The course (1408) (dromos from dramein, the aorist infinitive form of trecho = to run) refers to the course that one follows in a race, the racecourse or the place of running and figuratively refers to one's purpose in life and obligations in relation to it. Dromos is used only two other times, the first describing John the Baptist -- "while John was completing his course...(here figuratively speaking of his life's purpose... which ultimately resulted in his beheading!)" (Acts 13:25). The other use of dromos is found in Paul's affirmation of his determination to finish his course, declaring to the Ephesian elders "I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish (verb teleioo = complete, accomplish or bring to an end, to the intended goal) my course (dromos) and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24) What had been Paul's determined resolve in Acts 20:24 was now a definite reality - he had finished his course. Our lives are represented as a course, or race that is to be run. The question we all need to ask ourselves is Am I running well? "Have I laid "aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight or baggage = anything that impedes disciplining myself for godliness 1Ti4:7,8-note), and the sin which so easily entangles" me so that I might be able to "run with endurance the race that is set before" me? (He 12:1-note) Related Resource: The Heavenly Race by Thomas Watson Many believers start out on the right course, but with time are diverted from the track God originally set them on. When we are born into God's kingdom our race begins and our course is set and one day when we enter God's presence our race ends. The interval of our brief sojourn on earth is the time we each have to complete our set spiritual course. If we stray from our course we lose valuable time. The only way to complete our course within the allotted time is to stay on course! Don't be like the Galatians of whom Paul said "You were running well; who hindered (NIV "cut in on") you from obeying the truth? (Gal 5:7) Since Christ is the perfect example of One who stayed on course, we are to fix "our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith" (He 12:2-note). We need to heed the words of the track coach who said "If you have anything left ten yards past the finish line, you didn't give your all. Each of our lives are "like flowering grass" and will soon "pass away" (Jas 1:10-note) which should motivate us like Paul to give no less than our best to the Lord. Vance Havner wrote that "It was said of the great racehorse Man o' War: "Some horses led him at the first turn, some led him at the backstretch, a few led him at the far turn, but no horse ever led him in the homestretch." Some Christians run nobly at the start of the race, some do well halfway, but blessed is the man who makes a good finish. Paul's batting average was good to the end of the season: "I have finished my course" (2 Ti 4:7). ><> ><> ><> Our Daily Bread draws an illustration from the famous Tour de France writing that - One of the most grueling of all bicycle races is the Tour De France. A contestant in that event, Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle, describes it in a National Geographic article titled, “An Annual Madness.” The race covers about 2000 miles, including some of France’s most difficult, mountainous terrain. Eating and drinking is done on the run. And there are extremes of heat and cold. To train for the event, Lassalle rides his bicycle 22,000 miles a year. What kind of prize makes people endure so much hardship and pain! $10,000? $100,000? No. It’s just a special winner’s jersey. What then motivates the contestants? Lassalle sums it up: “Why, to sweep through the Arc de Triomphe on the last day. To be able to say you finished the Tour de France.” What a tragedy to see this same motive lead to doping scandals in so many of the top tour riders (cf the Tour 2007 when the yellow jersey leader was actually removed from the race because of suspicious behavior. So beloved, don't bring about a scandal but instead finish well like Paul! Your reward is will far surpass -- in degree and in time -- the satisfaction and transient glory these top athletes receive for finishing a grueling bicycle race in Paris! No you won't sweep through the Arc de Triomphe on the last day, but you will stand at the bema or Judgment Seat of Christ and be appropriately recompensed for what you have done during your earthly race, whether it is good or "bad" [bad is phaulos which means useless or worthless and does not refer to sin which some falsely teach - see 2 Cor 5:10 ]) (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved) ><> ><> ><> A Worthy Effort - Have you heard about the "lawn-chair astronaut"? A 31-year-old truckdriver attached 40 large, helium-filled balloons to a lawn chair. Then, with a CB radio, an altimeter, a parachute, and a life jacket, he began his ascent into the "wild blue yonder." He also took a pellet gun so that he could shoot as many of the balloons as necessary when he was ready to come back to earth. When he reached an altitude of 3 miles, he decided it was time to come down, so he started popping balloons with his gun. As he tried to land, he got caught in a power line. He later said, "My family used to think I was crazy. Now they want me to write a book, and my sister wants me to get an agent." Well, I certainly would never encourage anyone to attempt a dangerous stunt like that. I can think of a number of other activities that will do more than simply get your name in the news. As a Christian, you must set out to do things that are worthy of the effort and risks. Your goal should be to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Striving to attain spiritual goals brings personal satisfaction, imparts blessing to others, and offers an eternal reward (v.8). That's a worthy effort! — Richard De Haan O Thou who died on Calvary To save my soul and make me free, I'll consecrate my life to Thee, My Savior and my God! —Hudson Is what you're living for worth dying for? ><> ><> ><> Your Biography - When D. L. Moody was moving into old age, he was asked to grant permission for his biography. Moody refused, saying, “A man’s life should never be written while he is living. What is important is how a man ends, not how he begins.” For better or worse, I have failed to follow that dictum. My biography has been published. Yet I agree with Moody that the way our lives end is the crucial test of authentic discipleship. Only if we remain in a steadfast relationship with the Savior can we be confident not merely of entering heaven, but of obtaining the victor’s crown (1Co 9:25 - note). Paul was concerned about the possibility of being disapproved by his Lord (1Co 9:27). He was a redeemed believer who was serving the Lord, yet he feared that his service might prove to be wood, hay, and straw rather than gold, silver, and precious stones (1Co 3:12,13). What will be the Lord’s appraisal of our lives? Will someone evaluating us be able to say honestly that we continued to bear fruit in old age? (Psalm 92:14 - see Spurgeon's note). Whatever vocation we pursue, with the help of the Holy Spirit we may be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1Corinthians 15:58). —Vernon C Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved) Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful, May the fire of our devotion light their way; May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe, And the lives we live inspire them to obey. —Mohr © 1987 by Jonathan Mark Music and Birdwing Music (ASCAP) For the ignorant, old age is as winter; for the learned, it is a harvest. —Jewish proverb ><> ><> ><> Living For Eternity - In a letter to his brother, agnostic Robert G. Ingersoll reflected on his life. He wrote, "I feel that we have passed the crown of the hill, and that the milestones are getting nearer and nearer each other, and now and then I catch glimpses of the great wall where the road ends. A little while ago, I pressed forward; now I hold back. In youth we woo the future and clasp her like a bride; in age we denounce her as a fair and beautiful liar and wonder at the ease with which we were duped. Pursuing that which eludes, gazing at that which fades, hoping for the impossible, regretting that which is, fearing that which must be, and with [nothing] worth having save the bliss of love. And in the red heart of this white flower there is this pang: 'It cannot last.'" Compare those depressing words with the statement of Paul, who looked to the close of life with confidence because he knew Christ: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day" (2Tim. 4:7,8). Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Are you living for Him? Then you can anticipate a glorious future! — Richard De Haan God leads us in the path of righteousness For His name's sake, and as we walk that way We know it leads at last to heaven above, To which our souls will rise one glorious day. --Hess What we go after here determines where we go hereafter. ><> ><> ><> Edwards offers these wise words of counsel to all disciples "It is important to note that in both these metaphors THEY GET HARDER THE FARTHER ONE GOES. The farther one goes into the competition, the harder it is to keep competing wholeheartedly. So it seems to be for the disciple. Yet how much better it is to "burn out" than to "rust out." We must be wise enough to take time out for refreshing and renewal, but then continue to "work the works of Him Who sent us while it is day." Henry Martyn served in India for seven years before dying at the age of thirty-one. During this time, he translated the New Testament into three Indian dialects. Before he died, he wrote: (2 Timothy- Call to Completion) And when I am dying how glad I shall be, That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for Thee. I shall not care in whatever I gave, Of labor or money one sinner to save. I shall not care that the way has been rough, That Thy dear feet led the way is enough. And when I am dying, how glad I shall be That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for Thee. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH: ten pistin tetereka (1SRAI): (2Ti 1:14; Pr 23:23; Lk 8:15; 11:28; Jn 17:6; 1Ti 6:20; Rev 3:8, 3:10) Other translations - The Faith committed to my care, I like a soldier have kept safely through everlasting vigilance, and have delivered it again to my Captain (Wuest), I have kept (firmly held) the faith (Amp), I have guarded the faith (Weymouth). "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/2_timothy_47.htm#dromos