2 Timothy 4:6-8

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  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 that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

There are many who start well, but only a few who end well.  Everyone wants to commence, continue, and conclude well; unfortunately, it is rare to actually do it.  Paul sets an example for which we all should aspire.  Even though he had a terrible start before salvation; the transformation God brought about in his life is astounding.  He gives us a great picture of what it looks like to finish strong.

END WITH EXCELLECNE: Paul knows that his days are numbered and that the number is getting close to the end.  His life has been lived as an act of worship to the Lord and now that he is at the end, he refers to his death as a drink offering that is being poured out.  We are called to live and die for the glory of God.  Through years of faithful ministry Paul had suffered in ways few of us could imagine.  A life of suffering followed by a violent death might cause some to question God’s sovereign plan or even His goodness.  Paul indicates no such struggle.  He trusts God and worships the Lord with his final breath.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH: In chapter two, Paul had instructed Timothy to be dedicated like a soldier, disciplined like and athlete, and determined like a farmer.  As is typical in this letter, Paul uses his own life as an illustration of his instruction.  He has fought the good fight like a soldier, finished the race like an athlete, and kept the faith like a farmer.  Dedication, discipline, and determination are qualities that are necessary for faithful ministry.  These qualities are easy to talk about but much harder to practice.  Finishing well requires that our character and our communication be consistent.   

RECEIVE YOUR REWARD: The sufferings of this life are overcome because of the eternal reward that awaits the faithful servants of Christ.  He is the just judge before whom all of us will stand and given an account.  He wore a crown of thorns that we might wear a crown of righteousness.  We have no righteousness of our own, but by His grace through faith, His righteousness become ours.  Life is a gift from God, and we are to cherish and use that gift for His glory.  However, we are to love His appearing and our eternal life far more than our earthly life.

APPLICATION: Recognize the brevity of our life on earth but live it as an act of worship to the Lord.  Strive to finish well and be sure that our walk and talk are aligned.  Be willing to fight to the end, finish the race God has for us, and trust Him to the very end.  Look forward to death or the return of Christ as the beginning of what is truly life.

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