Finishing well
Last words are incredibly important. In a sermon, last words should be memorable. In a debate, last words often determine victory or defeat. In a wedding ceremony, the last words are the best words. In a lifespan, last words are the most defining. In 2 Tim 4:1-8, Paul imparts his last words to his young disciple Timothy.
These eight verses can be summarised in eight impactful words: Live and serve in light of that day. Since we live in the last days, Paul yearns for us to prepare for that day when we will stand before Jesus Christ and give an account of our lives and ministries. How can we ensure that we finish well?
FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY (V.1-5)
In these opening verses, Paul charges Timothy how to preach the Word and live it out in five parts:
Preach the Word (kerusso)
Be prepared in season and out of season (meaning to preach whether it is convenient and inconvenient)
Correct or reprove (meaning to convince one wrong)
Rebuke (meaning to warn those who have already been reproved as we have a responsibility to inform them about the urgency of responding to the preached Word)
Encourage or exhort (meaning to come alongside and build up believers with the Word)
Paul closes his solemn charge with the reminder that these five commands must be carried out “with great patience and careful instruction.” (v.2) As preachers of the Word, we desperately need great patience because not all will listen to or obey God’s Word.
After having spoken his solemn charge of how to preach the Word, Paul explains the why for the charge:
3 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (v.3-4)
Unfortunately, many believers seek out teaching what their ears want to hear. Paul says that people would rather gather around a great number of teachers who will tell them what they want to hear than what they need to hear.
In the following verse, Timothy is then given four more responsibilities which he must carry out:
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (v.5)
Timothy is to fully satisfy the One who had entrusted so much to him. This satisfaction will only occur if Timothy “completely fulfills” his ministry. Each of these four calls is also crucial for each one of us.
PURSUE YOUR CROWN (V.6-8)
In these final verses, Paul gives his perspective on his present, past, and future state.
6“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Paul sees death as a promotion. He is anticipating a future reward for faithfulness to Christ. In other words, because Paul has been faithful, he will receive a crown. The word “crown” refers to an “award or prize for exceptional service or conduct.” This cannot be referring to salvation because salvation is a free gift but Paul is motivating all believers to pursue eternal rewards that are subsequent to salvation.
It is important to note that there is a condition placed upon the reception of this crown. It is only for those who long Jesus’ appearing. Today, may we live in light of his coming and prepare for the day when He will take us to be with Himself forever and ever. This mindset is essential to finishing strong in life and ministry.
Our Father,
We come back to the realisation that it’s only by Your grace that any of us can stand firm. And so, Father, we acknowledge our total dependence upon You. But Father, we also acknowledge our responsibility and pray that by Your grace, we will fulfil our responsibility; that we will practice these disciplines that enables us to stand firm and to finish the race.
In Jesus’s name,
Amen.