"I AM NOW READY"

2 TIMOTHY 4:6

A. PAUL'S EXECUTION BY THE ROMANS WAS ABOUT TO END HIS GOD BLESSED MINISTRY; AND HE GIVES SOME FINAL INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS SON TIMOTHY
  1. He evidently had been informed of the Emperor's final verdict -- to have Paul beheaded:
  2. That man of God was ready to die for the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel:
    1. Said he to the weeping believers, some years before, "I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 21:13
    2. At the close of his ministry he informed Timothy of his readiness in these memorable words, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." - 2 Tim. 4:6
B. "I AM NOW READY" -- HE MENTIONS THREE SPECIFIC REASONS FOR HIS READINESS
  1. "I have fought a good fight."
    1. That shows that life is a fight, a conflict, a battle, a struggle, a wrestling match in which everything is at stake.
    2. Paul identifies our shrewd and bitter antagonists - Eph. 6:10-13
    3. A good fight must follow rules laid down in the word of God - 1 Cor. 9:26
  2. "I have finished my course":
    1. He was a faithful witness to Christ and the gospel.
    2. He compared his ministry to a foot race and he felt that he had reason to believe that he had fulfilled his duty to God and men.
    3. Our course may differ from that of Paul, but we, too, ought to aim to finish our assignment as faithfully as Paul did his.
  3. "I have kept the faith":
    1. Faith is a most precious deposit entrusted to us.
    2. Errorists are continuously striving to wrest it from us.
    3. That believer is safest who cleaves unto the truth as taught in the Bible.
C. THE BLESSED PROSPECTS IN STORE FOR A FAITHFUL SOLDIER OF CHRIST
  1. "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord shall give me at that day":
    1. It was a symbol of excellence and glory - Matt. 25:21, 23
    2. It was also a recognition of the right to honor and glory by the wearer -- that right came from the just judge.
  2. Note, please, the time when this crown of righteousness is to be bestowed:
    1. Not right away. It was laid up. Some people think that the crown of glory is given at death, but that is not true.
    2. It is to be given on that day, the day when Christ will bring with Him a reward to all, at His second coming - Rev. 22:12
    3. Paul looked for the crown of life when it will be given to all God's children.
    4. How unselfish that mighty warrior for Christ was! He did not think, of himself alone when looking for a crown of righteousness; no, he knew that other faithful ones would receive that crown also.
    5. Dear ones, as we face the inevitable, can we speak with the assurance of Paul? Are we fighting a good fight for God? Are we dutifully aiming to finish the race that is set before us? And are we keeping faith with God and man?


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