Overview: Today's sermon focuses on perseverance and determination as the end of the year approaches. Using the apostle Paul's metaphor of running a race, this message will inspire you to press on toward your goals and faith commitments, leaving behind distractions and past failures. The sermon will emphasize the importance of staying focused on the ultimate prize and finishing the year strong.

Key Point: The strength to finish strong comes from keeping your eyes on the goal and relying on God's strength.

THREE things to apply as we continue to become more like JESUS.

1. We must embrace the present

2. We must strain towards the future

3. We must keep our eyes on the prize