(Class Notes )
Paul knows his " departure "
from this world is near and views his death as " an offering " for the ministry
( II Timothy 4:6 )
Paul esteemed death preferable to this life as it is "far
better to be with Christ" ( Philippians 1:23 ) Paul viewed BOTH his death and his life the SAME way -
as "an offering" for the ministry ( Philippians 2:17 )
Paul's testimony at the
end of his life was one of NO regrets ( II Timothy 4:7 )
He "FOUGHT a good fight" ( II Timothy 4:7 )
Paul exhorts the believer to be a "good soldier of
Christ Jesus" by living a separated life ( II Timothy 2:3-4 ) Paul weeped for believers who were "enemies of the
cross of Christ", because they minded earthly things rather than their heavenly citizenship ( Philippians 3:18-20 ) The believer's warfare is a spiritual conflict in the
heavenly sphere ( Ephesians 6:12 ) concerning the kind of blessings the believer possesses and where
they are to be enjoyed ( Ephesians 1:3 ) God knows where He has "seated" the believer
( Ephesians 2:6 ) and the enemy doesn't want the believer to occupy that place ( Ephesians 6:12 )
by faith ( Colossians 3:1-2 cf. Galatians 6:14 )
He "FINISHED his course" ( II Timothy 4:7 )
Paul exhorts the believer to "strive lawfully"
for the crown as does as an athlete ( II Timothy 2:5 cf.
I Corinthians 9:25-27 ) Paul exhorts the believer to NOT look back, BUT to keep
focused on "the prize of the high calling in God in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:12-14 ) ALL believers shall "live with Him", BUT ONLY
those believers who "suffer with Him" shall "reign with Him" ( II Timothy 2:11-12 )
He "KEPT the faith" ( II Timothy 4:7 )
Paul exhorts the believer to keep (guard) the faith ( I Timothy 6:20-21 ) Paul exhorts those in authority to "feed the flock
of God" with "ALL the counsel of God" as he did them ( Acts 20:27-28 )
Paul's " battle scarred life "
for the Lord ( Galatians 6:17 cf.
II Corinthians 6:4-10 )
was to be rewarded with a " crown of righteousness "
( II Timothy 4:8 )
The SAME reward is promised to ALL those who are "looking
for that blessed hope" ( Titus 2:13 ), i.e. those who "love His appearing" ( II Timothy 4:8 )