Winner Takes All
Today’s Verse:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ~2 Timothy 4:7
The Apostle Paul was in the Mamertine Prison when he wrote 2 Timothy. He knows that his execution is very soon. He gives his protégé in the faith, Timothy, strong and encouraging words for him to remain faithful and fruitful in the work of the ministry. As Paul closes this touching letter, he wants Timothy to see that he was determined to finish his journey strong. Paul displays an incredibly encouraging spirit. He demonstrates to Timothy a winner-takes-all spirit.
Paul was unconquerable in his fight.
Paul fought many battles during his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:32, he spoke of fighting with beasts at Ephesus. This was in reference to antagonistic idol worshippers in Acts 19. In Ephesians 6:10-18, he spoke of wrestling with principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Paul bore in his body and soul many scars from spiritual fights that he had. There were stonings, floggings, beatings by those who hated him, imprisonments, and much more. He had been in the battle arena fighting against the enemies of the Lord who opposed the preaching of the gospel. Paul did not spend his time fighting with God’s people over trivial, non-essential matters. Fighting a good fight is fighting to advance the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fighting a good fight is fighting false doctrine from encroaching into the church. Fighting a good fight is fighting to save our family from society’s agenda to rewrite marriage and take over our children (Nehemiah 4:14). Fighting a good fight is fighting sin from taking over our life. Are you fighting a good fight or are you just a troublemaking Christian who is always looking for problems, cracks, and faults?
Paul was uncommon in his finish.
Paul is using the idea of a long-distance runner running a race. He is nearing the completion of his race and can see the finish line. But the runner is weary and thirsty, and his body is racked with pain. While he has been running the race, he has seen other competitors drop out of the race. He has seen them quit because of injury. He has seen them quit because of exhaustion. He has seen that some did not finish because they had disqualified themselves. Some have had to withdraw because of scandal. However, Paul is nearing the finish line. He can hear the heavenly grandstand cheer him on to victory and finish. “Come on, Paul; you can do it!” Paul will make an uncommon finish! Paul is determined to finish holy, with honor, and with heart!
Paul was uncompromising in his faith.
He did not compromise the doctrines of Scripture. He did not compromise the doctrine of the church. He did not compromise the preaching of God’s Word. He did not compromise the music of the Lord. He did not compromise on the preaching of the gospel, winning of souls, and planting of churches. He did not succumb to the theological pressures of his day. He stayed faithful in the Book. He preached faithfully the blood. He preached now excitedly about the Blessed Hope. Paul was uncompromising in his faith!
Paul had a winner-takes all spirit. Don’t be a quitter! Don’t throw in the towel. Dig deep within and determine to finish the Christian life strong and as a winner!
Have a winning God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Revelation 4-8