To The End
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
In 2 Timothy 4, Paul used several word pictures to describe his life. He noted that he was “being poured out like a drink offering” (v 6). He also used two metaphors from athletic competition, including fighting “the good fight” and completing “the race” (v 7), references to the Olympic sports of his day. Then in v 6, he spoke of “the time for my departure,” an image evocative of a voyage.
2 Timothy 4, also contains the last known written words of the apostle Paul. Though probably only in his sixties, and though having faced death before, he senses his life is nearly over (2 Tim 4:6). There will be no more mission trips now or writing letters to the churches. He looks back over his life and says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (v 7). While he has not been perfect ( 1 Tim 1:15-16), Paul assesses his life on how true he has been to God and the Gospel.
Paul, who had travelled much during his lifetime to share the Good-News of Jesus Christ, was now constrained by chains. Yet one final trip awaited him. His cold, damp prison cell served as a port of departure for heaven. Tradition suggests he was martyred soon after. But Paul was faithful to the end. Are you being faithful in your service to God?
Bible Reading
2 Timothy 4:1-8.
Prayer
My God, and my Father, Help and strengthen me to live faithfully for You, right to the very end. In Jesus name I prayer. Amen.
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