2 Timothy 4:6-8 Run a good race - stay the course!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

  Well, we have visited about people having "itching ears" - wanting to hear only what pleases them and ignoring the truth. Also, that we, as evangelist, need to go forth and share the truth, the word of God, salvation to others.

   Paul at this point knows the end is near for him and is encouraging Timothy to continue on.  2 Timothy 4: ⁶ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

  Paul either knows or senses that his time here is coming to a close.  In doing so Paul says, "I am now ready to be offered" - meaning he will be sacrificed or martyred for Jesus Christ.  Paul knows his time has come and is writing to encourage Timothy and others and wants them to be ready, when the time comes, be ready to go to heaven with God our Father in Heaven. Understand here, that Paul is in prison in Rome and awaiting the call from Nero to be sent (to be with Jesus) to death.
  
⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

  These words were meant to bring encouragement to Timothy and should be inspiring to us as well.  When you fight, you fight to win--not to lose.  Paul stayed the course, after his experience on the road to Damascus and coming face to face with Jesus, Paul "took up his cross" and stayed true to the course.  He preached the gospel, the way to salvation to all; to ones willing to hear, to ones will to harm, to ones who believeth not.  Paul stayed on the course, he did not lose the faith, and spread the word to all (fought the good fight).

   This is what we are called to do - to fight the good fight; stay the course; maintain our faith.  So much evil is lurking around us constantly, daily, at home, at work, in the world. LBGT movement, transgender restrooms, terrorist attacks, and people just scoffing at God.

  If we will stay true to the course, the commission that Jesus laid before us, what we (you and I) are to do we will win.  Just like running a race - you receive an award or medal for winning.  When we continue loving our brothers and sisters, sharing the gospel, and staying true to Jesus we will win. See what Paul says:
 ⁸ 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.

  Will you run the race; stay the course?  I now rest my case. Love you all.

Johnny