Paul has closed the main portion of his letter to Timothy with a solemn charge containing nine commands for which he gave two reasons he must enforce them. What Paul has taught Timothy must be passed on as the pattern for the ministry of God's Word to be perpetuated.
Paul, facing martyrdom, is not finishing his life in despair and defeat - but in victory and triumph. His physical death will serve to complete the offering of he has made of his life as a sacrifice to God.
Looking back from the finish, he remarks that his life has been an intense struggle much like an ongoing battle. This constant effort that would have otherwise been overwhelming has been sustained and enabled by the grace of God. Because of that he is finishing in victory, having completed the work God had for him to do.
Going out in triumph, Paul with great anticipation looks forward to being awarded the crown, the prize, of perfect, complete righteousness.
Such is to be the pattern of every believer's life. Make every effort to run the course the Lord has laid out, to finish in victory, looking forward to seeing and being with Christ. Every believer can run their course with no hesitation, no fear and have no regrets as they are faithful to their calling and dependent on the Lord for the means to sustain the laborious effort service to Christ calls for.
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In the fall of 1969, Gil began a full-time teaching ministry as Senior Pastor of Indian Hills Community Church. He also earned his Ph.D. from the California Graduate School of Theology. The focus of Pastor Rugh’s ministry is systematic, verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible. As a...