2 Timothy 4 (NIV)
In chapter 4, Paul continues to warn Timothy of yet another example of what the last days will bring forth – in the body of Christ. He urges Timothy to remain strong , faithful , and true to his calling!
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
It is Christ Jesus who has been appointed and ordained the Judge over all men, both the living and dead! We, as Christ followers, are not to judge other believers, only their sins. It has never been our responsibility to judge Gods creation, but the fruit of their actions. The bible teaches us about the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the flesh, and that we will know them by that fruit.
Psalm 96:13 (NIV)
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.
John 5:22-27 (NIV)
22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
Paul continues to warn Timothy to stay true to the Gospel no matter what, because the people will turn away from the truth, by growing weary of the plain truth of the gospel. Turning to fables and myths, and the preachers, themselves, will begin to teach whatever the people want to hear; they will become people pleasers!
Paul started this chapter off with “In the presence of God and Christ Jesus…and in view of his appearing and his Kingdom”, Paul is encouraging Timothy that God is all knowing, all powerful, and that God himself has appointed Timothy as overseer of the church, and that he is to remain faithful to preach the Word!
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Paul knows his time on earth is almost over, he has remained as faithful as can be, no matter what persecutions he has gone through! He has fought the good fight, won the race, and awaits the crown of righteousness . This is to be the goal of all believers, to do the will of God, put aside the things of the flesh, and at the end of it all we will be in the presence of God almighty! That is a prize worth waiting for!
1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
James 1:12 (NIV)
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 2:10 (NIV)
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Timothy is asked not only to be a comfort to Paul, but was asked to come to be strengthened by Paul, by carrying on the good work of the gospel. Paul knowing his time is short, wants to teach him further about the things of God, relating to the care of the churches, and chose not to write them down on paper, via this letter, but rather to talk to him face to face.
Paul also warns Timothy that the love of this world, is more than often the cause of people turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ.
Paul also warns Timothy not only about the attacks of the enemy, but also of false brethren, and encourages him that God will do battle against all who oppose us !
Psalm 121:5-8 (NIV)
5
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Final Greetings
19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
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