INTRODUCTION

This passage provides some of the last recorded words from Paul to Timothy. In it, Paul charged Timothy to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
See All...), “watch thou in all things, endure afflictions,” and “make full proof” of his ministry (2 Timothy 4:5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
See All...). Paul then focused Timothy’s attention toward Paul’s departure from this world. The three statements in 2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
See All... point to Paul’s life of diligence. Paul had fought the fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. He certainly could be viewed by none as a lazy man. In fact, Paul was far from slothful, warning others day and night (Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
See All...). Before salvation, Paul worked hard to destroy Christians and Christianity. After he learned the truth, he determined to give his best to the Lord and His work.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Determine to always do your best for the Lord, starting right now throughout your entire life. Don't give up just because the task seems hard. The Lord will reward your work (2 Chronicles 15:7Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): ): If your life ended today, what would you leave undone? Would you leave those things undone because you did not put forth the effort or because you lacked opportunity? Have you given your all to the work of the Lord Jesus?
• In what areas of life do you put forth the greatest effort? Should these areas control your heart? Have you given as much effort to the Lord’s work as you have your job, your hobbies, or pleasurable activities?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a heartfelt desire to serve Him.
• Pray that the Lord will always give you a view of the brevity of life. Ask Him to reveal what He means by likening life to a vapour (James 4:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
  See All...).

HYMN

SAIL ON!

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