Today’s Thoughts – 30 March 2021
By T. S. Candee on March 30, 2021 in Second Timothy Thoughts
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
With what we discussed in our last post, we are to preach the Word! Here, Paul tells us to preach the Word as an evangelist ensuring that we always preach the gospel and draw the net. We must always give people an opportunity to get saved and get right with God.
But also, we must preach and teach with a sober mind. We are to watch for false teaching, for sin in the church, and for those who would destroy the ministry God has given to us (1 Peter 5:8). We are to make sure we are right with God when we stand up to preach or teach.
And when it comes to our ministry, whatever it may be, it is God-ordained. It is His ministry. But we must do our part to get things done. Thus, Paul admonishes us here to make full proof of our ministry. This means to do it right and to take it all the way – finish strong!
We must do all of this because one day, our life will end here on earth or we will be raptured with the saints. Will we be able to say like Paul,
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith
If we love Christ, we have the opportunity to fight good, finish our course, and keep the faith. The word keep here doesn’t just imply guarding the faith, but observing it and doing it. We don’t just guard the faith from foes, but we use the faith that God has given us to complete the mission and make full proof of our ministry.
There are crowns awaiting those who live their lives dedicated to the Lord and in service for Him. Like Paul, we must offer up our lives to Christ (Romans 12:1) and allow Him to fulfill His plan so we may earn those crowns that we will cast at His feet.
