Read Hebrews 12:1-2 + 2 Timothy 4:7-8 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- According to 2 Timothy, what has Paul finished?
- How did he do it?
- Who shares the prize?
Reflect
As Paul neared the end of his life, he confidently said that he’d been faithful to his call. This wasn’t a statement of pride because he didn’t give himself personal glory; he rightly celebrated the heavenly reward waiting for him because of Jesus. But before his time was over, Paul spent time mentoring a leader named Timothy to continue spreading the good news.
As we run the race of faith, some of us may be farther along than others. What will define our personal races isn’t just our abilities to endure, but it’s who we’ll bring with us to the finish line. Maybe it’s someone who hasn’t jumped in, unsure if Jesus is worth running after. Maybe it’s someone who’s lagging behind, tired and battered from mile after mile. Or maybe it’s someone who’s fallen asleep at the wheel, numbing out with things that don’t satisfy.
Who are you bringing with you? Who needs the encouragement that the race is worth enduring? No matter what you face, keep running towards Him with confidence that you’ll receive the reward in heaven with Him.
Respond
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Remember
During At the Movies, each week we’ll focus on remembering what we read. If you're new to memorizing Scripture, start by looking at one section of one verse to remember this week.
Read Hebrews 12:1-2 again to remember. If you want to begin by memorizing just part of it, start with this phrase:
“...let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”