Finishing Strong

FINISHING STRONG

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ecclesiastes 7:8

INTRODUCTION:

Finishing strong is one of the most important spiritual goals of every believer. The Christian journey is not a fifty-metre dash but a lifelong marathon that requires discipline, courage, consistency, and grace. Many start well with passion and zeal, but only those who stay focused and depend on God’s strength will end their race with honour before God.

In Scripture, God places more emphasis on how we finish than how we begin. A good beginning is beneficial, but a godly ending is priceless. Finishing strong means crossing the line with our faith intact, our purpose fulfilled, and our relationship with God unbroken. It means living in such a way that our final testimony resembles Paul’s declaration: “I have finished my course.”

This message is a reminder that finishing strong is not automatic. It requires intentional spiritual decisions: refusing distractions, overcoming temptations, embracing discipline, and relying fully on the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Every believer must understand that the goal is not simply to run, but to reach the finish line with victory and divine commendation.

1. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO FINISH STRONG

Finishing strong means ending your Christian journey with victory, integrity, and unwavering faith. It is completing the assignment God has given you and standing before Him without regret or shame.

a) Completing your divine assignment (Acts 20:24)

Finishing strong means carrying out God’s purpose for your life to the very end. Paul declared that his life only had value if he finished the work assigned to him.

b) Keeping your faith till the end (Hebrews 10:38-39)

To finish strong is to maintain steady devotion to Christ without drawing back, regardless of pressures, trials, or spiritual battles.

c) Overcoming hindrances on the journey (Romans 8:37)

Every believer faces obstacles, but finishing strong requires conquering these challenges through the power of Christ who makes us victorious.

d) Maintaining consistency in spiritual commitment (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Finishing strong demands steadfastness in service, purity, and obedience until the final moment.

Biblical Example: Paul serves as a powerful example of one who finished strong, boldly declaring at the end of his life that he kept the faith and completed his course (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

2. ENEMIES THAT HINDER BELIEVERS FROM FINISHING STRONG

Every believer must recognise the forces that seek to slow them down or disconnect them from the path that leads to a strong finish.

a) Distractions (Luke 10:40-42)

Earthly concerns, wrong priorities, and misplaced focus weaken spiritual progress and divert attention from God's purpose.

b) Discouragement (1 Kings 19:4)

When hope fades and strength diminishes, people become vulnerable to quitting. Elijah, though a great prophet, struggled under the weight of discouragement.

c) Sin and compromise (Hebrews 12:1)

Sin entangles and slows down the spiritual runner. Hidden habits and unconfessed sins drain power and hinder progress.

d) Spiritual weariness (Galatians 6:9)

Exhaustion: physically, emotionally, and spiritually can cause a believer to faint before the finish line unless renewed by the Spirit.

Biblical Example: Demas started his Christian journey boldly but ended poorly because he loved the world more than Christ (2 Timothy 4:10).

3. KINGDOM PRINCIPLES FOR FINISHING STRONG

Finishing strong becomes possible when believers intentionally apply divine principles that empower endurance and focus.

a) Fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Keeping your gaze on Him brings strength, direction, and motivation.

b) Living a disciplined life (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Spiritual discipline: prayer, fasting, obedience, and self-control keeps your spirit sharp and your focus clear.

c) Walking with the right people (Proverbs 13:20)

Godly relationships help you stay on course; wrong company drains virtue, weakens commitment, and slows progress.

d) Depending on divine strength (Philippians 4:13)

Finishing strong is not by human energy but by grace. When you rely on God, He empowers you to do what is naturally impossible.

Biblical Example: Caleb finished strong because he wholeheartedly followed the Lord and maintained a courageous spirit even in old age (Joshua 14:10-12).

4. DIVINE REWARDS FOR THOSE WHO FINISH STRONG

Those who endure to the end receive eternal rewards, honour, and recognition from God.

a) A crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)

God has prepared rewards for those who remain faithful and committed until the very end.

b) Eternal rest and peace (Revelation 14:13)

Finishing strong leads to everlasting comfort and joy in the presence of God.

c) Divine commendation (Matthew 25:21)

God honours faithful servants with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

d) A lasting spiritual legacy (Psalm 112:6)

Believers who finish strong leave footprints of faith that influence generations after them.