2 Timothy 4:6-8

Paul has very much viewed his life as one long race as he has used the phrase periodically to provide an update for where he is in the race and how he is doing in it.

English Standard Version Chapter 20

24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 ESV

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

English Standard Version Chapter 9

1 Corinthians 9:25

25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

2 Timothy 2:5

5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

In many of his letters we are like the family member in the crowed catching him for a moment as he runs by our space and shouts how he is doing as he proceeds to run by and away. Sometimes he is super optimistic, sometimes hes cramping, sometimes his ankles are killing, but he keeps running.

In this letter we are standing right before the finish line. He is talking to Timothy his fellow runner:

The Finish Line

Paul has just exhorted Timothy with 9 things:

Preach the word

always be ready

reprove

rebuke

exhort

be sober-minded

endure suffering

do the work of an evangelist

and to fullfil his ministry

Throughout those Paul says to do these things because the world around him will actively be against sound teaching because they will be lead away to find teachers who will tell them false acceptance of their passions and make them feel intrigued by myths and new things.

Now Paul gives a second reason for Timothy to do those 9 things.

2 Timothy 4:6–8 ESV

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to Timothy and Titus 2. Responsibilities (4:1–8)

The God acknowledged by Paul and Timothy is a God who calls for sacrifice, not only in OT ordinances but in NT fulfillments and applications like Paul’s “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). Paul has lived out this mandate over the years, which has landed him where he now sits as he writes or dictates: death row.

God has not changed from the old testament to the new testament. The way sacrifices were done had changed and heart behind them changed. In the new testament period, sacrificing oneself for others becomes an honor and a privilege

phil

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to Timothy and Titus 2. Responsibilities (4:1–8)

the good fight I have fought

the race I have finished

the faith I have kept

In Paul’s wording here, we see that he both affirms the God is sovereign over all things including the very moment when his life will end and also believes that he must put in a war like effort to hold onto his salvation Jesus won for him. Despite enormous life risk he believes he is going to make it all the way.

Before moving onto the next segway, we take just a moment to review these three things in our lives.

Are we fighting the “good fight” (there are a lot of fights available but really very few good ones, specifically one eternal one)

Are we running the race to the finish line or are we thinking about quitting?

Are you secure in your faith or are you questioning?

When the Race is Over

the good fight I have fought

English Standard Version Chapter 4

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,

the race i ha

On the other end the line, Paul knows the standard. Who knows he followed the rules of the run and he knows he finishing in the time that he needed. Stepping back lets try to get into the mind of Paul.

Let’s answer, what is he excited for? What is he envisioning?

In other words what is the crown, what will happen at judgment, and what is that day going to look like?

He has confidence that Jesus did not just start him in the race but also empower him to finish

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Paul expects a warm welcome at judgment

It will ultimately be the very person that redeemed him to begin with waiting for him as the judge. (imagine thor about fight the champion in Ragnarok only to see hulk and smile realizing I know him)

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Romans 14:10 ESV

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

This judgement he is referring to is a specific judgement for believers. This is a different judgement from the Great White Throne Judgement in Revelations that takes place for all of mankind. For believers, Jesus either judge them or reward them for what they have done with their life.

Paul is envision Jesus high above him and the other believers standing over him with full power and authority. His simple spoke word determining eternity.

Paul expects a warm welcome because he knows Jesus is looking for

Work that extends into eternity. All accomplishments in this life will be burned up and reset. A believer who spends his life on worldly success will enter heaven empty handed.

1 Corinthians 3:13–15 ESV

each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

On the flipside a believer who spends his life for Christ laying down his earthly life for God’s glory in others will reap what they sowed and enter heaven with an even greater reward then the salvation they already had from the greatest gift giver.

The crown Paul will wear will be perfection

phil 1-10-11

Philippians 1:10–11 ESV

so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

A righteous character and heart will bring the universe to praise God

1 Corinthians 1:7–8 ESV

so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul will not be disqualified!

\

1 cor 17-8

Philippians 2:16 ESV

holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Paul expects this finish line greeting because he followed the rules. None of the race was going to be for nothing because he did everything the way it was supposed. He directly relates obedience to God’s written word as the ground that he can stand on at the finish.

Jesus paid Paul’s entry fee, gave Paul the way to run, and met him at the finish line. Paul out of gratefulness trusted Christ, competed the way Christ said, and now crosses the finish line without hesitation!

The same excitement and confidence Paul has can be for anyone who loved Jesus

This shared experience is the further motivation for Timothy. For Timothy to have last lesson from his mentor. To focus on the end and finish well! Don’t very, don’t change direction.

Show image and read ezekiel one. Not perfect combination but take some of this symbolism combined with the roman view of a judgment seat

In this moment will you be able to say

the good fight I have fought

the race I have finished

the faith i have kept