Fight to the Finish | Dr. Jarrett Stephens

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

the left, that's Riley. She's my oldest. the 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 Sickum. And then uh the one University Sickum. And then uh the one University Sickum. And then uh the one on the far right side of the screen, on the far right side of the screen, on the far right side of the screen, that's Kelsey. She's going to be a that's Kelsey. She's going to be a that's Kelsey. She's going to be a freshman at Baylor University. And so I freshman at Baylor University. And so I freshman at Baylor University. And so I have recently applied at the Waterburger have recently applied at the Waterburger have recently applied at the Waterburger uh the Midnight Shift uh right there uh the Midnight Shift uh right there uh the Midnight Shift uh right there that is by our house there in Houston. that is by our house there in Houston. that is by our house there in Houston. And then I've got the two twins there, And then I've got the two twins there, And then I've got the two twins there, uh Cameron and Landry. And then my wife uh Cameron and Landry. And then my wife uh Cameron and Landry. And then my wife right there in the middle who keeps it right there in the middle who keeps it right there in the middle who keeps it all together. I wish they were here with all together. I wish they were here with all together. I wish they were here with me this morning. Well, kind of not cuz I me this morning. Well, kind of not cuz I me this morning. Well, kind of not cuz I got to sleep in and get to bed early and got to sleep in and get to bed early and got to sleep in and get to bed early and rest. But uh I bring you greetings on rest. But uh I bring you greetings on rest. But uh I bring you greetings on their behalf. And again, it is good uh their behalf. And again, it is good uh their behalf. And again, it is good uh to be here in Tyler, Texas this morning to be here in Tyler, Texas this morning to be here in Tyler, Texas this morning with you, Greenacres Baptist. You have with you, Greenacres Baptist. You have with you, Greenacres Baptist. You have such an incredible reputation as a such an incredible reputation as a such an incredible reputation as a church, and I'm honored uh to open up church, and I'm honored uh to open up church, and I'm honored uh 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 I old. And I still can't believe I feel I old. And I still can't believe I feel I I I I feel like I'm living a dream. The I I I feel like I'm living a dream. The I I I feel like I'm living a dream. The fact that I get to travel and preach and fact that I get to travel and preach and fact 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 an this is my life verse. Uh, put it on an this is my life verse. Uh, put it on an epitath. I want it on my cemetery uh epitath. I want it on my cemetery uh epitath. I want it on my cemetery uh tombstone when I die. I love this verse. tombstone when I die. I love this verse. tombstone when I die. I love this verse. I've looked at it since I was a little I've looked at it since I was a little I've looked at it since I was a little child. In fact, uh my aunt made me, my child. In fact, uh my aunt made me, my child. In fact, uh my aunt made me, my older brother and younger sister a cross older brother and younger sister a cross older brother and younger sister a cross stitch. I was in the second grade and my stitch. I was in the second grade and my stitch. I was in the second grade and my parents hung it up in our living room parents hung it up in our living room parents hung it up in our living room there in Boer. And I can remember as a there in Boer. And I can remember as a there in Boer. And I can remember as a second grade, third grade, fourth grade second grade, third grade, fourth grade second grade, third grade, fourth grade just staring at this picture of me uh as just staring at this picture of me uh as just staring at this picture of me uh as a second grader. It had my name in cross a second grader. It had my name in cross a 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 4:7, which a verse and it was 2 Timothy 4:7, which a verse and it was 2 Timothy 4:7, which we're going to look at in just a moment. we're going to look at in just a moment. we're going to look at in just a moment. And that verse just got in my heart as a And that verse just got in my heart as a And that verse just got in my heart as a little kid and it has become a theme little kid and it has become a theme little kid and it has become a theme verse for my life. And recently at verse for my life. And recently at verse for my life. And recently at Champion Forest down in Houston, I was Champion Forest down in Houston, I was Champion Forest down in Houston, I was preaching through a series called Fight. preaching through a series called Fight. preaching through a series called Fight. It's a topical series and our seniors It's a topical series and our seniors It's a topical series and our seniors were getting ready to graduate. And so were getting ready to graduate. And so were getting ready to graduate. And so one of the sermons were fight for truth. one of the sermons were fight for truth. one of the sermons were fight for truth. And so I just talked about as they get And so I just talked about as they get And so I just talked about as they get ready to go to school the importance of ready to go to school the importance of ready to go to school the importance of fighting for truth. And uh we talked fighting for truth. And uh we talked fighting for truth. And uh we talked about fighting for the lost. And so I about fighting for the lost. And so I about fighting for the lost. And so I think David Shivers who was here earlier think David Shivers who was here earlier think 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 start. We also know important how we start. We also know important how we start. We also know that it's way more important how we that it's way more important how we that it's way more important how we finish. And certainly this is true for finish. And certainly this is true for finish. And certainly this is true for the Christian. So here's what I want to the Christian. So here's what I want to the Christian. So here's what I want to do this morning. I want to unpack this. do this morning. I want to unpack this. do this morning. I want to unpack this. We'll look at the the passage in three We'll look at the the passage in three We'll look at the the passage in three sections. There'll be this call to sections. There'll be this call to sections. There'll be this call to finish strong. We'll look at that. Then finish strong. We'll look at that. Then finish strong. We'll look at that. Then we're going to look at a motivation that we're going to look at a motivation that we're going to look at a motivation that Paul gives us to help us finish strong. Paul gives us to help us finish strong. Paul gives us to help us finish strong. And then we'll close our time together. And then we'll close our time together. And then we'll close our time together. Just some practical application on how Just some practical application on how Just some practical application on how we can indeed finish strong. Let me set we can indeed finish strong. Let me set we can indeed finish strong. Let me set some context for you before we get into some context for you before we get into some context for you before we get into our passage. Second Timothy is the last our passage. Second Timothy is the last our passage. Second Timothy is the last letter that Paul writes. And uh this is letter that Paul writes. And uh this is letter that Paul writes. And uh this is a letter that is one of his most a letter that is one of his most a letter that is one of his most personal. uh he has been following Jesus personal. uh he has been following Jesus personal. uh he has been following Jesus for 30 years up to this point in his for 30 years up to this point in his for 30 years up to this point in his life and he writes his young son in the life and he writes his young son in the life and he writes his young son in the faith, Timothy, who he has mentored, who faith, Timothy, who he has mentored, who faith, Timothy, who he has mentored, who he has invested in. And Paul knows, most he has invested in. And Paul knows, most he has invested in. And Paul knows, most scholars tell us that he was he was uh scholars tell us that he was he was uh scholars tell us that he was he was uh weeks if not days away from his weeks if not days away from his weeks if not days away from his martyrdom when he pinned this letter.

martyrdom when he pinned this letter. martyrdom when he pinned this letter. And he knows that outside of a miracle, And he knows that outside of a miracle, And he knows that outside of 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 pins this from a dungeon prison, he pins this from a dungeon prison, he pins this letter. I want us to begin in verse 6 of letter. I want us to begin in verse 6 of letter. I want us to begin in verse 6 of 2 Timothy chapter 4. We'll read through 2 Timothy chapter 4. We'll read through 2 Timothy chapter 4. We'll read through verse 8. The Bible says this, "For I am verse 8. The Bible says this, "For I am verse 8. The Bible says this, "For I am already being poured out as a drink already being poured out as a drink already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure offering, and the time of my departure offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. has come. I have fought the good fight. has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept I have finished the race. I have kept I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. the faith. 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 and not only to me but also to that day and not only to me but also to that day and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. all who have loved his appearing. all 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 the genre of book of the Bible inside of the genre of book of the Bible inside of the genre of the Bible and the genre of the Bible the Bible and the genre of the Bible 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 and in the Old Testament new testament and in the Old Testament new testament and then that in light of the whole of then that in light of the whole of then that in light of the whole of scriptures and if you look at the entire scriptures and if you look at the entire scriptures and if you look at the entire letter of second Timothy uh from letter of second Timothy uh from letter of second Timothy uh from chapters 1 uh to chapter 4 it is Paul chapters 1 uh to chapter 4 it is Paul chapters 1 uh to chapter 4 it is Paul writing Timothy with a charge to keep writing Timothy with a charge to keep writing Timothy with a charge to keep there is this call to keep going to not there is this call to keep going to not there is this call to keep going to not give up to not give in to never stop give up to not give in to never stop give up to not give in to never stop pursuing the Lord and being faithful to

pursuing the Lord and being faithful to pursuing the Lord and being faithful to this call that's been placed on in this this call that's been placed on in this this call that's been placed on in this book Timothy's life and certainly it's a book Timothy's life and certainly it's a book Timothy's life and certainly it's a letter that Paul writes to us today uh letter that Paul writes to us today uh letter that Paul writes to us today uh via Timothy just look in verse one via Timothy just look in verse one via Timothy just look in verse one starting in verse 13 and 14 follow the starting in verse 13 and 14 follow the starting in verse 13 and 14 follow the pattern of the sound words that you have pattern of the sound words that you have pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me in the faith and love that heard from me in the faith and love that heard from me in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit are in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit are in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us guard the good who dwells within us guard the good who dwells within us guard the good deposit entrusted to to you. Do you hear deposit entrusted to to you. Do you hear deposit entrusted to to you. Do you hear the challenge? Do you see the charge? the challenge? Do you see the charge? the challenge? Do you see the charge? Look at chapter 2 verse 1 and two. You Look at chapter 2 verse 1 and two. You Look at chapter 2 verse 1 and two. You then, my child, the tenderness of of then, my child, the tenderness of of then, my child, the tenderness of of talking to Timothy like this, be talking to Timothy like this, be talking to Timothy like this, be strengthened by the grace that is in strengthened by the grace that is in strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus and what you have heard Christ Jesus and what you have heard Christ Jesus and what you have heard from me and trust to faithful men who from me and trust to faithful men who from me and trust to faithful men who will be able to teach others. Also, Paul will be able to teach others. Also, Paul will be able to teach others. Also, Paul knows he's nearing the end here and he's knows he's nearing the end here and he's knows he's nearing the end here and he's putting it all out on the line for for putting it all out on the line for for putting it all out on the line for for Timothy. I preached this passage one Timothy. I preached this passage one 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. You know, if you've ever last words. You know, if you've ever last words. You know, if you've ever been around anyone on their deathbed, been around anyone on their deathbed, been around 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 your intent because You're listening in your intent because You're listening in your intent because that loved one is sharing what's that loved one is sharing what's that loved one is sharing what's important to them as they get ready to important to them as they get ready to important to them as they get ready to depart. Well, Paul is telling Timothy depart. Well, Paul is telling Timothy depart. Well, Paul is telling Timothy here in these last words, here in these last words, here in these last words, keep at it. keep at it. keep at it. 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 chapter 3. If we were to read Listen to chapter 3. If we were to read Listen to chapter 3. If we were to read it, Paul talks about the last days and it, Paul talks about the last days and it, Paul talks about the last days and how it's going to get more and more how it's going to get more and more how it's going to get more and more evil. And he just says, you got to keep evil. And he just says, you got to keep evil. And he just says, you got to keep going. Then you get to chapter 4, verse going. Then you get to chapter 4, verse going. Then you get to chapter 4, verse one and two. I charge you in the one and two. I charge you in the one and two. I charge you in the presence of God in Christ Jesus who will presence of God in Christ Jesus who will presence of God in Christ Jesus who will judge the living and the dead, the judge the living and the dead, the judge the living and the dead, the appearance by his appearance in his appearance by his appearance in his appearance by his appearance in his kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready in kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready in kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready in season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and exhort with complete patience and exhort with complete patience and suffering. And then verse five, before suffering. And then verse five, before suffering. And then verse five, before we get to the passage that we already we get to the passage that we already we get to the passage that we already read, as for you, be sober minded, read, as for you, be sober minded, read, as for you, be sober minded, endure suffering, do the work of the endure suffering, do the work of the endure suffering, do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

evangelist, fulfill your ministry. evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Timothy, Timothy, Timothy, fight to the finish. fight to the finish. fight to the finish. Finish faithful. Finish faithful. Finish faithful. Keep going. 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 example there in verse 7 where he example there in verse 7 where he says,"I have fought the good fight. says,"I have fought the good fight. says,"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course and I have I have finished the course and I have I have finished the course and I have kept the faith." And again, what Paul is kept the faith." And again, what Paul is kept the faith." 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 doing for us here today. He wants us to doing for us here today. He wants us to finish well. finish well. finish 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 uh obviously getting to been resting and uh obviously getting to been resting and uh obviously getting to come here and preach like this. But one come here and preach like this. But one come here and preach like this. But one of the things I love about summer and I of the things I love about summer and I of the things I love about summer and I applaud you for giving uh your pastor applaud you for giving uh your pastor applaud you for giving uh your pastor this time away to rest and refuel as he this time away to rest and refuel as he this time away to rest and refuel as he gets ready uh to lead into the fall. Uh gets ready uh to lead into the fall. Uh gets ready uh to lead into the fall. Uh that's healthy for a church to do that.

that's healthy for a church to do that. that's healthy for a church to do that. Um, I'm grateful our church does it. But Um, I'm grateful our church does it. But Um, I'm grateful our church does it. But one of the things I love to do is to one of the things I love to do is to one of the things I love to do is to read what I want to read. During the read what I want to read. During the read what I want to read. During the year, you know, most of the stuff I'm year, you know, most of the stuff I'm year, you know, most of the stuff I'm reading, I'm reading preparing for a reading, I'm reading preparing for a reading, I'm reading preparing for a sermon to get ready to to study to show sermon to get ready to to study to show sermon to get ready to to study to show myself approved. Well, in the summer, I myself approved. Well, in the summer, I myself approved. Well, in the summer, I get to read without a pen in hand. And get to read without a pen in hand. And get to read without a pen in hand. And this summer, I was reading and I came this summer, I was reading and I came 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 and those who did not who finished well and those who did not who finished well and those who did not finish well. And here's what he found finish well. And here's what he found finish well. And here's what he found specifically of the biblical leaders specifically of the biblical leaders specifically of the biblical leaders that he studied. Of the 49 that he studied. Of the 49 that he studied. Of the 49 biblical leaders that he looked to, less biblical leaders that he looked to, less biblical leaders that he looked to, less than 25% than 25% 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 looked at them. And he came up with six looked at them. And he came up with six looked 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. And here they are. We'll put you list. And here they are. We'll put you list. And here they are. We'll put them on the screen for you. This is six them on the screen for you. This is six them on the screen for you. This is six barriers that prevent someone from barriers that prevent someone from 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. He talked about Gideon in in and greed. He talked about Gideon in in and greed. He talked about Gideon in in 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. Pride Saul, the Old Testament king. Pride Saul, the Old Testament king. Pride leading to a downfall. And there are leading to a downfall. And there are leading to a downfall. And 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. King Hezekiah had some

some highlights. King Hezekiah had some some highlights. King Hezekiah had some pride led to his downfall. Elicit sexual pride led to his downfall. Elicit sexual pride led to his downfall. Elicit sexual relationships. Think Samson or Solomon. relationships. Think Samson or Solomon. relationships. Think Samson or Solomon. Family issues. Eli and Samuel. Uh and Family issues. Eli and Samuel. Uh and Family issues. Eli and Samuel. Uh and then he mentions plateauing or burnout then he mentions plateauing or burnout then he mentions plateauing or burnout as a a barrier. And we see this in our as a a barrier. And we see this in our as a a barrier. And we see this in our world as well. You know, it seems that world as well. You know, it seems that world as well. You know, it seems that we see people who start but for the we see people who start but for the we see people who start but for the reasons above and maybe other reasons reasons above and maybe other reasons reasons above and maybe other reasons that aren't mentioned here, they don't that aren't mentioned here, they don't that aren't mentioned here, they don't finish strong. And the call that Paul finish strong. And the call that Paul finish strong. And the call that Paul puts on Timothy is listen, you've got to puts on Timothy is listen, you've got to puts on Timothy is listen, you've got to keep fighting. You got to keep going. keep fighting. You got to keep going. keep fighting. You got to keep going. Don't give up. There is this charge. Don't give up. There is this charge. Don't give up. There is this charge. There is this call to finish strong. and There is this call to finish strong. and There is this call to finish strong. and is made to every single person here is made to every single person here is made to every single person here today that you and I if we are in the today that you and I if we are in the today that you and I if we are in the faith, we have a responsibility. We have faith, we have a responsibility. We have faith, we have a responsibility. We have an obligation. This is a command here an obligation. This is a command here an obligation. This is a command here that we don't just start well, but that that we don't just start well, but that that we don't just start well, but that we finish well. Secondly, let's look at we finish well. Secondly, let's look at we finish well. Secondly, let's look at the motivation to finish strong. I take the motivation to finish strong. I take the motivation to finish strong. I take this mainly from verse 8. Let's look at this mainly from verse 8. Let's look at this mainly from verse 8. Let's look at it again. Look what Paul wrote. it again. Look what Paul wrote. it again. Look what Paul wrote. 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 and not only to me but also to that day and not only to me but also to that day and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. So all who have loved his appearing. So all who have loved his appearing. So there's this motivation that Paul has there's this motivation that Paul has there's this 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. I mean how matter what he is up against. I mean how matter what he is up against. I mean how can it be that a man is in a dungeon can it be that a man is in a dungeon can it be that a man is in a dungeon prison and yet he has a sense of prison and yet he has a sense of prison and yet he has a sense of purpose?

purpose? purpose? He has a sense of joy. He has this never He has a sense of joy. He has this never He has a sense of joy. He has this never giving up attitude. It's amazing when giving up attitude. It's amazing when giving up attitude. It's amazing when you really look at Paul's life and see you really look at Paul's life and see you really look at Paul's life and see what he wrote. For me to live as Christ, what he wrote. For me to live as Christ, what he wrote. For me to live as Christ, Philippians chapter 1, for me to die is Philippians chapter 1, for me to die is Philippians chapter 1, for me to die is gain. Well, Paul had this underlying gain. Well, Paul had this underlying gain. Well, Paul had this underlying motivation motivation motivation that aided him in putting one foot in that aided him in putting one foot in that aided him in putting one foot in front of the other, even when times were front of the other, even when times were front of the other, even when times were tough. It helped him stay focused to tough. It helped him stay focused to tough. It helped him stay focused to make sure that he finished this course. make sure that he finished this course. make sure that he finished this 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 peels back the curtain and he allows us peels back the curtain and he allows us peels back the curtain and he allows us to see what the motivation to see what the motivation to see what the 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. And in a word is the finished faithful. And in a word is the finished faithful. And in a word is the word reward. word reward. 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. It's been set aside.

reserved. It's been set aside. reserved. 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 and he finished faithful, course and he finished faithful, course 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, it's it's steppingos. It's where we get it's it's steppingos. It's where we get it's it's steppingos. It's where we get the word Steven from. It means a crown. the word Steven from. It means a crown. the word Steven from. It means a crown. And in the athletic games of the day, if And in the athletic games of the day, if And in the athletic games of the day, if you won, they would put a a laurel you won, they would put a a laurel you won, they would put a a laurel wreath around you, and that was your wreath around you, and that was your wreath around you, and that was your reward. And Paul takes this language. reward. And Paul takes this language. reward. And 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. He keep pressing on toward what's ahead. He keep pressing on toward what's ahead. He uses that kind of language in other uses that kind of language in other 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 your reward." receive your reward." receive your reward." And he says, "It's not just for me." But And he says, "It's not just for me." But And he says, "It's not just for me." But notice what he says there in the first notice what he says there in the first notice what he says there in the first part of verse eight. The the the f says part of verse eight. The the the f says part of verse eight. The the the f 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 me, but all of those who love Not just me, but all of those who love Not just me, but all of those who love his appearing. who are eagerly seeking his appearing. who are eagerly seeking his appearing. who are eagerly seeking after him get the reward. This was the after him get the reward. This was the after him get the reward. This was the motivation of his life a few years ago. motivation of his life a few years ago. motivation of his life a few years ago. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I took uh our family on a Disney cruise I took uh our family on a Disney cruise I took uh our family on a Disney cruise and we went and we went to their island and we went and we went to their island and we went and we went to their island that they have uh and on their little that they have uh and on their little that they have uh and on their little island out in this cruise they were island out in this cruise they were island out in this cruise they were going to have a 5K race if you were going to have a 5K race if you were going to have a 5K race if you were interested. Well, I'd eaten double my interested. Well, I'd eaten double my interested. Well, I'd eaten double my weight the last few days being on that weight the last few days being on that weight the last few days being on that boat. you know, it's buffet time and I I boat. you know, it's buffet time and I I boat. you know, it's buffet time and I I needed to get out there and run a little needed to get out there and run a little needed to get out there and run a little bit. My daughter or my oldest at the bit. My daughter or my oldest at the bit. My daughter or my oldest at the time wanted to run. So, I said, "Sure, time wanted to run. So, I said, "Sure, time wanted to run. So, I said, "Sure, we'll run this 5K." So, they let us off we'll run this 5K." So, they let us off we'll run this 5K." So, they let us off the boat first cuz we had to get the the boat first cuz we had to get the the boat first cuz we had to get the race going and they have a track there race going and they have a track there race going and they have a track there that you run and uh it's great. And my that you run and uh it's great. And my that you run and uh it's great. And my my wife and the other kids, they just my wife and the other kids, they just my wife and the other kids, they just decided to go find a place on the beach decided to go find a place on the beach decided to go find a place on the beach and just kind of park it and lay out. and just kind of park it and lay out. and just kind of park it and lay out. That's what they want to do. But me and That's what they want to do. But me and That's what they want to do. But me and my oldest, we ran. And I just feel like my oldest, we ran. And I just feel like my oldest, we ran. And I just feel like you should know that. All right. I ran. you should know that. All right. I ran. you should know that. All right. I ran. And so we finish this race. And if And so we finish this race. And if And so we finish this race. And if you've ever run one of these 5Ks or one you've ever run one of these 5Ks or one you've ever run one of these 5Ks or one of these half marathons or maybe a of these half marathons or maybe a of these half marathons or maybe a marathon, I mean, you know, when when marathon, I mean, you know, when when marathon, I mean, you know, when when you finish, what do they do? They give you finish, what do they do? They give you finish, what do they do? They give you I should have brought it. I'm so you I should have brought it. I'm so you I should have brought it. I'm so proud of it. It's hanging in my closet proud of it. It's hanging in my closet proud of it. It's hanging in my closet to this day. It's just a, you know, a to this day. It's just a, you know, a to this day. It's just a, you know, a medallion, if you will, that goes around medallion, if you will, that goes around medallion, if you will, that goes around your neck and you can just walk around your neck and you can just walk around your neck and you can just walk around showing everybody when you wear it, they showing everybody when you wear it, they showing everybody when you wear it, they know that you ran and you finished. I know that you ran and you finished. I know that you ran and you finished. I was proud of it. got done with the race, was proud of it. got done with the race, was proud of it. got done with the race, went and found my wife and the other went and found my wife and the other went and found my wife and the other kids and we sat down and I was just kids and we sat down and I was just kids and we sat down and I was just going to relax before I ate again. And

going to relax before I ate again. And going to relax 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." And she said, didn't run the race." And she said, didn't run the race." And she said, "Well, they were just giving them out "Well, they were just giving them out "Well, they were just giving them out right over here." right over here." 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 because she didn't run the it from her because she didn't run the it from her because she didn't run the race. See, race. See, race. See, you only get the crown, you only get the crown, you only get the crown, according to Paul, you only get the according to Paul, you only get the according to Paul, you only get the crown if you love his appearing. Notice crown if you love his appearing. Notice crown if you love his appearing. Notice it's not to the fastest. it's not to the fastest. it's 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 getting in the It's what kept Paul from getting in the It's what kept Paul from getting in the ditches on go on either side from going ditches on go on either side from going ditches on go on either side from going off of the deep end. off of the deep end. off of the 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 reward. No, his focus was on this future reward. No, his focus was on this future reward. One day, the righteous judge, if I'll One day, the righteous judge, if I'll One day, the righteous judge, if I'll keep loving him and I'll keep pursuing keep loving him and I'll keep pursuing keep loving him and I'll keep pursuing him and I finish faithful and I finish him and I finish faithful and I finish him and I finish faithful and I finish strong, strong, strong, the righteous judge the righteous judge the righteous judge is going to award me on that day this is going to award me on that day this is going to award me on that day this crown of righteousness. I just I just pause here. pause here. pause here. Let the Holy Spirit grade your paper. 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." Because I always made an A when I graded Because I always made an A when I graded Because I always made an A when I graded my own paper. All right? Always.

my own paper. All right? Always. my own paper. All right? Always. Let the Holy Spirit grade your paper. Let the Holy Spirit grade your paper. Let the Holy Spirit grade your paper. Where's your focus today Where's your focus today Where's your focus today as it relates to as it relates to as it relates to finishing faithful and finishing strong? You know, not naive to the fact that You know, not naive to the fact that there's some that are tired in the race. there's some that are tired in the race. there's some that are tired in the race. Maybe you're just thinking about taking Maybe you're just thinking about taking Maybe you're just thinking about taking a break. a break. a break. You've been serving Jesus. You've been You've been serving Jesus. You've been You've been serving Jesus. You've been running after Jesus. said, "Let's just running after Jesus. said, "Let's just running after Jesus. said, "Let's just be honest. You're tired and you're worn be honest. You're tired and you're worn be 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 I'm going to stop running sidelines and I'm going to stop running sidelines and I'm going to stop running for a minute." for a minute." for a minute." Or maybe there's a trial or a struggle Or maybe there's a trial or a struggle Or maybe 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 obeying saying, "Why me? I I mean, I'm obeying saying, "Why me? I I mean, I'm obeying Jesus. I'm walking with Jesus. I'm Jesus. I'm walking with Jesus. I'm Jesus. I'm walking with Jesus. I'm leading my family to Jesus. And yet now leading my family to Jesus. And yet now leading my family to Jesus. And yet now I'm walk I'm walking through this.

I'm walk I'm walking through this. 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 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, call it quits because in your mind, 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 is quit moving forward in your faith is quit moving forward in your faith is real today. It just it could just be real today. It just it could just be real today. It just it could just be that your motivation is off. Paul wasn't that your motivation is off. Paul wasn't that your motivation is off. Paul wasn't focused on any of these things you see focused on any of these things you see focused on any of these things you see on the screen. money. That didn't move on the screen. money. That didn't move on the screen. money. That didn't move Paul. Paul. 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. And the spiritual authority standpoint. And the spiritual authority standpoint. And the spiritual authority that he did have, he used it to serve that he did have, he used it to serve that he did have, he used it to serve others. Pride.

others. Pride. others. Pride. Kidding me? It's hard to have pride when Kidding me? It's hard to have pride when Kidding me? It's hard to have pride when you're sitting in a dungeon prison and you're sitting in a dungeon prison and you're sitting in a dungeon prison and you're you're you're relying on someone you're you're you're relying on someone you're you're you're relying on someone else to meet your most basic needs. else to meet your most basic needs. else to meet your most basic 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 job. energy for that job. energy for that job. 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 future our eyes need to be on an eternal future our eyes need to be on an eternal future reward that awaits us. So we see in this reward that awaits us. So we see in this reward that awaits us. So we see in this passage of scripture this call to finish passage of scripture this call to finish passage of scripture this call to finish strong. It is a charge to keep. What God strong. It is a charge to keep. What God strong. It is a charge to keep. What God began in you, he will bring to began in you, he will bring to began in you, he will bring to completion as you yield yourself to the completion as you yield yourself to the completion as you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. Keep walking with him. We Holy Spirit. Keep walking with him. We Holy Spirit. Keep 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 can't get our eyes on the world, the 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? Let's just get real how do we do this? Let's just get real how do we do this? Let's just get real practical here. How to finish strong? I practical here. How to finish strong? I practical here. How to finish strong? I want to look at Paul's life and what he want to look at Paul's life and what he want to look at Paul's life and what he writes here in verses 6-8. writes here in verses 6-8. writes here in verses 6-8. 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, three ways that we can finish points, three ways that we can finish points, three ways that we can finish strong, very practically speaking. strong, very practically speaking. strong, very practically speaking. Number one, if you're going to finish Number one, if you're going to finish Number one, if you're going to finish strong, we have to we need to live with strong, we have to we need to live with strong, we have to we need to live with the end in mind. the end in mind. the end in mind. Some of my favorite worship to listen Some of my favorite worship to listen Some of my favorite worship to listen to, which by the way, your worship team to, which by the way, your worship team to, which by the way, your worship team was incredible today. My goodness, was incredible today. My goodness, was incredible today. My goodness, beautiful worship. One of my favorite beautiful worship. One of my favorite beautiful worship. 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, you know Shane If you follow Christian, you know Shane If you follow Christian, you know Shane and Shane. They have a devotional out and Shane. They have a devotional out and Shane. They have a devotional out that they give out every single day that they give out every single day that they give out every single day where you can listen to a song. They'll where you can listen to a song. They'll where you can listen to a song. They'll tell you the story behind it. They have tell you the story behind it. They have tell you the story behind it. They have guests on there that talk about the guests on there that talk about the guests on there that talk about the inspiration behind the song and then inspiration behind the song and then inspiration behind the song and then they sing the song. It's about 10 or 15 they sing the song. It's about 10 or 15 they sing the song. It's about 10 or 15 minutes. Just a daily thing that they minutes. Just a daily thing that they minutes. Just a daily thing that they do. It's great. I was had the privilege do. It's great. I was had the privilege do. It's great. I was had the privilege a couple of weeks ago uh to be on there a couple of weeks ago uh to be on there a couple of weeks ago uh to be on there and they gave me a list of songs to and they gave me a list of songs to and they gave me a list of songs to choose from choose from choose from and I chose the song uh by Fernando and I chose the song uh by Fernando and I chose the song uh by Fernando Ortega. Just give me Jesus. You know Ortega. Just give me Jesus. You know Ortega. Just give me Jesus. You know that song? I'm not going to sing it to that song? I'm not going to sing it to that song? I'm not going to sing it to you. You don't want that. All right. But

you. You don't want that. All right. But you. You don't want that. All right. But it starts it starts it starts in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. And that's basically what give me Jesus. And that's basically what give me Jesus. And that's basically what it says. And it says, "And when I am it says. And it says, "And when I am it says. And it says, "And when I am afraid, afraid, afraid, give me Jesus." give me Jesus." give me Jesus." Just repeats it. And then it it goes to, Just repeats it. And then it it goes to, Just repeats it. And then it it goes to, "And when I come to die, "And when I come to die, "And when I come 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 him this in the because, and I told him this in the because, and I told him 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 in a what I do, being a pastor, being in a what I do, being a pastor, being in a lot of hospital rooms, performing a lot lot of hospital rooms, performing a lot lot of hospital rooms, performing a lot of funerals, of funerals, of funerals, but I'm keenly aware but I'm keenly aware but I'm keenly aware of death. of death. of death. You know the psalmist said Psalm chapter You know the psalmist said Psalm chapter You know the psalmist said Psalm chapter 90 90 90 that wisdom is to number our days. that wisdom is to number our days. that wisdom is to number our days. He says we we've been given what 70 the He says we we've been given what 70 the He says we we've been given what 70 the years of our life are 70 or even by years of our life are 70 or even by years of our life are 70 or even by reason of strength 80. Psalm 90:10 yet reason of strength 80. Psalm 90:10 yet reason of strength 80. Psalm 90:10 yet their span is but toil and trouble they their span is but toil and trouble they their span is but toil and trouble they are soon gone and we fly away. It's are soon gone and we fly away. It's are soon gone and we fly away. It's true, isn't it? The brevity of life.

true, isn't it? The brevity of life. true, isn't it? The brevity of life. If we're going to finish well, we've got If we're going to finish well, we've got If we're going to finish well, we've got to understand that's what wisdom is. To to understand that's what wisdom is. To to understand that's what wisdom is. To number our days, to understand number our days, to understand number our days, to understand that the time that we have is a gift that the time that we have is a gift that the time that we have is a gift from God. from God. from God. I just turned 48 earlier this year. I 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. a kid, 40, she is ancient. a kid, 40, she is ancient. Here I am, 48, 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 at my parents' house. They I was just at my parents' house. They I was just at 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 vacations that we had. this big vacations that we had. this big 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's 10 years two or three years ago. It's 10 years two or three years ago. It's 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. We were talking about this college with. We were talking about this college with. We were talking about this very thing that it's highly reasonable very thing that it's highly reasonable very thing that it's highly reasonable that we have that we have that we have less birthdays in front of us than we do less birthdays in front of us than we do less birthdays in front of us than we do behind us.

behind us. 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. Read a proverb of the day. the Lord. Read a proverb of the day. the Lord. Read a proverb of the day. This morning was Proverbs 26. Read a This morning was Proverbs 26. Read a This morning was Proverbs 26. Read a couple of Psalms. Old Testament chapter, couple of Psalms. Old Testament chapter, couple of Psalms. Old Testament chapter, New Testament chapter. My psalm for the New Testament chapter. My psalm for the New Testament chapter. My psalm for the day was in Psalm 39. day was in Psalm 39. 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. the end in mind. the end in mind. Randy Alcor Randy Alcor Randy Alcor is one of my favorite is one of my favorite is one of my favorite preachers, one of my favorite writers.

preachers, one of my favorite writers. preachers, one of my favorite writers. He wrote the book Heaven, Money, He wrote the book Heaven, Money, He wrote the book Heaven, Money, Possessions, and Eternity. He wrote, Possessions, and Eternity. He wrote, Possessions, and Eternity. He wrote, thinking about this, living with the End thinking about this, living with the End thinking about this, living with the End in Mind, he wrote, you can Google this, in Mind, he wrote, you can Google this, in Mind, he wrote, you can Google this, I've used it at men's conferences. He I've used it at men's conferences. He I've used it at men's conferences. He sat down one day and he wrote the sat down one day and he wrote the sat down one day and he wrote the consequences of a moral failure. consequences of a moral failure. consequences of a moral 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 had a moral default. if he had a moral default. if he 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 given righteous judge in the face and given righteous judge in the face and given 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 whom immorality forfeited their those whom immorality forfeited their those whom immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shutter. And ministries and caused me to shutter. And ministries and caused me to shutter. And he lists the names out. inflicting he lists the names out. inflicting he lists 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 didn't causing shame to my family, why didn't causing shame to my family, why didn'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, helpful thing to do, helpful thing to do, understanding the importance understanding the importance understanding the importance of what it means to finish strong.

of what it means to finish strong. of what it means to finish strong. It's interesting when Paul says, "The It's interesting when Paul says, "The It's interesting when Paul says, "The time of my departure is near." time of my departure is near." time of my departure is near." It's a It was a in the days it was a It's a It was a in the days it was a It's a It was a in the days it was a shipping term. It was to to pull up the shipping term. It was to to pull up the shipping term. It was to to pull up the anchor and set sail. anchor and set sail. anchor and set 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 uh camp. You strike that setting up uh uh camp. You strike that setting up uh uh camp. You strike that tent after you're done and you go to the tent after you're done and you go to the tent after you're done and you go to the other place. That's what he's saying other place. That's what he's saying other place. That's what he's saying here. The time of my departure is here. here. The time of my departure is here. here. The 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. We said there's two days that reformer. We said there's two days that reformer. We 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, we want to finish strong. We have to we want to finish strong. We have to 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 I'll throw this I got a picture, this I'll throw this I got a picture, this 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. I'm in Northwest Houston. And Houston. I'm in Northwest Houston. And Houston. I'm in Northwest Houston. And for 20 plus years, we've served with for 20 plus years, we've served with for 20 plus years, we've served with Neil Jeffrey at our previous church in Neil Jeffrey at our previous church in Neil Jeffrey at our previous church in Dallas. Neil's a graduate of Baylor, as Dallas. Neil's a graduate of Baylor, as Dallas. Neil's a graduate of Baylor, as you can see, all-American quarterback.

you can see, all-American quarterback. you can see, all-American quarterback. But whenever a pastor would morally But whenever a pastor would morally But whenever a pastor would morally forfeit through the years, we we we forfeit through the years, we we we forfeit through the years, we we we would send a picture, this is the most would send a picture, this is the most would send a picture, this is the most recent, but through the years, we'd send recent, but through the years, we'd send recent, but through the years, we'd send a picture of Neil with his family. at a picture of Neil with his family. at a picture of Neil with his family. at one time is little grandb babiesies were one time is little grandb babiesies were one time is little grandb babiesies were babies and now they're all and you know babies and now they're all and you know babies and now they're all and you know why me and my buddies send this picture why me and my buddies send this picture why me and my buddies send this picture after we hear of a moral failure or a after we hear of a moral failure or a after we hear of a moral failure or a default is because we want to remind default is because we want to remind default is because we want to remind ourselves of what success really is ourselves of what success really is ourselves of what success really is sure ain't pastoring a big church sure ain't pastoring a big church 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 and your kids and standing by your side and your kids and standing by your side and your kids and your grandkids smiling and respecting your grandkids smiling and respecting your grandkids smiling and respecting you as you go through life. you as you go through life. you 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, we need to finish with the end in well, we need to finish with the end in well, we need to finish with the end in mind. Number two, we need to not be mind. Number two, we need to not be mind. Number two, we need to not be surprised by life's challenges. I'm surprised by life's challenges. I'm surprised by life's challenges. I'm going to fly through this one. going to fly through this one. going to fly 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. That's what life our word agony from. That's what life our word agony from. That's what life is.

is. is. It's it's a long agonizing fight. And I It's it's a long agonizing fight. And I It's it's a long agonizing fight. And I just highlight that here because what just highlight that here because what just highlight that here because what often happens is if we are surprised by often happens is if we are surprised by often happens is if we are surprised by life's challenges, what happens is the life's challenges, what happens is the life's challenges, what happens is the dark night of the soul comes. We go dark night of the soul comes. We go dark night of the soul comes. We go through the valley. We're hit with a through the valley. We're hit with a through the valley. We're hit with a trouble or a trial. And if we're not trouble or a trial. And if we're not trouble or a trial. And if we're not careful, we'll say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. careful, we'll say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. careful, we'll say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. We didn't expect this, God." And so what We didn't expect this, God." And so what We didn't expect this, God." And so what happens is we start throwing ourselves a happens is we start throwing ourselves a happens is we start throwing ourselves a pity party. We get mad at God. IT'S LIKE pity party. We get mad at God. IT'S LIKE pity party. We get mad at God. IT'S LIKE WE'RE SHOCKED as a follower of Jesus WE'RE SHOCKED as a follower of Jesus WE'RE SHOCKED as a follower of Jesus that we too have to endure hardship. that we too have to endure hardship. that we too have to endure hardship. When Jesus said, "IN THIS WORLD, YOU When Jesus said, "IN THIS WORLD, YOU When Jesus said, "IN THIS WORLD, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE." WILL HAVE TROUBLE." 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. And so, we don't us through the fire. And so, we don't us through the fire. And so, we don't need to BE SHOCKED WHEN TOUGH TIMES need to BE SHOCKED WHEN TOUGH TIMES need to BE SHOCKED WHEN TOUGH TIMES COME, when hardship comes, when COME, when hardship comes, when COME, when hardship comes, when sufferings of all shapes and sizes come sufferings of all shapes and sizes come sufferings of all shapes and sizes come into our life. And it is sufferings into our life. And it is sufferings into 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 his JESUS TO CONFORM YOU to the image of his JESUS TO CONFORM YOU to the image of his son. WHAT HE WANTS, WHAT IS MORE son. WHAT HE WANTS, WHAT IS MORE 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. IF I'M And Paul says it right here. IF I'M And Paul says it right here. IF I'M BEING POURED out as a drink offering in BEING POURED out as a drink offering in BEING POURED out as a drink offering in the tense of the language, GOD'S THE the tense of the language, GOD'S THE the tense of the language, GOD'S THE AGENT behind it. He says, "So be it." AGENT behind it. He says, "So be it." AGENT behind it. He says, "So be it." This is what I signed up for, God. The This is what I signed up for, God. The This is what I signed up for, God. The advancement of your kingdom. And if it's advancement of your kingdom. And if it's advancement of your kingdom. And if it's my pain and my heartache and my hurt my pain and my heartache and my hurt my pain and my heartache and my hurt that advances your kingdom and brings that advances your kingdom and brings that advances your kingdom and brings people to Christ, then so be it. And people to Christ, then so be it. And people to Christ, then so be it. And isn't it true? The more we go, listen, isn't it true? The more we go, listen, isn't it true? The more we go, 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 surp Don't and trials, don't don't be surp Don't and trials, don't don't be surp Don't Don't be surprised by this. If you're Don't be surprised by this. If you're Don't be surprised by this. If you're going to finish well, you've got to going to finish well, you've got to going to finish well, you've got to embrace it and have this God- centered embrace it and have this God- centered embrace it and have this God- centered point of view on your life that says, point of view on your life that says, point of view on your life that says, "God, I'm yours. And whatever you say, I "God, I'm yours. And whatever you say, I "God, I'm yours. And whatever you say, I say it humbly, Lord. God, whatever is say it humbly, Lord. God, whatever is say it humbly, Lord. God, whatever is for your glory, that's what I want. for your glory, that's what I want. for your glory, that's 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 are watching us. I people in our lives are watching us. I people in our lives are watching us. I want I conclude with this. It's not want I conclude with this. It's not want 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. He knew these churches watching him. He knew these churches watching him. He knew these churches that he planted were watching him that he planted were watching him that he planted 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. He knew people were watching. Christ. He knew people were watching. Christ. He knew people were watching. And listen, And listen, And listen, people are watching you.

people are watching you. people are watching you. When I got to the hotel last night, When I got to the hotel last night, When I got to the hotel last night, every time I travel, this stays in my every time I travel, this stays in my every time I travel, this stays in my bag with me. First thing I do is I take bag with me. First thing I do is I take bag with me. 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. It's lampstand right there by the bed. It's lampstand right there by the bed. It's just a travel frame. It's a picture of just a travel frame. It's a picture of just a travel frame. It's a picture of me and my wife. It's a picture of me and me and my wife. It's a picture of me and me and my wife. It's a picture of me and my family. my family. 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. Neil Jeffrey, that picture I life. Neil Jeffrey, that picture I life. Neil Jeffrey, that picture I showed you earlier when he when I was showed you earlier when he when I was showed you earlier when he when I was being ordained, I'd passed the test. I'd being ordained, I'd passed the test. I'd being ordained, I'd passed the test. I'd answered all the questions. He said, answered all the questions. He said, answered all the questions. He said, "Uh, Jared, I just want you to know," he "Uh, Jared, I just want you to know," he "Uh, Jared, I just want you to know," he said it off off cuff, it wasn't prepared said it off off cuff, it wasn't prepared said it off off cuff, it wasn't prepared or anything. He said, "I just want you or anything. He said, "I just want you or anything. He said, "I just want you to know if you ever did anything to hurt to know if you ever did anything to hurt to know if you ever did anything to hurt Debbie, I'd be so disappointed in you." Debbie, I'd be so disappointed in you." Debbie, 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 I don't want to disappoint my girls. I I don't want to disappoint my girls. I don't want to disappoint my parents don't want to disappoint my parents 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 if and there's people watching you. And if and there's people watching you. And if we're going to finish strong, we're going to finish strong, 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. Fight to the finish and keep the faith. Fight to the finish and keep the faith. Fight to the finish because it matters. Amen. because it matters. Amen. because it matters. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> 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. And starting well begins started well. And starting well begins started well. And starting well begins with giving your life to Christ. with giving your life to Christ. with giving your life to Christ. And so you just pray a prayer of And so you just pray a prayer of And so you just pray a prayer of submission to Christ. turn from your sin submission to Christ. turn from your sin submission to Christ. turn from your 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." It's not the words that save save me." It's not the words that save save me." It's not the words that save you. It's the posture of your heart. you. It's the posture of your heart. you. It's the posture of your heart. It's the faith. Save me. He'll come into It's the faith. Save me. He'll come into It's the faith. Save me. He'll come into your life and he'll save you. And now your life and he'll save you. And now your life and he'll save you. And now you got somebody running with you to you got somebody running with you to you got somebody running with you to help you finish strong. Others of you, help you finish strong. Others of you, help you finish strong. Others of you, you may have forfeited, you know, those you may have forfeited, you know, those you may have forfeited, you know, those six things that kill you. You may have six things that kill you. You may have six things that kill you. You may have fallen to one of those things and you're fallen to one of those things and you're fallen to one of those things and you're carrying around guilt and shame that I'm carrying around guilt and shame that I'm carrying around guilt and shame that I'm just telling you, you don't need to just telling you, you don't need to just telling you, you don't need to carry around. Romans 8:1. There is carry around. Romans 8:1. There is carry around. Romans 8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation for those therefore now no condemnation for those therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. And if you're who are in Christ Jesus. And if you're who are in Christ Jesus. And if you're not dead, you're not done.

not dead, you're not done. 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. Jesus. Jesus. For all of us in the room. 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. Thank Eyes on Jesus. Lord, we love you. Thank Eyes on Jesus. Lord, we love you. Thank you for your word and by your grace let you for your word and by your grace let you for your word and by your grace let us finish in a way that honors you. In us finish in a way that honors you. In us finish in a way that honors you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.