Set to Finish Your Journey (The Power of Perseverance)
2 Timothy 4:6-8:
“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. Hence- forth 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.”
Have you ever heard a word from a dying man or a person who is near death? You will know that there is no dishonesty and false statement, but full revelation of the heart for a dying person.
STORY: I remember my father (Ka Filing) before he passed away. I spent time with him al- most every day while I was in the Philippines in July last year. And because of his problem with cataracts, his vision was blurred. Basically, blind. But, he was still happy to hear our voices. One thing I will never forget was the words he said to me before he passed away. He said, “Continue to trust the Lord no matter what happen” I know he was at peace and not afraid. He also said, “If God don’t have anything for me to do in this world, I am ready to go home and see Him” That’s confidence and assurance of knowing that someday he will be with his creator. And you know what was amazing when he said, “I will see Him”.
Now let’s start our study for our theme series “Pressing Forward” subtitle is “The pow- er of Perseverance” this will be the last part of that series. So, bear with me as we finish this series. Let us look at 2 Timothy 4:1-5 first before we dive into our main text.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure nsound1 teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from lis- tening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Background:
Paul was released from the roman prison, but for a short time of min-
istry rearrested as part of Nero’s persecution of Christians. This time there is
no such hope for him to be released. He was in a cold cell, in chains and no
hope of deliverance. Abandoned by all those close to him for fear of persecution and facing danger of execution. Paul wrote this letter to urged Timothy to hasten (go quickly) to Rome for one last visit. There is no record if he was able to visit him before the execution in Rome. From chapter 4:1-5 letter is about Paul is c harging (demanding or imposing) Timothy to con- tinue the ministry and strongly encourage him to continue to be faithful in his duties or re- sponsibilities. He told Timothy to hold on to sound doctrine, avoid error, accept persecution for the gospel, put his confidence in the scriptures, and preach it relentlessly. The following verses we will study are the intense personal testimony of Paul. I believe personal experience is a good way to encourage people. So here is Paul encouraging Timothy, and I am sure that will also encourage all of us in this life as we serve God. We can see three (3) perspectives why Paul continue to persevere in serving and fulfilling his ministry. v.6-8.
1. The Present – v.6 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure has come. – (His present reality or situation.)
Paul realized that his time is short, and he knew that the end is near. Yet, he did not trem- ble unafraid of his ending or even to the point of death. And there are two words he used that many theologians and Bible commentators agreed. First is, his life was like a drink offering a sacrifice.
a. Drink “offering” was not a blood of slaughtered animal but, some liquid usually wine be- ing poured out over the sacrifice in the Old Testament sacrificial system. This was the final offering that followed the burnt and grain offering prescribed for the people of Is- rael. Paul saw that his life for the growth of the church was costly for him, and that his life is like what a drink offering would be. Paul knows the experience of suffering goes hand-in-hand for people to hear the gospel. Being poured out his life for Christ’s sake. Do you feel being poured out because of the gospel? Are we willing to pay that price if the result of conversions?
b. Time of “departure” has come. Paul looked at death as a release from the world and an opportunity to a new place and a permanent residence of glory in the presence of Christ. He has been longing for this departure.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
Paul reveals to us the true value and meaning of life spent in faithful ser- vice to the Lord.
“To come to Thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come to rest after long labor, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my witness” Charles Spurgeon
It’s better with Christ. Far better. The second perspective is the past.
2. ThePast–v.7“Ihavefoughtthegoodfight,Ihavefinishedtherace,Ihavekeptthe faith.”
Now Paul looks back on his life with triumph, and he uses three profound statements that pictures and associates it with victory. Let start with...
A) Fight – “I have fought a good fight.” Paul’s analogy of fight was not from a physical strength standpoint, but spiritual. Paul was a spiritual warrior and he stood before the religious leaders and officials of Rome with courage. He endured the riots in Ephesus and the false teachers in Corinthians. He endured all kinds of struggles on his missionary journey. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Paul said that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Our fight is beyond what human eye can see. We are in a spiritual battle the day we received Christ.
B) Finish – “I have finished the race.” The idea here is like running a race victoriously not in a sense of winning but finishing it. The time we are born in the Kingdom of God, our race begins. God has given us an ordained moment while we are here on earth to finish that race in time. Paul stayed on the course, remained focused and disciplined. We could get off track if we run with unnecessary baggage and wan- dering around but, stay on course. Hebrews 12:2 “Fixed your eyes on Jesus, the au- thor and perfecter of our faith. According to him continue steadfastly in prayer (Rom 12:12)
C) Faith – “I have kept the faith.” Paul was a steward of sound doctrine; he is the guardian of the Gospel. He told Timothy earlier in the letter to hold on to the pattern of sound teaching (2 Tim 1:13) and guard what has been entrusted to you.” That is why we must commit to this noble fight and finish the race for this cause.
The Word of God calls us to that, and it is the underlying element in all of this. Our faith here refers to the revelation word of God.
“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
This is the reason we can fight a good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith through the word of God. Do we have an appetite to the word of God? God’s word will help us in our struggles and provide directions and guidance. We must be obedient to follow His precepts and share the Gospel of Christ.
3. The Future – v.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.” “A crown of righteousness waiting.”
Paul’s life is ending, and he was able to look back without regret or remorse. He exam- ined his life from these three perspectives; the present reality, the past (that he had been faithful), and the future (that he anticipated).
An athletic analogy use in winning a certain sport. In the ancient time they use a plait- ed wreath or garlands placed on the head of dignitaries or victorious athlete. The crown here represents eternal righteousness, it is the imputed righteousness of Christ. Paul does not stop with his own crown. He says, “Not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.” The same crown of righteousness awaits all believers, not just the apostles. Genuine believers are those who love Jesus appearing. Sure, evidence of saving faith is hav- ing your heart set on Christ. Unbelievers dread (fear/worry) Christ’s coming, but as believers we long for it. Jesus is our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). This is why we persevere. Paul is con- fident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phils 1:6) True promise, God will never leave us or forsake us.
Let me show you a video:
VIDEO: Derek Redmond from Great Britain- 1992 Olympic Barcelona.
Derek Raymond received a standing ovation in finishing the race.
There will be time in our life as we run the race, we will experience hurt, suffering, we will fall, we will fail, we will feel alone, there will be crying and sometimes afraid and confuse but we must persevere. Why? Because the Father in heaven will meet us where we are, He will help us and carry us until we finish the race.
Bros. and Sisters, it is not how you start but how you finish the race. God will always be there to help and carry us finish strong. Let me close on this verse.
“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, 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.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus finished the race. Jesus is our ultimate model and power in our perseverance in finishing the race. How are you? Where are you in this race? Are you struggling? Paul said, “during trials and tribulation pray steadfastly” (Rom 12:12)
Pray and focus only to our Lord Jesus.
January 29, 2023/Rev. Roldan Manlapig