March 4, 2015

“I Am Already...”

Blessings folk!

Paul knew that his time on earth in this corporeal existence was drawing to an end.
He wanted Timothy to know.
He wanted Timothy to hurry...we will see why later.
He wanted Timothy to receive a self-evaluation.

Read what Paul says…

2Ti 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul was being poured out as a drink offering. What was occurring presently in his life would lead to his death. He knew this. His time of departure has come.

Paul reflects upon his life of faith...past, present, future.

• He had fought the good fight
• He had finished the course
• He had kept the faith

Paul knows that the present would shortly end.
Paul knows that he has been faithful in the past and in the present.

This is not bragging hubris of the flesh of man.
This is a declaration of the truth spoken in humility.

Paul then points to the future.

• He has a crown of righteousness laid up for him
• the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award the crown “on that day”!
• this awarding was not just for Paul, but for all who love His appearing...his coming again.

Is this your attitude.
Have you/are you…

• fighting the fight
• keeping the course
• keeping the faith

If the Lord required you before Him at this moment, would you be able to state what Paul did?

If so, rejoice!
If not, why?