Finish Your Course With Joy
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,
so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry,
which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
The Apostle Paul took personal responsibility
for the Gospel. The Gospel, to him, was a
sacred trust. He affirmed this when he said, “According
to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which
was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:11). In 1
Corinthians 9:16, he affirmed, “For though I preach
the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity
is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
Again, in 1 Timothy 1:12, he declared, “…I thank
Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that
he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.”
Paul’s conviction about the Gospel was absolute.
He knew that the Gospel was the power of God
for the salvation of all men, and he preached it with
fervency. Nothing, and no one, could keep him quiet.
He encountered so much opposition in the course of
preaching the Gospel, but he remained undeterred.
Even when the Holy Spirit expressly testified
that he’d suffer severe afflictions and be imprisoned
if he went to Jerusalem to preach (Acts 20:23), Paul
remained resolute and focused. His response was: “…
none of these things move me, neither count I my life
dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course
with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of
the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”(Acts 20:24).
Paul was an activist for the Gospel; he’d preach it
even if it cost him his life. He was determined to finish
his course with joy. This should be your attitude. Never
be moved by the problems and the difficulties that
you might face in preaching the Gospel. God already
knew you’d face those challenges; therefore, not one
of such adversities can defeat you if you stand your
ground and refuse to quit.
Always remember that God counted you faithful
and committed the Gospel to your trust. He believes
in you. So, like the Apostle Paul, let nothing stop you.
Be determined to finish your course with joy.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for energizing me for the work of the Kingdom.
I remain undaunted, unmovable, and always joyful for the work ahead.
I take advantage of the Word and the blessings of the Spirit,
through which I’m trained, strengthened and
instructed for a continuous life of victory, success, promotion
and greatness, in Jesus’ Name.Amen.
Further study
Mark 16:15; Joshua 23:6; Acts 18:9-11
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
ecclesiastes 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 timothy 1:1-7
Jeremiah 30