II Timothy 4:6-8 (NASB)”For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
II Timothy 4:6-8 World English Bible in Bold; Lee Delbridge’s Comments in Italics
For (Paul has just instructed Timothy to preach the word both in season and out of season) I (Paul) am already being offered (as a worship offering to God), and the time of my departure (death, the picture here is of a ship leaving the dock and headed out to sea) has come (is near). I (Paul) have fought the good fight (the Christian life is a battle field, not a play ground). I have finished the course (completed the purpose and plan God had for my life). I have kept the faith (Has not strayed from the true gospel). From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness (a reward for his faithful service or the crown which is righteousness — the righteousness of Jesus which is imputed to every Christian), which the Lord (Jesus), the righteous judge, will give to me on that day (judgment day); and not to me only, but also to all (Christians) those who have loved (looked forward to and desired) his appearing (Jesus’ return; His second coming).
Assignments
First: Write your own obituary. What would you like the following people say about you at your funeral? Spouse. Children. Grandchildren. Co-Workers. Friends. Neighbors. Really think about it. Work hard to get it just right.
Second: live your life so that these things you want them to say would be true.
Smyrna Christian Church 