| “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5 |
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| FINISH your race and FINISH FAITHFUL In getting to know God’s Word it is important to KNOW WHY THE WRITER WRITES what they write. Looking at an introduction of 2 Timothy one will find that the Apostle Paul is 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). Paul 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 Paul. Paul writes, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner.” (2 Tim. 1:8a) The 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 to DATE in 4/5 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 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 need to 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 and rough and hard it gets. In the first chapter, Paul invites Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:8b) In chapter 2 Paul reminded Timothy that he is like a SOLDIER and soldiers ENDURE HARDSHIPS. Isaac Watts wrote in his great song Am I a Soldier of the Cross, “Must I be carried to the skies on flow’ry beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas? Great question for us! How do you need to apply “endure affliction” to your daily life? Third, he told him to “do the work of an evangelist.” This is basically a repeat of the first verses of 2 Timothy 4 where Paul tells Timothy to PREACH the Word and to preach in season and out of season. Timothy was to step out and SPEAK UP! Even if the message of the gospel is offensive, people have to know the TRUTH. Paul is telling Timothy he can’t be silent. How do you need to 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 Timothy 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? Verse to DATE the Word on April 5 (4/5) is 2 Timothy 4:5. It says, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 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 |