A GALLANT
GOODBYE
II Timothy
4:6-8
"I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
INTRODUCTION:
1.
Background of II Timothy (Nero, burning of Rome, Paul’s imprisonment).
2. II
Timothy 4:6-8.
a) I
am now ready to be offered (I am already being offered – ASV).
b)
Time of my departure is at hand.
3. What
enabled Paul to face his death with such confidence?
DISCUSSION:
I. I have
fought a good fight.
A.
Indicates there is a contest, or conflict, taking place (opposing ideas,
forces, etc.).
B. Also
consider Ephesians 6:10-13; I Timothy 6:12; I Peter 5:8.
C. We ought
to take on the characteristics of a fighter (preparation, willingness,
courage, etc.).
II. I have
finished my course.
A. Paul is
drawing a parallel between an athletic event and the Christian life.
B. Compare
this to the performance of a football team.
C. Consider
I Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 3:12; Revelation 2:10.
D. We ought
to be determined never, never to give up!
III. I have
kept the faith.
A. Paul
does not refer to his personal faith, but rather to the faith (the
system of the faith).
B. Paul was
not a deserter.
C. Consider
Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; I Corinthians 16:13; II Corinthians 13:5; Galatians
1:23; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:23;
Colossians 2:7; I Timothy 1:2; I Timothy 4:1; I Timothy 5:8; Jude 3.
CONCLUSION:
1.
Because Paul had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith,
he could look forward to receiving a crown of righteousness (crown of life –
James 1:12; crown of victory – I Corinthians 9:24-27.
2. Paul
knew he would not be the only one to receive a crown, but there would be a
crown for all those who have loved his (Christ’s) appearing.
|
