This blog post is what I gleaned from the sermon on 2/26/23 by Tom Walters.
5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:5-8
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.
These were the words of Paul to young Timothy who had been learning under Paul’s tutelage, to minister to the people who didn’t know Jesus. Even to remind those who knew about him to keep to the path that was laid out before them.
We can look at “running the race” as a metaphor for our life. We see the top of the hill as we near the finish line.
Paul had served the Kingdom in many circumstances, both good and bad. Finding himself in prison and facing a trumped up charge. He knew what his fate would be.
Paul’s life was an offering to the life of Jesus.
In the letter to the church in Rome, Paul writes:
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1
Paul’s life was not taken from him. He offered it freely.
21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21
We die to self and live to share the word of the gospel to others. At this point, Paul had already suffered much for the cause. But these sufferings strengthened his faith and allowed him to serve as a strong witness for Christ. All of this to bring glory to God.
To have run the race (the hardships he endured) Paul can look ahead to the reward (for the runner a crown, for Paul a place in heaven).
May we all keep the faith as we run the race and cross the finish line to receive the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award on that day. Looking ahead to the reward…
Christians know that they are judged by a righteous Savior, must confess their sins, admit the need of the Savior, and be baptized.
A great reminder of our goal while here on earth. Thanks, Tom!
Losing a loved one is never easy. Facing my own death is much easier than losing someone close to me. Hugs going out to all of you dealing with this kind of loss now.
Peace and love to the Porter family.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 