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“I have fought the good fight…”

Text: 2 Timothy 4:7

A LIFE WELL-SPENT

Not very many people can speak of a life that is truly well-spent! Paul certainly could. Ever since he was soundly converted to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, he had served most faithfully and fruitfully.

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

2 Timothy 4:7

1. “I have fought the good fight”

a) The word “fight” (Greek “agona”) had several connotations:-

i) A struggle

ii) Opposition

iii) It was translated as “race” in Hebrews 12:1.

b) The word “fight” was therefore not a reference.

i) To a soldier’s fight in a battle field.

ii) This was not a reference to what Paul wrote to Timothy about being a good soldier (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

iii) Paul made reference to how Timothy had to battle great odds against him.

2. “I have finished the race”

a) Paul pictured his life as a race to be run.

b) This was the imagery he employed when he wrote to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:24).

c) Paul had completed his race of life well (1 Corinthians 9:24-26).

3. “I have kept the faith”

a) There was faith that had been entrusted to him.

b) He had faithfully kept the faith.

c) At no time had he failed:-

i) He had not deviated from the faith.

ii) He had not been ashamed of his faith.

iii) He had proven that he was true to his faith.

iv) He had ably defended his faith.

v) He had expounded mightily his faith in God.

vi) He had managed to pass this faith to faithful disciples he had taught.