If last week’s sermon text presented Paul reminiscing about the past, this week’s passage finds the Apostle looking to
the future, confident that Christ will lead him in the way he should go. He urges Timothy to follow in the path set
before him (vs. 13), the “holy calling” that the Lord has placed on his life (vs. 9). As we sing this morning, we echo
Paul’s imperative. We declare that our God will be our guide until death (Within Your Temple Lord—Psalm 48). We
ask Him to lead us through desert lands and onto a rock where we might rest from trouble (Jesus, Shepherd Of Thy
People; Lord, Hear My Voice—Psalm 61). We seek Him for strength to run the race set before us (May The Mind Of
Christ My Savior). Like Paul, we boldly state our intent to proclaim God’s works to sinners and saints alike (I Waited
Patient For The Lord—Psalm 40), and trust that we will not be put to shame in our labors (To Live Is Christ). Though
sin’s wars may be fierce, we can say boldly that we follow our Lord without fear (Lead On, O King Eternal). His grace
will make us strong. —Henry C. Haffner
