Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Though God used Paul to share with Timothy and us that his life was ending, God also used Paul to share a challenge and incredible words of encouragement for today. The challenge for us is whether we can say, each day, that we have fought the good fight, that we have finished the race for that day well, and that we have firmly guarded the gospel through our lips and lives that day. God does not want us to wait until the end of our lives to examine them fully, but He wants us to examine how we’re living for Him daily. We are in daily battles against the spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:10-18) and we must fight the good fight each day. We have to fight by crucifying our fleshly desires (Romans 6:12-14 and Galatians 5:19-21) so our lives are clothed in God’s characteristics and attributes (Galatians 5:22-23 and 2 Peter 1:3-10). The encouraging news is that we are looking forward to “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award” to every one of His children when we’re called home by Him. The crown our Lord Jesus Christ gives us is not because of what we have done but it is because of what He has done for us. We have no righteousness apart from our Lord and we have no right to a crown apart from being called His children. What a glorious day it will be when we are with our Lord forever.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about fighting the good fight, finishing well each day, and guarding His Truth?
2. How are you fighting the good fight each day, finishing well His plans for you each day, and guarding His Truth each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!