2 Timothy 4

The only thing that pleases God is faith in the birth, death and resurrection of His Son and faithfulness to share with others the truth that only in Jesus can we be saved. Faith is a gift from God so that no man could boast. In this life you will experience betrayal and rejection BUT the Lord will always stand by you until He brings you safely home. Spread the Good News of God's mercy and grace through Christ Jesus!

The NKJV Study Bible says this: Paul underscores the importance of his command to Timothy by calling on God and Jesus to be witnesses to it. He reminds Timothy that Jesus will return in judgment. Paul's charge to Timothy is to preach the word. The foundation of any ministry is God's Word. Preaching God's truth is a sacred and demanding task, requiring perseverance and courage. Be ready means to take a stand. Timothy was to be alert at all times to his responsibilities, even when it was inconvenient. This type of ministry is not for a novice. Patience and instruction are two necessary components of an effective ministry. True spiritual growth occurs over a period of time, through consistent teaching and application of God's Word. Timothy needs to be alert and ready to preach God's Word. Sound teaching is essential for spiritual maturity, but will not always be tolerated. There will come a time when people will seek out teachers to tell them what they want to hear and what makes them feel good. People turn their ears to avoid truth. As Paul faced execution, he was evidently concerned that his son in the faith would be tempted to depart from truth, lured by deceptive false teachers. An evangelist equips and encourages believers to share the Good News. Although it is difficult to fully recreate the thought of this Greek expression in English, we are fairly sure that Paul meant to say that all Scripture was breathed out from God. This is the primary meaning. But the expression could also mean that the Word was "inbreathed," or inspired, by God. The first definition affirms the Bible's divine origin; the second speaks of God's spiritual presence in the Word. Thus God not only inspired the authors who wrote the words of the Bible, but He also inspires those who read it with a heart of faith. Paul is aware that the time of his death is near. Paul was confident that no one could touch him until the Heavenly Father ushered him into his eternal home with a victory celebration. Paul had been vigilant in his service to God. Note that Paul did not make these comments until the end of his race, until he was about to die. He did not presume or rely on His past service. Instead he persevered, struggled, and served God until the end. Paul understood the eternal potential of a lifetime of faithful service to Christ. Jesus would return with rewards for those who stick it out over the long haul. The crown of righteousness is a special reward given to those who serve God faithfully on this earth. There will be as many crowns as there are runners who finish the race well. All who have loved His appearing are those believers in Christ who have lived faithfully in the hope of His return. The value of a trusted friend in the midst of hard times cannot be overstated. Paul's reference to Mark as useful is a note of tender restoration. Mark's desertion of Paul in Pamphylia on his first missionary journey had led to the separation of Paul and Barnabas at the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey. Now at the end of his life, Paul expresses his appreciation of Mark's service. 15 Timothy is warned about Alexander. This is possibly the person named in 1 Tim. 1:20 or Acts 19:33, who caused harm to Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Jesus warned the apostles that they could expect opposition. Paul echoes the forgiving attitude of Christ. Although many had abandoned him, he asked God not to hold them accountable for their actions. 17 In spite of the failure of his friends, Paul was supported by the Lord, who always strengthens and empowers. Often people will fail us in troublesome times. The Lord, however, never fails His children, no matter how difficult the circumstances are God had consistently empowered Paul during his life so that he could continue to preach the truth to the Gentiles. Lion is probably a reference to execution by lions. It is also possible that Paul is using the word as a metaphor for the spiritual conflict from which he was delivered. The final note of this book and of Paul's ministry is grace, a fitting conclusion for this man of God and his faithful service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4

4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, 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 is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.

21 Do your utmost to come before winter.

Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.

Farewell

22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.