Group Notes | October 23

Unfinished: How to Finish Well
October 23, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Completing a task can often be a tremendous challenge, and the satisfaction of having had the discipline to do so is very rewarding. Do you have an example you can share?

We are concluding the series, “Unfinished,” as we have studied Paul’s final words of encouragement to Timothy, as well as future believers. He gives instructions on faithfully continuing the work he had begun, after his death. Let’s examine our own discipline in enduring through challenges that may come into our lives as we carry on God’s work.

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy 4:6-22

Discuss:

Walk Worthy

  1. What was Paul saying in verse 7? When did Paul’s call to be an apostle begin? Is that when his “race” began?
  2. Read Philippians 3:13,14. How was Paul able to lay aside the life he had lived before Jesus met him on the road to Damascus? What should that teach us?

Look Up

  1. Considering his coming execution, where was his focus, addressed in verse 8?
  2. Paul not only kept his own mind always on pleasing Jesus Christ, but says others who love Him will also be rewarded on “that Day.” Whom did he refer to?
  3. Why is it so easy for the culture to drag a believer down? Where must you constantly have your heart centered?

Stand Strong, Even If You Must Stand Alone

  1. Why did Paul mention the individuals in verses 10 and 11? What warning is this to you?

Forgive Often

  1. What type of spirit did Paul show in verse 16b? Who does this remind you of?
  2. Who suffers the most from a spirit of unforgiveness? Can you share an example?

Never Quit

  1. In verse 17-18a, Paul stated how he was finishing strong. What enabled him?
  2. As he pens his last words, where again was his focus? How was he able to overcome the events that were almost upon him? Could you?

Close:

Paul’s execution was at hand. He wanted to be certain that Timothy understood that the only thing that mattered was keeping on with the task God had given until the call came to go to his heavenly home. Paul was in effect saying, “I’ve done the best I could since Jesus saved me, and have constantly looked to Him to give me strength through trials. Now I trust Him to get me through this last suffering so that I may receive the crown of righteousness.” That is the goal for all of us. No matter what has happened before today, we can make a commitment that “today is the first day of the rest of our lives,” and we can strive to say, as Paul did, that we have kept the faith, and finished the race. Pray for each other fervently that we all would fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 4:18: “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy, Chapter 4:6-22; 1 John 1:9

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