I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.
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“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” 2 Timothy 4:6

Paul was in prison in Rome when writing to Timothy. Nero was the Roman Emperor during Paul’s final days in prison. Nero was notorious for the persecution and killing of Christians. Paul knew his execution was about to happen, as revealed when he said, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering…” A drink offering, usually wine, was poured out to God with the burnt and grain offerings. The burnt and grain offerings were sacrifices to God. Paul knew he was about to be killed like a burnt offering because the Roman guards were apparently making him aware of it in one way or another. The grain offering symbolizes total devotion to God and His word, which was Paul’s way of life, even to death.

The Holy Spirit is letting us know that under the government of the beast, the rulers will be like Nero in their persecution of Christians. We will be aware of it. “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you,
and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

With Paul, may we be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” The good fight is to lift up the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this atheistic world. The finish line of the race we are in is eternal life, to finish the race is to maintain our faith in Jesus Christ who gives eternal life. Keeping the faith involves persevering in serving God through Jesus Christ in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

From his heart, mind, and soul, Paul is expressing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in that one verse. Eternal life is for everyone who loves the coming of Jesus Christ. That is also said here, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Our born-again experience is the Gospel of Jesus written on our heart.

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:1