It Starts Small

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.

2 TImothy 4:6-8

Here Paul passionately declares that his life is already being poured out as a drink offering. This signifies that his death is imminent. Just as a drink offering is sacrificially given to God, Paul has devoted his very life to Him.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship

Romans 12:1

In Romans 12:1, he fervently urges believers to present themselves as a living sacrifice to God. They should embody the commitment he himself embraces. Despite numerous opportunities to flee for his life, Paul resolutely chose not to abandon his mission. Fellow believers warned him about the dangers awaiting in Jerusalem. However, he pressed on. He understood that fulfilling his divine calling held far greater significance than his own survival. Paul recognized that death was not the end. It was not a finality but merely a departure. It was a stepping stone to be with the Lord. This profound realization fueled his determination to make every moment of his life a testament to purpose and passion.

As Paul approaches the twilight of his life, he immerses himself in deep reflection on his journey. Paul shares his experiences with Timothy with great inspiration. He aims to ignite a fire within Timothy to emulate Paul’s unwavering resolve. Throughout the pages of this book, we have witnessed Paul passionately urging Timothy to rise above despair. He encourages Timothy to stand strong in his convictions. Paul insists Timothy press onward with fierce determination. He should fulfill the divine purpose God has orchestrated for him. Paul fervently reminds Timothy that he has also traversed this empowering path. He encourages his disciple to embrace the same courageous spirit.

He himself had:

“Fought the good fight.” The Christian life is a fierce battle. Against what or who? We stand against our formidable foes, with the foremost being Satan and his relentless demons. Our struggle transcends mere flesh and blood. It is a confrontation against the insidious spiritual forces of wickedness lurking in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:10).

What powerful tools do we require to wage war against these malevolent spiritual entities? We fight against the evil world system. What tools do we to overcome the world?

We fiercely battle against our own old flesh, wrestling with its sinful desires and relentless temptations. In this life, we will confront a myriad of struggles. Many of these may seem unworthy of our energy. However, this particular battle demands our all. We cannot retreat! We will not give up! We refuse to compromise! We shall never surrender!

“Finished the course.” Different words illuminate the Christian life, each spotlighting its exhilarating aspects. Here, the term “course” powerfully signifies our existence as a grand race. We are called to remain steadfast on the track, resisting the temptation to stray into our own chaotic paths. We must embody the spirit of an athlete—disciplined, diligent, energized, and relentlessly driven toward our goals. The journey may stretch long and winding, filled with innumerable hurdles. Yet, like Paul, we can aspire to cross that finish line. We reflect on our lives with unwavering pride. We know we’ve served God with fervor. We have given our utmost at every turn.

Many people start the race. But few finish well. Many Christian workers (missionaries, pastors, teachers, etc.) give up after a while. Many professing believers turn away from the Lord when they face trials or temptations. What can we do to help ensure that we finish the course like Paul?

“Kept the faith.” Paul stood unwavering. His belief in Jesus blazed like an unquenchable fire. He refused to be shaken or turned away from his rock-solid conviction!

Paul’s labor was remembered by the Lord. Jesus Himself would present him with the crown of righteousness on the day of the judgment for rewards. In the Bible there are five different crowns that are mentioned. Each of these represents an area of potential rewards. These rewards are for believers who go above and beyond in their service for the Lord.

This remarkable crown is bestowed upon those who fervently love His appearing! It undoubtedly signifies those who eagerly anticipate Jesus’ glorious second coming. Their hearts ache with an intense desire to behold Jesus. This deep longing fuels their commitment to live a righteous life. They zealously share His love with others.

¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne and say,

¹¹ Our Lord and God,
you are worthy to receive
glory and honor and power,
because you have created all things,
and by your will
they exist and were created.

Revelation 4:10-11

We are promised a glorious day when we will cast our crowns (these very crowns!) at the feet of Jesus. On that magnificent day, will you have crowns to offer Him, or will you stand there empty-handed? If you have put your trust in Jesus, you possess eternal life and are eternally secure in His embrace. But remember, this does not automatically grant you rewards for your faithful service. Each day unfolds as a precious chance to amass treasures in heaven. We hold the power to make an eternal impact! When the time comes, we can present those rewards to Christ in heartfelt gratitude. We will acknowledge the incredible sacrifice He made by giving His life for us.

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Cross-References

• Exodus 29:40-41
• 1 Timothy 6:12

5 Crowns:

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
• 1 Thessalonians 2:19
• 2 Timothy 4:8
• 1 Peter 5:4
• Revelation 2:10
• Revelation 4:10

Discussion Questions

• What does Paul mean “I am already being poured out as a drink offering?”
• What is a drink offering?
• At the end of Paul’s life, what was his evaluation of how he had lived?
• What is the good fight?
• How can we ensure that we will be able to say the same things at the end of our lives?
• What would Paul receive after death?
• What is the crown of righteousness exactly?
• Who else will receive this crown?
• What does it mean to “love His appearing?”

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