Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 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
2 Timothy 4:6-8
“I am not afraid of death; it is dying I am afraid of!” “I wish when the time comes, God will take me swiftly with a heart attack,” says another.
Most Christians I know are not afraid to die. However, the process of dying can be extremely challenging, especially when it involves a prolonged period of debilitating illness. I think of a very dear friend who died of multiple systems atrophy and others who battled with end-stage cancer. Under such circumstances, finding words of comfort in season can be difficult.
Are you in such a situation? Or do you know someone in such a situation? If so, you may find Paul’s final testimony to his dear friend in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 to be most poignant and heart-warming.
Paul knows that he does not have much time left on earth. His soul will soon be loosed from its moorings for its final voyage to the celestial city. Much like a man suffering some terminal disabilities, he knows there is not much more he can do for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ. But he is not discouraged. Instead, he declares triumphantly, “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day …”
Here are three comforting thoughts from this triumphant declaration.
1. The End Is Near
First, notice how Paul likens his life and ministry to two athletic events: the pankration and the race. The pankration is similar to mixed martial arts, combining elements of wrestling and boxing. Paul acknowledges that he has come to the very end of the fight of faith he was enrolled into (cf. 1 Tim 6:12). Likewise, he has arrived at the last lap of the race marked out for him by the author of his faith (cf. Heb 12:2). He has kept the faith. He did not cheat; he did not give up halfway.
Can you say the same? If so, you can enjoy the same confidence that Paul has. You can be confident of the Lord’s heavenly smile despite the dark clouds overshadowing you at the moment. If not, there is yet time for repentance! Christ died for sinners. There is forgiveness in Him. Go to Him with your regrets. He will be merciful to you.
2. A Crown Awaits
Secondly, Paul is confident that there is “a crown of righteousness” laid up for him. Unlike in the Grecian and Roman games, there are no losers in the fight and race appointed by the Lord. Paul, of course, knows that his righteousness is not his own but the gift of God through justification and sanctification. Yet, the Lord has promised to reward His runners and fighters with an incorruptible crown for their righteousness and righteous labours (1 Cor 9:24-26). It is a reward of grace.
You, too, can have the same confidence and expectation, dear brother or sister. Those long hours of prayer and of laying down your life have not gone unnoticed. Those arduous days of drawing every ounce of strength and grace to maintain a good testimony for Christ despite your bodily afflictions will not go unrewarded. A crown of righteousness has already been laid up for you.
3. The Glory
Thirdly, notice how Paul basks in the anticipation that the one who will award the crown of righteousness to him will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the righteous judge. And He will award the crown not only to him, but to the whole multitude of saints who loved His appearing.
What a glorious day that will be! The reward will be great, but the rewarder will be greater still. It will be enough for us just to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of the Lord” (Mt 25:21a, 21c). But He will add, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Mt 25:21b). And He will place the crown of righteousness on our heads.
Oh, does not that thought thrill your heart and fill you with joy unspeakable? He who bled on the cross of Calvary for me for my sin will reward me for the righteousness He bestowed upon me! Oh, the wonder of His mercy and grace towards wretched sinners such as me.
Conclusion
Therefore, lift up your head, dear brother or sister, for your redemption draws nigh. Weeping may yet “endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps 30:5). Amen.
—JJ Lim