Finishing Your Race Well 2 Timothy 4:6-8NKJ
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
One of the greatest fathers of faith the church has ever known once sat in prison writing a letter. He knew he only had a short time left on earth. His departure for heaven was at hand, so he wanted to put down on paper some final, heartfelt words of advice for a dearly beloved, spiritual son. He wanted to leave Timothy, the young pastor he’d trained in ministry, a letter full of instructions to help keep alive in his heart the things of God had imparted to him. He wanted to make sure Timothy would continue to grow and fulfill the will of God long after he was gone.
Within this letter written unto Timothy, there are six vital instructions drawn from its wisdom-filled pages. Six secrets that will help us all follow in Paul’s footsteps and finish our spiritual race.
Number 1, Stay strong in the grace of Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1NKJ You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
If you’ve been saved more than a few months, more than likely you’ve already discovered the Christian life can be tough.
It not only includes the blessings and favor of God, but also persecutions, difficult circumstances and pressures.
“So how can I be strong in the grace of God?”
Titus 2:11-13NLT For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
According to scriptures grace teaches us how to live godly lives. That’s why the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of grace.
He corrects and instructs us.
To become strong in grace you must: 1. Cooperate with Him! 2. Change. 3. Be quick to respond.
Number 2, Be strong and endure hardness like a good solider.
2 Timothy 2:3NKJ You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Never stop believing or doing God’s eternal word; Don’t fall apart when persecution and affliction comes.
*Doubled up in God’s word; praise Him with prayer often!
James 1:4NKJ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Patience is a force that does not yield to circumstances or succumb to defeat!
Testimony: “I once had a lady tell me she was tired of the battles and couldn’t take if anymore!” Listen, the good news is, Jesus Christ already defeated satan, and our victory is a done deal!
Number three: Don’t get entangled with the affairs of this life!
2 Timothy 2:4NKJ No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
This third word of advice occurs when a soldier becomes preoccupied with natural activities and the responsibilities of life.
Listen to 2 Timothy 2:4b again...that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
Read of great men and women of old, how they handled their faith.
Number 4, Remember, Jesus is risen!
2 Timothy 2:8NKJ Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
Jesus, won every battle!
Ephesians 2:6NKJ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:17NKJ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Matthew 28:18NKJ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Number 5, Study, study, study.
2 Timothy 2:15NLT Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
When Paul wrote this unto Timothy, Timothy wasn’t 20 or 30, he was in his 40’s. Paul wanted Timothy to stay on course.
God’s word controls your thinking and actions as well as, keeping your faith strong and your testimony sure!
Joshua 1:8NLT Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
“Remember, it’s the truth that you know that makes you free!”
Number 6, Avoid temptation through associations.
2 Timothy 2:22NKJ Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
The second part of that verse is the key- ... those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Their faith should encourage our faith.
1 Corinthians 15:33AMP Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.
Television, internet, associations.
So let’s follow Paul’s counsel and surround ourselves with godly people, faith talkers, be strong in grace, endure hardness, remember Jesus has risen!
Benediction.
Sources:
Thoughts by Gloria Copeland
NLT New Living Translation
Amp Amplified Bible
NKJ New King James
