The last words of a faithful Man

 Read 2 Timothy 4.

Collections of famous last words have been compiled in books and inscribed on cemetery headstones.  This chapter contains those of the Apostle Paul.

He knew death was near.  Paul likened it to the Old Testament drink offering that the priest poured out on the brazen altar (v.6).  That sacrificial gift to God was part of Israel's worship.  In Romans 12:1, he had written that believers are "to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."  Now, at this point, Paul sensed his last drops were being poured.

He evaluated his life and service for Christ in three statements. (v.7)
1. "I have fought the good fight."
Paul wrote of his sufferings in every chapter of this letter.  Life is not easy.  Following Jesus does not equal peace and tranquility.  "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)  Contending for the faith (Jude 3) is part of what it means to serve Jesus.  The believer is not to be objectionable but, in this spiritual war, the message will be to some.

2. "I have finished the race."
Paul knew his assignment.  God called him to take the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles.  He spent his life traveling through the provinces of the Roman Empire winning souls to Christ and planting churches.  He trained and established leaders in each place.  He mentored and commissioned many others to go as well.  Timothy was just one among them.  But, here, he sensed that he had accomplished his life's purpose.  He had finished well.

3. "I have kept the faith."
Life and ministry was never about Paul.  It was always about Jesus.  Through all the hardships, persecutions, rejections, beatings, and perils his faith only grew stronger.  The word of God was the anchor of his soul.

One day, Christ will "judge the living and the dead" (v.1).  In the final analysis, that is the only evaluation of a life that counts.  Jesus told in the parable of the talents that faithful servants were rewarded with a hearty "Well done!"  Paul looked forward to a "crown of righteousness".   He was confident of that award.  But such commendation is not only for those like the Apostle Paul.  That crown is for all who live in the light and love of the return of Jesus (v.8).