When it comes to being fully devoted to Christ, perhaps one of the greatest examples of people who were fully devoted to Him found in Scripture is the apostle Paul. We learn his story in Acts 9. Paul was a religious leader committed to stopping the Jesus movement from spreading, but God got his attention in a miraculous way, and Paul went from opposing Christianity to spreading the name of Jesus everywhere he went. He became the greatest missionary the world would ever know and wrote many of the New Testament books. Paul left his old life behind and gave up everything to make Christ known and build His kingdom. We have much to learn from Paul’s example.
The book of 2nd Timothy is the very last book of the Bible that Paul wrote from prison in Rome shortly before he was martyred for His faith in Jesus Christ. As this book of the Bible came to an end, Paul reflected on his life on earth, which he knew would soon come to an end. He wrote in chapter 4, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful (verses 6-7). Paul had no regrets for how he had stewarded his life on earth. He had lived fully devoted to God, holding nothing back, even as he faced persecution, hardships, and more. He never looked back once God got His attention, and He became a follower of Christ. No persecution or earthly hardship caused him to waver or sway from his commitment to Christ. Because of this, he looked forward to what lay ahead after his death. He explained, “Now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And that prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing” (verse 8). Paul had his sights set on Jesus’ return and the eternal life that awaited Him and all those who follow Him. As a result, he persevered, running the race and remaining faithful, never looking back. He was fully devoted to Christ, and his life proved his commitment to following Christ regardless of what it cost him.
What Paul understood is also true for you and me. One day, we will stand before God. If we have placed our faith in Him, we will also receive “the crown of righteousness.” We will receive eternal life with God forever because of what Christ did for us on the cross. The question is, will we live fully devoted to Him, unwavering in our commitment to following Him? He alone is worth devoting our entire lives to. His kingdom, after all, is forever.
Paul’s life changed radically after he committed himself to Christ. Is there a change in the way you live today compared to your life before Christ? Specifically name some of the ways God has changed you from the inside out since placing your faith in Him. When you are finished, pray. Thank God for the difference He has made in your life and ask Him to continue to change your heart as you commit to following Him and making Christ known all around you.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Paul’s Final Words
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. 15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Paul’s Final Greetings
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
