2 Timothy 4
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Introduction**
Introduction**
The last words of a notable person are often significant.
The last words of a notable person are often significant.
At least that’s the sense that we get.
At least that’s the sense that we get.
A great person’s last words are significant. They are a window that helps us to look into his heart, or a measure that helps us evaluate his life.
We just naturally sense that there is some great importance to them or some good insight in them.
Because they are “last words” we believe through those words that we get a look into that persons heart.
We might think that because they are a persons last words, that if that person is in their right minds we might find some comfort in them and some helpful instruction … something we can hold onto.
Of course, it doesn’t always pan out that way.
Sometimes it might be something foolish like:
“Pull the pin and count to what?”
“O.K. I’ll go ahead and make your day.”
“I saw this on T.V.”
Or they might by cryptic or hard to understand like Steve Job’s last words, “Oh, Wow.”
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The Bible records the last words of many people.
The Bible records the last words of many people.
Samson in said, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”
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Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”
And verse 30 records his very last words ... “Let me die with the Philistines.”
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Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life.
And then there is Saul whose last words were, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.”
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Saul groaned to his armor bearer, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.” But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
1 Samuel 31:4
Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me.” But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it.
In regards to king David, there are 2 instances where last words are recorded.
One is his last words to his son, Solomon in 1 Kings.
Along with various instructions to Solomon about how to deal with Joab and a few others, David said:
“I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
1 Kings 2:2
David wrote at least 73 of the Psalms in the Book of Psalms, but one isn’t in Psalms.
It’s the last recorded Psalm that David ever wrote and is found in and contains this wonderful insight:
“The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, Like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’ “Although my house is not so with God, Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; Will He not make it increase?
2 Samuel 23:2
David is confessing that his rule has not been perfect, but God has shown him grace and through his house the perfect Ruler … the Messiah will come.
Those are some great last words from David.
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Israel’s great enemy Goliath had some pretty embarrassing last words considering the outcome of his encounter with David:
So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
David in that fight was a picture of Christ overcoming our great enemy, Satan.
Like Satan, Goliath was prideful.
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The last words of Herod Agrippa, like those of Goliath, were the lead-up to a great fall.
Well, we don’t have his last words, but we have this:
So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts 12:
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The final words of Eli the High Priest in the time of Samuel’s childhood were, “What happened?”
Then the man said to Eli, “I am he who came from the battle. And I fled today from the battle line.” And he said, “What happened, my son?” So the messenger answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has been captured.” Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
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In the New Testament, Sapphira’s last words were a lie, “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
Acts
And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
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Stephen’s last words were, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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The final words of the thief on the cross next to Jesus were the most important anyone could say, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
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And most importantly, the final words of Jesus … “It is finished.”
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Of all the last words, none is more important or more poignant than, “It is finished.”
Of all the last words, none is more important or more poignant than, “It is finished.”
It’s a Greek word ... tetelestai, an accounting term that means “paid in full.”
It’s a Greek word ... tetelestai, an accounting term that means “paid in full.”
Jesus was declaring that the debt owed to God the Father was completely wiped away … forever.
But whose debt?
Not Jesus’.
He was without sin.
Jesus died to pay the price for OUR sins.
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It was this good news of salvation through Jesus Christ that Paul committed his own life to proclaiming.
It was this good news of salvation through Jesus Christ that Paul committed his own life to proclaiming.
But to do this, Paul wasn’t going to compromise the integrity of God’s Word.
But to do this, Paul wasn’t going to compromise the integrity of God’s Word.
That is because it is important that faith is supported by proper doctrine.
In other words, Sound doctrine is important because our faith is based on a specific message.
The primary message is spelled out for us in
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Corinthians
This message is of utmost importance and to change any of it … or to lesson any part of it or overemphasize a part is to change the message.
That’s because to change that message is to change the basis of faith.
Focusing too much on judgment or even focusing too much on grace shifts the basis of faith from Christ to something else.
The Gospel is what we would call a sacred trust … a message that is to be delivered and not altered.
Instead, Paul says we are to contend for the faith.
That means we are to fight for it with everything we’ve got.
God’s Word is truth in a world of falsehood.
The best way to distinguish the truth from falsehood is to know what the truth is.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul had told him:
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:
The result of sound doctrine is life.
But the result of false doctrine is destruction.
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
And many today are being led toward destruction by those who tell lies and half truths to make a profit.
reads:
Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
This is a concept that we must apply to sound doctrine to preserve it intact.
The word of wisdom is “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (, NKJV). If we can apply this to sound doctrine, the lesson is that we must preserve it intact. May we never stray from “the simplicity that is in Christ” ().
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We know how important it is because we have been studying Paul’s letters for the past 3 years.
We know how important it is because we have been studying Paul’s letters for the past 3 years.
And he concentrates on explaining sound doctrine a whole lot.
And he concentrates on explaining sound doctrine a whole lot.
But what is striking to me is that here in his final letter before he is put to death by Rome he uses his final words to talk about preserving sound doctrine.
For 30 years or more, he had laboured in the work of the gospel.
For 30 years or more, he had laboured in the work of the gospel.
And now his life is to be poured out as a final offering to his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
And now his life is to be poured out as a final offering to his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
BUT his concern is with Timothy and with the church.
That we, as he had written to Titus, “Hold fast the faithful word as has been taught, that we may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
Williams, P. (2007). Opening up 2 Timothy (p. 89). Leominster: Day One Publications.
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holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
titus
Of all the things Paul could have written to Timothy in his final letter, the fact that he chose to speak so much about preserving doctrine tells us how important it is.
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This tells us just how important sound doctrine is.
And now we get to the final chapter of Paul’s final letter.
And now we get to the final chapter of Paul’s final letter.
What he has to say in the final paragraphs of his final letter … regardless of closing letter pleasantries … must be very very important.
What we find in this chapter is an intense personal appeal for Timothy’s faithfulness to the Lord and to his beloved mentor, Paul.
find in this chapter an intense personal appeal for Timothy’s faithfulness to the Lord and to his beloved Paul.
He does this with 3 admonitions.
He tells Timothy in verse 2 to preach the word.
He tells Timothy in verse 5 to fulfill his ministry.
And he tells Timothy in the closing paragraphs to be diligent and faithful.
Because hostility to sound doctrine will increase, the time will often seem not to be good for preaching the Word.
Because hostility to sound doctrine will increase, the time will often seem not to be opportune.
Still, Timothy is to fight the good fight and finish the race just as Paul has.
Understanding that these are the last recorded words of this great Apostle, let’s pray for insight and understanding as we open the Word.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we open up Your Word this morning, we ask for clarity and insight. We desire understanding. Because all scripture has been breathed out by You, we want to draw near to You by Your Word. Lord, we ask that You would teach us this morning; reprove us, correct us, instruct us, and equip us for every good work. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
v1-2
v1-2
This charge came to Timothy as a command from God.
v1
v1
Let us read it that way, too … a charge to all pastors … a charge to all Christians.
Paul was writing to Timothy at a time when evil men and impostors were seeking to destroy the faith.
Paul was writing to Timothy at a time when evil men and impostors were seeking to destroy the faith.
As we’ve been very thorough in pointing out some false teachings of our times, I think it’s apparent to us that there are those today who are imposters.
As we’ve been very thorough in pointing out some false teachings of our times, I think it’s apparent to us that there are those today who are imposters.
Perhaps many of them are being demonically used and don’t realize it.
Yet there are also those who corrupt the truth purposefully with a desire for fame and profit.
And, as there were during Paul’s time, there will be those who respond to persecution by corrupting doctrine in order to fit in.
This charge came to Timothy as a command from God.
Let us read it that way, too … a charge to all pastors … a charge to all Christians.
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Bearing in mind that this was a time when evil men and impostors were seeking to destroy the faith, and that Timothy was a man of timid disposition, he must have trembled when he read this charge, especially since it came as a command from God. Nor should we overlook the fact that it is a charge applicable to all pastors, and for that matter, to all Christians.
Timothy and all ministers are to carry out their ministry under the very eye of God.
Timothy and all ministers are to carry out their ministry under the very eye of God.
Timothy and all ministers are to carry out their ministry under the very eye of God. Moreover, when Christ returns to this earth to establish his eternal kingdom, and to judge the living and the dead, pastors and all other servants of God will have to give an account. Such a thought must surely act as a great incentive to all pastors to take their calling very seriously. They must not be so concerned to please their congregations, or be influenced by the criticism or praise of others to the extent that they forget that they are accountable to God in Christ.
And when Christ returns to this earth to establish His eternal kingdom, and to judge the living and the dead, pastors and all other servants of God will have to give an account.
And when Christ returns to this earth to establish His eternal kingdom, and to judge the living and the dead, pastors and all other servants of God will have to give an account.
Such a thought should cause all teachers to take their calling very seriously.
Pleasing the congregation or avoiding criticism or seeking praise must never cause us to try to tame God’s Word.
They must not be so concerned to please their congregations, or be influenced by the criticism or praise of others to the extent that they forget that they are accountable to God in Christ.
Every pastor wants to please his congregation.
No pastor revels in criticism.
And it’s is nice to hear a thank you and appreciation for hard work every now and then.
But these are not and never should be the driving force for how or what the pastor teaches.
Rather, obedience to God and a desire to glorify God should be.
Sticking to the plain meaning of scripture … proper exegesis of God’s Word rather than trying to alter or change it will do those things.
Obedient believers will receive God’s word with gladness and be pleased by its being faithfully preached.
Also, God’s Word holds up under criticism when it is faithfully taught.
AND the praise and glory goes to God alone … not to the inventiveness and skill of the pastor.
James, in chapter 3 of his letter, takes this whole question of pastoral accountability a step further.
He warns that those who are teachers of God’s truth will be under greater condemnation than others if they are not faithful in preaching that truth.
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My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
It is good to remember that responsibility carries accountability with it.
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‘Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly’ ().
It would be good for each one of us to reflect on the fact that one day we will face God and our works will be judged.
It would be good for each one of us to reflect on the fact that one day we will face God and our works will be judged.
It would do us all good to occasionally reflect on the fact that one day we will face God and our works will be judged.
He emphasizes the privilege of the preaching ministry, but—like Paul—he also cautions the preacher to remember that responsibility carries accountability with it.
And that should cause us to do our work carefully … and faithfully, setting aside the fear of man.
And that should cause us to do our work carefully … and faithfully, setting aside the fear of man.
It can also encourage us to keep going in difficulties knowing that, “God is not unjust to forget [our] work and labor of love which [we] have shown toward His name.”
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For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
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The word “preach” in the Greek is κηρύσσω Kēryssō and it means “to preach like a herald.”
The word “preach” means “to preach like a herald.” In Paul’s day, a ruler had a special herald who made announcements to the people. He was commissioned by the ruler to make his announcements in a loud, clear voice so everyone could hear. He was not an ambassador with the privilege of negotiating; he was a messenger with a proclamation to be heard and heeded. Not to heed the ruler’s messenger was serious; to abuse the messenger was even worse.
Our presidents have “Press Secretaries” … Sean Spicer is President Trump’s.
I believe that President Obama had 2 … Josh Earnest and Jay Carney.
These are the “Heralds of the President” and they are to be the spokesman or herald of the administration.
Likewise, in Paul’s days, rulers and Emperors had a special herald who made announcements to the people.
Likewise, in Paul’s days, rulers and Emperors had a special herald who made announcements to the people.
It was expected that they plainly and clearly proclaim that message without changing it … that was his charge.
It was expected that they plainly and clearly proclaim that message without changing it … that was his charge.
He was not afforded any right of negotiating, but had to deliver the exact message he was given.
To ignore the message of the king was a serious offense … the messenger had the authority of the king and kingdom behind him.
But for the messenger to change the message of the king would have resulted in severe judgment against him.
He was not an ambassador with the privilege of negotiating; he was a messenger with a proclamation to be heard and heeded. Not to heed the ruler’s messenger was serious; to abuse the messenger was even worse.
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Timothy was to herald God’s Word with the authority of heaven behind him.
Timothy was to herald God’s Word with the authority of heaven behind him.
The Word of God is what both sinners and saints need.
It is a pity that many churches have substituted other things for the preaching of the Word, things that may be good in their place, but that are bad when they replace the proclamation of the Word.
In my own pastoral ministry, I have seen what the preaching of the Word can do in churches and in individual lives; and I affirm that nothing can take its place.
Verse 2 also says, “Be ready in season and out of season.”
Verse 2 also says, “Be ready in season and out of season.”
It’s been interpreted to mean that Timothy was to be ready to preach at all times.
But what is translated “Be ready” is ἐφίστημι Ephistēmi from Epi meaning “Upon” and Histēmi meaning “To stand.”
It means “Stand Upon” … that is the literal meaning.
The Holman Christian Study Bible gets it closest with “Persist in.”
“Standing Upon” the Word of God allows us to “Be ready” … to be diligent and alert to use every opportunity to preach the Word.
But more pertinent to our study, to stand upon the Word means that is where we are going to stay, when it is favorable and when it is not favorable.
And that is what Paul is communicating to Timothy.
While there are those who will try to stand upon man’s philosophies or a mix of man’s philosophies and God’s Word, Paul says, “Timothy, you stand upon God’s Word.”
Timothy should be diligent and alert to use every opportunity to preach the Word, when it is favorable and even when it is not favorable. It is easy to make excuses when we ought to be making opportunities. Paul himself always found an opportunity to share the Word, whether it was in the temple courts, on a stormy sea, or even in prison. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap” (). Stop making excuses and get to work!
That doesn’t mean we don’t take advantage of opportun
It is easy to make excuses when we ought to be making opportunities. Paul himself always found an opportunity to share the Word, whether it was in the temple courts, on a stormy sea, or even in prison. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap” (). Stop making excuses and get to work!
Preaching must be marked by three elements: conviction, warning, and appeal (“reprove, rebuke, exhort”). To quote an old rule of preachers, “He should afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” If there is conviction but no remedy, we add to people’s burdens. And if we encourage those who ought to be rebuked, we are assisting them to sin. Biblical preaching must be balanced.
Preach doctrine … that which was handed down from God through His Apostles.
God’s speaker must be patient as he preaches the Word. He will not always see immediate results. He must be patient with those who oppose his preaching. Above all else, he must preach doctrine. He must not simply tell Bible stories, relate interesting illustrations, or read a verse and then forget it. True preaching is the explanation and application of Bible doctrine. Anything else is just religious speechmaking.
True preaching is the explanation and application of Bible doctrine.
Anything else is just religious speechmaking and entertainment.
The Bible is the foundation that faithful and diligent pastors will teach from.
No matter the climate of the times or how unpopular it makes them.
Above all else, he must preach doctrine. He must not simply tell Bible stories, relate interesting illustrations, or read a verse and then forget it. True preaching is the explanation and application of Bible doctrine. Anything else is just religious speechmaking.
Next Paul goes on to give the content of the charge. ‘Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction’ ().
v2
v2
“Preach the Word!” is the main responsibility that Paul shared in this section. Everything else he said is related to this. The word “preach” means “to preach like a herald.” In Paul’s day, a ruler had a special herald who made announcements to the people. He was commissioned by the ruler to make his announcements in a loud, clear voice so everyone could hear. He was not an ambassador with the privilege of negotiating; he was a messenger with a proclamation to be heard and heeded. Not to heed the ruler’s messenger was serious; to abuse the messenger was even worse.
Timothy was to herald God’s Word with the authority of heaven behind him. The Word of God is what both sinners and saints need. It is a pity that many churches have substituted other things for the preaching of the Word, things that may be good in their place, but that are bad when they replace the proclamation of the Word. In my own pastoral ministry, I have seen what the preaching of the Word can do in churches and in individual lives; and I affirm that nothing can take its place.
Timothy should be diligent and alert to use every opportunity to preach the Word, when it is favorable and even when it is not favorable. It is easy to make excuses when we ought to be making opportunities. Paul himself always found an opportunity to share the Word, whether it was in the temple courts, on a stormy sea, or even in prison. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap” (). Stop making excuses and get to work!
Preaching must be marked by three elements: conviction, warning, and appeal (“reprove, rebuke, exhort”). To quote an old rule of preachers, “He should afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” If there is conviction but no remedy, we add to people’s burdens. And if we encourage those who ought to be rebuked, we are assisting them to sin. Biblical preaching must be balanced.
God’s speaker must be patient as he preaches the Word. He will not always see immediate results. He must be patient with those who oppose his preaching. Above all else, he must preach doctrine. He must not simply tell Bible stories, relate interesting illustrations, or read a verse and then forget it. True preaching is the explanation and application of Bible doctrine. Anything else is just religious speechmaking.
But what about the convincing, rebuking, and exhorting … do we need to step outside of God’s word to do those things?
Certainly we do not!
For, God’s Word will not return void … Preaching God’s word faithfully will convince, rebuke, and exhort.
Preaching that
After all, Paul just moments before this … wrote:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
v3-4
v3-4
v3-4
Note the emphasis on Scripture here.
Paul says, “Preach the Word” AND “They will not endure sound doctrine … they shall turn away their ears from the truth.”
This emphasis on sound (healthy) doctrine runs through all three of Paul’s Pastoral Epistles, and this emphasis is surely needed today.
The charge to Timothy … and my charge … and your charge ... is to faithfully be God’s herald, standing on His Word.
The charge to Timothy … and my charge … and your charge ... is to faithfully be God’s herald, standing on His Word.
That is the responsibility before God and the LORD Jesus Christ.
That is the responsibility before God and the LORD Jesus Christ.
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Here in verses 3-4 we have the reason.
and he also gave the reason ().
Paul gave the responsibility—“preach the Word” ()—and he also gave the reason (). The time would come (and it has been here for a long time!) when most people would not want the “healthy doctrine” of the Word of God. They would have carnal desires for religious novelties. Because of their “itching ears” they would accumulate teachers who would satisfy their cravings for things that disagree with God’s truths. The fact that a preacher has a large congregation is not always a sign that he is preaching the truth. In fact, it may be evidence that he is tickling people’s “itching ears” and giving them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.
The time would come when the majority of people would not want the sound or “healthy” doctrine of the Word of God.
They would have carnal desires for religious entertainment, extravagance, and sensation.
Showmanship comes from the word showman
They would want to have their opinions and desires validated rather than purified.
Their “itching ears” would cause them to accumulate teachers who would satisfy their cravings for things that disagree with God’s truths.
As we saw last week, this was going on in small church meetings in Paul’s time and is happening in small and large church meetings of our time.
The fact that a preacher has a large congregation is not always a sign that he is preaching the truth.
The fact that a preacher has a large congregation is not always a sign that he is preaching the truth.
In fact, it may be evidence that he is tickling people’s “itching ears” and giving them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.
It is but a short step from “scratching itching ears” to turning ears away from the truth.
And once people have rejected the truth, they turn to fables.
The Greek word for Fables here is μῦθος Mythos, which literally means “A speech story.”
True doctrine originates with God.
It has it’s authority in the Bible, and is consistent with the whole of Scripture.
This is the doctrine that Paul classifies as sound.
It is beneficial and valuable to the believer, and we are responsible for holding it.
False doctrines originate with man.
They do not come from the Bible and thus lack authority.
They contradict portions of Scripture.
They are unhealthy and unprofitable for us, and we are responsible for rejecting them.
They are speech stories … Fables.
They can cause someone to feign repentance but cannot produce true repentance.
It is not likely that man-made fables will convict them of sin or make them want to repent!
The result is a congregation of comfortable, professing Christians, listening to comfortable, religious talk that contains no Bible doctrine.
And this opens people up to becoming the prey of every false thing because their lives lack a foundation in the Word of God.
Note the emphasis on Scripture: “Preach the Word … with … doctrine … They will not endure sound doctrine … they shall turn away their ears from the truth” (). This emphasis on sound (healthy) doctrine runs through all three of Paul’s Pastoral Epistles, and this emphasis is surely needed today.
For instance, you will likely find a person who believes in Prosperity Doctrine accepting of the teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation, which tends to be a conglomeration of all kinds of fables.
And notice that Paul says “turned aside to fables.”
Turned aside is ἐκτρέπω Ektrepō which means “turned away, put out of joint.”
The damage that these fables do to the body of Christ can be immense as people are turned away and put out of joint … becoming a unusable member of the Body.
v5
v5
Paul says to Timothy, “Keep your wits about you” … and “endure” meaning “persevere through hardship” … “proclaim the word” … “fulfill whatever God wants you to do.”
Paul says to Timothy, “Keep your wits about you” … and “endure” meaning “persevere through hardship” … “proclaim the word” … “fulfill whatever God wants you to do.”
“Make full proof of thy ministry” means “fulfill whatever God wants you to do.”
“Make full proof of thy ministry” means “fulfill whatever God wants you to do.” Timothy’s ministry would not be exactly like Paul’s, but it would be important to the cause of Christ. No God-directed ministry is small or unimportant. In this final chapter, Paul named some co-laborers about whom we know nothing; yet they too had a ministry to fulfill.
Paul was handing down his ministry to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy.
Paul was handing down his ministry to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy.
Timothy’s ministry would not be exactly like Paul’s, but it would be important to the cause of Christ.
No God-directed ministry is small or unimportant.
Whether 100, 50, 20, or 10 … it’s enough to give account for on the day of judgment.
We do not measure the fulfillment of a ministry only on the basis of numbers OR on what people see.
“How many do you preach to?” Spurgeon asked.
Rather, faithfulness is important, knowing that God sees the heart.
Whatever the popular thing became in his day, Timothy, as God’s servant, was not to be influenced by it.
“Oh, about 100,” the man replied.
If people were clambering for a gnostic approach to the Gospel, Timothy was to shun it and preach only the word.
We do not measure the fulfillment of a ministry only on the basis of statistics or on what people see. We realize that faithfulness is important and that God sees the heart. This was why Timothy had to be “sober in all things” (, nasb) and carry on his ministry with seriousness of purpose. (We have met this word “sober” many times in these letters.)
Whatever the prevailing theological fashions of his day, Timothy, as God’s servant, is not to be influenced by them. He will not take his lead from what others are doing. Let them get on with their ‘itching’ novelties, and their readiness to satisfy the unhealthy craving for the sensational. Timothy must remain clear-headed and stand firm on the great doctrines of the cross, the empty tomb, and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory and power.
When people were ‘itching’ for novelties, and desiring the sensational, Timothy was to stick with sound doctrine.
Solemnly Spurgeon said, “That will be enough to give account for on the day of judgment.”
Whatever the prevailing theological fashions of his day, Timothy, as God’s servant, is not to be influenced by them. He will not take his lead from what others are doing. Let them get on with their ‘itching’ novelties, and their readiness to satisfy the unhealthy craving for the sensational. Timothy must remain clear-headed and stand firm on the great doctrines of the cross, the empty tomb, and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory and power.
He must remain clear-headed.
Let them get on with their ‘itching’ novelties, and their readiness to satisfy the unhealthy craving for the sensational. Timothy must remain clear-headed and stand firm on the great doctrines of the cross, the empty tomb, and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory and power.
He must stand firm on the great doctrines of the cross, the empty tomb, and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory and power.
We do not measure the fulfillment of a ministry only on the basis of statistics or on what people see. We realize that faithfulness is important and that God sees the heart. This was why Timothy had to be “sober in all things” (, nasb) and carry on his ministry with seriousness of purpose. (We have met this word “sober” many times in these letters.)
This kind of stand would result in hardship at the hands of those who taught falsely.
Timothy was not only a preacher; he was also a soldier () who would have to “endure afflictions” (). He had seen Paul go through sufferings on more than one occasion (; ). Most of Timothy’s sufferings would come from the “religious crowd” that did not want to hear the truth. It was the “religious crowd” that crucified Christ and that persecuted Paul and had him arrested.
Like Noah, Lot, and many others such as Paul, Timothy would endure sufferings at the hands of those who didn’t want to hear the truth.
“Do the work of an evangelist” () would remind Timothy that all of his ministry must have soul-winning at its heart. This does not mean that every sermon should be a “sawdust trail, hellfire-and-brimstone” message, because the saints need feeding as well. But it does mean that a preacher, no matter what he is preaching, should keep the lost souls in mind. This burden for the lost should characterize a pastor’s private ministry as well. (See for a description of a balanced ministry.)
God has given special men to the church as evangelists (; ); but this does not absolve a pastor from his soul-winning responsibility. Not every preacher has the same gifts, but every preacher can share the same burden and proclaim the same saving message. A friend of mine went to hear a famous preacher, and I asked him how the message was. He replied, “There wasn’t enough Gospel in it to save a flea!”
v6
v6
Paul gave the reason behind the responsibility (): He was about to move off the scene and Timothy would have to take his place. In this beautiful paragraph of personal testimony, you find Paul looking in three different directions.
Paul’s life was coming to an end.
Paul’s life was coming to an end.
He was on trial in Rome and had been through a first hearing () which confirmed that he was a Roman citizen.
He was on trial in Rome and had been through a first hearing () which confirmed that he was a Roman citizen.
Very soon, he would be taken outside the city and beheaded.
In verse 6 he uses two important words, “offering” and “departure.”
In , Paul had contemplated the possibility of being martyred and there he used this same figure of speech.
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Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
And now here we find that what he had speculated upon is now happening.
It’s a very literal picture … that of his own life being poured out as a drink-offering.
Of course, Paul is imagining the Old Testament sacrifice made by pouring liquid out onto the altar.
But his greater point is this: “Caesar is not going to kill me. I am going to give my life as a sacrifice to Jesus Christ.”
However, he was not ! The two words “offered” and “departure” () tell us of his faith and confidence. “Offered” means “poured out on the altar as a drink-offering.” He used the same picture in . In effect Paul was saying, “Caesar is not going to kill me. I am going to give my life as a sacrifice to Jesus Christ. I have been a living sacrifice, serving Him since the day I was saved. Now I will complete that sacrifice by laying down my life for Him.”
Paul had lived his life as a sacrifice, serving the LORD Jesus since the day he was saved.
He used the same picture in . In effect Paul was saying, “Caesar is not going to kill me. I am going to give my life as a sacrifice to Jesus Christ. I have been a living sacrifice, serving Him since the day I was saved. Now I will complete that sacrifice by laying down my life for Him.”
Now he will complete that sacrifice by laying down his life.
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The word departure could be taken in a couple senses.
The word departure could be taken in a couple senses.
It one sense it means, “To hoist anchor and set sail.”
It one sense it means, “To hoist anchor and set sail.”
If this is the proper sense, then it meant Paul looked on death as a release from the world, … an opportunity to “set sail” into eternity.
But the word also means “To take down a tent.”
But the word also means “To take down a tent.”
In this way, it parallels , where Paul compared the death of believers to the taking down of a tent, in order to receive a permanent, glorified body.
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For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
But there is also another sense in which the word can be used.
But there is also another sense in which the word can be used.
And that is meaning “Releasing a prisoner.”
And that is meaning “Releasing a prisoner.”
For the unbeliever, death means judgment and condemnation.
But for the believer like Paul it means being released into the presence of the LORD!
Still yet there is another possible meaning to this word.
Still yet there is another possible meaning to this word.
And that is “The unyoking of an ox.”
And that is “The unyoking of an ox.”
“The unyoking of an ox” is another meaning of this word. Paul had been in hard service for many years. Now his Master would unyoke him and promote him to higher service.
Paul had been in hard service for many years.
Now his Master would unyoke him and promote him to a higher service.
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In verse 7, Paul turns to athletic imagery.
In verse 7, Paul turns to athletic imagery.
Is it a wrestler or a boxer that he pictures?
Is it a wrestler or a boxer that he pictures?
We don’t know … he does both in his letters, and the verb he uses here describes only a conflict.
Either way, like a determined wrestler or a toughened boxer, he had fought a good fight.
And like a runner, he has finished the race course he was on victoriously.
Paul had forecast his chains and tribulations before the Ephesian elders back in .
There he said:
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The 3rd image is that of a steward … the word “Kept” is τηρέω Tēreō which speaks of something being guarded.
Paul contended fiercely with those who would add to or take away from God’s Word.
It didn’t make Paul popular.
Nor did it bring him physical comfort.
Nevertheless, he remained faithful … he fought, he finished, he kept the faith.
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A Greek or Roman athlete who was a winner was rewarded by the crowds and usually given a laurel wreath or a garland of oak leaves.
A Greek or Roman athlete who was a winner was rewarded by the crowds and usually given a laurel wreath or a garland of oak leaves.
The word for “crown” is στέφανος stephanos - the victor’s crown.
This is different from the kingly crown or diadema.
The crown awarded to athletes would after a short time fade.
But Paul would not be given a fading crown; his would be a crown of righteousness that would never fade.
However, Paul would not be given a fading crown of leaves; his would be a crown of righteousness that would never fade.
Jesus Christ is the “righteous Judge” and He always judges correctly.
Paul knew about judges … he had been on trial multiple times.
Paul had never encountered a righteous judge, for a righteous judge would have immediately released him.
But he now faces one Final Judge and that is his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And because he has trusted in Jesus for salvation, he has no need to fear the judgment of man and can look forward to being face to face with Christ.
How many times Paul had been tried in one court after another, yet now he faced his last Judge—his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We can adopt that same attitude.
The crown of righteousness is God’s reward for a faithful and righteous life, not depending on their own righteousness or works, but on the righteousness of Christ.
Paul looked forward to receiving his reward from the Lord.
He loved Christ’s appearing!
“The love of Christ constrains us!” (, NKJV)
And all the saints who love His appearing will also be faithful, as Paul was, to serve Him now, and will, with Paul, receive their reward.
We are not called to be apostles; yet we can win the same crown that Paul won.
This is why Paul used the return of Jesus Christ as a basis for his admonitions in this chapter (see ).
We are not called to be apostles; yet we can win the same crown that Paul won. If we love Christ’s appearing, live in obedience to His will, and do the work He has called us to do, we will be crowned.
If we love Christ’s appearing, live in obedience to His will, and do the work He has called us to do, we will be crowned.
v9-22
v9-22
A lot of these names and relationships we already discussed over the last month or so in this letter, so we’ll be brief with them.
You can always go back and re-listen to the recordings.
Paul desired for Timothy to come to be with him.
Paul desired for Timothy to come to be with him.
He was feeling abandoned and wanted his son in the faith to be by his side.
He was feeling abandoned and wanted his son in the faith to be by his side.
Perhaps he had some parting instruction for Timothy that was better served in person.
That is something we can only speculate about.
“Hurry and get here!” is the meaning of the admonition to Timothy (). Tychicus would take Timothy’s place in Ephesus (). As Timothy hurried to Rome, he could stop in Troas and get the cloak, books, and parchments (). Paul probably left them there in his haste to depart. It is touching to see that, in his closing days on earth, Paul wanted his dear “son in the faith” at his side. But he was also practical: he needed his cloak for warmth, and he wanted his books for study. The “books” would be papyrus scrolls, perhaps of the Old Testament Scriptures; and the “parchments” would be books made from the skins of animals. We do not know what these “parchments” were, but we are not surprised that a scholar such as Paul wanted material for study and writing.
This letter would be delivered by Tychicus and according to verse 12, he would take Timothy’s place in Ephesus.
As Timothy hurried to Rome, he could stop in Troas and get the cloak, books, and parchments and somewhere along the way pick up Mark.
This is the same Mark that
As we have talked about before, Paul may have left them there in his haste to depart or that may have been where he had been arrested.
The “books” would likely be papyrus scrolls, perhaps of the Old Testament Scriptures.
The “parchments” would have been books or codexes assembled from the skins of animals.
It may have been that Paul desired for Mark to translate some of those things into latin.
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Before he ended the letter, Paul urged Timothy to “come before winter” (). Why? All the ships would be in port during the winter since it would be too dangerous for sailing. If Timothy waited too long, he would miss his opportunity to travel to Paul; and then it would be too late.
Paul had a sense that his time would be quickly up.
He asks Timothy to come before winter … probably because winter would be too dangerous for sailing.
Before he ended the letter, Paul urged Timothy to “come before winter” (). Why? All the ships would be in port during the winter since it would be too dangerous for sailing. If Timothy waited too long, he would miss his opportunity to travel to Paul; and then it would be too late.
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As Paul did in other places in this letter, he brings up names in order to create a contrast.
As Paul did in other places in this letter, he brings up names in order to create a contrast.
He has been talking about being faithful.
He has been talking about being faithful.
And now he is going to bring up some who have not been faithful … and Paul has not been able to depend on them.
Demas is named only 3 times in the New Testament.
Each of these tell a sad story of failure.
Paul listed Demas along with Mark and Luke as one of his “fellow laborers” in the close of Philemon.
Then, in Colossians he is simply called “Demas” without any commendation from Paul.
And finally, here it is, “Demas has forsaken me.”
And the reason is that Demas “loved this present world.”
He had tasted of the kingdom to come, but he preferred “this present evil world”.
You might be surprised to learn that Demas is spoken of in another famous book … Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
There, Demas is pictured as the keeper of a silver mine at the Hill Lucre.
What it was, we don’t know … but it must have broken Paul’s heart to see his once fellow co-laborer drawn away from Christ and back into the world.
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Another reason why Paul wanted Timothy in Rome was that his next hearing was coming up and only Luke was with him.
Another reason why Paul wanted Timothy in Rome was that his next hearing was coming up and only Luke was with him.
The believers in Rome and Ephesus who could have stood with Paul had not done so.
The believers in Rome and Ephesus who could have stood with Paul had not done so.
In fact, one had either been one of his accusers, or, at least, a witness against him … that is Alexander the Coppersmith.
Alexander was either one of his accusers, or, at least, a witness against him.
We talked a good deal about him in our study of chapter 1.
There actually was one from Ephesus who stood with Paul … Onesiphorus.
There actually was one from Ephesus who stood with Paul … Onesiphorus.
He had come from Ephesus to Paul in prison to minister to him and stand by him.
Onesiphorus
What happened to Onesiphorus, we don’t know, except that he is no longer with Paul and in verse 19 Paul sends greetings not to Onesiphorus but to his household.
Some have speculated that Onesiphorus may have been arrested while he was in Rome during the great persecution of Christians.
It could be that he was martyred.
Others had failed Paul, but he knew that Timothy would not fail him.
Of course, we should not overlook that the LORD stood with Paul and strengthened him as he says in verse 17.
The Lord had promised to stay with Paul, and He had kept His promise.
The Lord had promised to stay with Paul, and He had kept His promise.
When Paul had been discouraged in Corinth, the Lord came to him and encouraged him ().
After he had been arrested in Jerusalem, Paul again was visited by the Lord and encouraged ().
During that terrible storm, when Paul was on board ship, the Lord had again given him strength and courage ().
Now, in that horrible Roman prison, Paul again experienced the strengthening presence of the Lord.
And the LORD had promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” ().
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Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Many of Paul’s friends had forsaken him, yet Paul in verse 16 prays that God will forgive them.
What a man! His friends forsake him, and he prays that God will forgive them. His enemies try him, and he looks for opportunities to tell them how to be saved! What a difference it makes when the Holy Spirit controls your life.
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In verse 17 Paul is speaking of his first hearing.
In verse 17 Paul is speaking of his first hearing.
There, as he had at other trials, he had been strengthened by the Lord to share the gospel with kings and judges.
There, as he had at other trials, he had been strengthened by the Lord to share the gospel with kings and judges.
It was established at this hearing that Paul was truly a Roman citizen which entitled him to certain rights even as a prisoner.
His citizenship would have kept him from being put in the Arena to face lions and wild animals as sport.
Instead, he would be executed by beheading.
There could be another underlying meaning here.
The lion here may have been hinting at Satan, who is at times pictured as a lion.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Surely Satan would have been tempting Paul at the trial to deny Jesus or compromise the Gospel so it’s not offensive.
But Jesus had strengthened him, thus saving him out of the mouth of the lion.
But Jesus had strengthened him, thus saving him out of the mouth of the lion.
But for a Christian, there are things even more dangerous than suffering and death. Sin, for example. This is what Paul had in mind (). He was confident that the Lord would deliver him from “every evil work” and take him to the heavenly kingdom. Paul’s greatest fear was not of death; it was that he might deny his Lord or do something else that would disgrace God’s name. Paul was certain that the time had come for his permanent departure (). He wanted to end his life-race well and be free from any disobedience.
Paul’s greatest fear was not of death; it was that he might deny his Lord or do something else that would disgrace God’s name. Paul was certain that the time had come for his permanent departure (). He wanted to end his life-race well and be free from any disobedience.
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It is heartening to see how many people are named in the closing part of this last letter Paul wrote.
There are at least 100 different men and women named in Acts and Paul’s letters who were his friends and fellow laborers.
There are at least 100 different men and women named in Acts and Paul’s letters who were his friends and fellow laborers.
Paul’s work was immense and he could not do the job by himself.
Paul’s work was immense and he could not do the job by himself.
It is a great man who enlists others to help get the job done, and who lets them share in the greatness of the work.
Luke in verse 11 is the “beloved physician” who traveled with Paul ().
He is author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
Paul probably dictated this letter (2 Tim.) to Luke.
Being a doctor, Luke must have appreciated Paul’s reference to gangrene (, niv).
Cresces in verse 10 was sent by Paul to Galatia.
We know nothing about him other than that he was another faithful laborer who assisted Paul in an hour of great need.
He was another faithful laborer who assisted Paul in an hour of great need.
Titus in verse 10 was Paul’s close associate and, along with Timothy, a trusted helper.
Paul had left Titus in Crete to straighten out the problems in the churches there ().
As we study Paul’s letter to Titus next Sunday, we will get better acquainted with this great servant of God.
Titus had met Paul at Nicopolis during that period between Paul’s arrests ().
Paul had sent him to Dalmatia (modern day Croatia).
Mark in verse 11 was a cousin of Barnabas.
His mother was a noted Christian in Jerusalem (, ).
Unfortunately, John Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas on that first missionary journey.
Because of this, Paul refused to take Mark on the second trip, and this led to a falling-out between Paul and Barnabas.
However, Paul now wanted Mark with him in Rome, saying that he is useful.
It’s a good reminder to us that one failure in Christian service need not make one’s whole life a failure.
Tychicus in verse 12 was a believer from the province of Asia who willingly accompanied Paul and ministered to him.
He was with Paul during his first imprisonment.
And we know from that Paul had previously sent Tychicus to Crete to relieve Titus.
Now he was sending him to Ephesus to relieve Timothy.
Carpus in verse 13 lived at Troas and gave Paul hospitality.
After Paul’s arrest, he guarded Paul’s books and cloak in Troas until someone was able to collect them.
He was faithful and would later be martyred.
Paul must have departed in a hurry (was he being sought for arrest?) because he left his cloak and books behind. However, Carpus was a faithful brother; he would guard them until somebody picked them up to take to Paul. Even such so-called menial tasks are ministries for the Lord.
Is Alexander the coppersmith () the same Alexander mentioned in ? Nobody knows, and there is no value in conjecturing. The name was common, but it is possible that this heretic went to Rome to make things difficult for Paul. Satan has his workers too. By the way, Paul’s words, “The Lord reward him according to his works” (), are not a prayer of judgment, for this would be contrary to Jesus’ teaching (). “The Lord will reward him” is a better translation.
Prisca (short for Priscilla) and Aquila in verse 19 were a husband-and-wife team that assisted Paul in many ways.
Now they were in Ephesus helping Timothy with his ministry.
Onesiphorus () and his household we met in .
Onesiphorus () and his household we met in .
Erastus in verse 20 might be the treasurer of Corinth whom Paul also mentions in .
He might also be the same man who ministered with Timothy in Macedonia ().
Trophimus in verse 20 was from Ephesus.
He was the man whose presence with Paul helped to incite that riot in Jerusalem ( where Paul was arrested by Rome for the first time.
He had been serving at Miletus, but now he was ill … and Paul left him there sick.
Why did Paul not heal him?
Could it be that not every sick person is supposed to be miraculously healed?
The other people mentioned in verse 21 are unknown to us, but certainly not to the Lord.
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The Bible does not record the final days of Paul.
The Bible does not record the final days of Paul.
Tradition tells us that he was found guilty and sentenced to die.
Tradition tells us that he was found guilty and sentenced to die.
He was probably taken outside the city and beheaded.
But Timothy and the other devoted believers carried on the work!
John Wesley used to say, “God buries His workmen, but His work goes on.”
You and I must be faithful so that (if the Lord does not return soon) future generations may hear the Gospel and have the opportunity to be saved.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for this time we have had together worshipping You and studying Your Word. We thank you that You are faithful and Your mercy endures forever. Increase our love for one another and keep us established us in all good things. Keep our minds and our hands from evil and protect us from the deceptions of our enemy the devil. Thank you for those who sacrifice of themselves to serve You. Thank You for being our Strength and our Shield. Lord, we place ourselves before you to do Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.