II Timothy 4:1-8
…the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (vv. 6b-7) According to the authors of The Chronological Study Bible and other scholars, we are reading Paul’s last written words. He knows that he will soon be executed and he is writing to the man who is his most faithful, most trusted, most loved friend. He is pouring out his heart and examining his own conscience. That’s why his earlier words in today’s reading should weigh so heavily on us: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, … preach the word… (vv. 1a, 2a) A couple of days ago we saw Paul write similar words, …in the presence of many witnesses… (v. 2:2) Today the “witnesses” that he calls forth are God the Father and God the Son. He could not be more explicit in his charge to Timothy: …preach the word! As our church prepares itself to call a new rector, one requirement that I have heard on numerous occasions is that our new rector be a person who will “preach the word”. People may not know it, but in saying that they are claiming this verse. David’s own charge to our fledgling congregation when he was called as rector was “You bring the people and I’ll preach the Gospel.” It’s our duty, folks. Paul’s dying wish…!
Slava Bohu!
In v. 5, Paul calls us all to stay calm, endure suffering, share the Good News and carry out our callings. I pray that, at my end, I can say like Him, I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith.
Paul frequently uses the word “endurance.” He quotes a trustworthy saying in 2-11, “If we endure.” Again in 3-10 he uses endurance in describing his teachings and way of life. Reviewing other verses with endurance I come away with the impression that following Christ takes dedication, hard work, and overcoming obstacles that the devil throws in our way. Am I on the right track here, or are there other thoughts on “endurance”?
I think you’re right on, Jim. I also think of “commitment” and “discipline” as terms associated with endurance, along with the two you mentioned – “dedication” and “hard work”. But I think “overcoming obstacles” is a subset of the other four. It takes commitment, discipline, dedication, and hard work to overcome those obstacles.
So, bottom line, yes, following Christ does take endurance.
My thoughts.