2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. Verse 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Verse 8From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Verse 16At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! Verse 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. Verse 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Devotion
“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” Writing to Timothy, Paul wants this young minister to understand what distinguishes ministry work. He does not use his many examples of success spreading the gospel message, but points to the fact that he remained faithful, resisting temptation and evil.
Often in our lives, we must fight the good fight. That is to resist temptations of which there are many: to enjoy our Sunday morning coffee on the deck rather than attend church; to allow children complaining about having to sit through confirmation to skip; even to say we’ve done our turn teaching Sunday school, now it’s someone else’s turn, when there is a need and no one else to do it.
To finish the race does not include a list of activities that must be done or completed. Rather, like Paul, our goal is to faithfully live out the purpose God has given us in this world until he calls us home.
Prayer
Faithful Father, help us fight the good fight against all temptation that confronts us so we may faithfully complete the race to eternal righteousness. Rescue us from every evil attack that stops us from proclaiming your glory. Amen.
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