How to be a Strong Finisher!

Hebrews 12:1–2 NKJV

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus was a Strong FINISHER!

He was sent.

John 4:34 NKJV

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

He worked His Father’s will.

John 5:36 NKJV

But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

Jesus FINISHED well!

John 17:4 NKJV

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

John 19:30 NKJV

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Paul was a strong FINISHER!

2 Timothy 4:7–8 NKJV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The Heroes of Faith were strong FINISHERS!

These are called the great cloud of witnesses.

These all began in faith, ran in faith, and finished in faith!

They bear the testimony of a strong FINISHER!

We too can be strong FINISHERS!

Philippians 3:12–15 NKJV

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

How to be strong FINISHERS

Be FOCUSED!

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NKJV

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Questions:

Have I entered this race through faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross?

What goal has God set before me?

What hindrances have I laid aside to accomplish this goal?

Be a FORGIVER!

Tests, obstacles, and offences will come.

Will you all let offenses become tombstones or stepping stones?

Will you remain bound in a prison cell of bitterness, or will you forgive and walk out free?

It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die!

Monkey’s trapped in Africa. Hollow led balls placed in the area where monkeys live. Nuts are put in the lead ball. The monkey puts its hand through the small hole and grabs the nut. The fist is too big to pull out. They are held captive because they will not let go of the nut.

Many cannot finish strong because they will not let go of an offense.

Don’t REHEARSE it! Don’t CURSE it! Don’t NURSE it! REVERSE it!

Jesus forgave those who crucified Him.

Luke 23:34 NKJV

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Be a FORGETTER!

Many do not let go of the past.

Past failures.

You can’t change your past.

You can learn from your past.

You can put your past failures under the blood and use your failures to teach sinners. (Psalm 51:13)

Past successes.

Many keep talking about “The Good Ole Days”.

Resting on past successes can lead to present failures and missed opportunities.

You are not old until you begin living in the past.

James Walker: “When your memories exceed your dreams, you are finished.”

Forget those things that are behind—both good and bad—so that you might focus on the finish line ahead.

Be a FIGHTER!

Paul PRESSED on!

You must fight to finish!

Prime Minister Winston Churchill, during World War II, on October 29, 1941, gave a speech at Harrow School in England in which he said, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, …, great or small, large or petty never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Be a FINISHER!

There is a finish line!

Have you started your race?

Your race begins when you give your life to Jesus!

It doesn’t matter how well you begin your race if you do not finish your race.

If you are going to finish the race, run so as to win!

Will you be counted among the company of STRONG FINISHERS?

Hebrews 12:1–2 NKJV

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Revelation 21:6–8 NKJV

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”