Today’s passage: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Helpful thoughts:
- Paul is writing this letter to Timothy knowing that he is about to die.
- He compares his soon martyrdom as a drink offering, being poured out before the Lord as an act of worship (Genesis 35:14).
- Paul had urged Timothy to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12), he had spoken of pressing on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14-16), and the writer of Hebrews commands the reader to run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2). By God’s grace, Paul did these things. Now, he was ready to see His Lord and Savior and receive his reward on “that day”.
Questions to consider:
- Is the “Crown of Righteousness” something special that only Paul will receive? Who is this reward for? Do you think this is a literal crown or do you think Paul is referring to being “crowned” with complete righteousness by God’s grace? Or both?
- Why does it make absolute sense why Paul would be so excited to go to Heaven at this point? What do you look forward to in Heaven? How wonderful will it be to have no more sin, no more suffering, and to be with our Lord?
- What is the race that is still set before you before that day comes? What is the purpose of our lives while we await or eternal rest and joy? (Philippians 1:21)