2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Acts 20:24 (ESV) But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
In a race, only one runner wins. However, in the Christian-life race, everyone who pays the price of vigilant training for the cause of Christ can win.
Philippians 3:14 (ESV) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:24–25 (ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Every believer runs his own race. Those who finish well, have a Christ-centred life. Those who finish well, have a focused life. Those who end well, have a disciplined life.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
To finish well, keep in focus Paul’s view of the present, the past, and the future.
- the present, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God” Paul gave his entire life to God. He poured it out as an offering to God. Rom. 12:1 (NET) Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice
- alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service.
- the past, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
- the future, “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness”
“Are you as excited about eternity that you wouldn’t want to live here in this world again? Is heaven your home or this world? You can only be homesick for where your home is! …As we approach the finish line, we must all examine our hearts and ask ourselves…Do we know that when the Lord comes back He will tell us? ‘…well done, good and faithful servant!’” – Amir Tsarfati
Matthew 25:23 (NLT) “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’