Fulfill Your Ministry

The Apostle Paul has been writing to Timothy, his son in the faith, to give him words of encouragement as well as words to equip him so that he does not quit running the race that God has set before him.  It is clear in chapter one that Timothy needs this as Paul tells him that he knows about his tears (2 Tim. 1:5).  He also knows that Timothy is struggling with him being in prison and is moving to a place of not wanting anyone to know he is a follower of Christ nor a friend of his.  Paul writes, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner.” (2 Tim. 1:8a)  

The 2nd letter to Timothy then is to help him with practical instructions.  The help starts with 2 Timothy 1:6, where Paul tells him to stir up the gift (keep the fire burning is the idea) and concludes with 2 Timothy 4:5.  After 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul will share some personal information.  Our verse is in many ways a summation of all that has been said and becomes one of those verses we all need to be holding onto as we run the race that God has for us.   Let us look at the 4 things Paul instructed Timothy to do.

First, he tells him to “be watchful.”  The idea is alert.  It means to keep a clear mind. Timothy is a leader and as a leader, he is to be calm, cool, and collected in the face of a crisis.   He can’t let the enemy get the best of him.  As situations arise he must remember that God has not given him a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.  As everyone else is losing their head in the crisis the Christians are keeping their head.   

How do you apply “be watchful” to your daily life?

Second, he tells him to “endure afflictions.”  The idea is to hang in there no matter how tough or rough or hard it gets.  In the first chapter, Paul invites Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel. In chapter 2 Paul reminded Timothy that he is like a soldier and soldiers endure hardships.   

How do you apply “endure affliction” to your daily life?

Third, he told him to “do the work of an evangelist.”  Timothy was to be a soul winner, proclaiming the gospel and to do so even if the message of the gospel is offensive.   Paul is telling Timothy he can’t be silent.  He is to step out and speak up and share Christ.

How do you apply “do the work of an evangelist” to your daily life?

Fourth, he told him to “Fulfill his ministry.”  This is the final charge.  Be a finisher and finish faithfully.  Don’t ever quit.  Regardless of the persecution, regardless of the failures, regardless of the rejections, regardless of the objections, regardless of the resistance, etc. Paul wants Timothy to stay focused on what God has for him to do and to do it so that he might finish the race and hear “Well done My good and faithful servant!  

How do you need to apply “fulfill your ministry” to your daily life?

To be found faithful (1 Cor. 4:2) will mean fulfilling God’s assignments!  
“Don’t Quit.” -Dr. Jerry Falwell

Continue Strong,
And remember to DATE The Word

In the 4th month of the year, April, we are extending what we are calling a 4 x 4 challenge and encouraging you to read a chapter 4 each day of April.  For April 5 we challenge you to read 2 Timothy 4