Some of the most memorable words a leader speaks are those given in a farewell address. We gain insight into the life of the person speaking. We sometimes learn interpretations of past events from their point of view. We learn what the person valued. And often we’re left with inspirational words for the future.

As we begin a new 7–week series exploring the book of II Timothy, the last known letter we have from the apostle Paul, consider these words written to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” These words by Paul are some of the most famous last words ever spoken, and along with the content of this final letter serve to tell us something not only about the man who spoke these words, but about the Gospel purpose for which he lived. Through these last words of Paul we don’t just learn about him and what motivated him. Paul has another purpose in writing this letter that is more than just talking about his personal hope in the Gospel.

Like in a last will and testament, Paul is wanting to ensure that his stewardship of the gospel would be passed on well to the next generation…that they would be faithful!