The Challenge of Finishing Well
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Introduction
- The cost of character and vision
- The importance of finishing well in the Christian life
Personal Anecdote
- The speaker's experience running track and learning about the difference between a short sprint and a marathon
Theme Verse
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Importance of running the race to win, with discipline and purpose
Examples of Finishing Well
- Caleb: Faithfulness and wholehearted following of the Lord (Numbers 13 and Joshua 14)
- Daniel: Consistent service under different administrations
- Paul: Commitment to finishing the race and completing the task given by God (Acts 20:24, Philippians 3:12-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8)
- Jesus: Commitment to finishing the work given by the Father (John 4:31-34, John 17:3-4)
Marks of Finishing Well
- Accurate Assessment of Giftedness and Calling:
- Distinguishing between career and calling (Ephesians 2:10)
- Questions to discover one’s unique gift:
- What do you like to do?
- What do you do well?
- What is your passion?
- Personal Commitment to an Accountability Group:
- Importance of accountability (Hebrews 13:7, 17)
- Maintenance of a Dynamic Relationship with the Lord:
- Continuous growth in grace and knowledge (Philippians 3:10-11, 2 Peter 3:18)
- Determination to Never Quit or Retire from Life and Ministry:
- Commitment to finishing well regardless of circumstances (Jeremiah 12:5)
Conclusion
- Prayer for the strength and commitment to finish well in the Christian life
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
