“Kept the Faith” (2 Tim 4:7)

(vs5-8) “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Keep the faith until the end. The gospel isn't just a start; it has endurance into the finish. The gospel is a race, not to the mighty or the swift,but to those who obtain mercy. Solomon wrote, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all” (Eccl 9:11).

Many start on fire for Christ, but love for this world, the devil, and coldness take over. Jesus taught, “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Luke 8:14). He says elsewhere, “and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). They once lived FOR Christ, and now they perish, living for self. The gospel isn't, “I used to be on fire in college or as a young believer, but now I've settled in. I tell my kids about Christ, but that's about it”. The gospel is a love affair with your Redeemer that DEMANDS a response. Paul said clearly, “and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Cor 5:14). People say, “Jesus is all that I have”, but you better have more. You better have a life that shows that Jesus is your hope, or your hope is in vain.

Justification by faith and justification works... or lifestyle... is taught in the bible. Scripture says, “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:25-26). I'm right by believing, without works, and I'm right because the faith that I have WORKS by love.

Finish the race on fire for Christ. Finish living that others know Him.