Fight the Good Fight

Introduction

Paul provides 3 reasons for Timothy to fulfil his charge to preach faithfully:

(1) He is leaving the battleground but Timothy is still in it;
(2) He has done his share of the work;
(3) He has much joy and confidence as he awaits his departure because he had fought the good fight.

On this third reason, we may consider 3 things:

 How Paul speaks of the end of his life as a final offering.
 How he speaks of his death as a departure.
 His anticipation of receiving the crown of righteousness.

1. The End of Life is a Final Offering
   v6 "For I am now ready to be offered" [Grk. spendō],…cf. Num 1-10; Rom 12:1

2. Death is Departure
   "… and the time of my departure is at hand." cf. Phil 1:23-24; 2 Cor 5:6, 8; Ps 23:4

3. What Awaits is a Crown?
   v7-8 "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."

 When? (2 steps)
 What? (cf. 1Cor 9:25; Kgs 19:5; 1 Pet 5:4; Jas 1:12; Rev 2:20)
 Why “crown of righteousness”? (3 reasons)
 Who gives? (cf. Jn 5:22)
 Who receives? (cf. Rev 22:12; Mt 25:21, 23)

Conclusion