MONDAY June 2, 2025

Finishing Well

This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
2 Timothy 1:15

Paul had just spoken to Timothy about holding fast to the pattern of sound words that his life had modeled for him to follow. Timothy had begun well in ministry, while Paul was finishing his ministry. If Paul’s pattern of life was followed, as his father in the faith, he knew Timothy would finish well.

Quite the opposite happened to two men Paul mentioned next––Phygellus and Hermogenes. They had started well, but they did not finish well. They had decided to leave Paul, perhaps ashamed of his chains, but in doing so, they had walked away from Christ. They left the ministry and its hardships for the comfort of the world. They fully renounced their relationship with Christ and fell into apostasy. What a sad and tragic statement. They left the truth for the lie and backslid.

Their names are recorded in the pages of the Bible as a warning of the dangers of apostasy. People can walk with Christ for a while, but when hardships happen, and they have to count the cost in following Jesus, they forsake Him. They choose to depart. Be careful. Do not follow this pattern of apostasy. Imagine, those who walk away from God will be separated from Him for all eternity, when, in reality, they came so close to spending eternity with Him.

What is causing you today to consider turning away from the faith? Is it your trials and hardships? It may be easier to walk back into the world than to walk with Christ, but you will miss out on all the Lord has planned for your life. It is difficult to walk the narrow path and carry your cross as you follow the Lord, but keep your eye on the end result––heaven.

There will be joys and sorrows along the path, but God is with you, guiding your steps. Follow the pattern of faith set down by faithful followers of Christ, and do not let Satan trip you up on the last leg of the journey. Be encouraged to go onward to cross the finish line.

No matter what trials we face, Christ never leaves us. He is with us every step of the way!
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!