2 Timothy 4:6-8 | Finish the Race

On Sunday, June 6, 2025, my wife Sarah and I had the privilege of saying goodbye to John before he departed to be with the Lord.

Read passage

2 Timothy 4:6–8 “6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.”

Three things that John taught us in a hospital room in Fargo about the present, the past, and the future.

He faced the present with peace

Paul writes to his beloved child in the faith, Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2): The time of my departure has come (2 Tim 4:6)

Here’s one sobering reality from Paul’s word and John’s death: We must all face death. We don’t like to think about it. We don’t like to talk about it. However, Scripture constantly reminds us about the brevity of life: James compares the brevity of human life to a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes (James 4:14)

Moses compares human life like grass that springs up in the morning and then by evening is dry and withered (Ps 90:6).

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Ps 90:12)

Numbering our days means to remember that our days are short and that sooner or later we will all pass away. Wisdom comes when you regularly take the time to ponder this reality.

John faced the present with peace. He spoke of going to a better place.

The Apostle Paul wrote in terms of traveling: “The time of my departure has come.”

The word "departure" in Greek literature is associated with imagery such as a ship lifting anchor or a soldier breaking camp, suggesting a journey or movement to a new destination.

Make no mistake about it, Paul sees this departure as a positive event: to depart from this world is to be with Christ which is far better (Phil 1:23).

This perspective on death reflects Paul's deep faith and anticipation of a continued existence in a better place, rather than a termination of life. Likewise, John had the same view. He told Kathy and the family, “It’s not fair that I get to be with Jesus and you’ll have to stay here.”

He reflected on the past with confidence

The Apostle Paul looks back at his life and uses three word pictures, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7)

First, he uses the analogy of a fight. Paul was a warrior.

Most scholars agree that Paul was likely not physical impressive, but he was a spiritual warrior who would labor for the Lord through prayer and sharing the good news of Jesus.

John, used the last hours of his life fighting the good fight. He made a bunch of phone calls. Many of those phone calls were to share the good news of the gospel with many of you.

Second, Paul uses the analogy of a race.

Here’s what fascinating about Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Timothy is a pastor in a city called Ephesus. Some years earlier, Paul told the Ephesian elders that his goal was simply to “finish the race” (Acts 20:24, NIV). He now writes to Timothy saying, “I have finished the race.”

A couple of days after John’s death, I met with the family to plan the funeral. Kathy mentioned that John’s desire was show his grandkids how godly men finish the race.

We too have a race to run and finish.

Hebrews 12:1–2 “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We fix our eyes on Jesus and we imitate the example of those who have gone before us.

Third, Paul writes, “I have kept the faith.”

“Keep the faith” is a common phrase in our culture that encourages people to stay positive or hopeful in the face of adversity.

The Apostle Paul however is not using faith in that sense. Paul is talking about faith in Jesus Christ. We know this because earlier in 2 Timothy 3:15 we read “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

To keep the faith is to fight the good fight. To keep the faith is to finish the race.

Paul’s faith was placed in Christ alone. That is, Paul’s assurance was on the person and the work of Christ and Christ alone.

Christ’s death

Christ’s resurrection

We sang in Christ alone.

In Christ alone, my hope is found…

No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

John reflected on the past with confidence because of His Savior

He looked to the future with hope:

John knew exactly where he was going. We sang “I’ll fly away.”

John was looking forward to meet face to face his Lord and Savior. He was also looking forward to see his mom and dad.

The Apostle Paul looked forward to the future as well.

“And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Tim 4:8, NLT)

Last year, I preached a 4-part sermon series titled, “Eternal Perspective: Investing With the End in Mind.” The last sermon was titled, “Review and Rewards.”

Let’s not forget that God has prepared a reward for those who persevere to the end: “the crown of righteousness.”

*Note: This crown is not to be confused with salvation. Salvation cannot be earned, for it is a gift from God through faith in Christ.

The crown of righteousness “refers to the crown awarded for finishing the race of life righteously, with our eyes on Jesus, especially anticipating His return.” (Mark Hitchcock)

John indeed was looking forward to Christ’s return.

Conclusion: John finished the race well. He called some of you to say goodbye and to plead with you to trust in Jesus as your Savior.

I want to make sure you understand the message of the gospel and then give you an opportunity to respond.

The gospel: Jesus died for my sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

The response. ABC (Accept, Believe, Confess)