Finish the Course of Life by Keeping the Faith

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

The term “fought” in Greek means engagement in military conflict against an opponent.

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The letter to Timothy was written by Paul shortly before his death in A.D. 67. It is a touching testament to Paul’s enduring faith and his unwavering love for Jesus.

I have fought the good fight, which is a significant reminder that the Christian life is a struggle against evil within ourselves and a struggle against the powers that are evil in the world.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.

The life of a Christian is a constant fight and an unceasing effort to resist evil. It is not a physical war against politics or society, but rather a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness, which includes the rulers of the darkness, spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places.

This is why we must put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,

The ministry of Paul serves as a powerful example for us to follow in modeling Christ today. He not only fought the good fight but also finished the race and kept his faith. Paul was aware that his strength came from Jesus, who said, “I can do all things through Christ.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Let us follow the teachings of the scriptures, lay aside our sins, and run the race to the finish line.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

At the end of our lives, let us hope to echo the words of Paul.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Click here to read more articles transformedbythetruth.com

Share this: