Paul was the consummate warrior for the cause of Christ; never quitting regardless of the dangers and indignities he faced. The apostle's campaign began on the Damascus Road and eventually took him across the ancient world on four long missionary journeys.
He had an awe-inspiring sense of fulfillment when he came to the end of his life. Here is an oft-quoted passage from his last epistle; penned before being martyred in 67 A.D. It is a profound statement that serves as Paul's epitaph ...
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. 2 Timothy 4:6-7
It is a deeply moving affirmation of Paul's unwavering faith and unyielding love for Jesus Christ. The Bible unveils a life and ministry that continues to set a powerful example for us today ...
Few believers attack evil the way Paul did. 'So-called' Christians are so busy tolerating and justifying immorality that as the 'day of the Lord' approaches, there remains little to no voracity to fight against sin.
Starting the race is exciting but to finish requires more than most are willing to give. Today's church is plagued with 'quitters', but when sanctification takes root in the life of a believer he can one day say 'It is finished' ... much like his Savior did when He completed His work on Calvary's cross.
If someone spends time telling you that he has not departed from the faith ... it is likely he already has. If one hasn't abandoned his devotion to Christ he has no need to proclaim it ... it will show. Guard 'faith' from error and keep it from being corrupted by today's belief system.
Spurgeon - It is my desire that death will perfect my entire career, that death will be the capstone on the building so that nothing is needed to complete my life’s work. Is it this way with you? Suppose you were to die at this moment, would your life be complete? Or would it be a broken column snapped off in the center?
Oh, that we might finish with 'no regrets'.
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