“선한 일을 위하여 지으심을 받은 자니”(엡 2:10)

Thanksgiving Sunday

Finishing the Race
2 Timothy 4:7-8

Today's message is a letter Paul wrote to Timothy as he prepared for his impending death.

1. Paul says he has fought the good fight.
   Life is filled with struggles, and I hope you can fight the battles that come your way in this difficult life. The nature of these struggles may vary according to life’s seasons—such as inner desires, being a parent, or dealing with physical illness—but I hope you fight well until the end.

2. Paul says he has finished the race.
   Biblical time has a beginning, middle, and end. Because life has an end, running the race well means different things for different people. In youth, we plan with hope; in middle age, we reassess; and in the later years, we prepare to pass on wisdom to our spiritual children.

3. Paul says he has kept the faith.
   Pastor John Piper encourages us to connect our ongoing disappointments with the return of Jesus Christ, reminding us that when He comes, all sin and pain will vanish. Let us, like Paul, keep our faith with hope.

Discussion Questions:

● Imagine you were in your last days in this world. Find and share a Bible verse that you want to leave for someone you cherish.
● In what ways do I currently need to fight the good fight of faith?

Application:
● Let’s express our gratitude to our family, colleagues, and cell group members for their faithfulness and hard work in their respective places. There have surely been tough moments, but let’s acknowledge that overcoming those challenges has made us stronger. Let’s also encourage one another that, by trusting in God, we will continue to persevere.

● In today’s message, keeping our faith with hope means believing that the victory of Jesus, who conquered death, is also our victory. Even in discouraging situations, may we joyfully proclaim that Jesus’ victory is our victory, and may this week be one of renewed strength.