A life not directed by the truth of Scripture will not finish well. It will be absorbed with things outside the bounds of truth, embracing what is counterfeit. That person will too easily embrace errors regarding human sexuality, the purpose of earthly wealth, and, most importantly, allow their faith in Christ to descend from a high place of honoring the Lord as King of kings and Lord of lords. That kind of life will have denied the distinctiveness of Scripture, which surrounds and supports a life of faith.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul knew his time on Earth was drawing to an end. II Timothy would be the last letter he wrote. Paul’s appeal to Timothy was very personal and distinct.

One of the hallmarks of Paul’s enduring faith was his adherence to Scripture. He told Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).

A person who honors God’s word will not dumb down its truth. They will teach the uninformed, rebuke those living in error, correct those who are departing from the faith, and train those who want to live a righteous life.

Paul told Timothy to continue preaching God’s word in each changing season of life when an error is afoot, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (4:2).

Paul defined what was ahead for Timothy regarding his teaching, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (4: 3-4).

In his final lap of life, Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (4: 7). I cannot think of a greater statement about a person’s faith.

Holding to the truth of Scripture is a fight to stay in the lane of truth. It is a race with lanes that we need to run within to avoid disqualification. We make this choice if we want to finish well, having not abandoned the truth, and end up running in the lane of myths and deception.

Paul did all of this for one reason, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (4:8).