Finish Your Course
By Assistant Pastor Dr. Jaden Fitzpatrick | June 22, 2025
Open your Bibles to 2 Timothy 4:2, 5, 7-8. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine…But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry…I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your goodness and the promise of seeing You one day. You are everything we need, and You are worthy. Grant us unction to preach Your Word, led by Your Spirit. Help us be attentive and finish our course. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Assistant Pastor Jaden Fitzpatrick delivers an encouraging message, urging believers to finish their Christian race, as Paul charged Timothy to make full proof of thy ministry. Paul warned of a time when people would reject sound doctrine, yet he fought the fight, kept the faith, and finished his course. Using racetrack and personal stories, Pastor Fitzpatrick emphasizes that it’s not how you start but whether you finish. He warns against comparing courses, calling the Christian life a marathon, not a sprint (Psalm 90:10, 1 Peter 4:2). He offers three motivations to finish: hell is behind you, heaven is before you, and God is with you, inspiring perseverance for God’s glory.
Hell Is Behind You
The reality of hell motivates us to finish our course. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matthew 25:46). Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Pastor Fitzpatrick humorously notes he’s glad he’s not going to hell, a place of fire, wailing, and separation (Matthew 13:50, Luke 16:24). Saved at seven, he didn’t feel “saved from much,” but hell is real for all without Christ. Gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice—bearing the cross—should drive us to live for Him. The windshield of life is bigger than the rearview mirror; where we’re going matters more than where we’ve been. Let’s finish our course with joy, knowing we’re saved from hell’s horrors.
Heaven Is Before You
Heaven awaits, motivating us to persevere. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard… the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). Jesus prepares a place for us (John 14:2), with care and effort, like planning a party. Pastor Fitzpatrick envisions heaven’s welcome, hoping for a celebration, not a “party pooper” arrival. Servants, not performers or tithe-givers, hear, Well done, thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21). His grandmother, witnessing in a nursing home despite dementia, shows how courses change but remain vital. When we die, will our spiritual absence be noticed? Let’s finish strong, unashamed to meet Jesus, earning crowns to cast at His feet (Revelation 4:10).
He Is With You
God’s presence empowers us to finish. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). Pastor Fitzpatrick shares a childhood snipe-hunting prank, feeling alone in dark woods, only to learn his dad was always near. God never leaves, even when life feels dark or tasks overwhelming. Like his kids playing hide-and-seek, God wants us to know He’s there, ready to carry us. Buster Douglas’ boxing shorts remind him that purpose—God’s glory—must outweigh the fight’s pain. Despite knockdowns, Douglas beat Mike Tyson, driven by his mother’s faith. Our why—glorifying God—sustains us to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish our course (1 Corinthians 10:31).