The Good Fight

II Tim. 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

 

Paul had made his final charge to Timothy urging him to preach the word;be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. He warned him not to slack off at all because the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but instead will accumulate teachers to suit their own passions. They won't necessarily abolish religion, church-going, or even service, but they will just make it easier, more palatable, perhaps even adding other ideas and doctrines to it. Thus reshaping the faith making it more culturally favorable. In light of this Paul reemphasized, As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 

Paul cited his own life as an example where he had been constantly poured out as a drink offering for the lives of others. Since he knew that his time was drawing short, he wanted to make sure that the good fight would continue. In essence, he seemed to be passing on the mantle to Timothy, his son in the faith. Paul had fought the good fight, finishing the race, keeping the faith. His constancy, faithfulness, and passion had defined his life. Never forgetting for a moment what he was called to do, he was constantly focused without swerving or pausing. He knew without any doubt that he would receive the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge, would award him, and that all those who love his appearing would receive also. Certainly, these were words of encouragement to Timothy so that he would stay the course and receive the prize at the end. 

 

Since Paul longed to see Timothy face to face, he asked him to make every effort to come to him. Sadly, he mentioned some people who had loved this present world so much so that they had deserted him leaving him to stand alone before his accusers. But the Lord stood by him and strengthened him, so that the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear. Even in the face of such difficulties, he was unrelenting in his mission. This time he was rescued from the lion's mouth, and he knew that the Lord would rescue him from every evil deed and bring him safely home in the heavenly kingdom. Paul could only give the glory to the Lord!

 

What a charge for me to fight on, to run the race, to keep the prize firmly in view, to be undeterred by suffering, to be focused constantly, to be trusting alone in God for strength and rescue, and to be unafraid to stand alone!

 

Father,

Build in me that passion and faithfulness that Paul had. Teach how to glorify you as I fight the good fight and run the race that leads into Your very presence.

In Jesus name,

Amen