I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Spoken when his death for his loyalty was at hand, the apostle looks back on a life of toil and suffering and declares his lifework done, his struggle won, and his loyalty unbroken. To have fought well means a real lifelong conflict with self and sin in dependence on grace, to have finished the course means probation ended and mission accomplished so the armor can be laid down, and to have kept the faith means holding truth firmly to the end without denying the Saviour. The words are uttered not in doubt or despair but in courage, triumphant joy and sure confidence of coming reward. For such faithfulness there is laid up a crown of righteousness and life, to be given by the righteous Judge at His appearing not to him only but to all who love that appearing and remain faithful even to death. Every follower is therefore to make the same declaration his own by persevering in the daily battle, completing the work assigned, and holding fast the truth, preaching the word and enduring affliction while men turn from sound doctrine.
Paul's Final Setting
The declaration was made when the speaker was ready to be offered and the time of departure was at hand, about to die for the faith he held. It belonged to a solemn charge given before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom, to preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of ministry. The charge was urgent because the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts would heap to themselves teachers having itching ears and turn away from truth to fables. The same instruction in 2 Timothy 3 and 4 must be heeded in the perils of the last days, when none puffed up with self-sufficiency can pass safely and when false plans unsettling minds and false theories taught as truth must be met decidedly. His example supports preaching with endurance, patience and sound teaching even when people turn from truth, and encourages believers who pass over the same ground with similar trials when former teachers deny the faith and work against truth once advocated, not to lose faith but to stand firm with assurance of deliverance from every evil work and preservation unto the heavenly kingdom.
He spoke as an aged prisoner left almost alone, with no man standing with him while answering bloodthirsty Nero. He had been brought a second time before Nero to witness with his life to the faith he held, and was writing to Timothy, the first bishop of the church at Ephesus. He was chained day and night in a gloomy Roman dungeon in Rome, where his imprisonment would last until his life and work were finished, awaiting the death sentence from cruel Nero and facing a criminal's death with a martyr's death in full view. Despite imprisonment, separation from his work and expectation of death he remained steadfast without doubt or despair, the same man in the dark dungeon as when he addressed the court of the Areopagus, with steadfast integrity undaunted by circumstances and unchanged amid trial and gloom from what it was when prospects were bright. A heart stayed upon God in the most afflicting trials and most discouraging surroundings is just what it was in prosperity when the light and favor of God seemed to rest upon him, because faith reaches to the unseen and grasps eternal things.
Looking back at the close of a life of toil he could speak with satisfaction of its struggles and triumphs, for service had been his joy. He had exchanged Pharisaism for the gospel at no real sacrifice, turning with decided purpose from wealth and friends and social distinction and public honor and beloved kinsmen to link his name and destiny with a despised people and suffer the loss of all things. He labored more abundantly than the disciples, with stripes above measure, beatings with rods, stoning, shipwreck, perils by land and sea and in city and wilderness from robbers and countrymen, continual infirmities, painfulness, weariness, watchings, cold and nakedness, with the keenest conflicts from false brethren and the desertion of friends. He did not devote his time to his grievous abuses nor live for his own happiness, yet was happy, turning attention from himself to Jesus and keeping a cheerful front, with his eye fixed on the immortal future that had been the grand inspiring motive of his whole career. His life gave practical form to the truths he taught, for he held to Christ's cross as his only guarantee of success and was upheld by the Saviour's love as he struggled against evil and pressed forward, seeking no release from that warfare but pressing on until he could lay down his armor at his Redeemer's feet. He had defended Christianity, preached to many peoples, labored to spread the gospel and strengthen the churches and guard believers from heresy, and despite trials, anxieties, age and failing strength continued his final work until his life's work was nearly completed.
His completed course included the gospel work carried out at Ephesus, which continued to bear fruit and win converts long after he was gone.
Meaning of Three Phrases
To have fought a good fight means a real, earnest conflict rather than pretense, a real and hard conflict of Christian warfare and not a mimic or make-believe battle, fought with the whole armor of God. It was a sustained struggle against self in which desires and will repeatedly conflicted with duty and God's will, choosing God's will even when it went against nature. The battle is won by harmony with the Spirit of God, being subdued, humbled and sanctified by grace, dying to self, distrusting self and depending alone on grace, resisting the devil and drawing nigh to God in the name of Jesus the mighty Conqueror who lives and pleads. It is fought by looking away from poor imperfect sinful self to the precious Saviour and the Rock higher than self, to be molded into the Divine likeness instead of one's own image, against tendencies of the carnal heart constantly striving for mastery, every wrong feeling, every wrong destructive habit, sin, and Satan's purpose to sift and lead to dishonor of the Redeemer's cause. Many victories already gained over the carnal heart can be followed by many more victories, with sanctified influence doing good and blessing the rising triumphing cause of God.
The good fight meant proving himself as a minister of God in much patience, in afflictions, necessities, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings and fastings. It meant proving himself by pureness, knowledge, long-suffering, kindness, the Holy Ghost, love unfeigned, the word of truth, the power of God, and the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. It meant continuing through honor and dishonor and evil report and good report, as a deceiver yet true, as unknown yet well known, as dying yet living, as chastened and not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
To have finished the course means life's work was done, probation ended and earthly mission accomplished, the appointed course finished and no part of God's assigned work left incomplete. It means being able at the close of life to lay off the armor at the feet of the Redeemer, laying down the armor only there after continuing in the struggle of Christian work despite opposition, hardship and desertion of friends, seeking no release from that warfare and pressing on to the end. Laying off the armor honorably and nobly marks that work and struggles are nearing their end and follows faithful service, completing the path by standing with the remnant people of God to the last as a living sacrifice to do and suffer the will of God, letting light shine to others while waiting for the appearing of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, remaining just in sight of the city of God and the golden gates. Completing one's time of labor while time is short because the end of all things is at hand includes returning entrusted means to God for the advancement of His missionary work in the world.
To have kept the faith means having believed the word of God and acted according to it in perplexities and trials, and having not denied the Saviour's name. It means holding the redemption fully and freely received and distinctly experienced through Jesus Christ, understanding, accepting and communicating it, overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony by divine illumination, through grace obtaining moral courage to accept unpopular truth and suffer reproach for Christ's sake, witnessing a good confession before many witnesses, practicing self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step, and refusing to fail or be discouraged. It means keeping belief in the truth without worry to the end of life in this world, holding firmly to the truth, resting in Jesus and His love with angels round about until quiet rest in death, in full hope of the overcomer's reward. When the warfare soon ends, holding faith allows taking the crown within reach as a glorious victor.
Together the three phrases describe a life of faithful perseverance in Christ's service, having struggled faithfully, completed the work set before him and remained true to the faith even while facing death. They describe faithful service in which the struggle was endured, the work appointed was completed, and truth was held to the end, expressing the confidence of a servant awaiting the reward God has promised and of those who have done their work for Christ and are ready for His return, when the faithful will receive eternal life. They look back on a life of struggle and triumph in God's service that could be called a good fight, a service that brought joy despite its hardships and described the results of sanctification. They express courage and triumphant joy as death is faced, faith and courage rather than doubt or despair.
Courage and Triumphant Assurance
The words are courage and triumphant joy, faith and confidence rather than doubt or despair. They are the shout of victory of a warrior of faith that has sounded down through the ages to the present, spoken in holy triumph when the time of departure was at hand after bending every energy to preparation for the future immortal life. They are the battle cry of a faithful steward assured of God's Word, declaring faithful endurance to the end, a completed course and faith kept, while awaiting the reward and benediction of the Lord. They describe the results of sanctification in persevering faithfulness through suffering, imprisonment and the expectation of death, persevering in faith rather than making shipwreck of it.
He was happy and filled with comfort and exceeding joyful in tribulation, not living for his own happiness but finding happiness in the path of humble obedience. He turned attention from himself to Jesus and kept a cheerful front, with his eye fixed on the immortal future that had been the grand inspiring motive of his whole career. In prison awaiting death he was the same faithful servant who had spoken before the Areopagus, remaining the same amid trial and gloom as when prospects were bright with hope and outward surroundings were desirable. This is steadfast integrity undaunted by circumstances, for a heart stayed upon God in the most afflicting trials and most discouraging surroundings is just what it was in prosperity when the light and favor of God seemed to rest upon it, because faith reaches beyond what can be seen to the unseen and grasps eternal things. So faith enables trust in God's Word to withstand overwhelming worldly power and remain faithful even in the face of death, standing firm against human power and evil.
Sustained by the Holy Spirit through preaching, persecution and death, he praised God and rejoiced as a conqueror even as he faced death. His confidence held firm amid discouragement and in life's final moments, showing Christ's power sufficient for every need and looking forward to the crown promised to those who love Christ's appearing. His dying testimony as the end of a faithful life of witness, having struggled courageously, completed the course of life and mission and remained true to the faith, gives courage to later witnesses for Christ. It brings joy and comfort to sorrowing hearts.
Crown of Righteousness Promised
Henceforth there is laid up a crown of righteousness, also called the crown of life and of glory, which the Lord the righteous Judge will give at that day, at His appearing. It is promised not to Paul only but to all who love His appearing, to every faithful warrior who finishes the course and keeps the faith firm even amid discouragement to life's final moments. This perseverance is a life that struggles for Christ, completes its appointed course, and remains true to the faith, enduring with patience and sound teaching even when men will not endure sound doctrine but heap teachers with itching ears and turn from truth to fables.
Nearness to Christ and the crown belong to those who share His self-sacrificing love, and who labor and suffer for the saving of others and remain faithful even unto death. One who has fought the battles of the Lord, believed the word of God and acted according to it in perplexity and trial, kept the faith and not denied the Saviour's name, may claim this testimony at the close of life. Such a one is pardoned of all sins, covered and clothed with the white robe of Christ's righteousness, held in His keeping and never left nor forsaken, and even when the childhood of age comes with clouded mind and feebleness such a person is no less Christ's child. All that is now required is to rest in His love, while a lifetime of religious faithfulness continues to bear testimony, for victory comes by casting self wholly on Christ's merits, and God is honored when that pardoned one rests in His love.
The Christian life is a race and warfare in which each follower may win and conquer by overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil, and by suffering for Jesus, and those who share Christ's sufferings will share His glory. The overcomer's reward is eternal life, a robe of righteousness, a crown of everlasting life and of glory, and sharing Christ's glory, represented by palm branches for triumph and victory won and by white robes for Christ's spotless righteousness. Those martyred for the faith had fought faithfully through persecution and death and were secured to Christ and counted as conquerors. Buried in catacombs and underground galleries and caverns outside Rome, in desolate places, stripped, driven, hunted, imprisoned and slain, they will come forth when the Lifegiver awakens the dead to receive the crown of glory when Christ comes. Their suffering and testimony also strengthened fellow Christians and led others to follow Christ.
Those who have fought the good fight of faith will receive glorious rest in heaven, welcomed from labor into the joy of the Lord. This rest is not idleness, for heaven is a place of active service, and the faithful will have immortal youth and strength, laying aside the armor and leaving the noise of battle behind. Their toil on earth may be hard, but following Christ's path is safe, and having conquered through the cross of Calvary they will no longer struggle against sin and Satan. The crown of life is gained only by meeting the conditions God has laid down, by running the race and fighting the battle, for spiritual help and blessing are not received merely for the asking. As James and John supposed when they asked for the highest place in the kingdom, so none can share Christ's glory without wearing His yoke and bearing His burdens, for the cross comes before the crown. Fighting means turning selfish ambition for supremacy and self-glorification into holy ambition to become a diligent, earnest, faithful servant and unselfish co-worker with heaven, with character purified, defined and made steadfast and ambition directed toward the advancement of the Redeemer's glory, wrestling for power for the highest attainments in the spiritual life. Christ rewards every man according to his work, bestowed in proportion to the work done in the name of Christ, not because of man's merits, for the works testify to the character developed, and the reward is kept in view as foretaste and motive; yet the crown is a privilege that can be lost by forsaking the right way and falling under Satan's influence.
Charge to Faithful Ministry
Paul's declaration belongs to the solemn charge given before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom, to proclaim the word, be urgent in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of ministry. This charge was necessary because the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts would heap up teachers with itching ears and turn from truth to fables. The instruction of 2 Timothy 3 and 4 must be heeded in the perils of the last days, when none puffed up with self-sufficiency can pass safely and when false plans unsettling minds and false theories taught as truth must be met decidedly. It is an urgent call to wake up, for the morning comes and also the night.
The charge means more than standing in the desk to give an exposition of the Scriptures, requiring pastoral work as a man of prayer to reprove and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine and to present the Word to show wherein there is deficiency. It must be done without lording it over God's heritage, dealing with human minds and prejudices and undisciplined hearts with the mind that was in Christ Jesus, recognizing every soul as the purchase of Christ's blood given provision and trial to weigh eternal things. It shows no partiality for merely the prophecies and argumentative portions of Scripture but gives greatest place to the lessons given by Jesus Christ Himself, becoming thoroughly acquainted with His doctrines to win souls with His love. It requires having His words abiding within by eating His flesh and drinking His blood, continually increasing in efficiency and power in prayer and intelligence in handling the Word while growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Those charged reflect the image of Jesus, become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust, and carry truths into daily life as living examples of practical godliness who are a power wherever they go.
The same faithfulness is required of ministers of the Word and of physicians who combat disease, to exercise full faith, pray and speak with the sick by Bible methods and give full proof of genuine conversion. They must refuse to leave endangered men to their own unsanctified devising, and wisely turn minds softened by suffering away from fables to the truth. It charges commandment-keeping people facing malicious falsehoods to stand on the platform of eternal truth and carry on aggressive work on Bible principles with Christlike simplicity, patience, forbearance and love for God. They are to convince and not condemn, uplift Christ and the law of God before those in error about the Sabbath, preach the word in season and out of season with longsuffering and doctrine, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of ministry.
God's faithful workers stay enlisted in His army and wear their armor until the close of the battle, without deserting, for life in this world is only a pilgrimage toward heaven as home. Only when the Lord Himself releases a worker is it time to lay the armor at His feet, for to throw it off early and leave the work would bring disgrace and dishonor God. Paul sought no release from that warfare despite opposition and desertion of friends, but pressed on until he could lay down his armor at his Redeemer's feet. A faithful worker remains on the field while permitted to serve, even after fellow workers have died, bringing the battle and course to completion while keeping the faith. Laying off the armor marks the end of that labor, with hope of sharing heaven's rest and reward after suffering and working together and of looking back with joy on people brought to salvation.
Saints who suffered for truth's sake, some falling asleep in Jesus under the third angel's message, witnessed a good confession before many witnesses through grace given them, practiced self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step, and would not fail nor be discouraged. Fighting a good fight and finishing the course means that life of toil, suffering and privation ended with names believed written in the Lamb's book of life. Keeping the faith means holding the redemption fully and freely received and distinctly experienced through Jesus Christ, understanding, accepting and communicating it, overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony by divine illumination. Pioneers who proclaimed the three angels' messages exemplified holding to faith and completing God-given work even through death, and Reformers who risked their lives to defend truth show the same perseverance requiring present defenders to remain loyal to the faith of Jesus and the cause of religious liberty through conflict. Their self-denying labor was done in God, continues to speak after death in words, influence and example, and is to be honored as that of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, not disparaged nor discredited nor paraded as though they were sinners clothed in filthy garments. Such pioneer labor may continue to nearly eighty years old by God's sustaining power, going ahead alone after the death of a fellow laborer, traveling to Europe and Australia to found the work there, establishing sanitariums in Australia and various parts of the world to reach people, pleading for advancement of the Word until it advances mightily, building up a prosperous school, and enduring a battle with poverty from beginning to end.
His testimony encourages believers who pass over the same ground with similar trials, when those once with them as teachers deny the faith and work against the truth they once advocated, not to lose faith and confidence in God but to stand firm. They have assurance of deliverance from every evil work and preservation unto the heavenly kingdom. The end of life's work answers for how faithfully and unselfishly one has lived and labored, so finishing the course means completing the work well and laying aside the armor only after faithful service to meet the heavenly record with joy rather than grief. That includes completing one's time of labor while time is short because the end of all things is at hand, including returning entrusted means to God for the advancement of His missionary work in the world.
Pattern for Every Believer
Every believer must be able to make this declaration with joy through the way life is lived, by persevering in spiritual conflict, completing the assigned course of life, and holding fast the faith. It is the testimony of the worthy when Christ comes in the clouds from heaven with all His holy angels to give eternal life to those found faithful to their trust, to raise the righteous dead and translate the righteous living to heaven. This means doing the work for the Master, putting the best intellect to work for Him, confessing Christ in His matchless charms to the world, and fighting the good fight of faith now against Satan's great power by walking in obedience with the assistance of angels rather than fighting alone. As pilgrims seeking a better country, the city whose Builder and Maker is God, believers have conduct and affection in heaven and live by increased faith and close clinging to Christ, strengthened from angels, so that Satan cannot darken or cloud the mind about the coming of Christ and faith is kept through trial. A faithful life of earnest toil for Christ can be described in these same terms, with the hope that believers may remain faithful until their work is ended.
The Christian life is a daily battle, race, march and warfare against the carnal heart, wrong feelings, habits, sin and Satan, against the world, the flesh and the devil, that must be taken up willingly and fought faithfully and victoriously to its end. It is a fight of faith in which believers must resist Satan and strive for victory, relying on the strength of the risen Savior, seeking God's favor rather than people's applause. Each act of obedience, self-denial, trial endured and victory over temptation is a step toward final victory, and living for God and heaven, gaining the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness of Christ, and making the needed sacrifices lead to the eternal reward that comes at the end of the race. Those who reach eternal life have faithfully endured hardship and completed their course, having fought the good fight, run with patience, and laid hold on eternal life, and those who share Christ's sufferings will share His glory and receive eternal life and a crown. Finishing in triumph leads to the crown, for the reward encourages believers to face trials and suffer for Jesus.
Securing eternal life costs long persevering effort, sore discipline and stern conflict, overcoming as Christ overcame in the wilderness of temptation in the name of the Conqueror who overcame on our behalf. Wrong cannot be righted and character cannot be reformed by a few feeble, intermittent efforts, for sanctification is not a work of a day or a year but of a lifetime, not a brief or intermittent effort but a sustained course of faithfulness. Effort, self-denial and perseverance must be proportionate to the infinite value of eternal life, with continual effort, constant activity, constant watchfulness, humble dependence on God, childlike trust in His promises, and guarded avenues of the soul against evil and Satan's subtlety. Only by such patient, determined continuance is advancement in the divine life made and the victor's crown and eternal reward gained, through surrender to God and transformation by His grace rather than self-righteousness and self-reliance. Young people are to form Christlike characters and habits that prepare them to meet life's trials with patience and courage and to win the victor's crown, and persevering labor for God strengthens character, increases faith and zeal, and deepens love until warfare ends and the faithful receive their reward and welcome to the joy of the Lord.
Very old believers past ninety, feeble with age yet trusting God, with clouded minds and infirmity, can make Paul's final testimony their own. They are no less Christ's children, loved with His seal upon them and honored for gray hairs, never left nor forsaken but held in His keeping, with all sins pardoned and covered with the white robe of His righteousness. One who has fought the battles of the Lord Jesus Christ, believed the word of God and acted according to it in perplexities and trials, kept the faith and not denied the Saviour's name, battled faithfully, completed the appointed course and held firmly to the faith, may claim this testimony at the close of life and regard the course as finished even when facing death. Such a person is required now only to rest in His love while a lifetime of religious faithfulness and past faithfulness still bears testimony and supports confidence that Christ remains the believer's Saviour, awaiting the crown of life and crown of righteousness to be given as reward by the Lord the righteous Judge in that day when life and immortality are given to all who have kept the faith and love His appearing, and will be counted among the blessed who die in the Lord. These words express the steadfastness of those who remained true to their profession of faith through infirmity and old age and were nearing death, whose earthly pilgrimage has ended.
Faithful labor includes bringing people to the truth and helping lead them to Christ, turning sinners to Christ, doing work with an eye single to God's glory and rising above difficulties without letting human feelings, words or works overwhelm. For a Christian medical practitioner this means escaping the snares of Satan by fighting the good fight and finishing the course with joy while perfecting a Christian character. When life's work is over, those served through that labor remain a cause for grateful remembrance. One who loves and honors God in this life will enter the gates of the city of God as a conqueror to share the eternal reward of life, honor and glory that awaits all such, walking inside the city as conquerors to receive a rich crown of glory for work done for God and the award of Good and faithful servant, with hope of reunion in God's kingdom and welcome to the joy of the Lord when warfare is ended. Young people who consecrate themselves to God, study Scripture, and persevere in winning souls may serve successfully and be welcomed when their warfare is ended.
Mark illustrates the pattern, for after learning that God's claims come before every other, he accepted the toil and self-denial of Christian service and remained a useful helper to the end. The Christian life is a continuing conflict that calls for steadfast faith and willingness to follow Christ's self-sacrificing example. Devoting the ardor of youth and the tireless energy of manhood means enlisting as a Christian soldier during war under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, whose special work is to warn sinners and proclaim the last note of warning to the world and to storm the strongholds of sin with unabated zeal, earnestness, energy and courage that knows nothing of failure and seeks to inspire others with the same spirit. That fight bears the hardest conflict against strong forces of the enemy opposing the advancement of truth and the progress of God's people in the divine life, and it can be carried on untiringly even in feebleness when good is being accomplished. Heart and courage lose hope when efforts seem in vain, when those who ought to stand by censure instead of help and leave the soldier alone, and when disease makes courage easily dampened by discouragement and lack of appreciation.
The redeemed have pressed the battle against wrong and done all they could to help others follow the Saviour's footsteps. Earthly discipline is very limited, with old age telling that the call to lay off the armor may come soon, so believers keep on the watch and want every word and impulse and action to be such as to be unashamed in the judgment, having no time to devote to contention but going forward believing, trusting and working. The church on earth is militant and not yet triumphant, still in the conflict with its course unfinished, and no one person is perfect in this present state, since perfection belongs to the triumphant condition after the warfare is ended. The same language applies to continuing the work and struggle alone after the loss of a lifelong companion and fellow laborer. Experienced Christians who die lay aside their armor at the feet of Christ their Captain and rest until the morning of the resurrection and the sounding of the last trumpet, having spent life faithfully laboring for God's cause and dying in the faith with fight fought and course completed. The Christian fight is for the crown of life, to be endured faithfully, where losing means losing everything in this life and the life to come, while those who have fought that fight on earth and whose lives are hidden with Christ will shine with the Redeemer's glory in God's kingdom.
Spoken when his death for his loyalty was at hand, the apostle looks back on a life of toil and suffering and declares his lifework done, his struggle won, and his loyalty unbroken. To have fought well means a real lifelong conflict with self and sin in dependence on grace, to have finished the course means probation ended and mission accomplished so the armor can be laid down, and to have kept the faith means holding truth firmly to the end without denying the Saviour. The words are uttered not in doubt or despair but in courage, triumphant joy and sure confidence of coming reward. For such faithfulness there is laid up a crown of righteousness and life, to be given by the righteous Judge at His appearing not to him only but to all who love that appearing and remain faithful even to death. Every follower is therefore to make the same declaration his own by persevering in the daily battle, completing the work assigned, and holding fast the truth, preaching the word and enduring affliction while men turn from sound doctrine.
Paul's Final Setting
The declaration was made when the speaker was ready to be offered and the time of departure was at hand, about to die for the faith he held. It belonged to a solemn charge given before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom, to preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of ministry. The charge was urgent because the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts would heap to themselves teachers having itching ears and turn away from truth to fables. The same instruction in 2 Timothy 3 and 4 must be heeded in the perils of the last days, when none puffed up with self-sufficiency can pass safely and when false plans unsettling minds and false theories taught as truth must be met decidedly. His example supports preaching with endurance, patience and sound teaching even when people turn from truth, and encourages believers who pass over the same ground with similar trials when former teachers deny the faith and work against truth once advocated, not to lose faith but to stand firm with assurance of deliverance from every evil work and preservation unto the heavenly kingdom.
He spoke as an aged prisoner left almost alone, with no man standing with him while answering bloodthirsty Nero. He had been brought a second time before Nero to witness with his life to the faith he held, and was writing to Timothy, the first bishop of the church at Ephesus. He was chained day and night in a gloomy Roman dungeon in Rome, where his imprisonment would last until his life and work were finished, awaiting the death sentence from cruel Nero and facing a criminal's death with a martyr's death in full view. Despite imprisonment, separation from his work and expectation of death he remained steadfast without doubt or despair, the same man in the dark dungeon as when he addressed the court of the Areopagus, with steadfast integrity undaunted by circumstances and unchanged amid trial and gloom from what it was when prospects were bright. A heart stayed upon God in the most afflicting trials and most discouraging surroundings is just what it was in prosperity when the light and favor of God seemed to rest upon him, because faith reaches to the unseen and grasps eternal things.
Looking back at the close of a life of toil he could speak with satisfaction of its struggles and triumphs, for service had been his joy. He had exchanged Pharisaism for the gospel at no real sacrifice, turning with decided purpose from wealth and friends and social distinction and public honor and beloved kinsmen to link his name and destiny with a despised people and suffer the loss of all things. He labored more abundantly than the disciples, with stripes above measure, beatings with rods, stoning, shipwreck, perils by land and sea and in city and wilderness from robbers and countrymen, continual infirmities, painfulness, weariness, watchings, cold and nakedness, with the keenest conflicts from false brethren and the desertion of friends. He did not devote his time to his grievous abuses nor live for his own happiness, yet was happy, turning attention from himself to Jesus and keeping a cheerful front, with his eye fixed on the immortal future that had been the grand inspiring motive of his whole career. His life gave practical form to the truths he taught, for he held to Christ's cross as his only guarantee of success and was upheld by the Saviour's love as he struggled against evil and pressed forward, seeking no release from that warfare but pressing on until he could lay down his armor at his Redeemer's feet. He had defended Christianity, preached to many peoples, labored to spread the gospel and strengthen the churches and guard believers from heresy, and despite trials, anxieties, age and failing strength continued his final work until his life's work was nearly completed.
His completed course included the gospel work carried out at Ephesus, which continued to bear fruit and win converts long after he was gone.
Meaning of Three Phrases
To have fought a good fight means a real, earnest conflict rather than pretense, a real and hard conflict of Christian warfare and not a mimic or make-believe battle, fought with the whole armor of God. It was a sustained struggle against self in which desires and will repeatedly conflicted with duty and God's will, choosing God's will even when it went against nature. The battle is won by harmony with the Spirit of God, being subdued, humbled and sanctified by grace, dying to self, distrusting self and depending alone on grace, resisting the devil and drawing nigh to God in the name of Jesus the mighty Conqueror who lives and pleads. It is fought by looking away from poor imperfect sinful self to the precious Saviour and the Rock higher than self, to be molded into the Divine likeness instead of one's own image, against tendencies of the carnal heart constantly striving for mastery, every wrong feeling, every wrong destructive habit, sin, and Satan's purpose to sift and lead to dishonor of the Redeemer's cause. Many victories already gained over the carnal heart can be followed by many more victories, with sanctified influence doing good and blessing the rising triumphing cause of God.
The good fight meant proving himself as a minister of God in much patience, in afflictions, necessities, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings and fastings. It meant proving himself by pureness, knowledge, long-suffering, kindness, the Holy Ghost, love unfeigned, the word of truth, the power of God, and the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. It meant continuing through honor and dishonor and evil report and good report, as a deceiver yet true, as unknown yet well known, as dying yet living, as chastened and not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
To have finished the course means life's work was done, probation ended and earthly mission accomplished, the appointed course finished and no part of God's assigned work left incomplete. It means being able at the close of life to lay off the armor at the feet of the Redeemer, laying down the armor only there after continuing in the struggle of Christian work despite opposition, hardship and desertion of friends, seeking no release from that warfare and pressing on to the end. Laying off the armor honorably and nobly marks that work and struggles are nearing their end and follows faithful service, completing the path by standing with the remnant people of God to the last as a living sacrifice to do and suffer the will of God, letting light shine to others while waiting for the appearing of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, remaining just in sight of the city of God and the golden gates. Completing one's time of labor while time is short because the end of all things is at hand includes returning entrusted means to God for the advancement of His missionary work in the world.
To have kept the faith means having believed the word of God and acted according to it in perplexities and trials, and having not denied the Saviour's name. It means holding the redemption fully and freely received and distinctly experienced through Jesus Christ, understanding, accepting and communicating it, overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony by divine illumination, through grace obtaining moral courage to accept unpopular truth and suffer reproach for Christ's sake, witnessing a good confession before many witnesses, practicing self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step, and refusing to fail or be discouraged. It means keeping belief in the truth without worry to the end of life in this world, holding firmly to the truth, resting in Jesus and His love with angels round about until quiet rest in death, in full hope of the overcomer's reward. When the warfare soon ends, holding faith allows taking the crown within reach as a glorious victor.
Together the three phrases describe a life of faithful perseverance in Christ's service, having struggled faithfully, completed the work set before him and remained true to the faith even while facing death. They describe faithful service in which the struggle was endured, the work appointed was completed, and truth was held to the end, expressing the confidence of a servant awaiting the reward God has promised and of those who have done their work for Christ and are ready for His return, when the faithful will receive eternal life. They look back on a life of struggle and triumph in God's service that could be called a good fight, a service that brought joy despite its hardships and described the results of sanctification. They express courage and triumphant joy as death is faced, faith and courage rather than doubt or despair.
Courage and Triumphant Assurance
The words are courage and triumphant joy, faith and confidence rather than doubt or despair. They are the shout of victory of a warrior of faith that has sounded down through the ages to the present, spoken in holy triumph when the time of departure was at hand after bending every energy to preparation for the future immortal life. They are the battle cry of a faithful steward assured of God's Word, declaring faithful endurance to the end, a completed course and faith kept, while awaiting the reward and benediction of the Lord. They describe the results of sanctification in persevering faithfulness through suffering, imprisonment and the expectation of death, persevering in faith rather than making shipwreck of it.
He was happy and filled with comfort and exceeding joyful in tribulation, not living for his own happiness but finding happiness in the path of humble obedience. He turned attention from himself to Jesus and kept a cheerful front, with his eye fixed on the immortal future that had been the grand inspiring motive of his whole career. In prison awaiting death he was the same faithful servant who had spoken before the Areopagus, remaining the same amid trial and gloom as when prospects were bright with hope and outward surroundings were desirable. This is steadfast integrity undaunted by circumstances, for a heart stayed upon God in the most afflicting trials and most discouraging surroundings is just what it was in prosperity when the light and favor of God seemed to rest upon it, because faith reaches beyond what can be seen to the unseen and grasps eternal things. So faith enables trust in God's Word to withstand overwhelming worldly power and remain faithful even in the face of death, standing firm against human power and evil.
Sustained by the Holy Spirit through preaching, persecution and death, he praised God and rejoiced as a conqueror even as he faced death. His confidence held firm amid discouragement and in life's final moments, showing Christ's power sufficient for every need and looking forward to the crown promised to those who love Christ's appearing. His dying testimony as the end of a faithful life of witness, having struggled courageously, completed the course of life and mission and remained true to the faith, gives courage to later witnesses for Christ. It brings joy and comfort to sorrowing hearts.
Crown of Righteousness Promised
Henceforth there is laid up a crown of righteousness, also called the crown of life and of glory, which the Lord the righteous Judge will give at that day, at His appearing. It is promised not to Paul only but to all who love His appearing, to every faithful warrior who finishes the course and keeps the faith firm even amid discouragement to life's final moments. This perseverance is a life that struggles for Christ, completes its appointed course, and remains true to the faith, enduring with patience and sound teaching even when men will not endure sound doctrine but heap teachers with itching ears and turn from truth to fables.
Nearness to Christ and the crown belong to those who share His self-sacrificing love, and who labor and suffer for the saving of others and remain faithful even unto death. One who has fought the battles of the Lord, believed the word of God and acted according to it in perplexity and trial, kept the faith and not denied the Saviour's name, may claim this testimony at the close of life. Such a one is pardoned of all sins, covered and clothed with the white robe of Christ's righteousness, held in His keeping and never left nor forsaken, and even when the childhood of age comes with clouded mind and feebleness such a person is no less Christ's child. All that is now required is to rest in His love, while a lifetime of religious faithfulness continues to bear testimony, for victory comes by casting self wholly on Christ's merits, and God is honored when that pardoned one rests in His love.
The Christian life is a race and warfare in which each follower may win and conquer by overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil, and by suffering for Jesus, and those who share Christ's sufferings will share His glory. The overcomer's reward is eternal life, a robe of righteousness, a crown of everlasting life and of glory, and sharing Christ's glory, represented by palm branches for triumph and victory won and by white robes for Christ's spotless righteousness. Those martyred for the faith had fought faithfully through persecution and death and were secured to Christ and counted as conquerors. Buried in catacombs and underground galleries and caverns outside Rome, in desolate places, stripped, driven, hunted, imprisoned and slain, they will come forth when the Lifegiver awakens the dead to receive the crown of glory when Christ comes. Their suffering and testimony also strengthened fellow Christians and led others to follow Christ.
Those who have fought the good fight of faith will receive glorious rest in heaven, welcomed from labor into the joy of the Lord. This rest is not idleness, for heaven is a place of active service, and the faithful will have immortal youth and strength, laying aside the armor and leaving the noise of battle behind. Their toil on earth may be hard, but following Christ's path is safe, and having conquered through the cross of Calvary they will no longer struggle against sin and Satan. The crown of life is gained only by meeting the conditions God has laid down, by running the race and fighting the battle, for spiritual help and blessing are not received merely for the asking. As James and John supposed when they asked for the highest place in the kingdom, so none can share Christ's glory without wearing His yoke and bearing His burdens, for the cross comes before the crown. Fighting means turning selfish ambition for supremacy and self-glorification into holy ambition to become a diligent, earnest, faithful servant and unselfish co-worker with heaven, with character purified, defined and made steadfast and ambition directed toward the advancement of the Redeemer's glory, wrestling for power for the highest attainments in the spiritual life. Christ rewards every man according to his work, bestowed in proportion to the work done in the name of Christ, not because of man's merits, for the works testify to the character developed, and the reward is kept in view as foretaste and motive; yet the crown is a privilege that can be lost by forsaking the right way and falling under Satan's influence.
Charge to Faithful Ministry
Paul's declaration belongs to the solemn charge given before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom, to proclaim the word, be urgent in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of ministry. This charge was necessary because the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts would heap up teachers with itching ears and turn from truth to fables. The instruction of 2 Timothy 3 and 4 must be heeded in the perils of the last days, when none puffed up with self-sufficiency can pass safely and when false plans unsettling minds and false theories taught as truth must be met decidedly. It is an urgent call to wake up, for the morning comes and also the night.
The charge means more than standing in the desk to give an exposition of the Scriptures, requiring pastoral work as a man of prayer to reprove and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine and to present the Word to show wherein there is deficiency. It must be done without lording it over God's heritage, dealing with human minds and prejudices and undisciplined hearts with the mind that was in Christ Jesus, recognizing every soul as the purchase of Christ's blood given provision and trial to weigh eternal things. It shows no partiality for merely the prophecies and argumentative portions of Scripture but gives greatest place to the lessons given by Jesus Christ Himself, becoming thoroughly acquainted with His doctrines to win souls with His love. It requires having His words abiding within by eating His flesh and drinking His blood, continually increasing in efficiency and power in prayer and intelligence in handling the Word while growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Those charged reflect the image of Jesus, become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust, and carry truths into daily life as living examples of practical godliness who are a power wherever they go.
The same faithfulness is required of ministers of the Word and of physicians who combat disease, to exercise full faith, pray and speak with the sick by Bible methods and give full proof of genuine conversion. They must refuse to leave endangered men to their own unsanctified devising, and wisely turn minds softened by suffering away from fables to the truth. It charges commandment-keeping people facing malicious falsehoods to stand on the platform of eternal truth and carry on aggressive work on Bible principles with Christlike simplicity, patience, forbearance and love for God. They are to convince and not condemn, uplift Christ and the law of God before those in error about the Sabbath, preach the word in season and out of season with longsuffering and doctrine, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of ministry.
God's faithful workers stay enlisted in His army and wear their armor until the close of the battle, without deserting, for life in this world is only a pilgrimage toward heaven as home. Only when the Lord Himself releases a worker is it time to lay the armor at His feet, for to throw it off early and leave the work would bring disgrace and dishonor God. Paul sought no release from that warfare despite opposition and desertion of friends, but pressed on until he could lay down his armor at his Redeemer's feet. A faithful worker remains on the field while permitted to serve, even after fellow workers have died, bringing the battle and course to completion while keeping the faith. Laying off the armor marks the end of that labor, with hope of sharing heaven's rest and reward after suffering and working together and of looking back with joy on people brought to salvation.
Saints who suffered for truth's sake, some falling asleep in Jesus under the third angel's message, witnessed a good confession before many witnesses through grace given them, practiced self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step, and would not fail nor be discouraged. Fighting a good fight and finishing the course means that life of toil, suffering and privation ended with names believed written in the Lamb's book of life. Keeping the faith means holding the redemption fully and freely received and distinctly experienced through Jesus Christ, understanding, accepting and communicating it, overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony by divine illumination. Pioneers who proclaimed the three angels' messages exemplified holding to faith and completing God-given work even through death, and Reformers who risked their lives to defend truth show the same perseverance requiring present defenders to remain loyal to the faith of Jesus and the cause of religious liberty through conflict. Their self-denying labor was done in God, continues to speak after death in words, influence and example, and is to be honored as that of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, not disparaged nor discredited nor paraded as though they were sinners clothed in filthy garments. Such pioneer labor may continue to nearly eighty years old by God's sustaining power, going ahead alone after the death of a fellow laborer, traveling to Europe and Australia to found the work there, establishing sanitariums in Australia and various parts of the world to reach people, pleading for advancement of the Word until it advances mightily, building up a prosperous school, and enduring a battle with poverty from beginning to end.
His testimony encourages believers who pass over the same ground with similar trials, when those once with them as teachers deny the faith and work against the truth they once advocated, not to lose faith and confidence in God but to stand firm. They have assurance of deliverance from every evil work and preservation unto the heavenly kingdom. The end of life's work answers for how faithfully and unselfishly one has lived and labored, so finishing the course means completing the work well and laying aside the armor only after faithful service to meet the heavenly record with joy rather than grief. That includes completing one's time of labor while time is short because the end of all things is at hand, including returning entrusted means to God for the advancement of His missionary work in the world.
Pattern for Every Believer
Every believer must be able to make this declaration with joy through the way life is lived, by persevering in spiritual conflict, completing the assigned course of life, and holding fast the faith. It is the testimony of the worthy when Christ comes in the clouds from heaven with all His holy angels to give eternal life to those found faithful to their trust, to raise the righteous dead and translate the righteous living to heaven. This means doing the work for the Master, putting the best intellect to work for Him, confessing Christ in His matchless charms to the world, and fighting the good fight of faith now against Satan's great power by walking in obedience with the assistance of angels rather than fighting alone. As pilgrims seeking a better country, the city whose Builder and Maker is God, believers have conduct and affection in heaven and live by increased faith and close clinging to Christ, strengthened from angels, so that Satan cannot darken or cloud the mind about the coming of Christ and faith is kept through trial. A faithful life of earnest toil for Christ can be described in these same terms, with the hope that believers may remain faithful until their work is ended.
The Christian life is a daily battle, race, march and warfare against the carnal heart, wrong feelings, habits, sin and Satan, against the world, the flesh and the devil, that must be taken up willingly and fought faithfully and victoriously to its end. It is a fight of faith in which believers must resist Satan and strive for victory, relying on the strength of the risen Savior, seeking God's favor rather than people's applause. Each act of obedience, self-denial, trial endured and victory over temptation is a step toward final victory, and living for God and heaven, gaining the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness of Christ, and making the needed sacrifices lead to the eternal reward that comes at the end of the race. Those who reach eternal life have faithfully endured hardship and completed their course, having fought the good fight, run with patience, and laid hold on eternal life, and those who share Christ's sufferings will share His glory and receive eternal life and a crown. Finishing in triumph leads to the crown, for the reward encourages believers to face trials and suffer for Jesus.
Securing eternal life costs long persevering effort, sore discipline and stern conflict, overcoming as Christ overcame in the wilderness of temptation in the name of the Conqueror who overcame on our behalf. Wrong cannot be righted and character cannot be reformed by a few feeble, intermittent efforts, for sanctification is not a work of a day or a year but of a lifetime, not a brief or intermittent effort but a sustained course of faithfulness. Effort, self-denial and perseverance must be proportionate to the infinite value of eternal life, with continual effort, constant activity, constant watchfulness, humble dependence on God, childlike trust in His promises, and guarded avenues of the soul against evil and Satan's subtlety. Only by such patient, determined continuance is advancement in the divine life made and the victor's crown and eternal reward gained, through surrender to God and transformation by His grace rather than self-righteousness and self-reliance. Young people are to form Christlike characters and habits that prepare them to meet life's trials with patience and courage and to win the victor's crown, and persevering labor for God strengthens character, increases faith and zeal, and deepens love until warfare ends and the faithful receive their reward and welcome to the joy of the Lord.
Very old believers past ninety, feeble with age yet trusting God, with clouded minds and infirmity, can make Paul's final testimony their own. They are no less Christ's children, loved with His seal upon them and honored for gray hairs, never left nor forsaken but held in His keeping, with all sins pardoned and covered with the white robe of His righteousness. One who has fought the battles of the Lord Jesus Christ, believed the word of God and acted according to it in perplexities and trials, kept the faith and not denied the Saviour's name, battled faithfully, completed the appointed course and held firmly to the faith, may claim this testimony at the close of life and regard the course as finished even when facing death. Such a person is required now only to rest in His love while a lifetime of religious faithfulness and past faithfulness still bears testimony and supports confidence that Christ remains the believer's Saviour, awaiting the crown of life and crown of righteousness to be given as reward by the Lord the righteous Judge in that day when life and immortality are given to all who have kept the faith and love His appearing, and will be counted among the blessed who die in the Lord. These words express the steadfastness of those who remained true to their profession of faith through infirmity and old age and were nearing death, whose earthly pilgrimage has ended.
Faithful labor includes bringing people to the truth and helping lead them to Christ, turning sinners to Christ, doing work with an eye single to God's glory and rising above difficulties without letting human feelings, words or works overwhelm. For a Christian medical practitioner this means escaping the snares of Satan by fighting the good fight and finishing the course with joy while perfecting a Christian character. When life's work is over, those served through that labor remain a cause for grateful remembrance. One who loves and honors God in this life will enter the gates of the city of God as a conqueror to share the eternal reward of life, honor and glory that awaits all such, walking inside the city as conquerors to receive a rich crown of glory for work done for God and the award of Good and faithful servant, with hope of reunion in God's kingdom and welcome to the joy of the Lord when warfare is ended. Young people who consecrate themselves to God, study Scripture, and persevere in winning souls may serve successfully and be welcomed when their warfare is ended.
Mark illustrates the pattern, for after learning that God's claims come before every other, he accepted the toil and self-denial of Christian service and remained a useful helper to the end. The Christian life is a continuing conflict that calls for steadfast faith and willingness to follow Christ's self-sacrificing example. Devoting the ardor of youth and the tireless energy of manhood means enlisting as a Christian soldier during war under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, whose special work is to warn sinners and proclaim the last note of warning to the world and to storm the strongholds of sin with unabated zeal, earnestness, energy and courage that knows nothing of failure and seeks to inspire others with the same spirit. That fight bears the hardest conflict against strong forces of the enemy opposing the advancement of truth and the progress of God's people in the divine life, and it can be carried on untiringly even in feebleness when good is being accomplished. Heart and courage lose hope when efforts seem in vain, when those who ought to stand by censure instead of help and leave the soldier alone, and when disease makes courage easily dampened by discouragement and lack of appreciation.
The redeemed have pressed the battle against wrong and done all they could to help others follow the Saviour's footsteps. Earthly discipline is very limited, with old age telling that the call to lay off the armor may come soon, so believers keep on the watch and want every word and impulse and action to be such as to be unashamed in the judgment, having no time to devote to contention but going forward believing, trusting and working. The church on earth is militant and not yet triumphant, still in the conflict with its course unfinished, and no one person is perfect in this present state, since perfection belongs to the triumphant condition after the warfare is ended. The same language applies to continuing the work and struggle alone after the loss of a lifelong companion and fellow laborer. Experienced Christians who die lay aside their armor at the feet of Christ their Captain and rest until the morning of the resurrection and the sounding of the last trumpet, having spent life faithfully laboring for God's cause and dying in the faith with fight fought and course completed. The Christian fight is for the crown of life, to be endured faithfully, where losing means losing everything in this life and the life to come, while those who have fought that fight on earth and whose lives are hidden with Christ will shine with the Redeemer's glory in God's kingdom.