Finishing His Course (The Apostle Paul)

Intro:

The current state of the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 4.

1. In this letter, Paul is imprisoned at the Mamertine Prison, located in Rome.
1. Writing to his Son in the faith (Timothy)
2. Realization that the end of his life is near it's end (condemned to die)
II Tim 4:6 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (Notice the word offered; Paul was ready to go be with Jesus)
2. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
3. Paul had a course (A life of service cost Paul a life of physical bondage)
1. Paul's proposed Course: Acts 20:24: But none of these things move me (speaking of physical bonds), neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God
1. Paul is speaking to the Ephesians elders and on his way to Jerusalem where the he knows awaits a battle with the religious leaders of that day.
2. Looking at Paul's course before and after

I) But none of these things move me: Paul was one of the most persecuted Christians in the N.T.

1. Persecutions included (II Cor 11:23-27)
1. (Vs 23) Rcvd: 40 stripes minus 1, from Jews, on 5 occasions
2. (Vs 24,25) Beaten with rods (3 times); stoned once; shipwrecked 3 times.
3. (Vs 26) In perils of: waters, robbers, own countrymen, the heathen, in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea, among false brethren.
4. (Vs 27) In: weariness, painfulness, watching, hunger, thirst, fasting, cold and nakedness.
2. I Cor 15:58 - Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (Paul and Silas in Jail)

II) Neither Count I My Life Dear Unto myself. (Living a selfless life/very difficult)

1. Ye are bought with a price
2. I die Daily

III) Reception was From Christ

1. The ministry , which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
1. Paul realized that His ministry was from God
2. Paul was committed to the preaching of the gospel of Christ
1. Pass a tract, mention Christ, offer to pray for someone, Love the unlovable.

IV) Paul's Concluding Remarks

1. II Tim 4:7- I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (I would only pray that I can make such statements)
2. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.
1. A crown of righteousness (it is Christ's righteousness)
1. Unlike any earthly award/achievement you have ever received
2. For Me
1. Those redeemed by the blood
2. Those sanctified and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
3. The Righteous Judge (all judgment is given to the Son; the one who died for you and me)
4. But unto all them that love His appearing

CONC.:

1. Are you ready for your departure?
2. What kind of fight are you fighting (Don't give up in discouragement)
3. Are you busy about the Lord's business, finish your course (not mine)
4. Are you anxious for Jesus' appearing? (Is your life a living sacrifice)

John 14.... I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.