IT seems doubtful if in any other of his epistles Paul revealed more of his innermost thoughts than in his messages to Timothy, whom he described as his "beloved and faithful son, in the Lord." In his second letter to Timothy, Paul also addresses him with great solemnity and, it seems, refers to the approaching end of his own militant ministry. Paul declares his readiness for that eventuality and, apparently in a burst of exaltation inspired by a mental review of his valorous service in establishing the teachings of his Lord and Master in many lands and among divers races of Gentiles, asserts, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Brave words these, and uttered out of a deep-seated consciousness of duty well performed!
In view of the apostle's marvelous enlightenment in things of Spirit, we can be assured that he was speaking out of a state of consciousness which was extraordinarily aware of God's presence and omnipotence. Careful analysis of Paul's many statements, and inquiry as to the source of the strength and fortitude which he so commonly manifested, reveal his unshakable faith in God as a large factor in the accomplishment of his fruitful works. As workers in the same cause in which Paul served so valiantly—a cause which has for its only purpose the evangelization of mankind—we too shall find that faith in God and in His present availability is a most important factor. Spiritual progress is impossible without it; and faith, buttressed by understanding, will lead us into all blessedness—joy, peace, and unlimited well-being.
To keep the faith, however, implies something additional to the having of faith in God. Paul's declaration implies that not only did he have faith, the faith that moves mountains, to the point of complete acceptance of the teachings of Jesus, of acceptance without mental reservation, but, having accepted those teachings, he had kept the faith; that is, he had undertaken to the best of his ability to remain steadfast in his allegiance and, moreover, to the utmost of his ability, had carried the holy precepts to all ready to receive the priceless message.
