2Ti 4:5-8 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
As Paul begins to close his second letter to Timothy, we can feel the love that he has for the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His first admonition here is to be discreet (watch) in all our dealings. We are to be wise in avoiding the errors of pride, creating strife among God’s people, and teaching doctrines for the itching ears of men. It is our responsibility to walk in the example of Jesus both in the church and in our actions within our community.
We understand that standing for the truth is not something that is necessarily going to be easy. It is an effort, and we are to perform that faithfully. There will be afflictions, both within us and from others around us, that we must bear patiently and with kindness. Being kind to God’s children through all their trials and ours is a great blessing that comes directly from the grace of God.
We are to be fully persuaded in our calling to be servants of God. Our preaching must come through the power of the Holy Spirit. We trust God who has called us to make a place for us to exercise that calling (Prov 18:16). It is by His grace that we have any gift and by His will that we have a place to use that gift.
Paul was greatly blessed as he came to the close of his journey to be ready to be poured out (offered) in God’s service. We are well blessed when we find ourselves willing to be emptied of self that God might be glorified. It brings a great measure of peace to have this feeling when the time of our departure comes. This is true whether it is the departure from a congregation we may have served or if it is the end of our journey here in time.
The feelings that Paul expresses are something that every servant of the Lord desires. How comforting it is to feel that we have labored fervently with a valuable effort in God’s service. We have completed our race and run it well. The crowning of that is that we have kept the conviction that our salvation rests fully upon Christ and what He has finished.
As one who ran well, Paul knew that the crown of Jesus’ imputed righteousness was reserved for him. He was fully persuaded that Jesus Himself would give him at the close of this race. I do not think that Paul was expected to have a crown to wear before the presence of God in eternity. Rather, he was assured that this was his to wear in the close of his days here.
We all desire to run our race well and keep the faith. Sometimes we struggle to find the peace that we have done that. With his closing words, Paul assures us that it is not in how well we have performed in our own strength. The conclusion of all this is that we love His manifestation!
I realize that we will never see Him in His full glory while we run this race. However, it is a great joy when we can find ourselves in His presence as we are in the study of His word. It is a balm to our souls when He appears to us as we pour out our hearts in prayer. The time is glorious for us when He comes and inhabits our praise and worship.
May God bless us to finish our course, fully relying on Jesus for our salvation, and loving His appearing!
