The Hope That Comes From A Strong Finish Series

Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#37]

THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM A STRONG FINISH

Philippians 3:16

Introduction:

It is interesting that the last 3 sermons have been about maturing as Christians. This has been a difficult week; but also a week that I have seen the powerful hand of God at work. Paul says that life is a race and he had run a good race and wanted to finish strong. When you get to the end of life, what is it that you want to be able to say? What do you need to do to ensure a strong finish?

Philippians 3:12-13 (NIV)

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”

In order to ensure a strong finish…

1. Admit that you have not yet arrived.

In order to finish strong we have to be reminded that we are not perfect. When we begin to think that we can do no wrong, we will will fall. Pride goes before the fall.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

In order to ensure a strong finish…

2. Don’t hold on to the past.

Although we can learn from our past mistakes, if we hold on to them they will just haunt us. It is very difficult to move forward while looking back.

In any type of race, whether it is running, swimming, etc…; if you look back at your opponent you will lose.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

In order to ensure a strong finish…

3. Focus on your goal.

What are you living for? What is your purpose? If you get spread to thin, you won’t do anything well. Stay focused on your goals.

Philippians 3:15-21 (NIV)

“All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

In order to ensure a strong finish…

4. Don’t quit.

We live one day at a time and we strive to be more faithful today than we were yesterday. We strive to live our life for Jesus knowing that there will come a day when we will enjoy our inheritance in the Lord for all eternity.

Conclusion:

Keep your mind on the things of Christ and finish strong.