WHAT DID PAUL DO?

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith". 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

If we are going to finish well, it is imperative that we keep our focus. One person in the Bible who is a great example of finishing well in Life’s Journey is Paul. He did not start out so well but he finished well. He was a persecutor of Christians and he was even there at the stoning of Stephen, giving his approval to his death. But the Lord gave him the opportunity to step into Hope and he became a believer in Jesus Christ.

He then took the next steps of faith and continued on in the journey. He took steps that stood firm when he was arrested, beaten, stoned and he finished well. As he approached his death, he told Timothy what he was concerned about. He was concerned for others to come to salvation and he also encouraged Timothy to properly “discharge the duties” of his ministry. How was it that Paul was able to face what he faced and yet came to the end of the race, the end of his life’s journey and still be focused on others coming to Christ? It is because Paul is focused on the eternal, not the temporary. He understood that our hope is not found in this life or in anything in it.

What did Paul do? He fought a good fight and kept the faith in the mist of staggering oppositions. He was focused on the prize (Eternal Crown of Righteousness - Verse 8). Keeping our focus on the eternal will enable us to take the steps that are required for finishing well. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. 

Further Scripture Study: 1 Timothy 6:12

Declare This: Heavenly Father, my focus is on You. I will not allow what is going on around me dictate the prize You have for me. I am strengthened on all sides in Jesus name Amen.