Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction: Review previous lessons

Earning trust

Taking Initiative

Using good judgment

Being courageous

Taking charge

Devoted to his people

Humility

A model for leadership

Judging from the world’s standards it wold be tempting to believe that Paul’s life was mostly a failure.

By the end of his life he was imprisoned in Rome awaiting the savage cold of winter with just one friend left - Luke.

He writes this to Timothy

2 timothy

Paul had become such an influential Christian that associating with him had become too costly.

Leadership is influence, however, and Paul still continues to influence today so his life was actually quite the opposite of failure.

Once again, this goes to show that a person’s position does not determine a persons influence and leadership.

Can you think of anyone who had a powerful position and is despised today?

As Paul comes to the end of his life, he writes to Timothy. 2 Timothy obviously contains notes of sadness, but the overarching emotion is that of triumph.

Finally, here at the end, he knew he was departing this life to something far greater.

He was about to gain a fuller fellowship with Christ.

When Paul measured his success as a leader and as a Christian he seemed to measure himself triumphantly with the observation: “I have kept the faith.”

He had both remained faithful to Christ and had kept the gospel message intact just as he had received it.

As Paul’s life comes to an end he recalled people that had been a part of his life and team.

Although he appeared to be friendless, save Luke, he was actually not.

He may have been alone in prison, but he had built a team that would also “keep the faith.”

Paul’s Team

As powerful and passionate a leader as Paul was, no one can serve alone.

When Paul described the church e described it as a body, each member depending on the other members.

In Paul’s time there were many who proved to be faithful followers of Christ who had joined the team under Paul’s leadership.

One of Paul’s purposes in writing 2 Timothy was to “pass the mantle” on to his young protege, and so he gives Timothy a list of those who were on the team and how they were useful in ministry.

What was on Paul’s mind at the end of his life?

Conclusion: So, as Paul concluded his life he found himself in the Mamertine prison.

Luke alone was left with him, and he recalled some disappointing characters from his life, but as a whole he recalls a list of faithful believers who were faithful to the gospel despite unfavorable and dangerous circumstances.

The main theme of 2 Timothy, Paul’s life, and this list is triumph.

Was Paul a failure as a leader?

No way!

He influenced people and continues to influence people today.

The legacy of Paul’s life and leadership was that of success because he was faithful to the very end.