The concept of finishing what one starts is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and is exemplified through various scriptures and narratives. This principle underscores the importance of perseverance, commitment, and faithfulness in fulfilling one's duties and callings.

Biblical Foundations

1. Perseverance and Endurance: The Bible frequently emphasizes the virtue of perseverance. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). This verse encourages believers to persist in their efforts, trusting that their labor will eventually yield fruit.

2. Commitment to God's Work: The importance of completing the tasks God sets before us is highlighted in the life of Jesus Christ. In John 17:4, Jesus prays, "I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do" . Jesus' dedication to fulfilling His mission serves as the ultimate example for believers to follow.

3. Faithfulness in Small Things: The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the importance of being faithful in the responsibilities entrusted to us. The master commends the servants who diligently invest their talents, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21). This parable teaches that faithfulness in small tasks leads to greater opportunities and responsibilities.

4. The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:28-30, where He compares it to building a tower: "For which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?" . This analogy underscores the importance of considering the commitment required to follow Christ and the necessity of seeing it through to completion.

Examples from Scripture

1. Nehemiah: Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is a powerful example of finishing what one starts. Despite facing opposition and challenges, Nehemiah remained steadfast, completing the wall in fifty-two days (Nehemiah 6:15). His determination and reliance on God highlight the importance of perseverance in achieving God-given goals.

2. Paul the Apostle: The Apostle Paul exemplifies dedication to his mission, despite numerous hardships. In 2 Timothy 4:7, he reflects on his life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" . Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful to their callings.

3. Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple is another significant biblical example. King Solomon completed the temple as instructed by God, fulfilling the vision given to his father, David (1 Kings 6:14). This accomplishment demonstrates the importance of completing tasks that honor and glorify God.

Practical Implications

The biblical principle of finishing what you start has practical implications for believers today. It encourages Christians to approach their responsibilities with diligence and faithfulness, whether in personal, professional, or spiritual endeavors. By committing to complete the tasks set before them, believers reflect the character of God, who is faithful to complete the good work He begins in each of His followers (Philippians 1:6).Ephesians 4:26
Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Topicalbible.org

Daniel 9:25
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and three score and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Topicalbible.org

Acts iv. 1
... if you love any one, even at his name you start to your ... which He said unto them,
Behold I send you as sheep ... Acts 7:29, and now had put the finishing stroke to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x acts iv 1.htm

My Readers Will not Wonder That, after This, I did My Very Best to ...
... "My own dear North Wind," said Diamond, finishing the sentence for her ... "I will come
for you again to-morrow night and take you out for a ... We shall start earlier. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 36 my readers will.htm

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
... end of sins, making reconciliation for iniquity, finishing transgression, and ... be
content to stay at home: you will go ... Mr. M."A good place to start in would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/i mr moody and rev marcus.htm

Chapter thirty
... apply the question to the social problem in general, after finishing the story ... Now
you'll hear something ... We've got to have a new start in the way of government. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirty.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book I.
... our former equality: for having got the start of me ... the highest reputation from the
earliest ages, you will find ... had not come and put the finishing stroke to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book.htm

Plus Ultra Vs. Ne Plus Ultra.
... The finishing touches of creation's wondrous works were too delicate ... books it
can't be so, though you have it ... God simply gives him a start in this world, with ...
/.../iii plus ultra vs ne plus.htm

The Long, Rough Road He Trod
... Man helped God in putting the finishing touches on His work of ... But perhaps you have
never filled out the last part ... it is only the lines that do start there that ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/the long rough road he.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... was up; and the captain was about to start on a ... Give, and it shall be given unto
you!" This miser ... I will quote here, in finishing, three verses which teach the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Truth in Jesus.
... no more to say; nor did I now start to speak ... ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal
even this unto you. ... in the flower as in the root, in the finishing as in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the truth in jesus.htm

Involution
... You manifestly want the same causality, whether concentrated in ... in protoplasm itself,
we saw start forth the ... by rational laws, it put the finishing touches to ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter x involution.htm

Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)? | GotQuestions.org

What was Jesus' mission? Why did Jesus come? | GotQuestions.org

Finishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus