November 9, 2025

FIGHTING FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING (PART 5)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: 2 Timothy 4:7–8 KJV – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: To receive the prize of the high calling, your relationship with God must endure to the end. Starting well is good, but finishing well is better. Paul’s testimony was not just that he started the race, but that he finished it faithfully. Beloved, God is not looking for half-hearted followers but for those who will continue steadfastly, no matter the trials. Jesus said, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Do not let the cares of this world choke your faith; remain faithful until you meet the Lord.

YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION: Finishing well requires perseverance and focus. Many runners stumble when they lose sight of the finish line. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the cross and is now seated at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2). Your spiritual condition must be one of determination and unwavering faith. Backsliding, discouragement, or compromise can make one lose the crown. To finish your course with joy, strengthen your faith daily in prayer, the Word, and fellowship with the heavenly conscious brethren. James 1:4

THE VOICE OF YOUR CONSCIENCE: A faithful conscience will continually remind you that eternity is near, and the prize is worth every sacrifice. Paul was always conscious of the coming judgment and the reward for those who love Christ’s appearing. Let your conscience remind you that the things of this world are temporal, but the crown of righteousness is eternal. When tempted to give up, remember that there is a reward for those who endure to the end. Matthew 24:13 KJV

PRAYER:

O Lord, give me the grace to fight the good fight, finish my course, and keep the faith until I receive the crown of righteousness, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

REFLECTION:

Revelation 22:12 KJV – “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

1. My Father and my God, give me the grace to remain steadfast in my relationship with You. No trial, temptation, or worldly distraction shall make me lose focus or fall away from the race, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen my spiritual life with perseverance and determination. Help me to keep my eyes on You, the author and finisher of my faith, and to run this race with endurance until the end, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

3. O Lord my God, let my conscience always remind me of eternity and the reward awaiting the faithful. Deliver me from every spiritual blindness and help me to live with heaven in view daily, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

4. My Father and my God, empower me to finish well and receive the crown of righteousness. Let me not faint, fall, or backslide in this race; uphold me by Your mercy until I see You in glory, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.