Finishing Well – Persevering in the Holy Habits

Know your WHY.

Remember that friendship with Christ also entails hardship.

2 Tim. 2:1-4

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. ³ Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

1 Tim. 4:7b

7b On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

1 Timothy 4:10. 

10 “For this we labor and strive.”

Suffering builds endurance and leads to hope. 

Romans 5:3-4

³ And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 

Suffering extends Jesus’ work in the world

Philippians 1:12

¹² Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 

Philippians 1:12

¹³ so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 

Philippians 1:14

¹⁴ and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Suffering removes our self-sufficiency and presses us into God’s grace.

2 Corinthians 12:7

⁷ Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 

2 Corinthians 12:8

⁸ Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9

⁹ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

3. Stay connected to people who will encourage you to deepen your friendship with Jesus.

Hebrews 10:24

²⁴ and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

“I have called you friends”