6.14.26 – Finishing Well: Following Godly Examples and God’s Word
INTRO: This week’s sermon from 2 Timothy 3:10–17 reminded us that finishing well is not an accident. Timothy was facing opposition, false teachers, and difficult times, yet Paul expressed confidence that he would remain faithful. Why? Because Timothy had followed godly examples and remained grounded in the Word of God.
The same is true for us. God has not called us to navigate life alone. He has given us faithful examples, biblical community, and His inspired Word. As we continue to follow Christ, these two gifts help us endure, remain faithful, and finish well.
MAIN POINT: Finishing well requires faithfully following godly examples and remaining rooted in God’s Word.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION: Begin by reading 2 Timothy 3:10–17 aloud together. After reading, take a few minutes to discuss what stood out to you from the passage before moving into the application questions.
Additional Bible references from the sermon include Romans 1:18–20, Romans 2:14–15, Psalm 19:1–4, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Hebrews 1:1–2, John 14:9, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 4:9, Matthew 5:16, 2 Timothy 2:2, and 2 Timothy 1:5.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: Who are the godly examples that have helped shape your walk with Christ?
Reminder: Paul was confident in Timothy because Timothy followed faithful examples who pointed him to Jesus.
• Who has influenced your faith the most?
• What specific qualities or habits have you learned from them?
• How are you intentionally learning from others today?
Q2: Are you becoming the kind of example others can follow?
Reminder: “Look at me so you can get a better idea of how to follow Jesus.”
• Is there someone younger in the faith who is watching your life?
• What areas of your life would you be glad for others to imitate?
• Where do you need growth so your example better reflects Christ?
Q3: How do you respond when life becomes difficult?
Reminder: Paul endured persecution, yet he could say, “The Lord rescued me from them all.”
• When hardship comes, are you more likely to quit, withdraw, or persevere?
• How have you seen God sustain you through difficult seasons?
• What does it look like to trust God’s grace while continuing to endure?
Q4: What role does God’s Word currently have in your daily life?
Reminder: Scripture is God-breathed and equips us for every good work.
• Is God’s Word shaping your thinking, priorities, and decisions?
• Which of the four functions of Scripture—teaching, reproof, correction, or training—do you most need right now?
• What practical step could help you stay more faithful in God’s Word this week?
Q5: What will help you finish well?
Reminder: Paul’s confidence in Timothy rested on two things: faithful examples and faithful attention to God’s Word.
• Which of these comes more naturally to you?
• Which one needs greater attention right now?
• What specific action can you take this week to strengthen one of these areas?
LET’S REMEMBER: Faithfulness is not a coin toss. God has given us what we need to finish well. He has placed people in our lives to help us follow Jesus, and He has given us His Word to guide, correct, and strengthen us. As we continue showing up in biblical community and showing up in God’s Word, His grace empowers the grit needed to remain faithful to the end.
CLOSING PRAYER: Lord, thank You for giving us faithful examples and for giving us Your Word. Help us remain teachable, stay rooted in Scripture, and trust Your grace when life is difficult. Make us faithful followers of Jesus who help others follow Him as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.