Note: This week's daily encouragement messages (and the last two from last week) are developed from a study I prepared for our Crossroads Adult Bible Fellowship last Sunday based on teaching from 2 Timothy 4:1-8. We expect to have one more message next week based on 2 Timothy 4:8 and the "crown of righteousness".

Message summary: Like Paul, our great aspiration at the time of our departure will be to proclaim, "I have kept the faith"!  May that be your aspiration as well.

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"When they (Paul and Barnabas) had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:21,22). “I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Last night we had long-time friends, Larry and Tina, over for dinner and fellowship. We met them over 30 years ago in the Lehigh Valley where they attend the church my brother pastored for many years. In that period of time we have all progressed in our life spans, an inevitable consequence of staying alive. They refreshed us with their testimonies and we are heartened to see them continue to demonstrate their faith in God.

For many years I have sought to encourage people with the simple injunction, "Stay Faithful". Some of you have heard that from me. Brooksyne believes that phrase should probably be on my tombstone, but after I've departed I would rather it say, "He Stayed Faithful".

"Stay faithful" is another way of saying "keep the faith". Early in Paul's ministry he encouraged believers to "continue in the faith" and it was his theme all though his ministry.

Throughout the Bible we have many examples of those who did not keep the faith. In Paul's writing to Timothy he wrote of those who had "made shipwreck of their faith" (1 Timothy 1:19), "departed from the faith" (1 Timothy 4:1) "denied the faith" (1 Timothy 5:8)  "abandoned their faith" (1 Timothy 5:12) "wandered away from the faith" (1 Timothy 6:10) and "swerved from the faith" (1 Timothy 6:21).

In the final description of his life as he realized it was nearing the time of his departure (death) he stated, "I have kept the faith".

Let us consider three aspects of "keeping the faith" (there are probably more):

Like Paul, our great aspiration at the time of our departure, will be to proclaim, "I have kept the faith"! May that be your aspiration as well.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Daily prayer: Father, we know from Scripture and personal observation that those who come to faith must also be discipled. Paul and Barnabas made a practice of not only preaching salvation as evangelists but later returning to follow up on the new believers, strengthening their souls and encouraging them to continue in the faith. Knowing that the enemy was intent on destroying their new found faith Paul and Barnabas, who were strong in the Lord, encouraged and equipped them to stay the course and grow in their knowledge of Scriptures. Likewise, we who believe, want to encourage and equip others in their faith to stay the course right through to the finish line so they, along with us, can declare "I have kept the faith" and receive the commendation, "Well done good and faithful servant". That's our heart's desire through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.