2 Timothy 4:7
“7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
It is with a heavy hear that I write today’s message, about someone I consider an American hero, and a devoted disciple of Yeshua.
The apostle Paul wrote his second letter to his beloved pupil, Timothy near the end of his life, facing martyrdom for proclaiming the Gospel. His words echo across time as both a personal testimony and a call to every believer. To fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith is the essence of Christian perseverance.
This week, we continue to be confronted with the shocking and sobering murder of Charlie Kirk, a man who boldly stood in the public square, unashamed of his convictions. He was assassinated while speaking at a Utah university, cut down in an act of political and spiritual violence. His death reminds us that following conviction—even in the modern age—can come at the highest cost. Today, we reflect on what it means to live and, if called, to die for Christ.
I. The Good Fight
Paul reminds Timothy that the Christian life is a battle. Not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual darkness (Ephesians 6:12). The good fight is not about weapons or revenge, but about truth, righteousness, and faithfulness to God.
Charlie Kirk lived much of his public life in the heat of battle. He fought for values he believed were rooted in truth. Whether one agreed with him or not, he refused to be silent in the face of opposition. His voice cost him his life.
As Christians, we too are called into the arena. Not everyone will face assassination, but all of us will face hostility, criticism, or even rejection for standing with Christ. The question is: will we fight the good fight—not for ourselves, but for the glory of God?
II. The Race to Be Finished
Life is a race with a beginning and an end. Paul does not boast in how fast he ran or how easy the course was; he rejoices simply that he finished. Faithfulness, not speed or worldly success, is the measure of victory.
Charlie’s life ended violently, but his race was not in vain. Death does not erase a life of witness. Just as Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7 sparked boldness in the early church, tragedies like this remind us of the urgency of the Gospel. None of us knows how long we have.
Will we finish well?
Will we live in such a way that, if our time comes unexpectedly, we can stand before Christ knowing we gave Him our all?
Every believer must run their race with endurance. Some will have decades, some only years, but the prize remains the same: the crown of righteousness promised to those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
III. Keeping the Faith
This may be the hardest part. In a culture hostile to Christ, in the face of suffering, how do we keep the faith? Paul endured prison, betrayal, and persecution, yet he never renounced Christ. That is the model.
Charlie Kirk kept speaking, despite threats, criticism, and mounting pressure. He did not back down, even though the cost grew heavier. For us, the call is to remain faithful in the little things—daily prayer, obedience, love for neighbor—as well as in the great trials.
Keeping the faith means holding fast to Jesus, who Himself endured the cross, despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Faithfulness is not about comfort; it is about courage.
IV. The Hope Beyond the Grave
Paul ends his testimony not with despair, but with hope: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” Death is not the end. For those in Christ, death is graduation into glory.
Charlie’s death was tragic, violent, and unjust.
But we do not mourn as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The same God who sustained Paul, who received Stephen, and who has welcomed countless martyrs through the ages, has also received Charlie. His voice has been silenced on earth, but his testimony echoes on.
Our task is to carry forward the torch of faith.
To live not in fear, but in courage. To proclaim not hatred, but truth in love. And to be ready, as Paul was, to face whatever may come, knowing that our reward is with Christ.
Brothers and sisters, 2 Timothy 4:7 is not just Paul’s testimony—it must be ours. Let us fight the good fight against sin, falsehood, and despair. Let us run the race with endurance, even when the path grows dark. Let us keep the faith, unshaken by tragedy, because Christ Himself is faithful.
Charlie Kirk’s murder is a painful reminder that evil still seeks to silence truth. Yet, as Jesus said in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
May we, too, live and, if necessary, die in such a way that when our time comes, we can say with Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the example of Paul, who fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
We remember today the life and death of Charlie Kirk, and we lift up his family, friends, and all who grieve.
Lord, give us courage to stand for truth, strength to endure trials, and grace to love even in the face of hatred.
May we run our race with faithfulness, and may our lives point others to Christ, our eternal hope.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
