2 Timothy 4
June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Read: 2 Timothy 4
Today we close out the book of 2 Timothy by looking at chapter 4. Chapter 4 is also coming towards the end of Paul’s life, and because of this, his words are being chosen with great intentionality. Notice some of the reminders that Paul is giving to Timothy right off the bat:
I love what ESV Study Bible says about preaching the word in this context:
Paul is imploring Timothy to push through the suffering that comes with ministering for the sake of the gospel. In verse 6, he starts reflecting on his own life, and the value of living a life of faithfulness no matter the cost.
As he approaches the end of his life, he is desiring that Timothy join him and bring with him special books and correspondences that he would like to have with him.
If you had to imagine that you were coming to the end of your life, what would be the most important things that you would say about your life? Would it revolve around family? Career? Money? Or would you talk about how the gospel has impacted every sphere of your life? How it changed how you approached your work, school, family, legacy?
The good news is that today is a great day to commit to changing your life to greater reflect the importance and value of the gospel, and how it changes everything for you.
What do you want to have said of you at the end of your life?
By: Graham Withers
Read: 2 Timothy 4
Today we close out the book of 2 Timothy by looking at chapter 4. Chapter 4 is also coming towards the end of Paul’s life, and because of this, his words are being chosen with great intentionality. Notice some of the reminders that Paul is giving to Timothy right off the bat:
- Preach the Word
- Be prepared when it’s easy and when it’s hard.
- Patiently correct
- Rebuke
- Encourage people with good teaching
I love what ESV Study Bible says about preaching the word in this context:
Preach the word refers back to “Scripture” (see 3:16) and thus includes proclaiming the “good news” of the gospel in a broad, biblically anchored sense. “Gospel” for Paul is not only an evangelistic presentation; the gospel is the core message (found in the whole of Scripture; cf. 3:16) which can be applied to unbelievers (a call to faith) or to believers (a call to continue to believe in and live out the implications of this message). Thus, the way to preach the gospel is by expounding the Scriptures.
Paul is imploring Timothy to push through the suffering that comes with ministering for the sake of the gospel. In verse 6, he starts reflecting on his own life, and the value of living a life of faithfulness no matter the cost.
As he approaches the end of his life, he is desiring that Timothy join him and bring with him special books and correspondences that he would like to have with him.
If you had to imagine that you were coming to the end of your life, what would be the most important things that you would say about your life? Would it revolve around family? Career? Money? Or would you talk about how the gospel has impacted every sphere of your life? How it changed how you approached your work, school, family, legacy?
The good news is that today is a great day to commit to changing your life to greater reflect the importance and value of the gospel, and how it changes everything for you.
What do you want to have said of you at the end of your life?
By: Graham Withers
3 Comments
At the end of my life, if verse 7 can be said of me, I know that my life was lived well. It gives a short but full picture of the Christian life: the daily fight of growing in knowing God and holiness, the long term picture of a race, and the faith that it all centers on.
2 Timothy 4 will forever have a deeply special place in my heart. The Lord used a faithful pastor and this chapter in the summer of 2016, the day after I moved back to Lexington, to completely change my life and my faith.
Not only has the Lord taught me what fighting the good fight and finishing the race looks like through His Word, but He also introduced me through this chapter to the people in my life who have lived this out and modeled it before me and alongside me.
I pray that at the end of my life, the same can be said of me, pointing others to Christ in all things and treasuring Him above all.
This is such good food for thought!!!