“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Paul had been a respected Pharisee in Roman society. All of that was stripped away when he met Jesus the Messiah on the Damascus road. Becoming a follower of Jesus led to a life of immense joy. But all the rest of the days of his life would be marked by intense suffering as well.
The Lord called Paul His chosen instrument and declared that he would carry His name to the Gentiles, to their kings, and to the people of Israel (see Acts 9:15-16). He carried out this mission, enduring hardships along the way but also experiencing the presence and power of the Lord. Many came to faith; churches were established.
We too are called to keep the faith all the days of our lives, whatever the trials may be that God ordains. He provides weapons of warfare for the battle and armor that we can put on by faith. Paul speaks of this provision in his letter to the Ephesian believers. It is not in our own strength that any battle is won. It is through the power of the resurrected Christ from the day we are born to the moment we join Him in eternity.
The Lord called Paul His chosen instrument and declared that he would carry His name to the Gentiles, to their kings, and to the people of Israel (see Acts 9:15-16). He carried out this mission, enduring hardships along the way but also experiencing the presence and power of the Lord. Many came to faith; churches were established.
We too are called to keep the faith all the days of our lives, whatever the trials may be that God ordains. He provides weapons of warfare for the battle and armor that we can put on by faith. Paul speaks of this provision in his letter to the Ephesian believers. It is not in our own strength that any battle is won. It is through the power of the resurrected Christ from the day we are born to the moment we join Him in eternity.
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 4:1-8
Insight
We can pray along with Moses who asked the Lord, “Teach us to number our days, that wemay gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 5-6
- Psalm 28
- Mark 8
