Gospel Reflections #379: The God who worked in Paul is also our God.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 “I myself have already been offered as a sacrifice. The time of my departure from this world is near. I have fought the battle well, I have run the appointed course, and I have kept the faith. Now I am only receiving the crown of righteousness. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will bestow it upon me on that day. But not only to me, but to everyone who waits patiently for His coming.”

When we go to sleep, can we say as Paul did?

When we read these words, we may feel that we are not the first to reach the crown of righteousness.

We cannot fight our battles honorably in our own strength.

We cannot run a predetermined path in our own strength.

We cannot defend our faith in our own strength.

Even if we cannot do these things, if we realize that we need God, seek Him, and believe in Him, Jesus, the righteous Judge and our Advocate, will give us the crown of righteousness on the Day of Judgment.

God looks not at our good deeds, our many services, or our keeping of the law, but at our hearts.

Regardless of the good or bad in our lives, living apart from God is sin, and our God brings this sin to our attention, and whoever notices it and comes to Him, He gives healing, wraps up our wounds, and restores us completely.

Paul was turned around when he was shown what he was like. The same is true for us.

The God who worked in Paul is also our God.