Veterans of the Faith
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
On November 11, 1988, at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, President Ronald Reagan stated:
We have faith that as He does all His sacred children, the Lord will bless you and keep you, the Lord will make His face to shine upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore.3712
Ronald Reagan (United States President)
The Finished Ministry
The Finished Ministry
2 Timothy 4:6
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Now: already; by this time
Offered: pour out as a drink offering
In the Torah (Pentateuch): Drink offerings accompanied certain sacrifices in the Israelite sacrificial system. For example, Numbers 15 describes specific instructions for offering wine alongside burnt and grain offerings. These were often poured out on or near the altar as part of the sacrificial ritual.
Symbolic Representation: The drink offering symbolized dedication and was seen as a gesture of giving the best to God, showing gratitude and reverence. It was poured out entirely, signifying a complete offering with nothing held back.
The Faithful Fight
The Faithful Fight
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Metaphor of Endurance and Perseverance:
Metaphor of Endurance and Perseverance:
Race as a Long Journey: The metaphor of a race implies a long-distance course that requires endurance, persistence, and discipline. Paul’s choice of words here suggests that living faithfully involves continuous effort, facing challenges, and overcoming obstacles, much like a runner must maintain pace and not give up until the finish line.
Faithful Completion: Saying he has "finished the race" reflects Paul’s belief that he has completed the mission God set before him. It underscores a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, not because of his own strength but through God's guidance and his faithful obedience.
Symbol of Faithful Living: By describing the Christian life as a race, Paul encourages believers to approach their faith with discipline, focus, and a commitment to stay on course even through hardships.
Fight on! For God himself is with you; Jehovah Nissi is your banner, and Jehovah Rophi is the healer of your wounds. Fear not, you shall overcome, for who can defeat Omnipotence? Fight on, “looking unto Jesus”
Charles Spurgeon
Old-fashioned believers could give you chapter and verse for what they believed; but how few of such remain!
The Greatest Fight In The World, Page 45
Charles Spurgeon
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
The Fantastic Prize
The Fantastic Prize
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Anticipation of Reward:
Anticipation of Reward:
"Crown of Righteousness": In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul speaks of the “crown of righteousness” that awaits him, awarded by the Lord to all who have longed for His appearing. In ancient athletic games, winners received a crown, often made of leaves, as a reward for victory. Paul uses this imagery to convey the eternal reward awaiting those who persevere in faith.
Hope and Encouragement: This mention of the “crown” reflects Paul’s deep hope and trust in God’s promises. It is meant to inspire Timothy and other believers to look beyond earthly struggles and focus on the heavenly reward.
Paul is looking forward to the future. He is expecting a crown of righteousness. A crown is a reward, and he will receive his reward someday.
J. Vernon McGee
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
God himself has ‘stored up’ or ‘reserved’ this inheritance in heaven for believers and it continues to be there, ‘still reserved’ for them.
Wayne Grudem
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
