Memory Verse:
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
The Fight, the Finish and the Faith……
The Apostle Paul is near the end of his life when he writes the words of our text. He is in prison with the sentence of death upon him for preaching Christ. Soon he will be beheaded at the order of Nero the wicked Roman emperor. As Paul nears the end of his life, he makes a statement regarding his devotion to Christ. It is an outstanding statement. It speaks of his fight, his finish, and his faith.
Fight. “I have fought a good fight.” This does not mean Paul was pugnacious nor that he was a prize fighter. Rather, it means Paul gave the devil a good fight. Paul fought sin. Most people make peace with sin, but Paul fought it. He was at war with evil and boldly opposed it. We need more folk like that today. It seems that most people are compromising with sin instead of condemning it. Our churches are filled with it and no one dares to condemn it. Our land is full of it, too. But instead of condemning it, our legislatures legalize it; and society criticizes those who oppose sin.
Finish. “I have finished my course.” Paul is using the language of a runner here. Many start on their course but never finish it. It is exciting to start, but it requires much effort to finish. The church is plagued with quitters which is another way of saying the church is plagued by unfaithfulness. People simply do not stick to the job until it is done. “Finished” reminds us that Christ was also able to say, “It is finished” (John 19:30). He completed His work. Do not be a quitter. Stick with your job until you finish the work. It is good to start, but it is even better to finish.
Faith. “I have kept the faith.” The word “kept” means to guard. Paul had been faithful to the faith. He had kept his message from error. He did not depart from the truth when the going got tough and persecution resulted. So many of our churches and schools are slipping away from the faith today. They have buildings and finances, but they do not have fidelity regarding the faith. Be true to the faith. Guard your faith from error. Our faith may not be popular, but it is right.
Prayer:
Father we thank you for reminding us the importance of the race that we are in. We ask that you will strengthen us to run this race of life with Faith, trusting you to continue to do a good work in us. Lord when we are weak and tired we ask that your spirit will provide us the fuel, the favor and faithfulness to keep running. God keep us from sin and may we consistently, courageously, and confidently fight against the sin that seeks to destroy our lives…in Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tomi D. King
Swans Creek Missionary Baptist Church 