Joyful Expectation {2 Timothy 4}
12:30 AMFriday, October 6 th 2017 -
We close the second letter to Timothy with Paul’s final instructions. Paul sat in his cold,
damp prison cell and he knew deep inside these were his last days of ministry. This
exhortation to Timothy is with great determination: “I charge you…” - Now it is your turn
Timothy, you must carry the torch! - These same words are for us, too! What is keeping us
from doing so?
“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: 2 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.” (4:1-2 AMP)
Preach the word! As Christians we are not only to know the word of God and keep it to
ourselves, but to share it… to preach it! We must always be ready to give testimony and
be ready in season and out of season. We should be ready always. We should preach it
when it is easy and preach it when it is difficult.
When Paul first encouraged Timothy saying: “Let no one look down on [you because
of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in
speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.” (1 Tim. 4.12) He
was telling Him that it was not his experience in life what would bring forth
good fruits in his ministry, but his testimony (his example). I believe these
words are also true for us. We might not be mature Christians and might not
know much of the Word by heart, but if His Holy Spirit is in us, we will be
useful instruments at His service. But ultimately it is His Work, by the Power of
His Holy Spirit! I have seen this in my husband’s life: almost on a daily basis
he is encouraging people to seek God, to surrender their lives and plans to Him
and praying for them. He is just an ordinary man, but he loves God and wants
to serve Him. We shouldn’t be afraid (2 Tim.1:7) to tell others what our Father
has done in our lives through our Savior Jesus Christ!
In the next verses, Paul tells Timothy that he needed to keep focused on the Word of God
because man, by his natural instinct, does not want God's revelation. So people would
rather hear what they want to hear - something to scratch their itching ears. (4:3-4)
Paul also warns Timothy that t even though, there are plenty of wonderful blessings in
serving God, but there are also afflictions to be endured. (4:5, John 16:33)
awaited this event in joyful expectation! Finally he would be free from all his hardship!
“ For I am already being [a] poured out as a drink offering, and the time of [b] my
departure [from this world] is at hand and I will soon go free.”
(A drink offering is first presented in Genesis 35:14, where Jacob poured out a drink
offering before the Lord as a sacrifice. In the Mosaic Law, drink offerings could be a part of
sacrifice to the Lord (Exodus 29:40-41 and Leviticus 23:13). Blueletterbilble.org)
Paul was about to be condemned and executed by an earthly court, but he was also going
to be rewarded in heaven by his Lord. (4:7-8, 18) And this promise is for us: also to all
who have loved and are looking forward to Jesus’ return. Yes, this promise is for us, if we
will set our focus on heaven and on Jesus, who walked the earth and now reigns in heaven
and is waiting to receive us! Yes, “To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Blessings my sisters!
Mari
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