The "Finish Well" Test | Greg Ford | One Church

ICEBREAKER:

If you could have only one super power, what would it be and why?

MESSAGE NOTES:

[Proverbs 22:1]

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

[Ecclesiastes 7:4]

A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.

[II Timothy 1:2]

I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

[II Timothy 4:6-7]

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

5 Keys to FINISHING WELL

1. Don’t undervalue faithfulness.

[II Timothy 1:3]

Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers

5 Keys to FINISHING WELL

2. Make sure you have a clear conscience.

[II Timothy 4:9-12]

9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

5 Keys to FINISHING WELL

3. Do your best to put your relationships in order.

[Romans 12:17-18]

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

[II Timothy 4:14-18]

Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

[II Timothy 4:13]

When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

5 Keys to FINISHING WELL

4. Value physical & emotional durability

[II Timothy 4:21]

Do your best to get here before winter.

5 Keys to FINISHING WELL

5. Never Stop Learning

[II Timothy 4:19-22]

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1: Which of the “5 Keys to Finishing Well” is most challenging for you? Which one comes most natural to you?

QUESTION 2: In what part of your life, do you currently feel urgency to “finish well”?

QUESTION 3: What is one practical action step that you feel God leading you to apply from this scripture / message?

One ChurchFebruary 27, 2023