Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;  in the future 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.”  2 Timothy 4:6-8.

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It would be inconsistent with Paul’s other writings (for example, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and Ephesians 2:1-10) to believe that Paul was boasting in today’s Scripture.

Rather, Paul was encouraging Timothy and others who loved Paul and who would soon be missing him that Paul completed his work and that Paul was ready and eager to receive the award.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me;  and I do not know which to choose.  But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;”  Philippians 1:21-23.

And, Paul wanted to encourage and assure Timothy and others that they too would receive the award, even though they may not have accomplished as much as Paul, because they too loved Christ. The Lord will give the award “… to all who have loved His appearing.”  Verse 8.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11.

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.”  1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.  It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  1 Peter 1:3-5.