A Parting Change

Introduction

1. When we know that we don’t have much time left, it is only right to think of the next generation and to do all we can to encourage them to proclaim Jesus and His gospel faithfully and diligently.
2. This is exactly what the apostle Paul does in the book of 2 Timothy. As his own race is coming to an end, he wants to encourage Timothy and us to be faithful to the finish – we must end well.
3. Consider this outline of 2 Timothy as it concerns Jesus and His Gospel
   1. Hold to Jesus and His Gospel (1:13).
   2. Suffer for Jesus and His Gospel (2:3, 8-9).
   3. Continue in Jesus and His Gospel (3:10, 14).
   4. Proclaim Jesus and His Gospel (4:2).
4. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 is an especially important section of the book because it contains a final charge from Paul (cf. 1 Tim. 5:21; 6:13; 2 Tim. 2:14; 4:1). The word “charge” has to do with a solemn and emphatic declaration; it reflects an acute awareness that what is being stated is witnessed and heard by God Himself.
5. Let’s note 4 truths concerning this charge of Paul from 2 Timothy 4:1-5

1. CONSIDER THE BASIS OF THE CHARGE (Verse 1)
   1. Notice how full of God verse 1 is:
      1. The Presence of God – “in the presence of God and of Christ”
      2. The Judgment of God – “judge the living and the dead”
      3. The Coming of God – “by his appearing” (note Verse 8 also)
      4. The Kingdom of God – “and his kingdom”
   2. God is WITH us. God will JUDGE us. God is COMING, and it will be glorious. God REIGNS – He has a kingdom; He has a people, His church.
2. CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THE CHARGE (Verse 2)
   1. 5 imperatives are seen in this passage, with the last 4 stressing the priority and place of the first.
      1. The first imperative is “preach the word.” It is “sound doctrine” (vs. 3), “the truth” (vs. 4); it is “the faith” in verse 7. How essential it is that the message of God is properly preserved and proclaimed! There is a message from the King that simply must be told!
      2. The second is “be ready in season and out of season.” There always is a sense of urgency with the message of God because eternity hangs in the balance. An older preacher paraphrased this as, “preach it when they like it, and preach it when they don’t.” There must be readiness of mind and heart on the part of Christians to tell the story of Jesus.
      3. The third through fifth imperatives / commands are “reprove, rebuke and exhort.” Christianity encompasses all of a person – our minds, morals and emotions. See Mark 12:30; Romans 12:1-2. See also Acts 20:20, 27.
   2. “With all long suffering and doctrine” – Patience with people and a willingness to teach God’s word carefully, repeatedly and lovingly are emphasized.
   3. See how this passage deals BOTH with the WHAT of proclamation and the HOW.
3. CONSIDER THE REASON FOR THE CHARGE (Verses 3-4)
   1. “For the time is coming” – Throughout the ages, there have been times when people have been more or less receptive to God’s word. Timothy would have to face a time when people would be less so (and so will we!).
   2. Verse 3 states things negatively. “They will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” The problem is one of NOT wanting to hear!
   3. Verse 4 states their action positively – “turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” The problem is that of attempting to replace God’s truth with myths and fables because they are more soothing to the ears!
4. CONSIDER THE RESPONSE TO THE CHARGE (Verse 5)
   1. “As for you” – note also 2 Timothy 3:10, 14. No matter what anyone else may do and no matter what anyone else may say – YOU DO THIS!
   2. “Be sober.” Keep your head clear and your heart clean. Be free of anything that hinders good judgment and exercise Christ-like self control. There is a seriousness and a joy to being Christians that we may fail to properly balance. Psalm 37:4; 43:4; 1 John 1:4.
   3. “Endure suffering.” See 2:3, 8-10; 3:12. See Romans 8:18ff. You can tell a great deal about a person by what they are willing to suffer for without complaint, criticism or gripe.
   4. “Do the work of an evangelist.” Proclaiming the good news of Jesus IS hard work, but it is the most important work in all the world because it impacts eternity! Surely the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5-9) demands every member ministry (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
   5. “Fulfill your ministry.” The expression “fulfill” is found in Acts 12:25, where the ESV renders it “complete.” There is tremendous diversity of gifts and abilities within the body of Christ, so great a diversity that NO ONE in all of God’s church is exactly like you. Each member can make a unique and special contribution to the cause of Christ by fulfilling their ministry (cf. 1 Peter 4:10-11).

Conclusion

It is NOT just about how we begin the Christian life, as necessary as that is. It’s about how we finish! (Galatians 5:7). No one in all the world wants you to finish well more than God. The God who give us His grace in Jesus to save also is the God who gives us His grace and strength to finish!