What Does It Mean to Finish Well? (Clay Burgess – Director of Preaching + Theology)

One thing we tend not to plan for is getting old.


As we get older, we start to understand Psalm 90:10 (ESV)
“…everywhere you look horizontally has been affected by the fall in some way… Every horizontal thing, this side of eternity, is in the process of decay.” -Paul David Tripp

In the process of decay, how do we finish well?
The sandwich generation = generation that is both raising kids and caring for aging parents
Ephesians 6:2-4 (ESV)

Honor = to value highly (it has to do with attitude)
Leviticus 19:2-3a (ESV)

We have a responsibility not a guarantee.

We are responsible for what we can control—our actions, response, attitude

2 responsibilities:

God wants me to honor my parents.
God does not want me to provoke my children.

Ways we dishonor:
Disrespectful words
Sarcastic words
Being unavailable—not useful or helpful

Ways we provoke:
Crazy, unrealistic expectations
Always being critical—having a negative spirit
Physical or verbal abuse

Bring them up = nourish or feed

In the discipline = systematic training

And instruction
Of the Lord = moving toward Christlikeness
Ways to honor
Honor by helping
Pray, show up, serve
Extend patience

Prepare so we won’t provoke

Plan for the future now
Talk about the hard things now
Make decisions now that will reduce stress on others later

Psalm 34:14 (ESV)

Ask: Do I love them more than I hate where they’re at?

“Remember, what is out of your control exists under the careful control of the One who is all-knowing, all-wise, all good.” -Paul David Tripp