INTRODUCTION
This is the last Epistle of the great Apostle, who was apparently awaiting sentence. He had already had audience with Caesar, and escaped, 2Ti_4:16-17; but there could be no doubt as to the ultimate issue. When Paul indited these words he was imprisoned in the Mamertine dungeon, exposed to the chill ague of its damp walls, reeking with pestilence and recalling the miseries of generations of condemned criminals. There was one desire for the fulfillmen t of which he yearned. He longed to see once more the dear friend of earlier years, whom he had led into this life of stern suffering, and whose spirit seems to have been somewhat overwhelmed by its severity. It was this that led Paul to dispatch this second letter, filled with advice and exhortation in case Timothy could not come, but specially full of desire that he should come before winter set in and traveling became difficult, 2Ti_4:9; 2Ti_4:21. There is no trace of despondency in this noble swan song. Though Paul had lost all things, he had gained Christ. “Glorious Apostle! Would that every leader’s voice could burst, as he falls, into such a trumpet-sound, thrilling the young hearts that pant in the good fight and must never despair of final victory!”
OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
THE APOSTLE’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
The Triumphant Close of a Great Career
Personal Instructions
8. In what terms does Paul sum up his career as an Apostle?
PREACH THE WORD
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,
and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].
But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure [from this world] is at hand and I will soon go free. [Num_15:1-12; Num_28:7; Php_2:17]
I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error].
In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day–and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.
PERSONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Make every effort to come to me soon;
for Demas, having loved [the pleasures of] this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry.
But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
on
2 Timothy 4:1-12
THE VICTOR’S FINAL CHARGE
To the end Paul held to the appearing of Jesus, though he might not live to see it; and it was to precede and usher in the coming of the Kingdom. The world of that time was sad and sick, and Paul’s sole panacea was the preaching of the gospel. 2Ti_4:2, do not only take opportunities, but make them. 2Ti_4:3, make haste; such opportunities are closing in. Sound throughout these Pastoral Epistles means “healthy” and “health-giving.” Note that striking phrase of the itching ears, which turn in every direction where they may obtain momentary relief. 2Ti_4:5, be on the alert! Fulfill, that is, work to the edge of your pattern.
With what pathetic words Paul refers to his approaching death! He regarded his life-blood as about to be poured out as a libation, 2Ti_4:6, R.V., margin. The time had come for him to go on board the good ship which was waiting in the offing to sail at sunset for its port of glory. He was a veteran who had fought valiantly and successfully-keeping the faith as in the old Roman story the heroes kept the bridge. But he was soon to be relieved. The crown at the end of the course was already in sight. He was lonely-only Luke is with me. He needed to be ministered unto-take Mark. But his courage was unabated. Demas might forsake, but Christ failed not.
Choose a Sermon on 2nd Timothy
2nd Timothy Series
by
Pastor Jeff Arthur.
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