In the Christian life, it’s not enough to start well; you must finish well.
For most marathon runners, the goal of their race isn’t to win but to finish. After 26.2 grueling miles, they are thankful to cross the finish line. When we think of the Christian life, it is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. It's not about how you start, but how you finish. There will be distractions and pain. There will be moments when quitting seems easier, but God calls us to stay the course (with His help) no matter the circumstances.
The final words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy reveal a powerful example. Paul is at the end of his life, in a Roman prison, likely in chains. His body is worn, but his spirit is full. Under these circumstances, he says with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul’s three statements, in the perfect tense, convey finality. Paul knew this was the end. Previously in 1 Timothy, he had called Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12); his own fight, however, was nearing the end. In his own words, the fight had been worthwhile, and he had fought well.
It’s important to note that Paul made no claim to having won the race; he was content with simply having finished it. Paul had expressed this same concept at other times throughout the Bible. In Acts 20:24, Paul says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Paul had never wavered in his faith and trusted that soon he would experience all the promises on which he had based his life and ministry.
So with that in mind, let’s examine his three statements in 2 Timothy 4:7:
1. Fight the Good Fight
Paul says, “I have fought the good fight.”
Paul remained faithful to God and the gospel message, despite opposition. Throughout his ministry, he endured beatings, shipwrecks, a snake bite, imprisonments, and more. Nevertheless, he encouraged Timothy to follow his faithful example. (1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:12)
Paul didn’t say the fight was easy or popular. He called it the “good fight,” implying it’s a fight worth fighting. Just a few things to note about “the good fight”:
The Fight Is Spiritual
It may be obvious to point out, but the fight Paul is referring to is not a physical fight. It’s spiritual. Though we may encounter opposition of various kinds in the Christian life, we are ultimately ambassadors of Christ and at war with sin and the devil. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The Fight Requires Discipline
This is a fight we’re talking about! There will likely be struggles, pain, losses, and wins. But you can’t win a spiritual battle with worldly weapons. You need prayer. You need the Word. You need to stay in community. You need to stand in truth, even when it costs you something. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Some questions to consider:
What fight are you in right now? Are you growing weary? How are you fighting? Fight God’s way. It’s worth it.
2. Finish the Race
Paul says, “I have finished the race.”
Stop a moment and consider how you want to finish this race.
In the Christian life, it’s not enough to start well; you must finish well. But how can we keep the end in mind? Once again, it is not a sprint, but rather a marathon that requires endurance, perseverance, focus, determination, and the help of the Holy Spirit.
As we live and grow spiritually, we naturally get closer to the end of our race and the prize that awaits us. We see in Hebrews 12:1b-2a a clue on how to finish well. It says, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...”
The phrase “fixing our eyes” in the Greek means to turn the eyes away from other things and focus them on Jesus. As we pursue a relationship with Jesus, fixing our eyes on him, the desires, distractions, and temptations of this world will become less attractive.
Think of a racehorse wearing blinkers. During the race, these special eye coverings help them block out everything around them so that they can focus on the finish line. Distractions and fears are muted in pursuit of the goal. When our eyes are so firmly fixed on Jesus, it’s almost as if we put on blinkers. We must keep our eyes on the goal and our prize: spending eternity forever with Jesus.
Questions to consider:
What do you need to block out or look away from to keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus? As you block out some things, what will you do instead to proactively keep your gaze fixed on Jesus?
3. Keep the Faith
Paul concludes, “I have kept the faith.” Historically, commentators have viewed this phrase in one of two ways:
1) Paul had remained loyal to God even in trials and lived life God’s way, or
2) Paul had guarded and preserved the gospel message.
In my opinion, the second meaning is correct. With that in mind, it’s important for us to consider what does it look like to guard and preserve the gospel message today.
Faithfulness in a Shifting Culture
Jude 1:3 provides the same encouragement, “Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Throughout history, heresies trying to dilute, add to, or otherwise change the gospel message have been a threat. Paul called Timothy to “guard what has been entrusted to you” in 1 Timothy 6:20. “The faith” entrusted to Paul also had been entrusted to Timothy, and is the same faith we must guard and protect today.
No matter the opposition, Paul had never wavered in his faith and trusted that soon he would experience all the promises on which he had based his life and ministry.
Faithfulness in Trials
Paul had been beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and betrayed—but he kept the faith. His example reminds us that circumstances can’t define our faith. We must hold fast to the gospel no matter the cost.
Questions to consider:
Are you remaining true to the gospel message? What false beliefs have crept into your thinking?
The Reward of Faithfulness
“Now there is in store 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 4:8
Paul endured so many different things in his life with his eyes fixed firmly on the prize. He knew that all the struggle, suffering, pain, and hatred he experienced would be worth the crown of righteousness.
God Rewards Faithfulness
The reward isn’t the actual destination of heaven… although that’s part of it. The reward is spending eternity in the presence of God. It’s finally experiencing a relationship with Him that isn’t marred by our own sin. This is about hearing from Him, our Creator and King, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
The Crown Awaits All Who Finish
It is worth it! The sufferings of this life will seem like nothing compared to the glories of the next. Long for Christ’s appearing and give your life to Him.
Press On
As we reflect on finishing well, remember the words of Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
You may feel tired. Press on.
You may feel discouraged. Press on.
You may feel forgotten. Press on.
You may feel abandoned. Press on.
You may feel rejected. Press on.
You may feel mistreated. Press on.
Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Jesus finished “the race” for you on the cross. Paul finished “the race” and is an example of faithfulness. Now, it’s your turn. What will your legacy be?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FOTOKITA
Alex Goncalves is a graduate of New Covenant International University with a degree in Theology and Biblical Studies. He lives in South Florida, where he works as an Internal Auditor with Medi-Share while also serving in pastoral ministry.
