2 Timothy 4

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Dave Burnette's Commentary

2 Timothy Chapter 4

Written By: God through Inspiration

Penned By: Paul

Date Penned: (66,67 AD)

Overview: Paul's Last Written Letter Expressing His Heart (c 1-4)

Theme: Difficult Times for Christian Service (c 3-4)

Message: Paul Charges Timothy (v 1-22)

2 Timothy 4 Commentary

(4:1-7) Paul Charges Timothy - Paul had used these words previously (see 1 Timothy 5:21), but this time he included references to judgment and to Christ’s return. Perhaps thoughts of judgment could not escape Paul’s thoughts as his own death neared. The time when Christ would appear to set up his Kingdom, although still future in Paul’s thought, was so certain as to be part of this charge and encouragement to Timothy. If we are convinced that Christ’s return is inevitable, we too will be powerfully motivated by that fact. Thus Paul solemnly urged Timothy with the five specific commands that follow. The aged apostle knew that his death was at hand and that he might not see Timothy again. Therefore these words held heavy importance. Paul wanted Timothy to realize how critical it was for him to obey his words. Timothy would stand before the Lord at the Last Judgment and answer for how he responded to Paul’s charge.

(4:6-18) Paul's Final Words - Paul’s words about his departure would communicate to Timothy that he would not be able to count on Paul’s presence or encouragement much longer. Shared leadership was ending. Timothy must take charge.

(4:19-22) Paul's Final Greetings - As Paul reached the end of his life, he could look back and know he had been faithful to God’s call. Now it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, preparing leaders to take his place so that the world would continue to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Timothy was Paul’s living legacy, a product of Paul’s faithful teaching, discipleship, and example. Because of Paul’s work with many believers, including Timothy, the world is full of believers today who are also carrying on the work.

Dave Burnette's Life Application
Be Instant in Season

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 2nd Timothy with Chapter 4 and in our text we see Paul finishing this letter to Timothy explaining for Him to always be ready to preach the Gospel for the day is coming when it will fall on deaf ears. In making application we need to be ready to share the Gospel with all we come in contact. We are living in the last days and multitudes are going astray but we have the truth that will change lives if we simple share the truth with a lost and dying world, one soul at a time. How about you? Are you instant in season? Let us learn from our text today and the reminder of Paul that in the last days many will go astray but we need to be instant in season - meaning we need to be ready to share the Gospel to all the Lord brings in our path for time is short before our Lord returns.

2 Timothy 4

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2 Timothy 4

¹I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

²Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

³For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

⁴And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

⁵But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

⁶For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

⁷I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

⁸Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

⁹Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

¹⁰For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

¹¹Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

¹²And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

¹³The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

¹⁴Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

¹⁵Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

¹⁶At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

¹⁷Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

¹⁸And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

¹⁹Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

²⁰Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

²¹Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

²²The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.