A Gallant Goodbye

II Timothy 4:6-8 

   Nero, the fifth emperor of Rome, ruled the Roman Empire from A.D. 54-68. The year following Paul’s release from prison, probably A.D. 64, a great fire consumed more than half the city of Rome. The fire burned fiercely for six days, then slowly burned for three more days. Although it was never proven for certain, many people believe Nero started the fire, and then placed the blame on Christians. It was after this fire that Paul was imprisoned a second time. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while in prison, awaiting his death. Notice Paul’s words in II Timothy 4:6-8: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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."

What enabled Paul to face death with such confidence? First, Paul stated he had fought a good fight. The fact that Paul called the Christian life a fight indicates there is a conflict that is taking place. There is a conflict between right and wrong, good and evil. Also consider Ephesians 6:10-13 and I Peter 5:8.

The second reason Paul was able to face death with confidence was because he had finished his course. Paul is drawing a parallel between the Christian life and an athletic event. Paul lived the Christian life with endurance, persevering to the end. Also notice I Corinthians 9:24-27 and Galatians 6:9.

The third reason Paul was able to face death with confidence was because he had kept the faith. Paul is not referring to his personal faith, but rather the faith, the system of the gospel and all those teachings included therein. Other scriptures also refer to the gospel as the faith. Consider Acts 6:7 and Romans 1:5. After his conversion, Paul devoted his life to defending the gospel of Christ.                                                                                           

And the People Answered "Amen."

More than just "interesting reading," the Old Testament provides many lessons helpful to us today. One such example is found in Nehemiah 8:1-12. First, consider the assembly (verses 1-2). The people gathered as one man, indicating an atmosphere of unity. Unity among God’s people is as important today as it was in Nehemiah’s day (I Corinthians 1:10-11, 3:9, II Corinthians 13:11). The people wanted Ezra to "bring the book," indicating they had a desire to hear God’s word (Psalm 119:31, Matthew 5:6). It was a common gathering, consisting of men, women, and children. Along with this, consider I Corinthians 11:17-20.

Second, consider the attention that was given to God’s word (verse 3). The Bible will be of benefit to us today only if we pay attention to what we read, realizing it can be understood (Acts 17:11-12, Ephesians 3:1-4). Also consider Proverbs 18:15: "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

Third, consider their attitude (verses 4-6). The people stood, indicating they had an attitude of reverence toward the word of God. Ezra blessed the Lord, meaning he praised, or spoke well of, the Lord. Consider Psalm 119:12: "Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes."

Fourth, consider their awareness (verses 7-9). The people mourned when they were convicted of their sin. They had neglected God’s restrictions concerning marriage (Deuteronomy 7:1-6, Ezra chapter 9-10, Nehemiah 13). They had failed to keep the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13). They had forsaken God’s house (Nehemiah 10). But God’s word was also able to bring them joy, just as it is able to bring us joy today. Because of God’s word, we are able to experience the joy of forgiveness, the joy of salvation, the joy of protection, the joy of instruction, and the joy of comfort.