing Timothy with a charge it is Paul writing Timothy with a charge it is Paul writing Timothy with a charge to keep. There is this call to keep to keep. There is this call to keep to keep. There is this call to keep going, to not give up, to not give in, going, to not give up, to not give in, going, to not give up, to not give in, to never stop pursuing the Lord and to never stop pursuing the Lord and to never stop pursuing the Lord and being faithful to this call that's been being faithful to this call that's been being faithful to this call that's been placed on in this book, Timothy's life, placed on in this book, Timothy's life, placed on in this book, Timothy's life, and certainly it's a letter that Paul and certainly it's a letter that Paul and certainly it's a letter that Paul writes to us today uh via Timothy. Just writes to us today uh via Timothy. Just writes to us today uh via Timothy. Just look in verse 1 starting in verse 13 and look in verse 1 starting in verse 13 and look in verse 1 starting in verse 13 and 14. Follow the pattern of the sound 14. Follow the pattern of the sound 14. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me in the words that you have heard from me in the words that you have heard from me in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. guard the good deposit entrusted to you. guard the good deposit entrusted to you. Do you hear the challenge? Do you see Do you hear the challenge? Do you see Do you hear the challenge? Do you see the charge? Look at chapter 2 verse 1 the charge? Look at chapter 2 verse 1 the charge? Look at chapter 2 verse 1 and 2. and 2. and 2. You then, my child, You then, my child, You then, my child, the tenderness of of talking to Timothy the tenderness of of talking to Timothy the tenderness of of talking to Timothy like this. Be strengthened by the grace like this. Be strengthened by the grace like this. Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. that is in Christ Jesus. that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me entrust And what you have heard from me entrust And what you have heard from me entrust to faithful men to faithful men to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. who will be able to teach others also. who will be able to teach others also. Paul knows he's nearing the end here and Paul knows he's nearing the end here and Paul knows he's nearing the end here and he's putting it all out on the line for he's putting it all out on the line for he's putting it all out on the line for for Timothy. I preached this passage one for Timothy. I preached this passage one for Timothy. I preached this passage one time and I called the name of the sermon time and I called the name of the sermon time and I called the name of the sermon last words. last words. last words. You know, if you've ever been around You know, if you've ever been around You know, if you've ever been around anyone on their deathbed, anyone on their deathbed, anyone on their deathbed, you you you listen for those last words. you you you listen for those last words. you you you listen for those last words. Things that loved one is saying, you Things that loved one is saying, you Things that loved one is saying, you don't know if it's going to be the last don't know if it's going to be the last don't know if it's going to be the last thing that you hear, and so you hold on thing that you hear, and so you hold on thing that you hear, and so you hold on to them with everything that you've got. to them with everything that you've got. to them with everything that you've got. You're listening in, you're intent, You're listening in, you're intent, You're listening in, you're intent, because that loved one is because that loved one is because that loved one is sharing what's important to them as they sharing what's important to them as they sharing what's important to them as they get ready to depart. Well, Paul is get ready to depart. Well, Paul is get ready to depart. Well, Paul is telling Timothy here in these last telling Timothy here in these last telling Timothy here in these last words, words, words, keep at keep at keep at Don't give up.

Don't give up. Don't give up. Stay faithful to your calling. Stay faithful to your calling. Stay faithful to your calling. Listen to Listen to Listen to chapter 3 if we were to read it. chapter 3 if we were to read it. chapter 3 if we were to read it. Paul talks about the last days Paul talks about the last days Paul talks about the last days and how it's going to get more and more and how it's going to get more and more and how it's going to get more and more evil. evil. evil. And he just says you got to keep going. And he just says you got to keep going. And he just says you got to keep going. Then you get to chapter 4, verse 1 and Then you get to chapter 4, verse 1 and Then you get to chapter 4, verse 1 and 2. I charge you 2. I charge you 2. I charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus in the presence of God and Christ Jesus in the presence of God and Christ Jesus who will judge the living and the dead who will judge the living and the dead who will judge the living and the dead and appear by his appearance in his and appear by his appearance in his and appear by his appearance in his kingdom. Preach the word. kingdom. Preach the word. kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready in season, out of season, Be ready in season, out of season, Be ready in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort reprove, rebuke, exhort reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and suffering. with complete patience and suffering. with complete patience and suffering. And then verse 5, before we get to the And then verse 5, before we get to the And then verse 5, before we get to the passage that we already read, as for passage that we already read, as for passage that we already read, as for you, be sober-minded. you, be sober-minded. you, be sober-minded. Endure suffering. Endure suffering. Endure suffering. Do the work of the evangelist. Do the work of the evangelist. Do the work of the evangelist. Fulfill your ministry, Timothy. Fulfill your ministry, Timothy. Fulfill your ministry, Timothy. Fight to the finish. Finish Finish faithful. Keep going. Keep going. And Paul even holds himself up as an And Paul even holds himself up as an And Paul even holds himself up as an example there in verse 7 where he says, example there in verse 7 where he says, example there in verse 7 where he says, "I have fought the good fight.

"I have fought the good fight. "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have finished the course. I have finished the course. And I have kept the faith." And I have kept the faith." And I have kept the faith." And again, what Paul is doing for And again, what Paul is doing for And again, what Paul is doing for Timothy in this moment, he's doing for Timothy in this moment, he's doing for Timothy in this moment, he's doing for us here today. He wants us to finish us here today. He wants us to finish us here today. He wants us to finish well. well. well. I love the summer months as a preacher, I love the summer months as a preacher, I love the summer months as a preacher, uh like you, like your pastor, Michael uh like you, like your pastor, Michael uh like you, like your pastor, Michael gets kind of July to just kind of take a gets kind of July to just kind of take a gets kind of July to just kind of take a mind break and get ready for the fall. mind break and get ready for the fall. mind break and get ready for the fall. My church allows me the same thing and My church allows me the same thing and My church allows me the same thing and so for all of July, I've just kind of so for all of July, I've just kind of so for all of July, I've just kind of been resting and been resting and been resting and uh obviously getting to come here and uh obviously getting to come here and uh obviously getting to come here and preach like this. But one of the things preach like this. But one of the things preach like this. But one of the things I love about summer and I applaud you I love about summer and I applaud you I love about summer and I applaud you for giving uh your pastor this time away for giving uh your pastor this time away for giving uh your pastor this time away to rest and refuel as he gets ready uh to rest and refuel as he gets ready uh to rest and refuel as he gets ready uh to lead into the fall. Uh that's healthy to lead into the fall. Uh that's healthy to lead into the fall. Uh that's healthy for a church to do that. Um I'm grateful for a church to do that. Um I'm grateful for a church to do that. Um I'm grateful our church does it, but one of the our church does it, but one of the our church does it, but one of the things I love to do is to read what I things I love to do is to read what I things I love to do is to read what I want to read. want to read. want to read. During the year, you know, most of the During the year, you know, most of the During the year, you know, most of the stuff I'm reading, I'm reading preparing stuff I'm reading, I'm reading preparing stuff I'm reading, I'm reading preparing for a sermon to get ready to to study to for a sermon to get ready to to study to for a sermon to get ready to to study to show myself approved. Well, in the show myself approved. Well, in the show myself approved. Well, in the summer I get to read without a pen in summer I get to read without a pen in summer I get to read without a pen in hand.

hand. hand. And this summer I was reading and I came And this summer I was reading and I came And this summer I was reading and I came across in one of the books I was reading across in one of the books I was reading across in one of the books I was reading a study that was done by Dr. Bobby a study that was done by Dr. Bobby a study that was done by Dr. Bobby Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary. Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary. Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary. Now, he spent years uh, researching Now, he spent years uh, researching Now, he spent years uh, researching biblical and historical leadership. biblical and historical leadership. biblical and historical leadership. And what he did was he wanted to see if And what he did was he wanted to see if And what he did was he wanted to see if there were patterns for these leaders there were patterns for these leaders there were patterns for these leaders who finished well who finished well who finished well and those who did not finish well. and those who did not finish well. and those who did not finish well. And here's what he found specifically of And here's what he found specifically of And here's what he found specifically of the biblical leaders that he studied. the biblical leaders that he studied. the biblical leaders that he studied. Of the 49 Of the 49 Of the 49 biblical leaders that he looked to, biblical leaders that he looked to, biblical leaders that he looked to, less than 25% less than 25% less than 25% finished well. finished well. finished well. And he began to study their life and And he began to study their life and And he began to study their life and look at them and he came up with six look at them and he came up with six look at them and he came up with six barriers, what he calls the what kills barriers, what he calls the what kills barriers, what he calls the what kills you list. you list. you list. And here they are. I'll put them on the And here they are. I'll put them on the And here they are. I'll put them on the screen for you. This is screen for you. This is screen for you. This is six barriers that prevent someone from six barriers that prevent someone from six barriers that prevent someone from finishing well. And he put Bible finishing well. And he put Bible finishing well. And he put Bible characters by each of them like finances characters by each of them like finances characters by each of them like finances and greed, talked about Gideon and and and greed, talked about Gideon and and and greed, talked about Gideon and and that one. Abuse of power, that was the that one. Abuse of power, that was the that one. Abuse of power, that was the Saul, the Old Testament king.

Saul, the Old Testament king. Saul, the Old Testament king. Pride leading to a downfall, there are Pride leading to a downfall, there are Pride leading to a downfall, there are multiple characters. I'm just giving you multiple characters. I'm just giving you multiple characters. I'm just giving you some highlights. some highlights. some highlights. King Hezekiah had some pride led to his King Hezekiah had some pride led to his King Hezekiah had some pride led to his downfall. Illicit sexual relationships, downfall. Illicit sexual relationships, downfall. Illicit sexual relationships, think Samson or Solomon. think Samson or Solomon. think Samson or Solomon. Family issues, Family issues, Family issues, Eli and Samuel. Eli and Samuel. Eli and Samuel. Uh, and then he mentions plateauing or Uh, and then he mentions plateauing or Uh, and then he mentions plateauing or burnout as a a barrier. And we see this burnout as a a barrier. And we see this burnout as a a barrier. And we see this in our world as well, you know, it it in our world as well, you know, it it in our world as well, you know, it it seems that we see people who start, but seems that we see people who start, but seems that we see people who start, but for the reasons above and maybe other for the reasons above and maybe other for the reasons above and maybe other reasons that aren't mentioned here, they reasons that aren't mentioned here, they reasons that aren't mentioned here, they don't finish strong. And the call that don't finish strong. And the call that don't finish strong. And the call that Paul puts on Timothy is, "Listen, you've Paul puts on Timothy is, "Listen, you've Paul puts on Timothy is, "Listen, you've got to keep fighting, you've got to keep got to keep fighting, you've got to keep got to keep fighting, you've got to keep going. Don't give up." There is this going. Don't give up." There is this going. Don't give up." There is this charge, there is this call to finish charge, there is this call to finish charge, there is this call to finish strong. And it's made to every single strong. And it's made to every single strong. And it's made to every single person here today that you and I, if we person here today that you and I, if we person here today that you and I, if we are in the faith, we have a are in the faith, we have a are in the faith, we have a responsibility, we have an obligation. responsibility, we have an obligation. responsibility, we have an obligation. This is a command here that we don't This is a command here that we don't This is a command here that we don't just start well, but that we finish just start well, but that we finish just start well, but that we finish well. well. well. Secondly, let's look at the motivation Secondly, let's look at the motivation Secondly, let's look at the motivation to finish strong. I take this mainly to finish strong. I take this mainly to finish strong. I take this mainly from verse 8. Let's look at it again. from verse 8. Let's look at it again. from verse 8. Let's look at it again. Look what Paul wrote. "Henceforth, there Look what Paul wrote. "Henceforth, there Look what Paul wrote. "Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of is laid up for me the crown of is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, righteousness, righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, which the Lord, the righteous judge, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not will award to me on that day, and not will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have only to me, but also to all who have only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing." So, there's this loved his appearing." So, there's this loved his appearing." So, there's this motivation that Paul has motivation that Paul has motivation that Paul has that's keeping him moving forward, no that's keeping him moving forward, no that's keeping him moving forward, no matter what he is up against.

matter what he is up against. matter what he is up against. I mean, how can it be that a man is in a I mean, how can it be that a man is in a I mean, how can it be that a man is in a dungeon prison, dungeon prison, dungeon prison, and yet he has a sense of purpose? and yet he has a sense of purpose? and yet he has a sense of purpose? He has a sense of joy. He has a sense of joy. He has a sense of joy. He has this never-giving-up attitude. He has this never-giving-up attitude. He has this never-giving-up attitude. It's amazing when you really look at It's amazing when you really look at It's amazing when you really look at Paul's life and see what he wrote, "For Paul's life and see what he wrote, "For Paul's life and see what he wrote, "For me to live is Christ." Philippians me to live is Christ." Philippians me to live is Christ." Philippians chapter 1. "For me to die is gain." chapter 1. "For me to die is gain." chapter 1. "For me to die is gain." Well, Paul had this underlying Well, Paul had this underlying Well, Paul had this underlying motivation motivation motivation that aided that aided that aided him in putting one foot in front of the him in putting one foot in front of the him in putting one foot in front of the other, even when times were tough. other, even when times were tough. other, even when times were tough. It helped him stay focused It helped him stay focused It helped him stay focused to make sure that he finished this to make sure that he finished this to make sure that he finished this course. course. course. And what he does here is he just kind of And what he does here is he just kind of And what he does here is he just kind of pulls back the curtain, pulls back the curtain, pulls back the curtain, and he allows us to see what the and he allows us to see what the and he allows us to see what the motivation motivation motivation of his life was, what kept him going so of his life was, what kept him going so of his life was, what kept him going so that he finished strong, that he that he finished strong, that he that he finished strong, that he finished faithful. finished faithful. finished faithful. And in a word, And in a word, And in a word, it's the word reward. it's the word reward. it's the word reward. "Henceforth, there is laid up for me "Henceforth, there is laid up for me "Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

a crown of righteousness." a crown of righteousness." Word laid up there, it it means Word laid up there, it it means Word laid up there, it it means reserved. reserved. reserved. It's been set aside. It's been set aside. It's been set aside. And Paul knew that if he finished his And Paul knew that if he finished his And Paul knew that if he finished his course course course and he finished faithful and he finished faithful and he finished faithful then as he describes here then as he describes here then as he describes here the Lord, the righteous judge the Lord, the righteous judge the Lord, the righteous judge is going to give me this crown of is going to give me this crown of is going to give me this crown of righteousness. Now, this was normal righteousness. Now, this was normal righteousness. Now, this was normal language for Paul. He loved athletic language for Paul. He loved athletic language for Paul. He loved athletic imagery and that that word crown there imagery and that that word crown there imagery and that that word crown there is it's stephanos. It's where we get the is it's stephanos. It's where we get the is it's stephanos. It's where we get the word Stephen from. It means a crown. And word Stephen from. It means a crown. And word Stephen from. It means a crown. And in the athletic games of the day, if you in the athletic games of the day, if you in the athletic games of the day, if you won, they would put a a laurel wreath won, they would put a a laurel wreath won, they would put a a laurel wreath around you and that was your reward. And around you and that was your reward. And around you and that was your reward. And Paul takes this language Paul takes this language Paul takes this language and he says, "If you finish faithful, if and he says, "If you finish faithful, if and he says, "If you finish faithful, if you finish strong, you keep running your you finish strong, you keep running your you finish strong, you keep running your race, you don't get disqualified, you race, you don't get disqualified, you race, you don't get disqualified, you don't cheat, go outside the lines, you don't cheat, go outside the lines, you don't cheat, go outside the lines, you keep pressing on toward what's ahead." keep pressing on toward what's ahead." keep pressing on toward what's ahead." He uses that kind of language in other He uses that kind of language in other He uses that kind of language in other letters that he writes. He says, "If you letters that he writes. He says, "If you letters that he writes. He says, "If you will do this, will do this, will do this, you will one day you will one day you will one day receive receive receive your reward."

your reward." your reward." And he says, "It's not just for me, And he says, "It's not just for me, And he says, "It's not just for me, but notice what he says there in the but notice what he says there in the but notice what he says there in the first part of verse 8 that the the first first part of verse 8 that the the first first part of verse 8 that the the first he says, he says, he says, he will award all of those he will award all of those he will award all of those who love his appearing." who love his appearing." who love his appearing." Not just Not just Not just me, me, me, but all of those who love his appearing, but all of those who love his appearing, but all of those who love his appearing, who are eagerly seeking after him who are eagerly seeking after him who are eagerly seeking after him get the reward. This was the motivation get the reward. This was the motivation get the reward. This was the motivation of his life. A few years ago [snorts] of his life. A few years ago [snorts] of his life. A few years ago [snorts] I took uh our family I took uh our family I took uh our family uh on a Disney cruise. uh on a Disney cruise. uh on a Disney cruise. And And And we went and we went to their island that we went and we went to their island that we went and we went to their island that they have uh and on their little island they have uh and on their little island they have uh and on their little island out in this cruise out in this cruise out in this cruise they were going to have a 5K race if you they were going to have a 5K race if you they were going to have a 5K race if you were interested. Well, I'd eaten double were interested. Well, I'd eaten double were interested. Well, I'd eaten double my weight the last few days being on my weight the last few days being on my weight the last few days being on that boat, you know, it's buffet time that boat, you know, it's buffet time that boat, you know, it's buffet time and I I needed to get out there and run and I I needed to get out there and run and I I needed to get out there and run a little bit. My daughter my oldest at a little bit. My daughter my oldest at a little bit. My daughter my oldest at the time wanted to run, so I said, the time wanted to run, so I said, the time wanted to run, so I said, "Sure, we'll run this 5K." So, they let "Sure, we'll run this 5K." So, they let "Sure, we'll run this 5K." So, they let us off the boat first cuz we had to get us off the boat first cuz we had to get us off the boat first cuz we had to get the race going and they have a track the race going and they have a track the race going and they have a track there that you run and there that you run and there that you run and it's great. And my my wife and the other it's great. And my my wife and the other it's great. And my my wife and the other kids, they just decided to go find a kids, they just decided to go find a kids, they just decided to go find a place on the beach and just kind of park place on the beach and just kind of park place on the beach and just kind of park it and lay out. That's what they wanted it and lay out. That's what they wanted it and lay out. That's what they wanted to do. But me and my oldest, to do. But me and my oldest, to do. But me and my oldest, we ran and I just feel like you should we ran and I just feel like you should we ran and I just feel like you should know that, all right? I ran. And so, we know that, all right? I ran. And so, we know that, all right? I ran. And so, we finished this race and if you've ever finished this race and if you've ever finished this race and if you've ever run one of these 5Ks or one of these run one of these 5Ks or one of these run one of these 5Ks or one of these half marathons or maybe a marathon, I half marathons or maybe a marathon, I half marathons or maybe a marathon, I mean, you know, when you when you mean, you know, when you when you mean, you know, when you when you finish, what do they do? They give you I finish, what do they do? They give you I finish, what do they do? They give you I should have brought it. I'm so proud of should have brought it. I'm so proud of should have brought it. I'm so proud of it. It's hanging in my closet to this it. It's hanging in my closet to this it. It's hanging in my closet to this day. It's just a you know, a medallion,

day. It's just a you know, a medallion, day. It's just a you know, a medallion, if you will, that goes around your neck if you will, that goes around your neck if you will, that goes around your neck and you can just walk around showing and you can just walk around showing and you can just walk around showing everybody. When you wear it, they know everybody. When you wear it, they know everybody. When you wear it, they know that you ran and you finished. that you ran and you finished. that you ran and you finished. I was proud of it. I was proud of it. I was proud of it. Got done with the race, went and found Got done with the race, went and found Got done with the race, went and found my wife and the other kids and went sat my wife and the other kids and went sat my wife and the other kids and went sat down and I was just going to relax down and I was just going to relax down and I was just going to relax before I ate again. And before I ate again. And before I ate again. And uh about that time, my wife gets up and uh about that time, my wife gets up and uh about that time, my wife gets up and she's gone for I don't know, 10 minutes she's gone for I don't know, 10 minutes she's gone for I don't know, 10 minutes or so. And when she comes back, she's or so. And when she comes back, she's or so. And when she comes back, she's she's got her food in her hand and she's she's got her food in her hand and she's she's got her food in her hand and she's got a a medallion from running the race. got a a medallion from running the race. got a a medallion from running the race. I said, "Where'd you get that? You I said, "Where'd you get that? You I said, "Where'd you get that? You didn't run the race." didn't run the race." didn't run the race." And she said, "Well, they were just And she said, "Well, they were just And she said, "Well, they were just giving them out right over here." giving them out right over here." giving them out right over here." I said, "No, they are not." And I took I said, "No, they are not." And I took I said, "No, they are not." And I took it from her it from her it from her because she didn't run the race, see? because she didn't run the race, see? because she didn't run the race, see? You only get the crown You only get the crown You only get the crown according to Paul, according to Paul, according to Paul, you only get the crown you only get the crown you only get the crown if you love his appearing. Notice, it's if you love his appearing. Notice, it's if you love his appearing. Notice, it's not to the fastest. not to the fastest. not to the fastest. It's not to the most impressive. It's not to the most impressive. It's not to the most impressive. It's not to the most talented.

It's not to the most talented. It's not to the most talented. The crown is for the one who's running The crown is for the one who's running The crown is for the one who's running after a person. after a person. after a person. That's what it means to love his That's what it means to love his That's what it means to love his appearing. The person that receives the appearing. The person that receives the appearing. The person that receives the crown of righteousness crown of righteousness crown of righteousness is the one who longs to see him. And I is the one who longs to see him. And I is the one who longs to see him. And I want you to think about this as Paul is want you to think about this as Paul is want you to think about this as Paul is writing. This is his motivation. writing. This is his motivation. writing. This is his motivation. It's Jesus himself. This is what kept It's Jesus himself. This is what kept It's Jesus himself. This is what kept him going. It was his future reward. him going. It was his future reward. him going. It was his future reward. It's what kept Paul from It's what kept Paul from It's what kept Paul from getting in the ditches on getting in the ditches on getting in the ditches on on either side, from going off of the on either side, from going off of the on either side, from going off of the deep end. deep end. deep end. It's what kept him from pursuing the It's what kept him from pursuing the It's what kept him from pursuing the false advertisements of the evil one. false advertisements of the evil one. false advertisements of the evil one. No, his focus was on this future No, his focus was on this future No, his focus was on this future reward. One day reward. One day reward. One day the righteous judge the righteous judge the righteous judge if I'll keep loving him and I'll keep if I'll keep loving him and I'll keep if I'll keep loving him and I'll keep pursuing him pursuing him pursuing him and I finish faithful and I finish and I finish faithful and I finish and I finish faithful and I finish strong the righteous judge the righteous judge is going to award is going to award is going to award me on that day this crown me on that day this crown me on that day this crown of righteousness.

Let the Holy Spirit grade your paper. Let the Holy Spirit grade your paper. You know, when I was growing up in You know, when I was growing up in You know, when I was growing up in school the teacher said, "Grade your school the teacher said, "Grade your school the teacher said, "Grade your paper." I see these students over there. paper." I see these students over there. paper." I see these students over there. That was always a good day when the That was always a good day when the That was always a good day when the teacher said, "Grade your own paper." teacher said, "Grade your own paper." teacher said, "Grade your own paper." cuz I always made an A when I graded my cuz I always made an A when I graded my cuz I always made an A when I graded my own paper, all right? Always. As it relates to As it relates to finishing faithful and finishing strong. You know, I'm not naive You know, I'm not naive to the fact that there's some that are to the fact that there's some that are to the fact that there's some that are tired in the race. Maybe you're just thinking about Maybe you're just thinking about taking a break. You've been serving Jesus. You've been You've been serving Jesus. You've been running after Jesus, but let's just be running after Jesus, but let's just be running after Jesus, but let's just be honest, you're tired and you're worn honest, you're tired and you're worn honest, you're tired and you're worn down and you just want to catch your down and you just want to catch your down and you just want to catch your breath. breath. breath. And you want to just get on the And you want to just get on the And you want to just get on the sidelines and sidelines and sidelines and I'm going to stop running for a minute. Or maybe Or maybe there's a trial or a struggle that there's a trial or a struggle that there's a trial or a struggle that you've gone through recently.

And you've been a faithful believer and And you've been a faithful believer and you're looking at whatever it is that you're looking at whatever it is that you're looking at whatever it is that you're walking through and you're you're walking through and you're you're walking through and you're saying, "Why me? I I mean I'm I'm I'm saying, "Why me? I I mean I'm I'm I'm saying, "Why me? I I mean I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm obeying Jesus. I'm walking with I'm I'm obeying Jesus. I'm walking with I'm I'm obeying Jesus. I'm walking with Jesus. I'm leading my family to Jesus Jesus. I'm leading my family to Jesus Jesus. I'm leading my family to Jesus and yet now I'm walk and yet now I'm walk and yet now I'm walk I'm walking through this?" And you're you're You would never say it And you're you're You would never say it out loud, out loud, out loud, but the thought has crossed your mind to but the thought has crossed your mind to but the thought has crossed your mind to just just just call it quits because in your mind God's call it quits because in your mind God's call it quits because in your mind God's quit on you. I'd ask you this morning, I'd ask you this morning, where's your focus? What's your motivation for What's your motivation for finishing strong? Look again at that finishing strong? Look again at that finishing strong? Look again at that what kills you list. The temptation to The temptation to quit moving forward in your faith quit moving forward in your faith quit moving forward in your faith is real today. It just is real today. It just is real today. It just it could just be that your motivation it could just be that your motivation it could just be that your motivation is off. Paul wasn't focused on any of is off. Paul wasn't focused on any of is off. Paul wasn't focused on any of these things you see on the screen.

these things you see on the screen. these things you see on the screen. Money? Money? Money? It didn't move Paul. It didn't move Paul. It didn't move Paul. Power? Power? Power? He didn't have any from a worldly He didn't have any from a worldly He didn't have any from a worldly standpoint. The spiritual authority that standpoint. The spiritual authority that standpoint. The spiritual authority that he did have, he used it to serve others. he did have, he used it to serve others. he did have, he used it to serve others. Pride? Pride? Pride? You kidding me? It's hard to have pride You kidding me? It's hard to have pride You kidding me? It's hard to have pride when you're sitting in a dungeon prison when you're sitting in a dungeon prison when you're sitting in a dungeon prison and you're you're you're relying on and you're you're you're relying on and you're you're you're relying on someone else to meet your most basic someone else to meet your most basic someone else to meet your most basic needs. needs. needs. Elicit sexual relationships? Elicit sexual relationships? Elicit sexual relationships? Paul was so Paul was so Paul was so focused on advancing the kingdom and focused on advancing the kingdom and focused on advancing the kingdom and penetrating darkness, he didn't have the penetrating darkness, he didn't have the penetrating darkness, he didn't have the energy for that jive. energy for that jive. energy for that jive. We don't know about his family life, We don't know about his family life, We don't know about his family life, but we read his last letter, he but we read his last letter, he but we read his last letter, he certainly wasn't burning out. There was certainly wasn't burning out. There was certainly wasn't burning out. There was a reward that he was after and it was a reward that he was after and it was a reward that he was after and it was going to be given to him by Jesus going to be given to him by Jesus going to be given to him by Jesus himself. This is what he was going himself. This is what he was going himself. This is what he was going after, and he's encouraging Timothy, and after, and he's encouraging Timothy, and after, and he's encouraging Timothy, and he's encouraging me and you that if we he's encouraging me and you that if we he's encouraging me and you that if we want to finish strong, want to finish strong, want to finish strong, we've got to be motivated by something we've got to be motivated by something we've got to be motivated by something different than the world. different than the world. different than the world. Our eyes need to be on an eternal Our eyes need to be on an eternal Our eyes need to be on an eternal future reward future reward future reward that awaits us.

that awaits us. that awaits us. So, we see in this passage of scripture So, we see in this passage of scripture So, we see in this passage of scripture this call this call this call to finish strong. It is a charge to to finish strong. It is a charge to to finish strong. It is a charge to keep. What God began in you, he will keep. What God began in you, he will keep. What God began in you, he will bring to completion as you yield bring to completion as you yield bring to completion as you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. Keep yourself to the Holy Spirit. Keep yourself to the Holy Spirit. Keep walking with him. walking with him. walking with him. We see this motivation to finish strong. We see this motivation to finish strong. We see this motivation to finish strong. We can't get our eyes on the world, the We can't get our eyes on the world, the We can't get our eyes on the world, the things of the flesh, none of that things of the flesh, none of that things of the flesh, none of that stuff's going to help us finish our stuff's going to help us finish our stuff's going to help us finish our course and finish faithful to Jesus. course and finish faithful to Jesus. course and finish faithful to Jesus. Instead, there is a motivation of this Instead, there is a motivation of this Instead, there is a motivation of this future reward that Christ himself is future reward that Christ himself is future reward that Christ himself is going to give us. And by the way, when going to give us. And by the way, when going to give us. And by the way, when we get it, we're going to lay it right we get it, we're going to lay it right we get it, we're going to lay it right back down at his feet where it belongs. back down at his feet where it belongs. back down at his feet where it belongs. And then third and finally, And then third and finally, And then third and finally, how do we do this? how do we do this? how do we do this? Let's just get real practical here. How Let's just get real practical here. How Let's just get real practical here. How to finish strong. I want to look at to finish strong. I want to look at to finish strong. I want to look at Paul's life and what he writes here in Paul's life and what he writes here in Paul's life and what he writes here in verses 6 through 8. verses 6 through 8. verses 6 through 8. And I want to finish by giving three And I want to finish by giving three And I want to finish by giving three points, points, points, three ways that we can finish strong, three ways that we can finish strong, three ways that we can finish strong, very practically speaking. Number one, very practically speaking. Number one, very practically speaking. Number one, if you're going to finish strong, we if you're going to finish strong, we if you're going to finish strong, we have to have to have to we need to live with the end in mind.

Some of my favorite worship to listen Some of my favorite worship to listen to, which by the way, your to, which by the way, your to, which by the way, your worship team was incredible today. My worship team was incredible today. My worship team was incredible today. My goodness. goodness. goodness. Beautiful worship. Beautiful worship. Beautiful worship. One of my favorite One of my favorite One of my favorite worship artists to listen to, Shane and worship artists to listen to, Shane and worship artists to listen to, Shane and Shane. I think they've been here before. Shane. I think they've been here before. Shane. I think they've been here before. If you follow Christian music, you know If you follow Christian music, you know If you follow Christian music, you know Shane and Shane. They have a devotional Shane and Shane. They have a devotional Shane and Shane. They have a devotional app that they give out every single day app that they give out every single day app that they give out every single day where where where you can listen to you can listen to you can listen to a song, they'll tell you the story a song, they'll tell you the story a song, they'll tell you the story behind it. They have guests on there behind it. They have guests on there behind it. They have guests on there that talk about the inspiration behind that talk about the inspiration behind that talk about the inspiration behind the song, and then they sing the song. the song, and then they sing the song. the song, and then they sing the song. It's about 10 or 15 minutes. It's just a It's about 10 or 15 minutes. It's just a It's about 10 or 15 minutes. It's just a daily thing that they do. It's great. daily thing that they do. It's great. daily thing that they do. It's great. I was I had the privilege a couple of I was I had the privilege a couple of I was I had the privilege a couple of weeks ago to be on there and they gave weeks ago to be on there and they gave weeks ago to be on there and they gave me a list of songs to choose from. me a list of songs to choose from. me a list of songs to choose from. And I chose the song And I chose the song And I chose the song about Fernando Ortega. about Fernando Ortega. about Fernando Ortega. Just give me Jesus. You know that song? Just give me Jesus. You know that song? Just give me Jesus. You know that song? I'm not going to sing it to you. I'm not going to sing it to you. I'm not going to sing it to you. You don't want that, all right? You don't want that, all right? You don't want that, all right? But But But it starts it starts it starts in the morning when I arise in the morning when I arise in the morning when I arise give me Jesus. give me Jesus. give me Jesus. That's basically what it says. That's basically what it says. That's basically what it says. And it says, "And when I am afraid And it says, "And when I am afraid And it says, "And when I am afraid give me Jesus."

give me Jesus." give me Jesus." Just repeats it. Just repeats it. Just repeats it. And then it it goes to "And when I come And then it it goes to "And when I come And then it it goes to "And when I come to die to die to die give me Jesus." give me Jesus." give me Jesus." And I picked that song And I picked that song And I picked that song because and I told them this in the because and I told them this in the because and I told them this in the podcast. podcast. podcast. I don't know if it's just the nature of I don't know if it's just the nature of I don't know if it's just the nature of what I do being a pastor, being a lot of what I do being a pastor, being a lot of what I do being a pastor, being a lot of hospital rooms, performing a lot of hospital rooms, performing a lot of hospital rooms, performing a lot of funerals. funerals. funerals. But I'm keenly aware But I'm keenly aware But I'm keenly aware of death. You know, the psalmist said Psalm You know, the psalmist said Psalm chapter 90 chapter 90 chapter 90 that that that wisdom is to number our days. wisdom is to number our days. wisdom is to number our days. He says, "We we've been given what? 70 He says, "We we've been given what? 70 He says, "We we've been given what? 70 The years of our life are 70 or even by The years of our life are 70 or even by The years of our life are 70 or even by reason of strength 80." Psalm 90 verse reason of strength 80." Psalm 90 verse reason of strength 80." Psalm 90 verse 10. "Yet their span is but toil and 10. "Yet their span is but toil and 10. "Yet their span is but toil and trouble. They are soon gone and we fly trouble. They are soon gone and we fly trouble. They are soon gone and we fly away." It's true, isn't it? away." It's true, isn't it? away." It's true, isn't it? The brevity of life. The brevity of life. The brevity of life. And if we're going to finish well, we've And if we're going to finish well, we've And if we're going to finish well, we've got to understand. That's what wisdom got to understand. That's what wisdom got to understand. That's what wisdom is, to number our days, to understand is, to number our days, to understand is, to number our days, to understand that that that the time that we have is a gift from the time that we have is a gift from the time that we have is a gift from God.

I just turned 48 earlier this year. I I just turned 48 earlier this year. I can't believe it. I remember when my mom can't believe it. I remember when my mom can't believe it. I remember when my mom turned 40. I came home from school and turned 40. I came home from school and turned 40. I came home from school and there was a wheelchair in the living there was a wheelchair in the living there was a wheelchair in the living room with balloons that said over the room with balloons that said over the room with balloons that said over the hill. Her friends had thrown her a hill. Her friends had thrown her a hill. Her friends had thrown her a little party. And I remember thinking as little party. And I remember thinking as little party. And I remember thinking as a kid, 40, she is ancient. Here I am 48. Here I am 48. Been married 24 years. And time goes by, man. And time goes by, man. I was just in my parents' house. They I was just in my parents' house. They I was just in my parents' house. They got one of those memory frames, you know got one of those memory frames, you know got one of those memory frames, you know what I'm talking about, where you plug what I'm talking about, where you plug what I'm talking about, where you plug pictures in. I'm sitting there looking pictures in. I'm sitting there looking pictures in. I'm sitting there looking at pictures of my kids when they were at pictures of my kids when they were at pictures of my kids when they were this big. this big. this big. Vacations that we had. Vacations that we had. Vacations that we had. And I'm thinking that that that was just And I'm thinking that that that was just And I'm thinking that that that was just two or three years ago. It was 10 years two or three years ago. It was 10 years two or three years ago. It was 10 years ago, 15 years ago. ago, 15 years ago. ago, 15 years ago. Talking with a buddy that I graduated Talking with a buddy that I graduated Talking with a buddy that I graduated college with. college with. college with. We were talking about this very thing, We were talking about this very thing, We were talking about this very thing, that that that it's highly reasonable that we have it's highly reasonable that we have it's highly reasonable that we have less birthdays in front of us less birthdays in front of us less birthdays in front of us than we do behind us.

than we do behind us. than we do behind us. It's sobering. It's sobering. It's sobering. Here today, gone tomorrow. Here today, gone tomorrow. Here today, gone tomorrow. This morning I'm in my time alone with This morning I'm in my time alone with This morning I'm in my time alone with the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Read a proverb of the day. This morning Read a proverb of the day. This morning Read a proverb of the day. This morning was Proverbs 26. was Proverbs 26. was Proverbs 26. Read a couple of Psalms, Old Testament Read a couple of Psalms, Old Testament Read a couple of Psalms, Old Testament chapter, New Testament chapter. My Psalm chapter, New Testament chapter. My Psalm chapter, New Testament chapter. My Psalm for the day was in Psalm 39. for the day was in Psalm 39. for the day was in Psalm 39. And I read it and I thought, good And I read it and I thought, good And I read it and I thought, good gracious, I'm preaching on this today. gracious, I'm preaching on this today. gracious, I'm preaching on this today. Oh Lord, make me know my end and what is Oh Lord, make me know my end and what is Oh Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days. Let me know how the measure of my days. Let me know how the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting I am. Behold, you have made my fleeting I am. Behold, you have made my fleeting I am. Behold, you have made my days a few hand breaths and my lifetime days a few hand breaths and my lifetime days a few hand breaths and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all is as nothing before you. Surely all is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath. mankind stands as a mere breath. mankind stands as a mere breath. Here today, Here today, Here today, gone tomorrow. gone tomorrow. gone tomorrow. If we're going to live If we're going to live If we're going to live to finish strong, we better live with to finish strong, we better live with to finish strong, we better live with the end in mind. Randy Alcorn Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite is one of my favorite is one of my favorite preachers. preachers. preachers. one of my favorite writers.

one of my favorite writers. one of my favorite writers. He wrote the book Heaven, He wrote the book Heaven, He wrote the book Heaven, Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Money, Possessions, and Eternity. He wrote thinking about this living with He wrote thinking about this living with He wrote thinking about this living with the end in mind. He wrote, you can the end in mind. He wrote, you can the end in mind. He wrote, you can Google this. I've used it at men's Google this. I've used it at men's Google this. I've used it at men's conferences. He sat down one day and he conferences. He sat down one day and he conferences. He sat down one day and he wrote the consequences of a moral wrote the consequences of a moral wrote the consequences of a moral failure. failure. failure. And he just listed out the consequences And he just listed out the consequences And he just listed out the consequences of a moral failure, what it would cost of a moral failure, what it would cost of a moral failure, what it would cost if he if he if he had a moral default. had a moral default. had a moral default. Grieving the Lord who redeemed me, Grieving the Lord who redeemed me, Grieving the Lord who redeemed me, dragging his sacred name into the mud, dragging his sacred name into the mud, dragging his sacred name into the mud, one day having to look at Jesus the one day having to look at Jesus the one day having to look at Jesus the righteous judge in the face and give an righteous judge in the face and give an righteous judge in the face and give an account of my actions, account of my actions, account of my actions, following the footsteps of the people of following the footsteps of the people of following the footsteps of the people of those who immorality forfeited their those who immorality forfeited their those who immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shudder and ministries and caused me to shudder and ministries and caused me to shudder and he listed the names out, inflicting he listed the names out, inflicting he listed the names out, inflicting untold hurt on my wife and best friend, untold hurt on my wife and best friend, untold hurt on my wife and best friend, losing her respect and trust, hurting my losing her respect and trust, hurting my losing her respect and trust, hurting my beloved daughters, destroying my example beloved daughters, destroying my example beloved daughters, destroying my example and credibility with my children, and credibility with my children, and credibility with my children, nullifying both present and future nullifying both present and future nullifying both present and future efforts to teach them to obey God. Why efforts to teach them to obey God. Why efforts to teach them to obey God. Why listen to a man who betrayed mom and us? listen to a man who betrayed mom and us? listen to a man who betrayed mom and us? If my blindness should continue or my If my blindness should continue or my If my blindness should continue or my wife be unable to forgive, perhaps wife be unable to forgive, perhaps wife be unable to forgive, perhaps losing my wife and children forever, losing my wife and children forever, losing my wife and children forever, causing shame to my family. Why isn't causing shame to my family. Why isn't causing shame to my family. Why isn't daddy a preacher anymore? Losing daddy a preacher anymore? Losing daddy a preacher anymore? Losing self-respect, creating a form of guilt self-respect, creating a form of guilt self-respect, creating a form of guilt awfully hard to shake even though God awfully hard to shake even though God awfully hard to shake even though God would forgive me. Would I forgive would forgive me. Would I forgive would forgive me. Would I forgive myself? And he just goes on and lists myself? And he just goes on and lists myself? And he just goes on and lists out all of these consequences.

out all of these consequences. out all of these consequences. Helpful thing to do. Understanding the importance Understanding the importance of what it means to finish of what it means to finish of what it means to finish strong. strong. strong. It's interesting when Paul says the time It's interesting when Paul says the time It's interesting when Paul says the time of my departure is near. of my departure is near. of my departure is near. It's a It was a It's a It was a It's a It was a in the days it was a shipping term. It in the days it was a shipping term. It in the days it was a shipping term. It was to to pull up the anchor and set was to to pull up the anchor and set was to to pull up the anchor and set sail. sail. sail. Paul says, my departure's nearing. Paul says, my departure's nearing. Paul says, my departure's nearing. It's a picture of striking down a tent It's a picture of striking down a tent It's a picture of striking down a tent and moving on away. and moving on away. and moving on away. Setting up uh Setting up uh Setting up uh uh camp, You strike that tent after uh camp, You strike that tent after uh camp, You strike that tent after you're done and you go to the other you're done and you go to the other you're done and you go to the other place. That's what he's saying here, the place. That's what he's saying here, the place. That's what he's saying here, the time of my departure is here. time of my departure is here. time of my departure is here. And my point I'm making in this moment And my point I'm making in this moment And my point I'm making in this moment is is what Luther said, the great is is what Luther said, the great is is what Luther said, the great reformer, he said there's two days that reformer, he said there's two days that reformer, he said there's two days that need to be on our calendar. This day, need to be on our calendar. This day, need to be on our calendar. This day, today, today is the Lord is the day the today, today is the Lord is the day the today, today is the Lord is the day the Lord has made, I'll rejoice and be glad Lord has made, I'll rejoice and be glad Lord has made, I'll rejoice and be glad in it, and that day, the day that we in it, and that day, the day that we in it, and that day, the day that we stand before the Lord. stand before the Lord. stand before the Lord. If we want to finish strong, we have to If we want to finish strong, we have to If we want to finish strong, we have to live with the end in mind.

live with the end in mind. live with the end in mind. I got a picture. This is I'll throw this I got a picture. This is I'll throw this I got a picture. This is I'll throw this picture. This is of Neil Jeffrey. picture. This is of Neil Jeffrey. picture. This is of Neil Jeffrey. I got a buddy of mine that's a pastor. I got a buddy of mine that's a pastor. I got a buddy of mine that's a pastor. We've been together a long time, We've been together a long time, We've been together a long time, followed each other's ministries all followed each other's ministries all followed each other's ministries all over the place. He's now in Northeast over the place. He's now in Northeast over the place. He's now in Northeast Houston and I'm in Northwest Houston. Houston and I'm in Northwest Houston. Houston and I'm in Northwest Houston. And for 20-plus years, And for 20-plus years, And for 20-plus years, we've served with Neil Jeffrey at our we've served with Neil Jeffrey at our we've served with Neil Jeffrey at our previous church in Dallas. Neil's a previous church in Dallas. Neil's a previous church in Dallas. Neil's a graduate of Baylor, as you can see, graduate of Baylor, as you can see, graduate of Baylor, as you can see, all-American quarterback. all-American quarterback. all-American quarterback. But whenever a pastor would morally But whenever a pastor would morally But whenever a pastor would morally forfeit, forfeit, forfeit, through the years, we we we would send a through the years, we we we would send a through the years, we we we would send a picture. This is the most recent, but picture. This is the most recent, but picture. This is the most recent, but through the years we'd send the picture through the years we'd send the picture through the years we'd send the picture of Neil with his family. At one time, of Neil with his family. At one time, of Neil with his family. At one time, his little grand babies were babies and his little grand babies were babies and his little grand babies were babies and now they're all And you know why me and now they're all And you know why me and now they're all And you know why me and my buddy send this picture after we hear my buddy send this picture after we hear my buddy send this picture after we hear of a moral failure or a default? It's of a moral failure or a default? It's of a moral failure or a default? It's because we want to remind ourselves of because we want to remind ourselves of because we want to remind ourselves of what success really is. what success really is. what success really is. It sure ain't pastoring a big church. It sure ain't pastoring a big church. It sure ain't pastoring a big church. Worldly influence, power, money, none of Worldly influence, power, money, none of Worldly influence, power, money, none of that matters. that matters. that matters. What's important What's important What's important is having your wife of your youth is having your wife of your youth is having your wife of your youth standing by your side standing by your side standing by your side and your kids and your grandkids smiling and your kids and your grandkids smiling and your kids and your grandkids smiling and respecting you and respecting you and respecting you as you go through life.

as you go through life. as you go through life. If we're going to finish and finish If we're going to finish and finish If we're going to finish and finish well, well, well, we need to finish with the end in mind. we need to finish with the end in mind. we need to finish with the end in mind. Number two, we need to not be surprised Number two, we need to not be surprised Number two, we need to not be surprised by life's challenges. I'm going to fly by life's challenges. I'm going to fly by life's challenges. I'm going to fly through this one. through this one. through this one. Just Hey, Paul called life a fight. Just Hey, Paul called life a fight. Just Hey, Paul called life a fight. The word fight here is is where we get The word fight here is is where we get The word fight here is is where we get our word agony from. our word agony from. our word agony from. That's what life is. That's what life is. That's what life is. It's It's a long agonizing fight. It's It's a long agonizing fight. It's It's a long agonizing fight. And I just highlight that here because And I just highlight that here because And I just highlight that here because what often happens is if we are what often happens is if we are what often happens is if we are surprised by life's challenges, what surprised by life's challenges, what surprised by life's challenges, what happens is the dark night of the soul happens is the dark night of the soul happens is the dark night of the soul comes. We go through the valley. We're comes. We go through the valley. We're comes. We go through the valley. We're hit with a trouble or a trial. And if hit with a trouble or a trial. And if hit with a trouble or a trial. And if we're not careful, we'll say, "WHOA, we're not careful, we'll say, "WHOA, we're not careful, we'll say, "WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WE DIDN'T expect this, God." WHOA, WHOA, WE DIDN'T expect this, God." WHOA, WHOA, WE DIDN'T expect this, God." And so what happens is we start throwing And so what happens is we start throwing And so what happens is we start throwing ourselves a pity party. We get mad at ourselves a pity party. We get mad at ourselves a pity party. We get mad at God. God. God. It's like we're shocked as a follower of It's like we're shocked as a follower of It's like we're shocked as a follower of Jesus that we too have to endure Jesus that we too have to endure Jesus that we too have to endure hardship when Jesus said, "In this hardship when Jesus said, "In this hardship when Jesus said, "In this world, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE." world, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE." world, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE." And he didn't promise to deliver us out And he didn't promise to deliver us out And he didn't promise to deliver us out of the fire. He did promise to be with of the fire. He did promise to be with of the fire. He did promise to be with us through the fire.

us through the fire. us through the fire. And so we don't NEED TO BE SHOCKED WHEN And so we don't NEED TO BE SHOCKED WHEN And so we don't NEED TO BE SHOCKED WHEN TOUGH TIMES COME, when hardship comes, TOUGH TIMES COME, when hardship comes, TOUGH TIMES COME, when hardship comes, when sufferings of all shapes and sizes when sufferings of all shapes and sizes when sufferings of all shapes and sizes come in our life, and it is sufferings come in our life, and it is sufferings come in our life, and it is sufferings plural because that is our life. plural because that is our life. plural because that is our life. DON'T BE SHOCKED BY IT, THROW in the DON'T BE SHOCKED BY IT, THROW in the DON'T BE SHOCKED BY IT, THROW in the towel, quit on God. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? towel, quit on God. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? towel, quit on God. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? GOD HAS ALLOWED THIS TRIAL INTO YOUR GOD HAS ALLOWED THIS TRIAL INTO YOUR GOD HAS ALLOWED THIS TRIAL INTO YOUR LIFE. WHY? TO SHAPE YOU TO BE MORE LIKE LIFE. WHY? TO SHAPE YOU TO BE MORE LIKE LIFE. WHY? TO SHAPE YOU TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS, TO CONFORM YOU TO THE image of JESUS, TO CONFORM YOU TO THE image of JESUS, TO CONFORM YOU TO THE image of his son. WHAT HE WANTS, WHAT IS MORE his son. WHAT HE WANTS, WHAT IS MORE his son. WHAT HE WANTS, WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO HIM than anything, is the IMPORTANT TO HIM than anything, is the IMPORTANT TO HIM than anything, is the purification of your faith. purification of your faith. purification of your faith. AND SO LIKE PAUL, YOU LOOK AT YOUR life AND SO LIKE PAUL, YOU LOOK AT YOUR life AND SO LIKE PAUL, YOU LOOK AT YOUR life and you say, "If I am a drink OFFERING and you say, "If I am a drink OFFERING and you say, "If I am a drink OFFERING BEING POURED OUT, BEING POURED OUT, BEING POURED OUT, THAT LANGUAGE THERE AT THE CULMINATION THAT LANGUAGE THERE AT THE CULMINATION THAT LANGUAGE THERE AT THE CULMINATION of an offering in the Old Testament, the of an offering in the Old Testament, the of an offering in the Old Testament, the priest would take the wine and he would priest would take the wine and he would priest would take the wine and he would pour that wine out at the base of the pour that wine out at the base of the pour that wine out at the base of the altar, and that symbolized the offering altar, and that symbolized the offering altar, and that symbolized the offering is complete." is complete." is complete." And Paul says it right here. And Paul says it right here. And Paul says it right here. "IF I'M BEING POURED OUT AS A DRINK OFFERING." And in the tense of the OFFERING." And in the tense of the language, God's the agent behind it. He language, God's the agent behind it. He language, God's the agent behind it. He says, "So up for, God.

says, "So up for, God. says, "So up for, God. The advancement of your kingdom. And if The advancement of your kingdom. And if The advancement of your kingdom. And if it's my pain and my heartache and my it's my pain and my heartache and my it's my pain and my heartache and my hurt that advances your kingdom and hurt that advances your kingdom and hurt that advances your kingdom and brings people to Christ, then so be it. brings people to Christ, then so be it. brings people to Christ, then so be it. And isn't it true, the more we go And isn't it true, the more we go And isn't it true, the more we go Listen, Listen, Listen, the more we go through hardships and the more we go through hardships and the more we go through hardships and trials, the more we see people in our trials, the more we see people in our trials, the more we see people in our life die that we love, the more we see life die that we love, the more we see life die that we love, the more we see them suffer by cancer and all these them suffer by cancer and all these them suffer by cancer and all these other things, doesn't it make you long other things, doesn't it make you long other things, doesn't it make you long for your future home? for your future home? for your future home? Makes you long to go be with Jesus. Makes you long to go be with Jesus. Makes you long to go be with Jesus. Makes you long to say Jesus come back Makes you long to say Jesus come back Makes you long to say Jesus come back and make everything new. And so, and make everything new. And so, and make everything new. And so, sometimes when we go through tough times sometimes when we go through tough times sometimes when we go through tough times and trials, don't don't be surpri- Don't and trials, don't don't be surpri- Don't and trials, don't don't be surpri- Don't be surprised by this. If you're going to be surprised by this. If you're going to be surprised by this. If you're going to finish well, finish well, finish well, you've got to embrace it. you've got to embrace it. you've got to embrace it. And have this God-centered point of view And have this God-centered point of view And have this God-centered point of view on your life that says, "God, I'm yours. on your life that says, "God, I'm yours. on your life that says, "God, I'm yours. And whatever you say, I say it humbly, And whatever you say, I say it humbly, And whatever you say, I say it humbly, Lord. Lord. Lord. God, whatever is for your glory, that's God, whatever is for your glory, that's God, whatever is for your glory, that's what I want." what I want." what I want." Third and finally, if we're going to Third and finally, if we're going to Third and finally, if we're going to finish well, we need to remember that finish well, we need to remember that finish well, we need to remember that people in our lives people in our lives people in our lives are watching us. I want to are watching us. I want to are watching us. I want to I I conclude with this. It's not I I conclude with this. It's not I I conclude with this. It's not explicitly in the text, but certainly explicitly in the text, but certainly explicitly in the text, but certainly you read Paul, he knew Timothy was you read Paul, he knew Timothy was you read Paul, he knew Timothy was watching him.

watching him. watching him. He knew these churches that he planted He knew these churches that he planted He knew these churches that he planted were watching him. were watching him. were watching him. And he didn't want anything And he didn't want anything And he didn't want anything to cause them to stumble to cause them to stumble to cause them to stumble or to bring shame to the cause of or to bring shame to the cause of or to bring shame to the cause of Christ. Christ. Christ. He knew people were watching. He knew people were watching. He knew people were watching. And listen, And listen, And listen, people are watching you. When I got to the hotel last night, When I got to the hotel last night, every time I travel, it stays in my bag every time I travel, it stays in my bag every time I travel, it stays in my bag with me. The first thing I do is I take with me. The first thing I do is I take with me. The first thing I do is I take it out of my bag and I put it on my it out of my bag and I put it on my it out of my bag and I put it on my lampstand right there by the bed. lampstand right there by the bed. lampstand right there by the bed. It's just a travel frame. It's a picture It's just a travel frame. It's a picture It's just a travel frame. It's a picture of me and my wife. of me and my wife. of me and my wife. It's a picture of me and my family. It's a picture of me and my family. It's a picture of me and my family. It goes right there by my bedside in my It goes right there by my bedside in my It goes right there by my bedside in my hotel room hotel room hotel room to remind me of what's most important in to remind me of what's most important in to remind me of what's most important in life. life. life. Neil Jeffrey, that picture I showed you Neil Jeffrey, that picture I showed you Neil Jeffrey, that picture I showed you earlier when he when I was being earlier when he when I was being earlier when he when I was being ordained, I'd passed the test, I'd ordained, I'd passed the test, I'd ordained, I'd passed the test, I'd answered all the questions. He said, "Uh answered all the questions. He said, "Uh answered all the questions. He said, "Uh Jared, I just want you to know." He said Jared, I just want you to know." He said Jared, I just want you to know." He said it off off cuff, it wasn't prepared or it off off cuff, it wasn't prepared or it off off cuff, it wasn't prepared or anything. He said, "I just want you to anything. He said, "I just want you to anything. He said, "I just want you to know if you ever did anything to hurt know if you ever did anything to hurt know if you ever did anything to hurt Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, I'd be so disappointed in you."

I'd be so disappointed in you." I'd be so disappointed in you." That cut me to the heart. I thought, That cut me to the heart. I thought, That cut me to the heart. I thought, "Man, I don't want to disappoint Jesus, "Man, I don't want to disappoint Jesus, "Man, I don't want to disappoint Jesus, but I don't want to disappoint Neil but I don't want to disappoint Neil but I don't want to disappoint Neil Jeffrey, either." Jeffrey, either." Jeffrey, either." And as I've continued to grow in my And as I've continued to grow in my And as I've continued to grow in my faith, I don't want to disappoint Jesus. faith, I don't want to disappoint Jesus. faith, I don't want to disappoint Jesus. I don't want to disappoint my girls. I don't want to disappoint my girls. I don't want to disappoint my girls. I don't want to disappoint my parents, I don't want to disappoint my parents, I don't want to disappoint my parents, raised me, gave me every opportunity to raised me, gave me every opportunity to raised me, gave me every opportunity to succeed in life. I don't want to succeed in life. I don't want to succeed in life. I don't want to disappoint or shame my church that God's disappoint or shame my church that God's disappoint or shame my church that God's entrusted to me. entrusted to me. entrusted to me. There's people watching me. There's people watching me. There's people watching me. And there's people watching you. And there's people watching you. And there's people watching you. And if we're going to finish strong, And if we're going to finish strong, And if we're going to finish strong, we better understand that how we live we better understand that how we live we better understand that how we live matters. matters. matters. So, Green Acres, So, Green Acres, So, Green Acres, fight the good fight of faith. fight the good fight of faith. fight the good fight of faith. Finish your course. Finish your course. Finish your course. And keep the faith. And keep the faith. And keep the faith. Fight to the finish, Fight to the finish, Fight to the finish, because it matters. Amen? because it matters. Amen? because it matters. Amen? Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Heads are bowed and eyes are closed.

If you're here today and never trusted If you're here today and never trusted in Christ, today's the day of salvation. in Christ, today's the day of salvation. in Christ, today's the day of salvation. You can't finish well if you haven't You can't finish well if you haven't You can't finish well if you haven't started well. started well. started well. And starting well begins with giving And starting well begins with giving And starting well begins with giving your life to Christ. your life to Christ. your life to Christ. And so, you just pray a prayer And so, you just pray a prayer And so, you just pray a prayer of submission to Christ, turn from your of submission to Christ, turn from your of submission to Christ, turn from your sin, sin, sin, and all you got to do is say, "Jesus, and all you got to do is say, "Jesus, and all you got to do is say, "Jesus, save me." save me." save me." It's not the words that save you, it's It's not the words that save you, it's It's not the words that save you, it's the posture of your heart, it's the the posture of your heart, it's the the posture of your heart, it's the faith. faith. faith. Save me. Save me. Save me. He'll come into your life and he'll save He'll come into your life and he'll save He'll come into your life and he'll save you, and now you got somebody running you, and now you got somebody running you, and now you got somebody running with you to help you finish strong. with you to help you finish strong. with you to help you finish strong. Others of you, you may have forfeited, Others of you, you may have forfeited, Others of you, you may have forfeited, you know, those six things that kill you know, those six things that kill you know, those six things that kill you, you may have fallen to one of those you, you may have fallen to one of those you, you may have fallen to one of those things. things. things. And you're carrying around guilt and And you're carrying around guilt and And you're carrying around guilt and shame that I'm just telling you you shame that I'm just telling you you shame that I'm just telling you you don't need to carry around. Romans 8:1, don't need to carry around. Romans 8:1, don't need to carry around. Romans 8:1, there's therefore now no condemnation there's therefore now no condemnation there's therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. And for those who are in Christ Jesus. And for those who are in Christ Jesus. And if you're not dead, you're not done. if you're not dead, you're not done. if you're not dead, you're not done. You can finish faithful, start today. You can finish faithful, start today. You can finish faithful, start today. Put your eyes on Jesus, motivation on Put your eyes on Jesus, motivation on Put your eyes on Jesus, motivation on Jesus. For all of us in the room. For all of us in the room. Even for a young teenager.

Even for a young teenager. Even for a young teenager. Finish well. Finish well. Finish well. Finish with a life of no regrets. Finish with a life of no regrets. Finish with a life of no regrets. Eyes on Jesus. Lord, we love you. Eyes on Jesus. Lord, we love you. Eyes on Jesus. Lord, we love you. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your word. And by your grace, And by your grace, And by your grace, let us finish let us finish let us finish in a way that honors you. in a way that honors you. in a way that honors you. In the name of Jesus I pray. In the name of Jesus I pray. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.