| 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Have you ever thought about what God will say to you after you’ve finished the course of your earthly life? The apostle Paul was imprisoned when he wrote the epistle known as Second Timothy, and he knew his life would soon be over. Since this letter contains his last words to the young man he mentored, we can assume that Paul was writing about matters he considered of highest priority.
What a blessing, not just for Timothy but for also for us, that Paul took the opportunity to instruct fellow believers and pray for them. He understood that the Christian life is full of struggles, obstacles, and suffering, and through the ages his letter has encouraged Christians to persevere faithfully. And that is possible only if we do what he himself did throughout his ministry—rely on the grace of Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2:1).
In addition, Paul urges us to cling to the truth of God’s Word and handle it accurately (2 Tim. 2:15). He also tells us to cleanse ourselves from sin and flee sinful lusts so we can be sanctified and useful to our Master (2 Tim. 2:20-22).
Later in that same letter, Paul confidently writes about the crown of righteousness awaiting him (2 Tim. 4:7-8). If we’ll follow his advice to Timothy, we too can expect to finish life well.
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