For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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. II Timothy 4:6-8
March 11th we had a very valuable time in the “You Can Tell It!” evangelism seminar.
If ever given a chance to attend this half-day session, make it a priority!. Seminar founder Larry Moyer had some encouraging and wise thoughts on “Finishing Well.” From his writing–
Every Christian should desire to one day stand before the Lord and hear Him say, “Well done” (Matt. 25:21). In the Bible, most of the people who fell in their walk with God did not fall in the beginning of their lives. They fell near the end. They started well, but they did not end well.
The apostle Paul uses his own testimony in exhorting Timothy to end well. In so doing, he tells all of us how to do the same. Paul’s advice could be summarized in three short phrases.
I. Start now! Paul saw his entire life as a drink offering to God with death simply being the final sacrifice (II Tim. 4:6). That is particularly significant when you think of his background as a person zealous to persecute Christians. He could’ve said, “How can I end well in light of how terribly I started?” But Paul knew he was forgiven. Regardless of age or circumstances, God’s grace and forgiveness begins any path to ending well. So regardless of how you have started, know that it does not have to have any bearing on how you end.
II. Remain faithful! Paul knew that faithfulness was not an easy path because Satan will do anything to trip us. That’s why he used terms such as “fight” and “race” (II Tim. 4:7), referring to conflict and the need for endurance. Faithfulness is most tested where it is most needed. Regardless of what trials and hardships the Christian life brings your way, remember to remain faithful to the One who’s been faithful to you.
III. Anticipate reward! Paul concludes about the “crown of righteousness.” (II Tim. 4:8). The crown of righteousness typifies reward. All saved people reach heaven, but not all saved people are equally rewarded. The anticipation of receiving reward from the King of kings is one of several reasons given in the Scripture as to why a believer should live for Christ.
Maranatha! Finish strong!
A song for meditation