FRIDAY October 29, 2021

Famous Last Words

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

Paul’s last letter to Timothy was written from a prison cell. It was a cold, filthy, dirty, dismal dungeon that was placed underground where he was kept in utter darkness. Caesar Nero would put Paul to death, but Paul firmly believed in the promise of God––the promise of eternal life.

Although Paul knew he would soon depart from this world, instead of thinking about himself, he wrote a strong, passionate and encouraging letter to Timothy. Highlight in your Bible Paul’s famous last words before he died. These words will greatly encourage you to continue in your walk with Christ: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

What a way to go home to be with the Lord! When it is my time to go home to be with the Lord, I would love to have these three statements said about me––I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In 2 Timothy 4:8, we see Paul had an incredible faith and assurance in God’s promises. Paul comforted himself with thoughts of his eternal destination and the reward awaiting him:

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Interestingly, Paul’s last words pointed to the future––to the coming of the Lord. Paul was always ready for when the Lord might come for him. He lived his life as if it were his last day here on earth. The crown of righteousness will be given to all who love His appearing. Daily look for the coming of the Lord and live as if every day is your last.

Although no man knows the day or hour of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:36), are you living your life in its reality? Jesus Himself said: “...I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).

“Be ready, servant of Christ, for thy master comes on a sudden, when an ungodly world least expects Him.”
~C.H. Spurgeon~

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