2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
I love these verses. The Apostle Paul is close to death's door and he says with confidence that he has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. He is confident that the Lord will judge him faithful and will reward him with the crown of righteousness.
Paul is not the only one who will receive the crown of righteousness. All those who love and wait for the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ will receive a crown of righteousness.
What does it mean to love His appearing? Those who truly love His appearing will live in light of that Day. The Lord is the righteous Judge and they will live with that knowledge in mind. Only those who have done battle with sin (fought the good fight) , finished the race and kept the faith can truly love His appearing. All others will fear His appearing.
If He came back today, would He find you faithful? Would you be looking for Him? Would you be living your life as you would if He were standing physically right next to you? Would you be able to say as Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"? It's not too late to make the changes necessary to be able to say this on your final day. If you feel you have failed, remember God stands ready to forgive and to help you get in the race. Press on!
Sufficient Grace for Suffering Saints
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