"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Why does anyone exercise when it is difficult, study hard, or work hard at their jobs? They engage in these activities because they expect a reward, and they expect that reward to be greater than any of the sacrifices made to reach that reward. That reward becomes their focus. They exercise to be healthy, study hard to get good grades which will result in more rewards, and work hard to receive a promotion. All of these things are done with the end reward in mind. My friend, the same is true in our faith. As we consider the end of our lives, God promises He will reward us for our faithfulness.
The book of 2 Timothy teaches us about the promise that God will reward faithfulness. In 2 Timothy 4, the Apostle Paul wrote to his mentee, Timothy, examining the life that he had lived. As he thought about his life, he wrote that he had worked and fought to live faithfully (verse 7). As a result of his faithfulness, he would be rewarded. "And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return" (verse 8a). Paul understood that his faithfulness was not in vain. God was going to reward him for the faithful life he had lived. He spread the gospel. He endured persecution. He made Christ known by using his gifts and talents worldwide, and as he considered his life, he looked forward to the coming reward from God.
Paul did not end his teaching, explaining that he would be rewarded. Instead, he explained in 2 Timothy 4, "And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing" (verse 8b). All followers of Christ who live faithfully and look to Him will also be rewarded. This includes you and me. In the end, we will also be rewarded for our faithfulness. God will evaluate what we did with the lives and gifts we were given and how we used them for His glory. May you and I seek each day to live faithful lives so that one day we can say along with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me."
Take time today to spend a few extra moments relishing in 2 Timothy 4:1-8. Read them slowly and out loud if you would like. After reading, choose one verse from this section to commit to memory. As you commit this verse to memory, let it remind you of the reward God promises for faithfulness.
2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NLT)
"I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."
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