How many of us, when the end of our life comes around, will be able to look back and say that we have no regrets, that we have “fought a good fight”? As we look into today’s Scripture, we see Paul at the end of his life. In a matter of a very short time he faced being executed for his faith in the Lord Jesus, and it was at this time that he wrote his final letter to his frequent missionary companion Timothy. What words would we say at that time? II Timothy is Paul’s last known epistle, and our Scripture is the final words of that letter. Let’s take a look at his final thoughts that he shared with Timothy.
Paul had been imprisoned several times during the years that he brought the Gospel message throughout the Mediterranean world. During many of those times the imprisonment was not very harsh, but rather more like being under house arrest with a guard, and he was able to receive visitors. This time, however, was very different, being in a cold, dank cell, probably with shackles. At other times, he expected to be released from prison, and he was. This time, though, he knew the end was near. Paul was able to look back on his life without regret or remorse (vs. 6-8). He was ready for death. He had been faithful to the Lord since the day he was saved, and he looked forward to his heavenly reward. Paul had been faithful in carrying out that which had been assigned to him by God. Throughout his missionary journeys and preaching he had been beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and stoned and left for dead, but Paul never lost his faith.
Paul wrote and shared with Timothy his loneliness and disappointment in some people he had counted on to stand with him during his time of need (vs. 9-16). Some, like Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus were sent by Paul to their respective locations for further ministry. Then there were others that were a disappointment or hurtful to him, such as Demas (vs. 10). Demas had at one time been a close associate with Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24). Now he had forsaken Paul, utterly abandoning him, because he loved this world. He loved worldly values and worldly pleasures. He loved what the world had to offer. He was a fair weather disciple, who never counted the cost of genuine commitment to Jesus.
Another person who was causing grief to Paul was Alexander. He opposed Paul’s teachings, and possibly spread his own false doctrines (vs. 14-15). He possibly was instrumental in Paul's arrest and/or bore false witness against him. Paul was going to leave all vengeance in God’s hands. All he had now was faithful Luke, and desired to have Mark, as well (vs. 11). Mark had, as a young man, gone with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but had backed out part way through. Paul had not been happy about that, and even separated with Barnabas over that issue. Now, years later, he had forgiven Mark of that immaturity, and saw that Mark was a valuable partner for the Lord.
Paul realized, though, that even if literally everyone forsook him, all he would need would be the Lord Jesus. He will always stand with the believer, especially in their hour of need (vs. 16-17). Though friends and family may leave us, Jesus will never abandon us. Just as He promised, God never leaves nor forsakes His children (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Hebrews 13:5). When all else fails, the Lord stands solidly at our side. He gives us strength. He steps in and helps us to finish what He gave us to do. He is faithful, and will never leave us.
Sometimes in our Christian life, we may find a Demas who disappoints us, or an Alexander who opposes us and even does us harm. We may find that other Christians have moved on to other ministries for the Lord, such as Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus did. We may feel abandoned and alone. However, we need to remember, like Paul did, that as long as we are doing His work, the Lord will always be standing with us.
When our final hours are coming upon us, and we are able to say like Paul did, that we have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, we can then know that the Lord has a crown of righteousness waiting for us (vs. 8). That crown is given to all those who live each day, loving and anticipating Christ’s imminent return, to all those who conduct their earthly lives with eternal values in view.
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