2 Timothy 4:7-8 – A Crown of Righteousness

Paul looks back with pleasure on the life he has lived. He does not fear death because, by the grace of God, as a Christian and as a minister he has fought the good fight. He has done the service, gone through the difficulties of his warfare, and has been instrumental in carrying on the glorious victories of the exalted Redeemer over the powers of darkness. His life is a course, and he has now finished it; as his warfare is accomplished, so his race is run. He has kept the doctrines of the gospel and not betrayed any of them. The life of a Christian, but especially of a minister, is a warfare and a race. But it is a good fight, a good warfare; the cause is good, and the victory is sure if we continue faithful and courageous. We must fight this good fight, we must finish our course, we must not give up till we are more than conquerors through Him who has loved us. It is a great comfort at the end of our life to be able to look back and say, “I have kept the faith.”

Paul looks forward with pleasure to the life he is to live hereafter. He has lost much for Christ, but he knows he is not going to lose out in the end. This can encourage Timothy to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ knowing that there is a crown of life before us, the glory and joy of which will abundantly recompense all the hardships and suffering of our present warfare. It is called a crown of righteousness because our holiness and righteousness will be perfected there and be our crown. God will give it as a righteous Judge. And it is not for Paul only but for all those who have loved the appearing of Jesus Christ – those who love His first appearing when He came to take away sin by sacrificing Himself; and those who love and long for His second appearing.

Questions
1. What does Paul look back on?
2. What does Paul look forward to?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for all you have to look forward to in heaven.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.