Calling 9-1-1

“Do your best to come to me soon” (2Tim 4:9).

Who You Gonna Call?

You get one phone call. Maybe you need bail. Maybe your car broke down. Maybe you need prayer. Maybe you desperately just need someone be there. Whatever’s going on, you simply can’t do it alone.

You need help and you need it now. You’re in a bind. Your back’s against the wall. You’re pinned between the rock and the proverbial hard place.

Like the Ghostbusters say, “Who you gonna call?” Who’s your emergency contact. Who’s your lifeline? Who’s your first phone call? Who’s your personal 9-1-1 call?

Long before there were such things as 9-1-1, emergency numbers, or even telephones, folks still needed help in a hurry. Crank up the Flux Capacitor for 66 AD. The place is Rome’s infamous Mamertine Prison. The person is the Apostle Paul. The purpose is desperation. He needs help. Right. Now.

Drop Everything

The man from Tarsus sits on Death Row and knows he’s about to die. He’s poured his life out in worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). He’s gone the distance and is crossing the finish line in the obstacle course called life (2Tim 4:7). It won’t be long before he’s face to face with his Savior and receiving his reward (2Tim 4:8).

Paul can’t wait to see Jesus. He’s made that clear (2Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23). But there’s just one more thing he wants to do before that happens. He would love to see his friend Timothy one last time. “Do your best to come to me soon” (v9). Drop everything and get here quickly. Do not pass “Go.” Do not collect $200.

A Call from Paul

Imagine being THE one person Paul wants to see before he sees Jesus. I mean, the dude is on one of the shortest lists in history as a capital “A” Apostle of the Son of God! Christ personally handpicked this guy to tell non-Jewish people that God’s Messiah is for everyone (Acts 9:15; Rom 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2, 7-9; 3:8; 1Tim 2:7; 2Tim 4:17).

Paul has made three tours of the Mediterranean Rim telling people about Jesus. For Pete’s sake, He’s will have written 14 (and some say 15) books of what we now call the New Testament.

Paul’s Contact List

Put yourself in Tim’s sandals for just a moment. The apostle could have reached out any number of biblical VIPs in his time of need. I mean, he certainly had Peter and the other ten apostles on speed dial. He was friends with Jesus’ kid brother James (Acts 15:13; 21:18).

How about his original traveling buddy Barnabas (Acts 11:25; 13:1-14:28)? Titus certainly has the credentials (2Cor 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:6-23; 12:18; Gal 2:1-3; 2Tim 4:10; Titus 1:4). Silas would have to be near the top of the list (Acts 15:22-18:5; 2Cor 1:19; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1). Don’t forget Apollos (Acts 18:2-18; 1Cor 4:1; 16:12; Titus 3:13).

Paul could have called Aquila and Priscilla (Rom 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19). Maybe Epaphras (Col 4:12; Phm 23) or Epaproditus (Phil 2:25-30; 4:15-18). He and Philemon go way back (Phm 1). The apostle could always count on Tychicus when the chips were down (Eph 6:21-22; Col 4:7-9; 2Tim 4:12; Titus 3:12).

We see a little later that Dr. Luke is already by his side (2Tim 4:11). The apostle also goes out of his way see if Tim can get John Mark to come with him as well (2Tim 4:11). You might be surprised to see Mark mentioned. Let’s just say Paul and Mark’s relationship is…well…complicated (Acts 13:13; 15:37-41). And these are just a few of the names in the apostle’s contacts!

Paul’s Spiritual Son

But most of all, Paul wants Timothy. And why not? He sees the young preacher as his spiritual son (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2). God brought them together on his second tour of Turkey (Acts 16:1-3). From that point on, Tim was part of the apostle’s inner circle (Acts 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom 16:21).

Tim was Paul’s go-to guy for special assignments (1Cor 4:17; 16:10; 2:19-23; 1Th 3:2-6). The apostle has put him in charge of his beloved church plant in Ephesus (1Tim 1:3). He was right there when it came time to write to fellow followers of Jesus (2Cor 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1; Phm 1).

Here at the end of Paul’s life, he has two important reasons to write Timothy. One, to personally pass the baton of ministry (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Two, encourage him to drop everything and get his tail to Rome so he can see his face one last time (v9; 2Tim 4:21). Let that sink in. Not only is the great apostle entrusting you with a critical position of leadership but he urgently wants to spend time with you in his final days.

Not Afraid to Ask for Help

“Do your best to come to me soon” (v9). This little verse speaks about the apostle. While his spiritual resume certainly puts ours to shame, he’s not afraid to ask for help. He’s not afraid to admit he’s lonely. He’s not afraid to be totally transparent.

How about you? Are you one of those folks who can’t show any weakness? Nobody sees the real you. You’re like the old line from the deodorant commercial, “Never let them see you sweat.” No matter what comes your way, you make sure you put up a front that you’ve got everything under control. There’s just one little problem. You don’t.

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

If the Apostle Paul isn’t afraid to call 9-1-1, where do you and I get off thinking we have to handle stuff alone? Are the person in your small group who NEVER has problem? When it’s time for prayer request, you always respond with something like “I’m good” or “Too blessed to be stressed!”

Hey, I’m NOT saying you should manufacture something when life is truly good. But pull back the curtain. Let folks see the real you. Let people pray for you. Let God use others to help you. Don’t rob them of the blessing to help!

Take a lesson from Paul. He’s like Temptations. He ain’t too proud to beg! He ain’t too proud to ask for help. He ain’t too proud to call 9-1-1.

Don’t Walk…RUN!!

The apostle pleads with Tim to “do your best” (v9) to come for a visit. He uses the Greek verb σπουδαζω/spoudazo, which means to make haste, be eager, exert yourself, be diligent, work hard, or do something in a hurry and give it everything you’ve got. It emphasizes the zeal to get something done right now.

Paul’s not making a suggestion. He’s not dropping a hint. This is not some manipulative moment of passive aggression where he tells Tim, “Hey, if you get a chance.” Not even close.

Σπουδαζω/spoudazo actually comes from the root word for “foot” (Gr. πους/pous). In other words, Paul is telling the young preacher to move your feet! Beat feet, son! Hurry! Don’t walk…RUN!! From the apostle’s perspective, Tim can’t get to Rome fast enough.

Red Alert!

A little earlier in this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to be a tenacious Bible teacher and, “Do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to present yourself to God as one approved” (2Tim 2:15).

Two different times, our man Paul uses this very word when asking his friends to come see him immediately.  A few verses later, he tells Tim a second time, “Do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to come before winter” (2Tim 4:21). In his letter to Titus, he writes, “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there” (Titus 3:12).

Just in case Tim’s tempted to put this trip on the back burner, the apostle emphasizes the urgency. This really must happen “soon” (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos), which accents that we’re talking quickly, hastily, at once, swiftly, and with great speed.

It’s the idea of ASAP. Urgent! Red alert! Scramble! Timothy is Paul’s 9-1-1 call.

Hurry!

When Jesus shows up at her brother’s funeral, people there see a grieving Mary sprint “quickly (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos) and go out” to meet Him (Jn 11:31). In her pain, Mary didn’t mess around and wait for Christ to find her.

Paul uses this same term when describing his own travel plans. He promises the Corinthians, “I will come soon (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos), if the Lord wills” (1Cor 4:15). He writes to the Philippian church how he not only will send Timothy “soon (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos)” (Phil 2:22) and also “trusts in the Lord that shortly (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos) I myself will come also” (Phil 2:15).

Big Ideas in an Urgent Little Plea

Don’t miss the VERY big ideas Paul crams into his short but urgent little plea. First of all, nobody stands alone. Not you. Not me. Not leaders. Not followers. Not even apostles. Remember what God said to Adam? Being alone is a bad idea. Being alone is NOT God’s idea.

Second, admit when you need help. Too many of us have believed the lie that asking for assistance reveals weakness. You know the old saying, “Never let them see you sweat.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Ask for help. Use your lifeline. Make that 9-1-1 call. You certainly don’t want to be Chicken Little. But don’t soft sell your situation either.

Third, be ready to respond when someone’s alone and in trouble. ESPECIALLY when they’re alone and in trouble. Too often I’m so self-absorbed that I fail to see a friend who’s hanging by a thread. I need to get my eyes off the dude in the mirror and start looking for someone in distress. Hello, McFly!

Fourth, when I get one of those 9-1-1 calls, I need to answer. Don’t ignore it. Don’t screen your calls. Don’t let it go to voicemail. Pick up. Find out what’s going on. And when you do, “do your best” (v9) to drop everything and get there in a hurry. The paraphrase in The Message couldn’t be more blunt. “Get here as fast as you can” (v9 The Message).

Saving Your Eternal Bacon

In the end, Paul is NOT hoping Timothy will save his eternal bacon. He’s made it crystal clear in everything he’s written that his trust is in Christ and Christ alone. Paul can’t save himself. Tim can’t do it either. Salvation is Jesus’ job. Period.

In the closing moments of the apostle’s letter, he goes out of his way to make that point a couple of more times. His Savior has done it before. “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2Tim 4:17). His Savior will do it again. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2Tim 4:18).

Forsaken by the Father

Paul knows deep in his hear that because Jesus was abandoned, we never have to be. While He hung in agony on the cross just moments before His death, Christ shouted the opening line to Psalm 22 in Aramaic. “‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34).

The brutality and physical torture Jesus experienced is impossible for most of us to wrap our heads around. It’s what makes Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” so hard to watch.

But the deepest suffering our Savior experienced wasn’t the flogging. It wasn’t the nails. It wasn’t the spear piercing His ribcage. It was the separation and abandonment of His Dad.

Once Jesus actually took on every sin we ever committed or will commit, the Father had to turn His back on His one and only Son. Jesus’ cry from the cross is one of cosmic loneliness. He was abandoned so that we never have to be.

God is ALWAYS with Us

Fast forward a few days after the Lord’s resurrection to His final words to His followers on a mountain top. After instructing His disciples to keep making disciples, Christ makes one final promise. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). “God with us” (Mt 1:23) is ALWAYS with us.

If you’ve placed your trust in Jesus, you’ll never be alone again. He’s with you. He’ll never ditch you. He’ll never bail on you. He’s with you ALWAYS. Don’t forget Christ came to your eternal rescue before you ever even thought of picking up the phone.

Paul holds that truth tight as he makes his 9-1-1 call to Timothy.

Jesus and the Russian Judge

“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2Tim 4:8).

The Russian Judge

Growing up as a sports fan in the sixties and seventies, I was painfully aware of the infamous “Russian judge” at the Olympics. Back in a previous millennium, Cold War tensions spilled over into athletics.

In just about every event involving an evaluation of a performance, some dude from the Soviet bloc would toss out a ridiculous score ruining the chances of an American athlete. Figure skating. Gymnastics. Ski jumping. Diving. Boxing.

Some red-blooded jock from the good ol’ U. S. of A. would train for four years and deliver the performance of their lives only to see a judge from a communist country ruin any chance of a medal. You could never trust the Russian judge. Ever.

The Ultimate Victory

A couple of thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul knew his eternal fate wasn’t in the hands of some puppet looking to rig the system against him. Despite being on Death Row in a Roman prison, he writes to his spiritual son about ultimate victory.

“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v8). Unlike certain American Olympians, Paul trusts in the One who will make the call on his performance.

Up Close and Personal

Just like the TV networks like to give us those up-close-and-personal feature stories about these little known competitors in weird Olympic sports, let’s take a closer look at how the man from Tarsus found himself walking the Green Mile as an enemy of the Roman Empire.

Everything changed for Paul one day outside the city Damascus. Back in the day, the apostle previously known as Saul was trying to wipe the followers of Jesus off the face of the Earth (Acts 8:1-3). He was on his way bring the pain on another group of Christ’s disciples when the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter supernaturally mugged him (Acts 9:1-8).

From Murderer to Messenger

The next thing you know, this murderer becomes Jesus’ number one messenger. An assassin becomes an apostle. In case your keeping score at home, that’s exactly the same thing Christ does to you and me. He turns enemies into family members (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21-22). Our Savior loves flipping the script by showing off and using “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1Cor 1:27). And by “foolish,” he’s talking about you and me.

Saul the Assassin transforms into Paul the Apostle and dedicates his life to touring the Mediterranean Rim telling everyone about how Jesus has thrown the doors of God’s kingdom open to everyone. This totally freaks out the Jewish leaders who immediately put a contract out on Paul in order to shut him up once and for all.

A Letter from Prison

After a wild and crazy thirty years on tour for the Good News, the apostle finds himself behind bars (2Tim 1:16; 2:9). It’s not the first time but it will certainly be the last. Paul writes to his protege Timothy (2Tim 1:2) who at last report is leading the megachurch in the big port city of Ephesus (1Tim 1:3).

For most of the letter, the author passes the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:5). He hopes to see Tim one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). He has lifted the glass of his life and poured himself out in an act of worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). It’s Paul’s last call.

At this point, the man from Tarsus transitions from the last drops of his earthly existence to the overflowing goodness of everlasting life with Jesus. He understands clearly that death is only a transition. His life has been a thrill ride. But now someone in the Roman government has sentenced him to die. And you thought you couldn’t trust the Russian judge!

And That’s Not All!

Paul begins talking about what will go down on the other side of eternity when he writes “Henceforth” (v8). Okay, the folks at the ESV decided to use a word we don’t hear much these days unless you’re binge-watching “Downton Abbey.”

It’s the Greek word λοιπος/loipos, which means from now on, in the future, finally, or in addition. The term refers to whatever part of the whole that remains. It’s like those informercial announcers who keep saying, “And that’s not all!” Believe me, this is WAY better than a second ShamWow.

The Keeper of the Crown

The apostle “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (v8). What’s next is a crown. A crown that Christ has kept safe until Paul’s arrival. He describes that what the Lord will give him is currently “laid up” (Gr. αποκειμαι/apokeimai). It describes something put away, stored up, reserved for safe keeping. It literally means “separately (Gr. απο-/apo-) laid away (Gr. -κειμαι/-keimai).”

In hockey, the champion wins the coveted Stanley Cup. Most of the time, they display the cup under tight security at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. But as the league is about to crown the new champ, the cup hits the road under the watchful eye of Phil Pritchard, AKA the Keeper of the Cup.

Phil stores the Stanley Cup in its protective case. He wears white gloves anytime he takes it out. Wherever the cup goes, he goes. As its caretaker, he makes sure that Lord Stanley’s legendary trophy is “laid up” for the winning team.

Heavenly Security

It’s the same with the award Paul will receive. God will personally make sure nothing happens to it before the apostle crosses the threshold into eternity. While the Keeper of the Cup does a great job, it’s nothing compared to heavenly security. Not even the British crown jewels get that level of protection!

The apostle is absolutely sure that nothing’s going to happen to the prize God will present to him. It’s safe and sound. Same for every follower of Jesus. He personally ensures its safety. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.

Not THAT Kind of a Crown

What sort of award awaits us on the other side? According to Paul, it’s “the crown of righteousness” (v8). If you’re like me, when you hear “crown,” you immediately picture a king or queen wearing one of those awesome gold lids covered in jewels. While those are pretty sweet, it doesn’t sound like that’s the kind of crown we’re getting.

The apostle uses the Greek word στεφανοσ/stefanos, which actually describes a wreath. No, he’s NOT saying Jesus is giving you something to hang on your front door during the holidays. This is the award made of leaves given to the winner of an athletic contest back in ancient times.

Crowns, Trophies, Rings, and Medals

Remember the sports analogy the apostle gave us in the previous verse. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7). He’s comparing the end of his life lived for Jesus to going the distance and leaving everything on the field. He’s headed to the medal stand.

Long before there were championship trophies, rings, and medals, the winner received a crown of laurel leaves. Did you know that’s where we get our expression “resting on your laurels?” If you’re sitting on the winner’s crown, you’re doing it wrong. But I digress.

Other Crowns in the New Testament

The writers of the New Testament talk a lot about these sort of crowns. First and foremost is the “crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of thorns” Roman soldiers slammed on our Savior’s head as they tortured and mocked Him (Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2, 5). The King of Kings wore that crown of ridicule so that we could receive the crown of righteousness.

Paul tells the Corinthians there’s a big difference between a champ’s laurel wreath and what God gives us at the end of our race. While the crown won by race winner will eventually wilt, the prize we receive is “imperishable” (1Cor 9:25).

The apostle wants his friends in Philippi to know that they are “my joy and my crown” (Phil 4:1). He writes pretty much the same thing to the Thessalonians. “For what is our hope or joy or crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you” (1Th 2:19). What greater trophy can there be on this side of heaven that people who follow hard after Jesus after He uses you in their lives?

Jesus’ kid brother James says those who hang tough for the faith “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12). Peter reminds church leaders how Jesus will give each of them “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12).

And you can’t turn a page in the Book of Revelation without tripping over a crown! There’s “the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (Rev 2:10). Enemies of Jesus are out to “seize your crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” (Rev 3:10-11). Elders are seen wearing “golden crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” and later “cast their crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” to God in worship (Rev 4:4-10).

Championship Hats

Think of the “crown of righteousness” (v8) like the hats handed out to the victorious team after winning the championship. You know, those officially licensed lids you can order online immediately after your favorite club takes the title. It can be yours for just $39.99 plus shipping and handling.

A couple of major differences between a championship caps and the “crown of righteousness” (v8). First of all, the righteous crown is MUCH more expensive. Trust me, it’s WAY out of your budget. You can’t afford it. Second, God is buying it for you.

This Crown Comes with a Cost

The righteous crown is free but certainly not cheap. It cost God the life of His one and only Son. That’s because we don’t get one of these hats because of anything we’ve done. It’s not about our righteousness. It’s all about what Christ did for us that we could never do for ourselves.

We’re eligible for a “crown of righteousness” (v8) by placing our trust in Jesus. He lived the perfect life of obedience (i.e. righteousness) that I’ve failed to live. He died the brutal death for my sin that I should have died. He rose to a glorious new life that I in no way deserve.

The Great Exchange

Because of the victory He won for us, we receive a championship crown. It’s all part of the most lopsided trade in history. He takes our rebellion and disobedience and gives us His perfection. Martin Luther calls it the Great Exchange. In one of his letters to the Corinthians, Paul says the sinless Son of God actually became our sin so “we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21).

Just to be clear, there’s no righteous crown if it were up to you and me. It ain’t happening. We only receive one because of the overwhelming grace of Jesus and His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection on our behalf.

The Righteous Judge

You may be wondering what in the Wide World of Sports this has to do with the infamous Russian judge. So glad you asked. The one who’s in charge of doling out these championship caps is “the Lord, the righteous Judge” (v8). In other words, the Lord Jesus is the person who makes the call. Not some underhanded judge from the eastern bloc.

Aren’t you glad to know that the only One who truly IS righteous decides who gets the righteous crown? There’s no handwringing before the judges post their scores for the performance. No freaking out about money be exchanged under the table. No wondering if you’ll get a legit score.

It’s in the hands of Jesus. Not me. Not you. Not the Russian judge. And that’s a VERY good thing!

YOU Get a Crown! And YOU Get a Crown!

Just to make sure there’s no mistake about who gets one of these crowns, Paul goes out of his way to that it’s “not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v8). It’s like Hat Day at the game. Picture walking through the turnstiles, they tear your ticket and asking you if you love Jesus. “You betcha!” Then they hand you a nifty “crown of righteousness” (v8).

There’s a good bit of debate about whether Paul is talking about Christ’s original incarnation or His long-awaited encore. While I think the apostle is talking about Jesus’ original appearance in Palestine, does it really matter? If you loved Him then, you’ll love seeing Him the next time. If you’re one of His followers and weren’t around before, you’ll love it when He returns.

Whatever the case, it’s going to be like one of those crazy Christmas episodes of “Oprah.” YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! Each and every person who loves Jesus will get a spectacular crown of righteousness. Again, it’s not up to the host of a talk show. It’s not up to the Russian judge. It’s up to the Righteous Judge!

Truth for Today

So how do we apply all this? What good do these words in a 2,000-year-old letter from a Roman prison do for me?

First of all, God has your eternal reward in safekeeping until your arrival. Don’t worry about anybody stealing or damaging it before you get there.

Second, I know that my current circumstances or even any future situation have nothing to do with eternal reward. If Paul has this kind of confidence on Rome’s Death Row, I can be confident as well. Diagnosis. Divorce. Unemployment. Bankruptcy. None of them disqualifies a follower of Jesus from receiving their crown.

Third, these championship caps aren’t a limited time offer. They don’t just go to “professional” Christians and other spiritual superstars. Everybody who loves the idea of seeing Jesus gets one of a “crown of righteousness” (v8).

Finally, we can trust in the One who’s giving them out. Jesus is the Righteous Judge. Certainly NOT the Russian judge.

Going the Distance

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

Yo, Adrian!

Confession time. I have a soft spot for “Rocky” movies. Long before the mumbling Philly street fighter morphed into a multi-billion dollar motion picture franchise, Sly Stallone created the original Oscar-winning film about the ultimate underdog.

There’s a pivotal scene in the first flick where Balboa admits to his girlfriend Adrian that he has no chance to beat the champ (as well as any thought of a sequel!). But he holds out one sliver of a dream.

“All I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.”

SPOILER ALERT! (Please tell me you’ve seen the original “Rocky.” For Pete’s sake, it came out in 1976!). The Italian Stallion is still standing at the end of the fight. He may have lost, but he went the distance. Yo, Adrian!

From Assassin to Apostle

There’s another story of someone who went the distance. Someone who you fought hard right to the end. Someone who left nothing in the tank when he crossed the finish line. Someone who kept his eyes on the prize no matter what came his way.

We’re talking about Paul. That’s right, the Apostle Paul. The former Pharisee and one-time enemy of Jesus who’s the subject of one of the greatest turnarounds in history. The resurrected Christ transforms him from assassin into apostle. From murderer into martyr. From trying to kill the followers of the Rabbi/Carpenter into dying for Him too.

After the resurrected Jesus blindsided him at high noon outside Damascus, Paul dedicated his life to telling everyone he met about God’s mind-blowing offer of mercy and grace through His Son. The apostle traveled the known world spreading that very Good News and planting churches.

This mission was anything but pleasure cruise. We’re talking jail, beatings, torture, stoning, shipwrecks, death threats, lack of sleep, hungry, thirsty, hot, and cold. Paul may have been beaten up but not beaten down. He never stopped fighting. He never stopped running. He never lost faith.

Like Rocky, Paul went the distance.

Paul’s Three-Punch Combination

He also wrote important letters of instruction to these new communities of believers which we’ve saved and collected in a little something we like to call the New Testament. In his very last letter, the man from Tarsus writes to a young preacher named Timothy (2Tim 1:1-2). Paul’s on Death Row in Rome (2Tim 1:16; 2:9; 4:6-7). He hands the ball of ministry to his protege (2Tim 2:1-4:5) and hopes for one last visit (2Tim 4:9, 21).

That’s the scene as the camera zooms in on Paul. Behind bars once again. He’s pouring out the last drops his life in sacrifice to his Savior (2Tim 4:6). Like a fighter throwing a jab, hook, and uppercut, the apostle then delivers a three-punch combination as he looks back at his life just before the final bell.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (v7). Paul’s given it everything. He’s left it all on the field. He’s got nothing left in the tank. He knows that the cause was worth it all. And he’s still standing.

He went the distance.

A literal translation of the apostle’s words from Greek to English sounds more like something from another big time movie franchise. “The good fight I have fought. The race I have finished. The faith I have kept.” Call it the Yoda Intergalactic Translation. You almost expect next thing Paul to say is “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Max Effort

Let’s use the super-slomo and take dissect Paul’s impressive three punches. First he writes, “I have fought the good fight” (v7). In doing so, he doesn’t want there to be any doubt about the effort involved. He uses the verb “fought” (Gr. αγωνιζομαι/agonizomai) which means to participate in a contest in the public arena, contend for a prize, struggle incredibly hard against an opponent, fight the enemy with everything you’ve got.

It seems clear that our man Paul is a First Century sports fan. He uses this very same language when writing to the Corinthian church as he compares following Jesus to the intense preparation of an Olympic athlete. “Everyone who competes in the games (Gr. αγωνιζομαι/agonizomai) goes into strict training” (1Cor 9:25 NIV). We’re talking the same kind fierce focus and devotion to our Savior as folks like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt had to their sport.

Think I’m exaggerating? We get our words “agonize” and “agony” from the term the apostle drops. As a matter of fact, “fight” is actually the very similar word αγων/agon. While it certainly can mean any struggle, contest, game, race, or conflict. But it also paints a picture of a big crowd filling a stadium or arena watching a contest or game, an arena, stadium.

The Athlete in the Arena

In other words, Paul’s agonizing battle has been a very public struggle. The NT is chockfull of times when the apostle’s mission to tell people about Jesus puts him at the center of citywide unrest and riots. Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:44-50). Iconium (Acts 14:2-6). Lystra (Acts 14:19). Philippi (Acts 16:19-24). Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9). Berea (Acts 17:12). Corinth (Acts 18:12-17). Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41). Even in Jerusalem (Act 21:27-36)!

What a great reminder that while our faith in Jesus is personal, it is anything BUT private. Living for the Lord means living out loud. Like Paul, “agonizing the good agony” means swimming upstream in the swift current of our culture. It’s going to be hard. Much of the time we’re going to look different, sound different, and act very differently from the folks around us. Here’s the deal. Following Jesus will make us look weird to the world at times. There will be spectators as we fight the good fight but this is anything BUT a spectator sport!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is all about Paul’s superhuman effort to leave it all on the playing field. Over in a letter to believers in Colossae, he makes it clear that Jesus is the supernatural source of his strength. “For this I toil, struggling (Gr. αγωνιζομαι/agonizomai) with all His energy that He powerfully works in me” (Col 1:29). Oh, the struggle IS real. And our Savior gives us His strength to fight.

Fight the RIGHT Fight

Notice that the apostle has “fought THE GOOD fight” (v7 emphasis added). It’s not just any fight. Not “a” fight. He’s not simply walking around with a hair trigger looking to throw down at a moment’s notice. This is THE fight. It is the GOOD fight. It is the RIGHT fight.

In other words, Paul has wasted his time and energy on stuff that doesn’t matter. I wish I could say the same. Too often I get distracted by things that have no eternal value. I allow myself to get sucked into silly and meaningless skirmishes that steal my strength from what God calls me to do.

How about you? Do fight stupid little battles that pull you away from the real war? Do you major in the minors? Just a reminder of the mission Jesus has given us. Love God. Love others. The Lord said so much Himself (Mt 22:37-40; Mk 12:29-31). As a matter of fact, He says our love for each other lets the world know exactly Whom we follow (Jn 13:34-35). Just before He headed home to Heaven, Christ commanded us to make sure we tell everyone we meet all about His message of grace and goodness (Mt 28:19-20).

Failing to Fight

Then there’s my little problem of failing to fight at all. Too often it’s just too much trouble. Passivity has been a problem in my family for a VERY long time. It goes back to my first father Adam failing to put up his dukes when a talking snake started whispering sweet nothings to his wife (Gen 3:1-7).

Too many times I follow in Adam’s footsteps and fail to fight for what’s right. Fight to pray with my wife. Fight to tell my kids about Jesus. Fight to spend quality time with those I love. Fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. For Pete’s sake, at least the Beastie Boys fight for their right to party. I must be intentional and get off my blessed assurance to fight for what has eternal value.

Fight. Don’t just fight any fight. Fight the right fight. Fight the good fight. Fight to the final bell.

Go the distance.

Kicking to the Finish Line

The second punch in Paul’s furious final combination actually takes us out of the squared circle and onto the track. “I have finished the race” (v7). Picture highlights from SportsCenter. It’s the end of the Olympic marathon. The winner lays it all out in one final and unrestrained race to the tape. Paul’s words are NOT describing some runner who’s barely broken a sweat who’s high stepping to victory. Not in the least. We’re talking crossing the finish line and immediately collapsing.

Once again, the apostle pulls an image from the sports world. He uses the word “race” (Gr. δρομοις/dromos), which can specifically mean a race course, a running track, or generally describe a mission or any activity that involves continual and serious effort.

When Paul and his team rolled into what we know now as Turkey for the first time, he told folks there that just before John the Baptizer “was finishing his course (Gr. δρομοις/dromos),” the prophet made it clear that he was NOT the Hero God has promised (Acts 13:25).

Years later, the apostle hustles together a quick meet-up with the Ephesian church leaders. He makes it clear that he’ll give it everything he’s got to keep spreading the Good News. “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course (Gr. δρομοις/dromos) and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Running the Obstacle Course

Life is much more like a marathon than a sprint. It’s the ultimate endurance race. Sure, there will be times to pick up the pace, but this race is all about stamina. Think of those extreme obstacle courses with all sorts of hurdles and barriers. You have to run through water, slog through mud pits, climb ropes, and crawl under barbed wire.

That pretty much describes life for most of us. It’s an endless series of obstacles. There are the little bumps like sick kids, car repair, and broken water heater. There are those massive mud pits like job loss, bankruptcy, disease, and death of a loved one. American Ninja Warrior looks like a little kid’s Slip-n-Slide compared to the obstacle course called life.

Life Comes at You Fast

There’s one huge difference between these extreme tracks and our time here on the planet. You really can’t quit life. Oh, you might give up and sit down between the barbed wire and rope climb. But that doesn’t push pause on existence. Whether you’re moving or not, the folks at Nationwide nailed it. Life comes at you fast. Very fast.

Paul is a great example of just how quickly life moves. One minute he’s on a black ops mission to snuff out Jesus’ followers in Damascus. The next he’s on mission as one of them. From that point on, he put his head down and took on every obstacle life through his way. He may be locked up on Death Row at the end of his life, but he’s sprinting to the finish.

Jesus’ Finish Line

With the checkered flag in sight, the apostle knows his race and finish is actually based on the one run by his Savior. It’s interesting that Paul uses the very same word for
“finished” (Gr. τελεω/teleo) that Jesus shouted from the cross at Calvary. “It is finished (Gr. τελεω/teleo)!” (Jn 19:30). For you grammar nerds out there (yeah, I know who you are!) both of them are in the perfect tense. It’s the second person perfect active τετελεκα/teteleka in 2 Timothy. Meanwhile over in John, we see the third person perfect passive of τετελεσται/tetelestai.

In the ultimate act of love, Jesus successfully breaks the tape of performance in our behalf. He perfectly fulfills every one of His Father’s commands that we failed to follow. Christ defeats the obstacle course of obedience that kicked our tails. If that’s not enough, He paid the full brunt of our punishment for that disobedience. The cross was more than a place of Roman execution. It was also Jesus’ finish line.

Go the distance.

Playing by the Rules

Step back into the ring with Paul during the final round and check out the knockout blow. Here’s the third punch of his Christ-following combination. “I have kept the faith” (v7). The apostle wants Tim to know that he’s played by the book. He’s followed the rules. No low blows. No cheap shots. Don’t mistake his intensity for a willingness to take short cuts or play dirty.

We’ve already seen how the man from Tarsus has placed his trust in who Jesus is and what He has done. Paul writes here that in the last days on this side of eternity, he has complete confidence in Christ. The practical application of that faith trusting in what the Lord tells him to do. As the Lord, He’s the Boss.

Weak Faith in a Strong Object

I express my trust in Him by doing what He tells me to do in the strength that He provides. Will I fail? Will I stumble? Will I fall flat on my face? You betcha. But Jesus gives me the mercy and grace I find nowhere else to keep on keeping on.

We’re able to remain faithful because of our Savior’s unshakable faithfulness. Earlier in this very same little letter, Paul drops the lyrics to a First Century worship tune which goes a little something like this…
“If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful
For He cannot deny Himself” (2Tim 2:11-13).

Building to Code

In other words, it’s not so much about the strength of our faith. It’s ALL about the strength of the object of our faith. There’s better one in whom to place our trust than God. That’s how He earned the nickname of “the Rock of our Salvation” (Ps 89:26; 95:1). Grab hold of that Rock. He’s not going anywhere!

Jesus made a point of saying that doing what He says is the best way to prepare for the storms of life. He compares practical application to the wise dude who built his house into the bedrock. The hurricane hit the home “but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Mt 7:25). You could say that he built it according to code. He played by the rules.

The Buffet at Golden Corral

To often I pick and choose the commands I want to keep. It’s like I think I know better than God. There I go listening to the whispers of the satanic snake just like my first mom did (Gen 3:4). Following Jesus means obeying what He says. It’s not like picking only your favorite from the buffet at Golden Corral. On a related note, do you think there’s a Chocolate Wonderfall in Heaven? But I digress.

Paul has come to realize that God’s commands actually bring joy and blessing instead of stealing it. They’re guard rails on the narrow road. Here at the end of his life, he has played by the rules. He has lived obediently. He has kept the faith. He has kept it to the very end.

Go the distance.

A Life Well Lived

As the apostle looks back, he sees a life well lived. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (v7). He fought for the right cause and left it all on the field. He ran the obstacle course God placed in front of him and crossed the finish line. He played by the rules, trusting in the goodness of God in the process.

What about me? Am I fighting the good fight?  Will I fight to the last bell?
Am I running the race with everything I have no matter what comes my way? Will I run through the finish line? Am I keeping the faith? Will I continue to trusting in Jesus until I see Him face to face?

Let’s turn Paul’s words into a daily prayer. Lord Jesus, give me the strength today to fight the good fight. Give me the endurance to finish the race whenever that day may come. Give me a willing heart of obedience to love God and love people.

Christ, allow me the privilege to go the distance. Just like Rocky. Just like Paul.