To Fight the Good Fight

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 4

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is imminent

Paul is describing how his life has been sacrificial- he has expended all his energy on spreading the gospel. The metaphor explains that his service to God has been an act of worship- he is dedicating it to God. It’s like the time when David was talking to his mighty men, and he says, “Eish, I would love to drink from the well in Bethlehem.”, (2 Sam 23:15). The well at that time was surrounded by a garrison of Philistines- three of his mighty men broke through the Philistine camp and brought him a drink. He was so amazed at their act of service, that he dedicated their gift to God by pouring it out onto the ground.

Paul is saying, like David referring to the mighty deed from his men, that my life has been an act of worship. He is saying that he has lived for God.

Think back on this year.

How have you handled it? Paul could say that what he had done was an act of worship and sacrifice. Let’s look at what Paul says next.

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 4

7 I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith.

I love the School prayer- “give to us at last the crown of everlasting joy that waits for all they faithful servants”- can you see it echoing what Paul says is waiting for him, and can you see what he did to come to a place where he could expect his reward?

Firstly, he had to work through the battle. These are the every day little moments where you say, “yes”, to the grind. You don’t feel like studying, but you do; you don’t feel like getting up early in the morning to do strength and fitness, but you do; you don’t feel like going to the gym to do that workout, but you do.

Every time we say “yes” to the grind we build resilience.

Pushing through the pain of preparation, training and battle instills character in us that ultimately leads us to a solid experssion of love (2 Peter 1:5-7 ).

The second thing Paul says is that he has finished the race.

You can’t finish a race unless you compete.

Paul ran his race well, and some of you sitting here have run your Peterhouse race well too. You can look back on your journey at the School with a sense of satisfaction. Some of you may have tadza’d and not run so well. It’s okay. Remember that the righteous fall several time, but what defines their quality of character is that they keep getting up.

Proverbs 24:16 “For seven times the righteous will fall, but he will rise, but the wicked will be overthrown by calamity.”

Live life as a journey, not a destination.

There is a reward for persevering through the journey of life, for grinding through and showing grit.

Remember what Jesus said;

John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Life is a gift from God. Let’s use it by living for His glory. Persevere in your faith.

Amen