Beech Tree News Network

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (II Tim. 4:6-8). The words written by the apostle Paul show that he was ready to meet God. His execution was in the near future for him. He was ready to die because he had made preparations for eternity, as we all must do. What did Paul do to prepare for eternity?

First, Paul “fought a good fight.” Of course, Paul was one who fought bravely for Christ while living. After his conversion, Paul wasted no time declaring the truth (Acts 9:17-22). Paul waged a battle for the hearts and souls of men in cities and towns all over the Middle East, Asia Minor, and Europe (Acts 9:23-25, 29-30, 13:6-12, 38-51, 14:1-7, 19:26). Paul was not simply fighting, he was fighting a “good fight.” Paul could say he fought a “good fight” because he was standing for the truth! He stood for the truth and proclaimed it regardless of the consequences! As a result, he could truly say, “I have fought a good fight.” Are you fighting the “good fight” for God?

Paul also said, “I finished my course.” A “course” is a race. In I Corinthians 9:24-27, we read another time when Paul talked about life as a race. Paul placed great emphasis on “finishing” his course. Too many do not have what it takes to finish the course! We could name many who began to serve Christ, but stopped for some reason.

Why could Paul finish his course? It is because he had self-control (I Cor. 9:27). He knew how to be content in whatever situation he faced (Phil. 4:11-13)! Too many today get discouraged and quit the Lord because they are not content to do what God says! Other things could be said about him, such as his strong stand for the truth and courage to stand against false brethren and false teachers (II Tim. 2:16-18, 4:10, 15). Let us determine to be as Paul and finish the course of this life!

Paul also “kept the faith.” With these words, Paul declares that he was not “wishy-washy.” He was not constantly changing from faithful-to-unfaithful and vice versa.  Paul was not a “fair-weather Christian.” (i.e. being a Christian when it was convenient for him.) I know this because of the things Paul faced daily (II Cor. 11:23-28). These things would make most people throw up their hands and quit. Not Paul! He said, “I have kept the faith.”

We must also “keep the faith” if we will see Heaven one day (I Cor. 15:58). What will be the result of preparing? We will receive a crown that will be given by the Lord (II Tim. 4:8). What have you done to prepare for eternity? We must prepare for eternity while we have the chance.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167