Bible Diary - 2 Timothy 4:1-8
March 17, 2008
Again, Paul charges Timothy to “stay on message” and persevere in the face of false teaching. He can expect others to turn away from him to teachers who tell them what they want to hear. He is to “be ready whether it is convenient or not” for unexpected opportunities to share the gospel. As Paul has learned, a pastor’s calling is sometimes a lonely calling when the flock just doesn’t want to hear his voice.
Finishing the Race; Keeping the Faith
4:1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 4:2 Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. 4:3 For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. 4:4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. 4:5 You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry. 4:6 For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. 4:7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! 4:8 Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
Paul seems to know that he is facing execution. His poignant words to his beloved Timothy in the last verses of this passage must have given comfort to countless persecuted Christians through the ages. I am especially moved by Paul’s feeling of “being poured out” as his days near their end. It has a triumphant ring to it. Finished the race; kept the faith. Hallelujah!
Dave
-sdg-
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