Devotional: Finish the Course 2 Timothy 4:1-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7, NASB).

The apostle Paul writes two letters to Timothy his protégé. In his second letter, Paul writes knowing that he is soon to die on the chopping block of Emperor Nero. Paul writes to encourage him to continue the work of the ministry after he is dead. Timothy must not allow the death of his mentor to cause him to despair and give up. The task is difficult, but Timothy has sincere faith (1:5). Timothy knows the doctrine (2:2). Timothy has learned the Scriptures from childhood (3:15). Soon, Timothy must accept Paul’s death. Paul wants Timothy to know that he is ready for his death because he knows that he will be rewarded. He writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day” 4:7, 8, NASB).

Paul wants Timothy to finish the course. He too will be rewarded with the crown of righteousness (v. 8). Yes, I am looking forward to the day that I too will receive my crown. However, until the day come that the Lord calls me home, I must work the works that God gives me to do. There is no shortcut to heaven. I must do the work. I must finish the course.

Prayer: I am thankful that I am on a course that leads to a crown of righteousness. Amen.