Good and Faithful Servant

STUDY: #900-CHURCH IN THE HOUSES FROM: JUNE 7 @ 13, 2016

Topic: "Good and Faithful Servant" 2 Timothy 4:6-8 When the apostle Paul came to Jesus he offered and handed him everything. He handed the Lord his money, education, time, and the vigor of his body. He also laid his keen mind and devoted heart at the Lord’s feet. And after many years of faithfully serving God he said, "For I am already being poured out as a drinking offering, and the time of my departure has come." 2 Timothy 4:6. The only thing left for him to offer his dear Savior was the breath of life. He was about to also put that on the sacrificial altar without any hesitation, and with the greatest joy. And so Paul’s life long struggle for the kingdom of God would come to rest. He would have tranquility after so much arduous work; this was the way the chains would break. For the apostle Paul, death was freedom. He was about to trade the confines of a Roman prison (imprisonment) for the glorious freedom of heavenly dwellings. He was setting out on a journey towards God; his last and greatest voyage. This way he would shed everything to finally rest. This was the way to break every chain, and truly be free. The apostle could say: "I have fought the good fight..." 2 Timothy 4:7. Paul proves that he has given everything he has within himself, and feels a deep satisfaction in his heart. PAUL HAS REACHED THE END, AND KNOWS THAT HE HAS PERFORMED WELL. Someone once told his mother: "I cannot look back, and see he has failed to do even the smallest thing." Here in 2 Timothy 4:7 we see that Paul could say with pride, "... I have finished the race... " It is easy to start something. But the difficult part is to conclude, finish it. One of the most important things you need in life is PERSEVERANCE, and it’s what many lack. Many ruin a noble life by doing something foolish at the end. Paul said honorably: "... I have kept the faith." It’s as if he had said: "I have observed the conditions of the contract." "I have been faithful to my commitment." Paul was committed to serving Christ, and had fulfilled his commitment without ever failing. "I have been faithful." "I have followed the rules." "I have participated in the race, in the fight." It would be wonderful to die knowing that we have never broken the rules, as Paul experienced. It would be the greatest honor in the race of life. Live a lifetime of good or bad moments; to be free or imprisoned, to be in all dangers, by land and sea, etc. And now that Paul would go through his final moment, he was satisfied that he had never lost faith in Jesus. He said in 2 Timothy 4:8 "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day..." He would have his reward before the just judge. God revealed to him the crown that awaited him. He had already won the crown of righteousness. He would have a crown that can never be destroyed. During the last days of his life, he knew he would soon be before the Roman court, and that his trial could have no other result. The apostle knew what was to be Nero’s verdict. But he did not care if he was condemned. All he was interested in was hearing his master say: "WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!" God is the righteous judge who cannot make a mistake in granting awards or allow bribes of any kind. The crown of righteousness was given to Paul for his exemplary life, his rectitude and integrity; for giving everyone what they deserved. To obtain such crown, Paul had to live in justice. A fair payment will be given to all who live doing good works, done with the grace of God. "... And not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8 Paul fought and lived believing, and as a righteous judge, God will pay him with justice. He would pay with a crown formed in justice; a material of justice. Paul is rewarded for doing what had to be done in a righteous way, as commendable as befits a child of God. Paul tells his beloved disciple Timothy: "The end of my life is close and I know I will get my reward. If you follow my steps you too will have the same confidence, and joy when you get to your end." PAUL’S JOY AND CONFIDENCE IS OPEN TO ANYONE WHO ALSO FIGHTS THE BATTLE, FINISHES THE RACE AND KEEPS THE FAITH. Amen.