What does the Bible say about finishing what you start?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers should faithfully carry through the work God gives them, trusting that God Himself supplies the strength and grace to complete what He begins. Philippians 1:6 grounds perseverance in God’s faithful purpose, while 2 Corinthians 8:11 calls Christians to match willing intentions with diligent action according to what they have. Jesus modeled wholehearted obedience in John 4:34, and Paul could say in 2 Timothy 4:7 that he had finished the race by God’s sustaining grace. Luke 14:28-30 encourages wise planning before beginning, and Colossians 3:23 calls us to work heartily for the Lord. Our confidence is not self-reliance, but Christ’s strength and God’s preserving faithfulness.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Philippians 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 8:11
But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
- Revelation 3:2
Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.
- 2 Corinthians 8:10-12
[10] I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing. [11] But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability. [12] For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don't have.
- 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
- John 4:34
Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.
- Luke 14:28-30
[28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? [29] Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, [30] saying, 'This man began to build, and wasn't able to finish.'
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,
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