Note 25 at 2 Tim. 4:7: Paul knew that the time of his death was drawing near. He spoke of this in Philippians 1:23, ". . .to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." Paul used three phrases to sum up his life: (1) "I have fought a good fight"; (2) "I have finished my course"; (3) "I have kept the faith."

(1) "I have fought a good fight." The Christian life is a battle against demonic forces, temptation, the flesh, and the lust of the world (Eph. 6:12; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). Paul had fought a good fight and had been faithful.

The Greek word that was translated "fought" here is "AGONIZOMAI." This same Greek word was translated "strive" in Luke 13:24 (see note 2 at Lk. 13:24, p. 341). This is a part of the root word from which we derive our English word "agonize." This same Greek word is translated "fight" both times in this same verse so that you could literally interpret this as saying, "I have agonized the good agony."

Paul's terminology leaves no doubt that being a successful Christian is no picnic. It takes effort (see ref.g at this v.). However, it's God's power that we use to overcome. That is why Paul could say it wasn't him living, but Christ living in him (Gal. 2:20). Our efforts must be to stay dependent on Christ. As we achieve this, the Holy Spirit infuses us with victorious power.

The New International Version translates this as "I have fought THE good fight." That implies more than Paul having done a good job. It's stating that the fight was a good one. What makes any fight good? Certainly, one thing that would make a fight good is if the outcome was guaranteed. Jesus has already conquered all our foes for us and all we have to do is stand in His victory. That makes the Christian life a good fight.

(2) Paul states, "I have finished my course." This is comparing life to running a race. In Philippians 3:13-14 he describes this race. He said that one of the keys to winning is forgetting the things which are behind and focusing on the prize that is ahead. Paul certainly did that. He forsook everything for the rewards the Lord laid in front of him.

(3) Paul "kept the faith" and didn't move away from the hope of the gospel (Col.1:23). As a result, "a crown of righteousness" awaited him (v. 8).