2 Timothy

4.1-22

Paul is increasingly earnest as he closes his remarks to Timothy, beginning with a reminder that Jesus is the Judge of the living and the dead, Jesus is the Conqueror (by His appearing...preach the word), and Jesus is the King (by His kingdom...preach the word). Consider Paul's three words to direct Timothy's preaching: There is a progression from 1) Reprove - convincing people of their guilt and exposing sin, to 2) Rebuke - warning people to stop, or cease an action they need to turn away from, and finally, 3) Exhort - imploring, entreating, calling someone to your side. Two harsh words, followed by one soft, and directions to be patient and teach. It is no wonder that Paul warns Timothy they will not endure sound doctrine and look for teachers/preachers that say the things that make them happy with themselves (v.3). Isn't this just like today as people will attend whichever church is the most "fun" or has the most convenient service times to accommodate their personal schedules? For some, sound doctrine may be too challenging or leave the hearer feeling too guilty about their sin. That doesn't relieve us of the responsibility to fulfill our ministries (v.5). As we pursue the high calling of serving a Risen Savior and Returning King, aspire to have 2 Timothy 4:7 for your own epithet, knowing you did not compromise when hardship came. Rather you were ready, in season and out of season, enduring to achieve the purposes for which you were created.

CHAPTER 4

Preach the Word

1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.
8 In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Personal Concerns

9 Be diligent to come to me soon,
10 for Demas, having loved this present age, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
12 But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
13 When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith showed me much harm; the Lord will award him according to his deeds.
15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our words.
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me unto His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.
21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.